1981 El Camino Custom on 2040-cars

Fully restored and enhanced 1981 El Camino.  We purchased the El Camino from a family friend, who put about 140k miles on it.  It was in good general operating condition and had not been in any accidents.  Here’s a list of the repairs and improvements.

·         Engine

o   Swapped engines – it came with a small V-6.  We installed a crate GM 350 cu-in engine designed to produce 300 hp.  The crate engine was new, and has less than 100 mi.  It came with heads installed.  We added the intake manifold, carburetor, flywheel, water pump, fuel pump and alternator.

o   Exhaust system is all new with headers and custom dual exhaust.

o   Cooling system – completely replaced to accommodate the larger engine.  The fan cowling is an area for improvement as it does not fit well.  We planned to change to electric fans to eliminate the cowling and bought a fan, but never installed it.

·         Transmission

o   Had the original transmission completely rebuilt

·         Differential and drive shaft

o   All original parts

·         Air conditioner

o   New system with a modern compressor

·         Front end

o   Replace the coil springs to handle the added weight of the engine.

o   Cut down the front springs to lower the front end a bit to give a slight nose-down angle, just enough to give a muscle car look.

·         Shock absorbers

o   Replaced all four shocks

·         Wheels and tires

o   Put on wider five spoke wheels and new tires.  The original tires were typical early 80s narrow tires.  We saved the original wheels.

·         Body

o   The body work was done by Bob Haynes at Custom Coach works.  We stayed close to the original color, which was a bronze.  Custom Coach used a metal flake paint that really makes the paint a lot brighter than the original.

o   Only one serious rust spot was found.  It was the floorboard on the passenger side that was over the catalytic converter.  A replacement panel was installed.

o   Trim was kept all original.

o   Seals were replaced around both doors and windows.  The seals are still a bit stiff, making the doors a bit difficult to close.              

o   The bed was covered in a spray-on bed liner that was colored a light brown to complement the body.  The bed had small dents showing its many years of service, which posed a problem to get them all smoothed out for painting.  The bed liner was a great solution that looks quite good.

·         Interior

o   Upholstery was completely replaced, the looking being the same as the original.  It has a bench seat.

o   Door panels got new coverings.

o   The curtain that covers the spare tire compartment was replaced.

o   New carpet was installed.

o   A dashboard cover was installed since the original has split and become brittle.

o   The glove box still needs some work;  the cables that hold it in the open position broke and we have not replaced them.

o   New stereo and custom speaker setup.

o   Unfortunately the gear indicator and analog clock have not worked since being purchased.

We spent a long time building up this car, and it was a great bonding experience for the family. This things roars with the new 350 and dual exhaust, and makes a wonderful deep rumble at idle. It will break the back tires loose, not a problem for 300+ hp on that light El Camino truck bed. We are moving on to bigger and better projects, and will sell this car to the best offer. Don't be afraid to make an offer!