Author Topic: El Camino (Read 8735 times)

Anti-Johnny · « **on:** January 21, 2011, 02:44:05 PM »

So this summer I need to get to austria for a couple months to take some classes that arent offered here. Experience and official reasons for being overseas are something I would like to have on my resume. To do this I am probably going to have to sell my 07 aveo hatchback. I am thinking about getting an older truck so that I can pull my bike when I move or need work done. While looking around on craigslist, I came across several El Caminos that have recently been restored or had new motors dropped into them. I would prefer a standard transmission in whatever I get and there are a few of those around as well.

I dont know much about el caminos. I do know a little bit about older GM trucks though. I figured I would ask you guys what you think.

When I was younger I also wanted a bronco, but they are very expensive to get here.

domer · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2011, 02:57:51 PM »

what years are we talking here? 60's, early 70's were basically chevelle's with a bed. nothing really bad to say about them except for rot issues. late 70's-80's, well thats a whole different truck.... chevys 305.... ewwww

notaHarley · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2011, 03:01:45 PM »

Even though classified a "truck" they're based on a car chassis/body...mostly station wagon chassis. I've lusted after these several times over the years and actually almost bought a 1969 and later a 1971.

They are a little limited for hauling when compared to a truck, less than 1/2 ton payload IIRC. That's plenty for a bike, a parts-getter, or hauling a bass boat. They're also limited as a passenger vehicle as there is no back seat. In fact the little woman killed the 71 I wanted because it had bucket seats..."where are the boys gonna sit?"

Rear windows tend to leak and rust out the floor pans.

Anti-Johnny · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2011, 03:21:46 PM »

Quote from: domer on January 21, 2011, 02:57:51 PM

what years are we talking here? 60's, early 70's were basically chevelle's with a bed. nothing really bad to say about them except for rot issues. late 70's-80's, well thats a whole different truck.... chevys 305.... ewwww

most of them around seem to be late 70s early 80s. I dont plan on driving it much as my bike has become the daily driver. I even surprised myself and rode to school this morning in 30 degree weather.

Quote from: notaHarley on January 21, 2011, 03:01:45 PM

Even though classified a "truck" they're based on a car chassis/body...mostly station wagon chassis. I've lusted after these several times over the years and actually almost bought a 1969 and later a 1971.

They are a little limited for hauling when compared to a truck, less than 1/2 ton payload IIRC. That's plenty for a bike, a parts-getter, or hauling a bass boat. They're also limited as a passenger vehicle as there is no back seat. In fact the little woman killed the 71 I wanted because it had bucket seats..."where are the boys gonna sit?"

Rear windows tend to leak and rust out the floor pans.

Its usually just me and my dog. The girlfriend just got a new honda so we hardly ever drive my aveo anymore. I need the cash and with a bike again I'd like to sell the car before it depreciates in value any more.

that kind of information is what I need. I havent owned an older car in about 10 years. I am still looking, and not really decided yet. I may even be up for an old station wagon with a trailer hitch. But the camino would be two birds one stone and another easy something to work on.

Stev-o · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:12:27 PM »

Years ago, I also wanted one, planned to use it to tow my boat.
Ended up buying a truck with an "extracab", need the space to keep my work supplies, and an occasional passenger.

And no more boat towing, it stays at Lake Travis.

dave500 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2011, 04:06:47 AM »

any el-camino is el-terrifico!

tramp · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2011, 04:18:46 AM »

why not just get a mid size truck?

Anti-Johnny · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2011, 12:30:07 PM »

trucks around here are very expensive. Even if theyre about to fall apart people want too much in my opinion. I could get an old work truck for very cheap, but the vehicle needs to be able to go out on the highway at some point.

also

This just looks cooler. less work getting the bike in and out too.

Stev-o · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2011, 12:53:06 PM »

I like the earlier models:

Stev-o · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2011, 12:56:52 PM »

There's quite a few for sale in Austin right now, look at this one for $2K:

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2162358928.html

nomad · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2011, 01:04:46 PM »

Quote from: Anti-Johnny on January 21, 2011, 02:44:05 PM

I am thinking about getting an older truck so that I can pull my bike when I move or need work done.

