STZ 1970 El Camino Build
 

Well, I took care of the "official" introduction in the New Member section, so I'll skip that here.

So, this particular customer brought us an extremely clean 1970 El Camino. Almost zero rust, ran great, etc. He just wanted us to align the panels a little better, clean her up, and paint it. Well, as many projects do, it snowballed. Nothing super-crazy, just a lot more than the original plan. I did a few renderings for him, and we decided on a mild PT build.

We really didnt like all the trim around the bed rails that cover the factory pinch welds. We decided to trim all that out along with the factory tail lights and all the crap on the tail gate.


Sucked the rear bumper in just a bit and narrowed it 3/4". A little reshaping and tightening up the gaps.



To follow the smooth look of the body, we transplanted a set of late model Toyota handles.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC005.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC006.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC008.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC009.jpg

After contemplating how to exit the exhaust, we decided on a cutout in the body behind the rear wheel opening. Made a set of tips to fit the bill. More on those later...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC010.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC011.jpg

Metalwork complete. Panels aligned/ gapped. Blasted. First round of bodywork done. Just outta the booth.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC012.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC014.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC015.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC016.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC017.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC018.jpg

Off to Line-X. We're doing the entire underbody, bed (Owner wants to use it for haulin' gear to shows and cruises), and the insides of the front fenders.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC020.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC021.jpg

Got the radiator mounted, shroud and close-out almost done. Still undecided on whether to keep it brushed or 60% gloss black.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC037.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC036.jpg

Motor is done. Chassis and parts back from p/c. Startin' to put the puzzle back together.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC022.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC025.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC028.jpg

Not a lot of chrome or polish going on this build. On the exterior, other than the wheels, the only polish will be the trim around the windshield and rear glass, the trim around the two grill openings, and the ehaust tips. All of which are rectangle in shape. This is it for the brightwork. Off to chrome...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC040.jpg

Tips are done...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC029.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC030.jpg

Final blocking.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC042.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC041.jpg

Nice work.

Don't see too many El Camino's being built these days.

Thanks Swain. Yea, we were excited about doing a PT El Camino. Owner wanted something a little different.

Finally got some pictures organized.

The owner wanted a simple 5 spoke design. The 18x8 and 19x10 Intro Pentias will work well...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC056.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC026.jpg

Chassis is almost complete. Chris Alston coilover conversion front and rear. Basic Wilwood set-up.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC023.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC024.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...mino/EC027.jpg

You have a very build coming along here.:thumbsup:

bed pics
 

If you get a chance could you post more pics of the bed trim part as I am also doing an elcamino and want to remove most of the chrome trim. Damn that thing is going to be sick when it’s done.

Thanks fellas. It has been a fun project and has built a great freindship.

Yes, I sure can. I'll have to dig them up, but I will.