Pete:
Here is what I do remember. Went to Sahlis in Feb. of 70 and talked to my Salesman " Bill Riddle ". That day I ordered a Triple black SS 454//M-22 El Camino . Along with all the power options, I ordered an LS-6//M-22 with all the power stuff. 3-4 days later Bill Riddle called me and said we have to RE-DO your order.
With the A/C you cannot get an LS-6.. DAAAaa. He said you can get an LS-5. OK, I said whatz an " LS-5" He said , " Some kind of 454 that you can get with A/C.... -OK, Get that engine, Also you can not get F-41 Suspension with an El Camino, WHY? Its not on the option list.
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Camino is delivered, Sign papers and go to leave, I drive about 2-300 feet and go back to the salesman, I said Bill you drive my El Camino. He goes around the block and comes back and drives it into the dealers shop.
Its up on the rack,,, VERY LOUD 4 Speed NOISE. After about a half hour ( everyone is guessing what the noise is.) The owner Ed Sahli gave it a listen and said, Mark on the paper work " Very loud noise in tranny upon delivery, We will repair when needed. If you want to hear loud, Stand under an M-22 when someone is going through the gears when its on a rack. ( It still makes that same loud noise today.)
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The paint. I go home and dont know why, But I wash it! The drivers side rocker panel had almost NO paint on it, ( it had a brown look ) The left side rocker panel was LUMPY, It had paint runs in it. Back to Sahlis, Jim Bender ( RIP), Body shop boss, Bring in it we will fix it up. Scuffs up the drivers side and shoots some black on it, while it is drying, To the right side, NEVER SAW THIS BEFORE.. He cuts the runs off and trims them down with a RAZOR BLADE, Sandpaper on a paint stick then some buffing ,,,Now it is Beautiful.
Bob
My wifes brother was a boss a FORD Wayne Assmb.(Taylor, Mich.) Plant, 40 years. He would tease my about my " Trying to be almost perfect with my Chevelles".
He said ,, G.M.--FORD--MOPAR, Have " YET " to build a show car from the Assmb. line. I do Agree.