[number9]

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy my first Elky pretty soon. Out of all the generations I like the 3rd and 4th generations the best.

However, given that they are by now pretty old cars, I've seen a couple of members mention that parts are becoming hard to find. Browsing sites like rockauto.com and the like it looks like there are tons of mechanical parts out there, so that's fine.

But what parts are getting harder to find? Body panels, interior pieces, sheetmetal, or other stuff? I've looked through places like OPGI and there seems to be a lot of stuff there too, but I'm not sure what's missing.

The reason I'm asking is that I don't want to pick up a car and then find that it's impossible to work on if everything's unobtanium

Thanks!

 

[elkyvette]

Hard to find

As a 4th gen owner I can tell you that very little reproduction gets made for 4th gen, more for earlier models. All 4th gen trim is original, either used or outrageous NOS. Same with body panels like tail gates & hoods etc. Interior pieces are also hard to find except used, although there does seem to be a fair amount out there, see EBay. EC Parts has about as much as you can ask for, but even Rick is limited. If you can find a good starting point, maybe with something wrong mechanically, you should be in good shape. Neither is easy or well stocked, just seems like there is a little more reproduction available in pre 4th gen. Another consideration is the availability of junk yards that hold on to older cars. If all the yards in your area scrap/crush after a few years, that creates even more problems.
Good Luck,
bill

 

[gilby]

...ELKYVETTE has a very good point,Its hard to find the small stuff,like a heater switch, dash parts and front turn signal buckets ( left and right front turn lights) or the hood orment. Thats why I lLove my 4th Gen Elky, its the red headed step child of El Caminos...:inlove:
:beer:

 

[Sarcasticshrub]

I've got a 3rg Gen (68) and I'm in the process of getting her road ready. Parts are everywhere, specialty shops online like The EC store, OPG, NPD, Restoration World and dozens of other sites as well as local parts stores.

Depends on the part you are looking for but you can almost rebuild one from the ground up. Of course you WILL pay through the nose for some one off parts that are not shared among several different models (ie, the Chevelle, Nova, Camero and trucks of the era). Specifically interior trim and El Camino specific body parts.

The key will be for you to become king of the search. I've found the same exact part offered on several sites ranging from $12 to $80! They even use the same picture for advertising.

Narrow down the model / year you really want and start looking at the common issues that year has, then begin building / restoring it on paper. Do some searches for parts that you would need and you will start to get a feel if it would be worth your time. So far, I've not been able to find everything I was looking for and I'm about 80% complete.

Have fun!

 

[number9]

Thanks guys, this is all really helpful. I'll see what state the truck is in and go from there!

 

[rejektedrekoning]

if i knew then what i know now, i wouldn't have bought my 74 and opted for a 70-72. but i'm too far invested in mine to give up the ghost. interior trim, trim clips, the back bumper and bed trim are really difficult to find for the 4th gens. but if you do choose to go with the 4th gen, thepartsplace.com has quite a bit of parts for then that other sites don't carry. i'd call and place the order as opposed to internet ordering to ensure an item isn't on back order though. had that issue with window sweeps and it took two months to get to me.