Should I buy a completely disassembled El Camino?

Question

My uncle is trying to get rid of a 1970 SS396 El Camino and he'll give it to me for $1,500. It is sitting in my grandma' garage completely disassembled. I would like to buy it and put it together in my garage, but I've never done anything like this. I'm a smart guy and I'm pretty handy, but I'm worried that I'll get it in my garage and not be able to do what needs to be done to get this car together. Is this something that an average guy can do with a lot of time and patience or should I spare myself the trouble? Any advise would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Should you buy it? Rest assured, by the time you are done you will end up paying about four times as much for the El Camino as one already assembled that you could have just bought and driven away. Financially, it makes no sense. If you look at it as a labor of love, then that's different. After all the time and effort and money and more money and a little more money, you'll end up with a vehicle that is truly your own.

Can you do it? I don't know. Some guys can learn to fix cars and others are hopeless. What do you mean by "completely disassembled"? Rebuilding an engine is an art in itself. If the engine is already disassembled, you can be sure that many (expensive) parts are missing. I have never known an engine in a basket to be complete. And rebuilding the steering system, brakes, fuel system, etc are things that need to be done correctly. For example, you don't want to be driving your newly restored vehicle down the highway and suddenly lose the ability to steer it. It might be better to learn how to work on cars a little at a time rather than taking on such a large project.

Answer 2

It depends, do you know any people with car knowledge that could help you? If so, definitely go for it. You can also get books and manuals. One big factor you should consider is that it is a 1970 el camino SS 396. They are worth some pretty hefty change these days, so for $1,500 bucks it's a steal. Also, consider the body work to be done, if the body isn't bad, and you aren't going to try any major modifications or upgrades you can try the body work yourself or take it to a shop to be done. So my answer would be yes, go for it.

Answer 3

I am beginning to think bikercell is a retard but on another note. I wouldn't do it simply because it's a chevy. It was disassembled for a reason, probabll to fix all it's problems, yes those cars are worth alot but it's only because it's a rarity to find an old chevy that even runs.

Answer 4

I would do it - with persistance, you can put that car together, and it is a dream vehicle.

My brother did that to a 70 challenger - you just need to get all of the detailed manuals, which are on microfilm, but you can print or buy copies.

Answer 5

It will be more work than you think. It will take longer than you think, it will take up more space than you think. Cost more than you think. and so forth

Now the question is, are you committed to spend the time to do all this, will you take the time to learn how things are done?

Do you have the desire???? Do you have the passion???

Those are the most important questions to ask.
If the answer is yes, then you should get it and fix it up. Good luck with the decision.

Answer 6

A lot of SPACE because you need space to work and also space to store parts... and a lot of learning.

Fortunately those old cars are pretty simple. Better a '70 than a '99.

Answer 7

You could do it. Its probably not as much disassembled as you think. Only the nose and doors come off.

Answer 8

Its going cost you lot $$$$$ put it back in top shape. But its worth it and get help do it..Being its been in the family it mean a lot to you and they be so proud of you doing it. keeping it in family.

Answer 9

DO IT!!! Nothing feels better than saying (honestly) " I built this"