Choo Choo Custom restore or restomod?

[mr2ncc]

Hello all, New member here. I have a question which I would like to ask the members to stimulate some discussions. I have a 1986 Choo Choo Custom, the 10th one built that year, and I am wondering should I do a chalk mark restoration or update to an LS1 restomod. I would like to hear your thoughts on the subject if you had the car, what would you do. thanks G

[SvnSvn]

While your at it for us unfamiliar with the terms CHOO CHOO and chalk mark restoration? I am just Starting out in the Elco world. Please explain.

[Mr.NastyTimes_86_eLky]

well.. if its the black one set as your avatar its not original color.. have fun and do a restomod.. high HP street machine.

[mr2ncc]

Choo Choo is the name of custom made El Camino SS's contracted by Chevrolet and sold through the dealerships. Chalk Mark restoration is a term used to describe a complete back to original restoration right down to the marks the assemblers made on the car frame, engine bay, etc using grease pens or 'chalks"

[84withzz4]

When you say "10th one built that year" are your referring to the model year or calendar year? How did you make that determination?

[jlcustomz]

Which would you rather drive, a chaulk board or an ls1 powered ride(like I have)?

[melissadunagan]

I would restore it, if I made any mods I would keep all of the parts taken off. Not cutting of any thing so it could be return to the way it was.

[DONE DEAL DONNY]

I make mine, (mine) no one else has another!!
Donny

[1980SteelBeast]

Ive gotten rid of one and now regret it. Id restore it to stock on the outside while having the ls1 as a underhood surprise.

[jkk]

Go for it stick a good motor and suspension in it

[woody31]

depends on you..if it was mine ,,i would go LS Motor and a heavy duty drivetrain,,then beat the crap out of it every saturday night.

[mr2ncc]

I initially thought it was the tenth one built due to the (10) number below the serial number on the recert tag. However, after reading you post from last June regarding the recert tags, I see now it is an unknown number/ or initial mark common to the cars. So, I have the 1208 car made in the series, not number 10 of 1986.

[The Dad]

If it were me, I would modify it underneath, but keep as close to original on the outside.

[darbysan]

Original ChooChoo's don't seem to be commanding any significant premiums on the collector car market. 5th Gen Elky's are just not sought after. A chalk Mark Restoration might win you a few trophies, but you would never get the money back on a resale. You would have a vehicle that would sit under a cover for fear of getting dirty, and only come out for a show a few times a year ( ask me how I know!!)

If you want to put money into it, a resto-mod makes the Elky more enjoyable to drive, get's better fuel mileage, and has a better likelihood of return on your investment should you decide to sell.

[andiamo]

Maybe if it was still all original or something super special like the pace cars I'd do an original resto. But with the technology now being so much better I'd update everything you can and go full out restomod. Especially if you plan on keeping it make it as much fun as you can that's what I'm doing with mine.