I'm not really into El Caminos all that much, but I came across an all original one and had to stop. It is sitting up in a guys yard here in NC, all original, including the SS wheels, drivetrain, cowl induction hood, etc. Only thing is, the interior is totally shot, and both quarters need to be replaced, with a lot of surface rust elsewhere, but it is an unmolested car. What do you think this car would be worth? It's not my first pick, as I am a Chevelle guy, but an original SS 454 car is tough to pass up. If I could get it for $1,500 it would make a great project.

I would say good luck on the $1500 ... while a rusted car can have a ton to repair, and Camino's don't really appreciate like the Chevelles ... the drivetrain is worth $1500.
Thanks, Neal

Yeah, two things scare me, one that the car won't appreciate like a Chevelle, and two, the car needs literally everything, i don't even know if it runs. If it was a Chevelle I would not leave the guy's porch until he sold it, but i'm a little skeptical on the El Camino

First, he probably wont sell it. Second, yes they dont appreciate as much, but they are going up now, and I love mine. If your not an "el camino" (elkys are cool! :thumbsup:) guy dont do it, it will cost you too much to restore it. Let someone else try to get it that will really appreciate it, definitely dont buy it just to remove the drive train and junk it.

i definitely wouldn't junk it and take the drivetrain. I think it is important to keep as many of these SS cars, Chevelles and El Caminos together. Funny, you said he probably wouldn't sell it. To this day, I still come across cars, even original SS cars rusting away, and people won't sell them. They always say, oh yeah, im gonna restore it one day

thats sad :confused: i guess im the only guy who likes the el camino more than the chevelle if i ran across a 71 elky ss for 1500 i would jump all over it. Finding a donor elky really isnt that hard i find them for 100-500 bucks all the time. I would say go for it i prefer the el camino because you can enjoy it more. If i had a chevelle i would be afraid to take it anywhere because the fear of getting it stolen i mean whats not to love its a chevelle truck :thumbsup:

I would say good luck on the $1500 ... while a rusted car can have a ton to repair, and Camino's don't really appreciate like the Chevelles ... the drivetrain is worth $1500.
Thanks, Neal

I think I would rephrase that and say El Caminos have not appreciated as much as Chevelles in the past.

Who knows what might happen in the future. Maybe the El Caminos will start to play catch-up ?

I remember when nobody wanted 1963 Impalas. They were somewhat plentiful and cheap. But because they were inexpensive, they gained a following.

Make sure the 5th digit in the VIN is a W. They may not be a Chevelle, but there is certainly a place for the El Caminos too.

If you are not interested in it I am. I'm working on a 72 El Camino myself, and need all the help I can. I'm in VA, so I'm not that far.
Thanks,
Mitchell

I'm gonna go knock on the guys door this afternoon and see what he says. The car looks kinda rough, but is fairly solid and all there, and very original. I'll offer $1,500 and see what happens

Just be carefull not to insult him right out of a deal. I have seen a few w code cars complete for 5K plus. Like whats been said, the drivetrain is worth at least that.

first ... according to YOU ... he probably should pay you to take it away ....
after all its only an El Camino .......

second don't ever talk like that around me !!http://bestsmileys.com/shooting1/24.gif

after all its only an El Camino .......


But a Big Block one!:D

I talked to the guy, here is the good and the bad. It is a W code car, with its complete original drivetrain, however it is rusted out worse than I had thought. Pretty much every panel with the exception of the hood will need to be replaced, plus floors, bed, etc. The guy wants to sell it, but it is his father's car, originally since 72, so basically a one owner car. I really need to talk to the father, although, he is in Florida, and the car is here with the son in NC. How in the world can I get this to work? I told him due to the condition, I would give $1,500. He said he wanted $2,500, think it's still worth it, even though the car literally needs everything, basically a frame off resto.

If it's that rusty, how's the frame?

frame is rusty, but appears to be surface rust and salvagable. I asked the guy why so much rust, the car has literally been sitting in the yard for about 10 years now

Can you get any pics?

I'd like to see pics, since you guys down south consider anything with surface rust to be "too far gone":D I mean, you said its solid but would need every panel repalced? IMO, unless its half rotted off or it's got millions of dents andall, it's not too far gone. Sounds fair for 2500, but check to see why he parked it too, block cracked? something break?

Sounds like a good resto project, or make it into a restored hauler for your chevelle!!