[hey_j00de]

I am torn - it's cheap as balls but it's in rough shape and I'm in sort of a financial bind but I could make it work if I eat Ramen noodles for the next 3 months. I don't want to pass up a good buy but I also don't want to screw myself.

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/5042519781.html

Called the guy, he said the motor has been swapped for a 305 and the guy he got it from used to haul a trailer around. Also he said he replaced the fuel pump and a fuel line. Is it worth a look for 2 grand? Please bestow your magical motor-head wisdom. I sorely need it. Thank you!

 

[1979RYLNITE]

A diamond in the rough is what I see. 305 is a decent engine but Id put a 350 in it later. The rust is minor from the sides, but Id go and look to see if there are any major areas (behind fender wells, Under the floor boards, Etc.) Dad had purchased a small magnet to put up near the body but not touch (dont make it noticable) :secret: , to see if it had been bondoed in any areas. oke: As far as the looks on the interior it doesnt look to be in too rough of a condition. Clean it up and patch of replace later. WOW all this sounds like mine :nanawrench: But see if you go for a lower price due to having to do a little bit of work maybe $1500-$1800

 

[NEURON]

If the rust is only surface then yes, although a 305 in that year would be under powered I would think. Of course that could be a good excuse for a big block or massaged small block. Take a closer look and make an offer, these style Elkies are not the most popular so he might bend on the price.

 

[hey_j00de]

A diamond in the rough is what I see. 305 is a decent engine but Id put a 350 in it later. The rust is minor from the sides, but Id go and look to see if there are any major areas (behind fender wells, Under the floor boards, Etc.) Dad had purchased a small magnet to put up near the body but not touch (dont make it noticable) :secret: , to see if it had been bondoed in any areas. oke: As far as the looks on the interior it doesnt look to be in too rough of a condition. Clean it up and patch of replace later. WOW all this sounds like mine :nanawrench: But see if you go for a lower price due to having to do a little bit of work maybe $1500-$1800

Thank you so much for your feedback! I think it's totally worth checking out, as well. Considering the rust on the body, bondo is probably what he used to fill the patches. I will definitely check the secret spots for bondo though. If I check it out this weekend I will report back.

PS: Where's a good place to stick threads like these?

 

[hey_j00de]

If the rust is only surface then yes, although a 305 in that year would be under powered I would think. Of course that could be a good excuse for a big block or massaged small block. Take a closer look and make an offer, these style Elkies are not the most popular so he might bend on the price.

Is the reason for their unpopularity the body style or something mechanical? I found a 400hp 350 small block build on hotrod.com, so that's likely what I will do later (with your help) if I decide to starve myself for the next 3 months and buy this thing. ALSO it not insured, I will have to have it transported about an hour to my house if I buy. Any suggestions on how to get that done in a cost-effective manner?

 

[1979RYLNITE]

I would say that you have this thread in the correct spot. And check it real good. The reason for the unpopularity is for what I call the Ugly Years, but they are just as good as the rest of the ElCaminos. The 350 engine is a popular engine and if I am correct (I may be wrong too)oke:, it was a popular engine in the 4th gens (72-77) too. As far a transport, the cheapest I might say would be tow chains and tow it there slowly. (Personaly it is ran I would drive it, and have an escort on the rear.):secret:

 

[hey_j00de]

I would say that you have this thread in the correct spot. And check it real good. The reason for the unpopularity is for what I call the Ugly Years, but they are just as good as the rest of the ElCaminos. The 350 engine is a popular engine and if I am correct (I may be wrong too)oke:, it was a popular engine in the 4th gens (72-77) too. As far a transport, the cheapest I might say would be tow chains and tow it there slowly. (Personaly it is ran I would drive it, and have an escort on the rear.):secret:

Really? I think the 4th Gens have a nice aesthetic LOL maybe I have bad taste. I can worry about the engine later, first thing is to determine if this is worthy of the effort.

The thing about driving it is that it is not insured and I'm not sure its registered. Can't take it on the highway like that. The car is about an hour away.