If by "pull" you mean on a trailer, do you really need a vehicle that has a bed? If not, what about an SUV with at least a couple of thousand pounds tow limit? Or is the bed needed for other purposes?

bikerbart · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2011, 01:15:28 PM »

dont forget the Ranchero,either one is cool.

Anti-Johnny · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2011, 02:58:41 PM »

I have been looking for trucks and suvs that are in decent shape with lower mileage but cant seem to come across any in my price range. That one you posted steve-o is on the list. I think the guys phone is dead though, it goes straight to voicemail. There is a white one in Round Rock that I may go look at tomorrow, but it looks like it was suped up for racing.

I'd prefer an early 70s one as well, but those seem to be the ones people want around $10k for.

I also dont have room for a trailer. I dont know if I said that. I thought it was a smart idea to look at caminos. I have found a few trucks and SUVs but theyre well over 150k miles. These few caminos that I am looking at have new engines or recently rebuilt.

nomad · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2011, 03:10:14 PM »

You willing to travel to California to get one? - 76 Chevy El Camino 350 v8 - $2500 (Corona)

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2174598512.html

Daily Driver
Runs well
Needs a little love like most old cars

If you are interested shot me a email
I will answer all question

I am willing to trade for a motorcycle or truck. If you have anything else to offer im open to all things

Anti-Johnny · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2011, 03:12:09 PM »

the timing is off. Ive got my jet on loan to p.diddy for the month and need my car sold and one bought in the next couple weeks.

bender01 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 22, 2011, 07:42:31 PM »

Quote from: Stev-o on January 22, 2011, 12:53:06 PM

I like the earlier models:

Me To!

Stev-o · « **Reply #16 on:** January 23, 2011, 08:24:42 AM »

Bender - do you [or did you] have one?

CaféElite · « **Reply #17 on:** January 23, 2011, 10:40:08 AM »

I would suggest just finding a decent reliable car and then getting a small trailer. Store it at a friends or family members house.

If you are stuck on the camino idea while being cheap then just make your own out of an old volvo or civic wagon.

*make the piece between the lights a mini tail gate (fold out extender possibly) so you have the length for your bike.

MoMo · « **Reply #18 on:** January 23, 2011, 10:57:39 AM »

I can well understand why you want an El Camino-classic sohc bike, classic car. Plus, El Caminos around here have a fair resale value...Larry

bender01 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 23, 2011, 11:00:32 AM »

Quote from: Stev-o on January 23, 2011, 08:24:42 AM

Bender - do you [or did you] have one?

No but ive ridden in one. Those B/B cars are little out of my price range. Although A friend in High school had a 74/5? 454. Celebrities could keep up with it!

ofreen · « **Reply #20 on:** January 23, 2011, 11:17:58 AM »

El Caminos are cool. I drove my brother's quite a bit. The thing I didn't like about it was it was squirrelly as hell on a wet road. Forget about it in snow and ice. And that was just with the 327. I always wondered what the 396 was like when it was slippery out.

Stev-o · « **Reply #21 on:** January 23, 2011, 12:37:18 PM »

Quote from: ofreen on January 23, 2011, 11:17:58 AM

El Caminos are cool. I drove my brother's quite a bit. The thing I didn't like about it was it was squirrelly as hell on a wet road. Forget about it in snow and ice.

That is common in small trucks too, most likely due to not much weight in the back. We would put sandbags in the bed to help with traction.

ofreen · « **Reply #22 on:** January 23, 2011, 01:06:37 PM »

Quote from: Stev-o on January 23, 2011, 12:37:18 PM

That is common in small trucks too, most likely due to not much weight in the back. We would put sandbags in the bed to help with traction.

We've got a Ranger pickup and a Toyota pickup around here and they aren't too bad in the slick stuff. But they don't have 300 HP and wide ovals, either.

Anti-Johnny · « **Reply #23 on:** January 23, 2011, 04:52:21 PM »

It might be cool to get an old station wagon and convert it to a truck. But thats more money than I have, and its a bit unreasonable for me at the moment.

This car seems to be just right. The body is nice and the AC Heater are in good condition. I am waiting for information on the engine and transmission now.

and the price is right.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9325658/090.jpeg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9325658/086.jpeg

MoMo · « **Reply #24 on:** January 23, 2011, 04:56:38 PM »

Looks good from the two pics...Larry

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Author Topic: El Camino (Read 8735 times)

nomad

nomad