Hi,
I am about to take the smaller forward bed panel off my Elky so that I can check for rust and then reseal it. I know that on the drivers side the Smugglers box is there, but what is on the passenger side? Air? Could a second smugglers box be installed. Granted, the spare would be in the way....

This is a 1970 that has never been touched. What should I expect to find? Rust? Gunk?
Moonshine?

...and is 3M paintable body sealer the best thing to sell this back up with?

TIA!

Rob
Houston, TX

Air,hopefully is the only thing you'll find.I found a lot of rust and holes in mine.Yes a second cargo compartment could added!I'm thing of placing my battery in there!!!
Yes,that sealer will be fine... http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif
Rick

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66 300 Deluxe 350/330hp
71 350 malibu (project car)
72 Elcam 402SS
78 Malibu Classic (daily driver)

Hmm... I was about to ask the same, and ask if it was feasible to cut out the cabin to match the entire 'smuggler's compartment'. With a skill saw or wiz wheel, it'd be easy to cut out a large portion of the sheet metal to put a battery, tools, amps, jack, etc in there... I'm curious if there's structural support within that'd be compromised if cut out. If so, could a reinforcement be welded in? Any comments?
TIA!


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Proud father of twins - 68 Chevelle SS & 72 daily Elky

There is a brace in there but if you don't haul heavy stuff up front then the bed floor should be fine. The brace extends over to the drivers side as well. I would be worried about ventilation if putting a battery in there.

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71 SS-454 El Camino

Actually the "smuggler's box" is the area under the front bed panel. The storage box wouldn't be very good for smuggling, would it?



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My Web Page (http://www.landry-family.com) (updated 06-21-02)

"Long Live Freedom!"

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
ACES Member #4556
'68 El Camino

I always wondered why chevy didnt make that space 100% accesable and use that space to store the spair? I am considering adding another box behind the passanger seat like the one on the driver side for more storage. anyone done this?



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Tom
1966 Super Sport (http://chevelles.com/showroom/myss.jpg) Now striped frame off Project
1967 Malibu (http://chevelles.com/showroom/hot66ss4) Getting there.
1970 Hugger Orange elco (http://members.aol.com/chvellss//newelco.jpg) 350/350 soon to be semi daily driver.
1997 Dodge ram FOR SALE
2002 Silverado LT ext cab (runs 15.2's) daily driver

Team Chevelle member #262

I was told that the brace keeps the body from flexing apart, if that makes any sence. How true it is, I don't know. Cal

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hot66ss:
I always wondered why chevy didnt make that space 100% accesable and use that space to store the spair? I am considering adding another box behind the passanger seat like the one on the driver side for more storage. anyone done this?



<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Later model elkys do have the compartment open all the way across for spare tire storage.



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ACES member# 5093
Elcaminos are special!
I'd rather walk around with a Chevrolet hubcap in my hand than drive a Ford

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