I will take a close look at it and report back, if he hasn't sold it yet. Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it.

 

[1979RYLNITE]

Its what we ae here for :You_Rock:

 

[rtatwk]

In Florida it is legal to drive from location of purchase to home without tags. Bill of sale and title in hand serve as one time one way registration. Insurance cannot apply until you register it. If you have good insurance on another vehicle now, you should be OK.

 

[hey_j00de]

In Florida it is legal to drive from location of purchase to home without tags. Bill of sale and title in hand serve as one time one way registration. Insurance cannot apply until you register it. If you have good insurance on another vehicle now, you should be OK.

REALLY? I will have to confirm this but that's freaking good to know. Thanks!

 

[hey_j00de]

In Florida it is legal to drive from location of purchase to home without tags. Bill of sale and title in hand serve as one time one way registration. Insurance cannot apply until you register it. If you have good insurance on another vehicle now, you should be OK.

Debunked. Not true.

http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/bill-of-sale.php

"Driving Without License Plates in FL

Florida prohibits driving any vehicle without tags or license plates.

You must apply for a title transfer, car registration, and license plates BEFORE you can drive the car. The DHSMV recommends either:

Having the previous owner drive the vehicle to your property.
Having the previous owner drive the vehicle to the tax collector's office with you.
You must bring your applications for title and registration to the tax collector's office, as well as proof of insurance and payment for the applicable taxes. Learn more about these steps in our Title Transfers and Car Registration sections."

 

[92wastheyear]

Im sure I don't know the lay of the land in FLA...

....but out here you could probably find a better one. Here in this area for about the same money for instance

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/5030272618.html


http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/5029376363.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/5052324963.html

 

[old goat]

IMHO I would pass on it!

Just from the pictures alone...:eek3: You would be eating Ramen noodles for a very, very long time! X2 on there are better deals out there! Scares me but that's just me! Good luck! :bigups:

 

[steelybill]

The '77 Classic that I bought new had the 305 engine. Step on the gas, light up a Camel & wait for something to happen ! A 406 small block fixed the problem....

 

[me7824]

Pass

In the 12 seconds i spent looking at it I would pass, GOOD parts are extremely hard to find for that generation, Interior parts are out there from reproduction companies but again $$$, If you are dead set on this one, No one can stop you, however you would be money ahead to keep looking. I have been looking for 4 months to find a decent one, I have passed on many and made a offer on one, and the owner, who is a cop, told me to double my offer, I declined. The search continues. Bottom line is there are deals and there are ones to avoid, I would put this in the latter category, Good luck and keep us posted on your decision.:texas:

 

[skssrat]

I'd pass on this one. If you really want an elky I'd hold out for at least a 5th gen. There are also a lot of 2nd, and third gens that are still reasonably priced. That's the nice thing about building an Elky, they don't "break the bank" on the original purchase price. Save your money and instead of just getting "Elky" get something you won't regret buying.

 

[agoristmike]

I am on my second 4th gen elky. I have a 76 here in about equal condition I'd give you, but it's less the motor and hood, and it's a long distance (not bad if you can rent a trailer from uhaul though). Throw in a craigslist motor and you're on your way...:nanawrench:

 

[centex396]

I'd pass on this one, looking at the interior scares me, wiring butchered.
Don't be in a hurry, take your time, there are still deals to be found and Raman noodles suck after awhile.

 

[Rchevelle71]

How about this one?
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/cto/5065739946.html

 

[old goat]

Way better than the 1st. one for sure!

The hoods worth about $350.00 or so! If all the parts are in good shape, it runs, no major rust issues in the usual places doors, windows, frame, floor etc! I'd say it's a decent buy! The clear coat is peeling which would have to be addressed but that's something you could do down the road when you start the body work! Parts El Caminos are selling for $1500.00 + or - around here so at $1700.00 or anything less I don't think you'd be in trouble! Especially if all the parts he's listing are in good shape? It almost seems to good to be true! Which being CL could happen! But definitely check the important things out before buying! Good luck! :bigups: