![]() For consignment, a 1972 El Camino, with its single headlights offered up 2 big blocks, the 402ci LS3 and the semi neutered, thanks to the federal government, 454ci LS5 V8. It wasn't until 1968 that the El Camino, featuring a total body makeover, and loaded with a more powerful SS engine, took its place in the iconic lineup of American muscle cars and remained there for the remainder of the 1960's and throughout the 1970's. ![]() Even claiming, “It rides and handles like a convertible yet hauls and hustles like the workingest thing on wheels.” Chevrolet promoted it as, “the most beautiful thing that ever shouldered a load!”. showcase vintage models like the El Camino in their showrooms, while awaiting a possible new release. We hope to continue producing content for TFLClassics as much as we can.Among the first hybrid vehicles in the history of the automotive industry, the Chevrolet El Camino, a combination car-truck, featured the practicality of a pickup truck, while maintaining performance car status. We are keeping the El Camino in the family for a long time. He was instrumental in developing my passion for cars. My grandfather passed last October, this video is dedicated to him. Thanks to my Uncle Tim for doing this video for me. Overall, it has been done up in close-to-original fashion, with some small custom touches. While he had the engine out, my grandpa had the block and headers painted orange. The 402 cu-in engine was not running, so a full rebuild was done on the engine. ![]() Plus, one of the biggest aesthetic changes, the cowl-induction style grille from the SS El Camino. At the same time, he added power windows for some extra convenience.Ī black tonneau cover has been added to the bed. My grandfather switched the original bench seat for some black vinyl buckets, with a center console. A set of American Racing wheels were added, which were a little later style than 72, but fit the car nicely. It was repainted in its original color, Cream Yellow. The car is mostly original, with some custom touches here & there. My grandpa decided to keep it a 400, because of its sleeper status compared to the more aggressive SS models. The reason it is so hard to find a 400, is because many people use them to make an SS clone. My grandpa’s car has it hooked up to a 3-speed automatic transmission that powers the rear-wheels. From the factory it made 240 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. 6.6L for those who think in metric units. Chevy offered the El Camino with a 402 cu-in V8, with a four-barrel carb. ![]() The 400 badge is pretty uncommon these days. What do you think it is? Let me know in the comments below. It may look truck-y, but doesn’t get the same job done. It drives like a car, and it performs like a car. It has elements of a truck, but we need to remember that it is basically a Chevelle with a bed. 5,000 lbs is about as much as you could ever think about towing and most reports would tell you that is a horrible idea. The El Camino can haul a decent amount, but it cannot tow very much. However, trucks are great because they can tow and haul. Truck would also say it needs to have a bed, which it does. Well, the El Camino is a body on frame construction. Truck’ Sundling would tell you that a truck has to be body on frame. Then, my grandpa began buying parts for the car and restoring it to its former glory. It was in pretty rough shape, so my uncle offered $2,500, which Betty accepted. Two years later, she called him out of the blue and offered to sell the car. Upon his first conversation with Betty, the previous owner, she was not ready to sell the car, but took my uncle’s business card. It sat in a field for years before my uncle went up to the door and asked about it. My uncle actually found the car for my grandfather. Plus, this is the first video to go up on TFLClassics in almost two years! Found in a Field Plus, we go through all the custom touches that he made to the El Camino to make it his own, while still keeping it close to original. On this episode of Dude, I Love My Ride, my uncle and I walkthrough the story of my grandfather’s 1972 Chevy El Camino 400.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |