Hi All,
I have a dilemma and I need opinions on which way to go. I drug home an El Camino a couple of years ago and started gathering parts to restore it. It had no motor/tranny but believe it to be an “SS” but cannot find a build sheet. Just got around to stripping the interior and discovered it had been cut in half, and 2 cars spliced together. The cut was across the floorboard behind the support all the way thorough the rockers, and in the center of the windshield posts. The splice is actually pretty clean, with the doors lining up great and the windshield not leaking. I think the rockers and pillars were but welded without any reinforcements inserted in side them, and the floor has a small lap weld across it. The car has a clean title (no salvage). I can part the car out and not get to hurt on it so please give me your thoughts.

Concerns;
#1 Structural integrity, (frame looks good) I have heard of guys cutting out and replacing almost everything from floor pans to rockers, but this is thorough all of the cab.

#2 Moral dilemma of putting all of the time and money into a basket case. If I were to sell the car and told you it had been “spliced” or “halved” in the cab would you buy it? Or turn and run.

Thanks,
basketcase

How long was the car (truck) in service with the repairs made? If everything still lines up, it's probably OK. If the frame was spliced, I'd be concerned. the body should be alright. If it dosn't need much work, I'd proceed with the resto. If it's a basket case as far as bodywork goes, I'd scrap it and start with another car. It's not like you lost your butt on buying a bad car. What's the year? #'s?

My family had a body shop for many years, and back when my dad was in the business he used to fix rebuilders all the time. On more than one occasion I helped him section together whole cars with no ill effects. One I remember for sure was a 1979 Malibu, that I know was still on the road in the mid 90's with no problems. I would say go for it. My chevelle basically had the rear half replaced one piece at a time. It would be alot easier to just do it the way your car is done anyway.

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Mat Ellison
Lincoln, Ne
70 SS 396 Chevelle
62 Impala Sport Coupe
ACES #2424

If the full box frame has not been cut/welded, then I wouldn't worry too much. I would make sure that all welds are solid and rust free.


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Regards,
RLK
My Cars (http://home.texoma.net/~rknipe/)

More info on the car. When I bought the car it had been sitting for about 8 years. The guy I bought it from said he got it along with 4 other El Caminos from someone else “as is”. It appears the splice was done and the car was painted original color “dark red” then later color changed to silver so I assume it was in service for quiet a while. The frame is very good original, no cuts. As far as the body goes, that’s why I bought the car, there is no rust on the lower fenders or quarters, and a little plastic filler in the RH quarter. Doors, fenders, hood, quarters and bed are all nice. There is some rust in the bottom of the rear window channel I need to work. It is a 70 Camino paint code 78, 756 trim black bucket seat interior (needs replacing)gauges with Tach, 3:31 12 bolt non posi, front disk brakes and was a 4 speed. The car had no emblems whatsoever, an “SS” hood, steering wheel shroud was gone, but has a 5500 redline tach. I have been collecting parts and managed to score a “CTW” code 402 and T400 from a 70 “SS” chevelle for it.

Thanks,
basketcase

basketcase,I agree with Mat 100% if it was done properly it should be just fine.I do this all the time rebuilding collision wrecks.And have never had one that had a problem down the road.Its a common practice to splice in pieces of other cars to make a good car.

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Ricky-G 68 L78 Chevelle SS, 69 Z-28,95 Firebird,72 Chevy pickup,
TC#1411
http://hometown.aol.com/cheveller396/myhomepage/index.html