I was doing a side job in mass. today and saw a 66 ss convertable ex racecar for sale, really weathered looking but pretty solid for its age, had leaf springs up front and a i-beam front end big block,four speed,tarp over the ripped top,dry rotted tires and a big newspaper box looking hood scoop. whats with those front ends?
I asked how much and the guy says 89. 89? 89 what?, hundred . this car is worth saving but it probably hasn't been touched in 15 years. wildbill

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There was a time when EVERYTHING, it seemed like, got a solid front axle. Me and a buddy used to jerk them off old Chevy trucks in the salvage yards and put them on before the custom aftermarket units became popular.
Not ideal for a daily driver today, but these cars are part of our drag racing heritage. And yes, the well built cars like this need to be saved for posterity, same as cars like the FX'ers with the altered wheelbases. Those that are junkers (I hate to admit it, but like the ones me and my buddy cobbled together) need to be melted down and made into Hondas.
Steam locomotives and P-51s are dinosaurs, but still, they are part of our heritage and need to be preserved also. Right?

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Tom Parsons

around summerville ( about 35 miles west of chas. s.c. ) i have seen a '66 el camino with a solid front axle . i thought it looked pretty cool ! it is jacked way up but sits level on big and littles and even has exhaust stacks ! it seemed to be all period correct , that's way i liked it . i wouldn't do it to my car but it's cool to see the past popular fads of car customizing once in a while .

One thing is the convertibles were classed one class lower because of higher weight in the old days. Not unusual for a guy to gut the car and remove half the frame. Wind up with a car that can't be drove, but run like hell down the quarter. I'd say beware, but could really be a head turner if you get into it.

I think I might know the car your talking about. If it is, your not kidding when you say that it needs some serious work. I know that it has changed hands quite a few times in the last 4-5 years. the last time I saw it it was in taunton at that specialty car place and that guy asks big money for some of his stuff. he has had some cool stuff over the years. at one point that car was purchased for 5500-6500 dollars and I could'nt believe it. good luck