I'm looking at buying an '86 Choo Choo. Any help on what to look for , or worry about, would be appreciated.

Well the obvious comes to mind...are you sure it's a real one...does it have the Choo Choo Customs sticker on the inside diver's side door frame between the strike pin and sill? Have you crawled under to check for rust, could be very important depending on where she came from...

As an owner of that exact vehicle, I can say you should check the transmission (3 or 4 speed) as they aren't very good. Disregard if you are planning on replacing the engine and trans with something newer. I've had mine since it was a few years old and it only had 4,000 miles on it. It has been relatively trouble-free since then with about 66,000 miles on it now. The nose is subject to paint cracking and deterioration from the sun. Honest Charley's has a rigid replacement for about $675 without the lights (you won't need them if you get the Choo-Choo model). The interior will likely be worn out by now and you will want to replace the headliner for sure, the seat upholstery, and probably the carpet. New shock and suspension bushings would probably be needed as well. I'm in the process of a restoration of mine and am looking for a late model Camaro LT1 and Trans to swap in to get the fuel injection; this is a relatively easy swap. My son and I did this on his 78 SS and the only issues were the AC compressor needing a notch in the frame to clear the pulley and relocating the trans cross-member, as well as shortening the drive shaft. This combo really wakes this truck up. This is an easier swap if the 86 has the center console and shifter.

Good luck on yours. Let me know if you have more questions.

86 SS

If the car spent most if its life in the Nevada area, you shouldn't have to much worry about rust, however, the desert area plays havoc on such things as plastic, vinyl, rubber and cloth. Check these materials over on the car carefully (interior). If the car came from another area of the country, by all means check for rust. Elkys are prone to rust in front and back of the rear wheel well, and the frame area up and behind the rear wheel, this is where it generally starts. If it is a real Choo Choo, it should have the sticker as 87SS stated, as long as it hasn't been repainted. Maybe a member of ECC knows how to trace if it's a Choo Choo based on the VIN# if the sticker is missing. Good Luck, I hope you make out on the deal.

Good comments. I agree that the transmission is the weak link in the ChooChoo's. Most came with the 200M tranny. I've replaced mine with a TH350. If I did it again, I'd go for the 4-speed auto.

I've also replaced the front fascia (nose piece) with the Honest Charley fiberglass copy. It holds paint better to match the body paint.

Choo Choo Customs, Inc. El Camino Super Sports are difficult to authenticate if the "recertification" sticker is no longer in the driver's side door opening. Almost everything on a ChooChoo can easily be purchased and placed on a regular Elky. The recertification sticker is the most difficult to fake. The chrome/plastic Choo Choo Customs, Inc. emblem on the passenger side of the dash is difficult, but not impossible, to find. The o/s door handle "Designer Series" inserts can be purchased and so can the graphics sets.

This ECC link will help in differentiating between regular 5th gen Elky's, factory SS's (RPO Z15), and Choo Choo Customs, Inc. Super Sports:
http://www.elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=34

Good luck with your choices and restoration efforts. Post some pics!

Good stuff guy's. I own a Corvette, and visit the Corvette Forum regularly. I think this one is better organized!

As soon as I make my deal, I'll get some pic's up. Still don't know if the Choo Choo is the right way to go. Got a lead on a couple of SS's. Guess I'll just have to fall in love with something.

Thanks Again

Darbysan

Darbysan,
Thanks for the site compliment. I've also used the CorvetteForum site for years. It's one of the Big Dogs in the auto world, so we really appreciate your compliment about the ECC/NECOA site.
Keep us posted.
-Dan
'87 ChooChoo
'02 Corvette Z06

I think this one is better organized!
Darbysan

Thanks :oops: We aims ta please!

If you never had the pleasure of owning an El Camino before then let me just say Congratulation on your decision to check them out. :wink: They're not Corvettes but they are really sweet rides. They are almost as hard to work on, if that counts any. :wink:

Now lets get that cash down and get you behind that wheel! :D

Amen to the LT1 swap!

I put a 96 LT1/4L60E in my 83 Choo Choo back in 1998 and it's been a great combo. It's an Impala SS engine with a 94 Firebird computer and MAS.
Here how it looks:
http://www.hotrodders.com/gallery/data/3145/17782ECengine.jpg

Btw, for the A/C compressor clearance I just used a torch to heat the frame to a glow and then dinged it in a little with a ballpeen hammer. It's real easy.
Also, you must drill new holes in the frame pad (left side only) to accommodate the rearward location of the motor mount. Other than that it's a bolt in.

Have fun with your new 86! You can't go wrong if there is no rust or severe accident damage. Believe me, you will have a single car "car show" every time you park it and lot's of thumbs-up gestures while driving it.

Roger