Hey Guys,

Good to see so many people keeping such an amazing car alive. I've always liked the look of the El Camino.

Here's the thing: I know nothing about car mechanics or anything of the sort. But I really want an Elky. There are a few for sale in my area (well province.. that's right, I'm a canuck), and I can actually afford to buy one.

But can I afford to upkeep one? Here are some questions I hope you guys can answer in order to guide me in my decision to buy an El Camino.

1) Where would I find a price guide? Basically, what would tell me that what I'm paying for the car is justifiable?

2) Is the El Camino stricly a show/collector car? By that, I mean can I drive it around freely, or should I keep it inside during the winter/rain/cloudy days...

3) How much upkeep am I looking at, in dollar figures (specify US$ or CDN$) and what should I expect to have to spend it on?

4) Is it relatively easy to find replacement parts through communities like this one, or even specialized shops?

5) I consider myself a fast learner. Is it possible/dangerous to assume that I can eventually learn to take care of this car myself?

That's all I can think of right now. Thanks in advance for reading this, and hopefully providing a newbie with guidance. After all, I do not wish to desecrate a jewel...

After years of wanting an El Camino, I finally found one that was worth the search last fall, and I've been very satisfied with the truck... So while I'm new at El Caminos, I have a few comments which may help.

Elkys are like most older vehicles--they can be shown or run, and the choice is yours. I don't think El Caminos are hard to maintain or find replacement parts for... I've restored a half dozen other vehicles and Elkys are easier to find parts for than many. There will always be a few parts which are scarce (rear window glass) but running gear is common to Chevelle/Malibu/Monte Carlos of similar vintage, and wearing parts are available at the local parts shop or Chevrolet dealer. Specialty parts houses are numerous, and you can find a partial listing on this site and discussed in forums. I've been happy with EVERY parts house I've dealt with thus far...

A good place to see what others are ASKING (as opposed to getting) for Elkys is www.collectorcartraderonline.com

It's important to study the model changes through the years; pre-73 models are probably easier to care for yourself since they have less emissions junk to deal with, and are simpler overall. 73-77 models seem to be tougher to find trim parts for, but I think that is changing for the better.

Do not plan on driving your Elky 12 months of the year; if you have ice or snow to deal with, they are no better that 2wd pickups on ice. If your roads are salted, your metal will melt away anyway...

I am sure other, more experienced owners will be along to reply; good hunting, and good luck with your eventual 'treasure'...

Best car on the road...easy to get parts for....average gas mileage....will remain a collector car while you drive it. buy one and have fun!

Awesome... Thanks guys... Keep em coming, you're doing nothing else but convincing me...

Here's a glimpse of the one I'm considering... It's a 1970 Elky, described as follows...

Red with black int., excellent body and paint, real head turner, rolling, $6,000. Will Negotiate, with 350 4 bolt. Must sell.

http://photoserver1.trader.ca/autotrader/photos/regular/2004/05-28/hbr/05-28-04hbr33-11.jpeg

I'm not sure where in Canada you are, but keep the location of that unit to yourself until you've made up your mind on what to do... If that's C$6000, that's a very attractive offer...

HE he HE Is Canadian different than US? lmao Hell I don't get out much. Dude, that is one SWEET meeno there! I think it's just a little high, if no engine is in it. But you can use that to negotiate. Check it out really good all around, and it might be priced ok if all the bushings are solid and it looks really clean. If there is no engine, check all the wiring in the engine bay to make sure all the ends are there. Electrical can be tough even for those of us that do this all the time. That LOOKS like a really solid car, truck, whatever. 8) LOL El Caminos seem to change you, come on over to the other side! As far as costs, if you tackle the little problems right the rest will fall into place. There are many catalogues available. The one I use most is ECParts.net. They have every part you'll need. The driving part depends on how clean the car is. If it is painted top and bottom, you won't want to drive it up a 4x4 hill, and winter in canada, no way. lol
Last but not least THEY ARE ADDICTIVE!

Rust is your enemy, remember that! The elkys & chevelles of that era are notorious for rust in the rear window channel, front windshield channel, and the lower quarter panels (in front of & behind) the wheel. Check these areas very carefully. Any mechanical problems are pretty straight forward, but body work gets expensive fast. Take a small magnet & GOOD flashlight with you when you go to inspect.

Spend some time looking at the bottom of the car, check the frame for signs of rust or repair. Pull up the carpet look for rust in the floors, If possible remove the bolt in panel at the front of the bed, that area rusts thru too.

There are several Chevelle/El Camino clubs in Canada & along the border, there are several listed here: http://links.chevelles.net You can usually find a member to help you inspect a car. If thats not convenient, take a friend, co-worker or trusted mechanic to help you look for problems. Don't get over excited too soon, there are lots of elkys available. It is much more cost effective to start with a correctly repaired/drivable car than to start a complete restoration right off the bat. Good Luck . And remember RUST IS YOUR ENEMY!

If an Elky is on your want list, and your mechanical appitude is minimal, I would highly encourage you to find one that has been completely restored or that has unusually low mileage. On the other hand, if you have a mechanic that is trustworthy and reasonable, your list of possible choices goes up considerably. Parts for that 1970 will be readily available, but of course the installation costs add up quickly. I cannot imagine having to pay someone for all the labor involved. Buying one completly restored should be high on your priority list, because much of the labor will not be recoverable in the selling price.

Keep us posted on what you decide. They are fun vehicles, and I wouldn't part with mine for a million bucks.
Brian

Red Elkie is right. If you cannot do the mechanical work yourself, paying for maintenance will cost an arm and a leg. ANY vehicle that old is one maintenance chore after the other. Remember the old addage: The first six years of machinery maintenance is minimal but the depreciation is great. After the depreciation period, maintenance costs increase every year. Factor in a 1970 model and maintenance costs will be overwhelming unless you find a machine that has been restored and well maintained.

Personally, I would not do it if I could not do the maintenance myself. It's just not sound economics. Just my .02 worth.

This year I went through three El Caminos on Ebay until I found a "keeper". I bought them, inspected them, and placed them back up for bid if they were substandard. They sold as quickly as I bought them, and to willing buyers.
Rust is your worst enemy. Beyond that, anything original, that does not require restoration, is cheaper in the long run. All older cars will require some work, often not self evident.
As I am not interested in spending my time fixing up a car, I opted to pay more for a clean original car. It still required work, but gave me the confidence that I was not throwing good money after bad.
Eric