Replacing Rear Frame Horns on a 5th Gen

ElCaminoDan

Hello! Finally, a web site for things El Camino!

Here's my situation: I had hooked a tow rope to the bumper hitch on my 1985 El Camino. I was being naive, thinking that the hitch was a good anchor. When I started to pull, I promptly tore off the rear bumper! Further inspection revealed that the rear frame horns are almost completely rusted away; in fact, all that is holding the right side on is the wiring harness! The rest of this vehicle is nothing remarkable, other than that it has had a fairly decent repaint and that it is complete, in other words, nothing has been stripped off of it.
I found a pair of horns on eBay from rarelco, a GM A/G-Body parts store in Southern CA. They want almost $145 + shipping.

Here are my questions:
1. Is this repair worth the trouble?
2. Is there anyone in the El Camino/Cabellero community who has tackled such a repair? If so, could they help walk me through it?
3. Should I consider replacing the entire frame instead?
4. Should I cut my losses and start saving for a G8 ST?

Any information would be helpful, even to tell me that no one has done it, or that no one has done it was happy with the long-term results.

Thanks. Sincerely,

--El Camino Dan, Des Moines, Iowa

464elky · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:11 pm Post subject:

I haven't done it but there are several threads on the subject. Do a search for:
rear and frame

It is a common repair on 5th gen elkies and that is why they make the parts. There is enough demand to make a buck selling them.

Others will chime in here with more direct info I'm sure.
Welcome to the site and we'll get you through it.

How about some pics?
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Another 3 to 9 years should finish it.

HW BAG · Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:40 am Post subject:

Here is a place in Canada that makes the rear frame rails
http://www3.sympatico.ca/conradlozier/
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1980 EL CAMINO 350 4 BOLT , 4 SPEED

87ElCamino · Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Find another El Camino. Use this one for spare parts.
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Ernie
87 El Camino
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