The actual freedom of an old car

[Nessism]

You guys are AWESOME! A classic muscle car is a great way to add "freedom" to your lifestyle!

 

[storm 64]

Ha, I remember that, that was fun. The guy was a pretty straight up guy. Every time I drive by the fellows house I think about that car.

 

[Rob S.]

This is just one I restored (1970 Hemi Cuda 4 speed).

Very nice. Even though I prefer Chevys, a 426 4 speed Challenger pretty much checks all the boxes. Friend in high school had a '71 convertible, green with white top and interior. I hate automatics in muscle cars.

 

[Nessism]

Some years back, I bought a 1968 El Camino from the original owner. He bought the car after coming back from Vietnam. It was the top SS trim; L78 engine, Muncie 4 speed close ratio trans, 4:11 posi rear end, disc brakes, and bench seat. This was the "package" they offered with the L78 engine.

When I took possession of the car, it had a Turbo 400 automatic, so first project, was to restore the manual.

Found the proper trans, and even got an original Muncie shifter. First drive, I learned why everyone threw the Muncie shifter in the trash, and bought a Hurst. There was almost no lockout on reverse, and it was super easy to mistakenly shift into reverse. It took real skill to avoid this mishap, and switching to a Hurst was high on the list of mods planned there after. Sadly, that car project was never finished. It was sold to buy my exwife an engagement ring! What a WASTE! Oh well...

 

[marvinsc]

This thread has taken the direction I thought it would. My first, 1970 Challenger SE 383 Magnum.

IMG_5694 by Scott Marvin, on Flickr

 

[LAB3]

Agreed, I play with cars..... I went on a Galaxie kick a few years ago. On the right is my '65 base model, a kind member here actually went and took it for a spin for me in Ohio and then I had it shipped to me. The one on the left is a 66 XL convertible that I bought from an elderly couple in TN and my favorite ( in next post ) is my 66 XL hardtop in emberglo. All three are 352's. I had another 66 convertible base model with a 289. And I am looking for a 66 7 Litre......remember......" Buy Right "!

My parents had a 65 Galaxy when I was growing up, it's the first car I remember us having. Can't say I know anything about the specs on it but do know that my dad was very much anti-Ford from there out.

 

[Vmass]

My parents had a 65 Galaxy when I was growing up, it's the first car I remember us having. Can't say I know anything about the specs on it but do know that my dad was very much anti-Ford from there out.

I am not sure how they compared to the competitor back in the day. Their frames are prone to turning into swiss cheese. I went down the Cape a couple of years ago to check out a 66 XL. He was asking 20k for the car. Paint was tired but over all it looked like a solid car. Got underneath and I could crumble parts of the fame with my hands. I explained to the seller the condition and they didn't want to hear it. I later saw the car was purchased by a restorer shop across country, sight unseen...they f'd up and were then trying to unload it, advertising it without disclosing what they found.....they did not want to hear from me either.

It's very important to have vehicles inspected by an independent source if you cannot put your own eyes on it or if Norm isn't avaialble. I use " Classic Car Guy ", he has inspectors around the country that he subs out to. The level of proffesionalism of the inspections can vary, but it is still worth the money. I I had one in Washington inspected, guy did a fantastic job and based on his inspection, I decided to pass. A fellow Galaxie owner knew I had it inspected and paid me 50% of the inspection for the report, he then bought the car.

 

[Vmass]

Some years back, I bought a 1968 El Camino from the original owner. He bought the car after coming back from Vietnam. It was the top SS trim; L78 engine, Muncie 4 speed close ratio trans, 4:11 posi rear end, disc brakes, and bench seat. This was the "package" they offered with the L78 engine.

When I took possession of the car, it had a Turbo 400 automatic, so first project, was to restore the manual.

Found the proper trans, and even got an original Muncie shifter. First drive, I learned why everyone threw the Muncie shifter in the trash, and bought a Hurst. There was almost no lockout on reverse, and it was super easy to mistakenly shift into reverse. It took real skill to avoid this mishap, and switching to a Hurst was high on the list of mods planned there after. Sadly, that car project was never finished. It was sold to buy my exwife an engagement ring! What a WASTE! Oh well...

Always loved the El Camino, far better looking than the ugly Ranchero!

 

[tlg1100]

Last car I fixed up was 71 chevy nova and that in 1984.

I seen a add in paper guy had all kinds of motors, drove thirty miles and bought a 73 454 big block out of a station wagon he said.

So then I started looking for something to put it in, friend told about 71 nova behind his neighbors garage.
no motor or trans and in good shape $100 bucks.

Found a 4 speed for $75 bucks.

Went to junk yard and got everything to change it from drum brakes up front to disk, clutch pedals and z-bar power steering gear box ,pump all for around forty bucks,

Those were the days

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Some years back, I bought a 1968 El Camino from the original owner. He bought the car after coming back from Vietnam. It was the top SS trim; L78 engine, Muncie 4 speed close ratio trans, 4:11 posi rear end, disc brakes, and bench seat. This was the "package" they offered with the L78 engine.

When I took possession of the car, it had a Turbo 400 automatic, so first project, was to restore the manual.

Found the proper trans, and even got an original Muncie shifter. First drive, I learned why everyone threw the Muncie shifter in the trash, and bought a Hurst. There was almost no lockout on reverse, and it was super easy to mistakenly shift into reverse. It took real skill to avoid this mishap, and switching to a Hurst was high on the list of mods planned there after. Sadly, that car project was never finished. It was sold to buy my exwife an engagement ring! What a WASTE! Oh well...

I still want an Elky. A great friend of my dad had a '72 that left a lasting impression on me. Even the '76 he then bought was cool.

 

[MikeLyon]

Some of these videos are fairly long but over the winter enjoyed watching a few of them

Old el Camino

 

[trevor]

A friend that comes to my Friday afternoon safety meetings has a first year El Camino



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[Nessism]

One more story about my '68 El Camino...

It was purchased in California, where the restoration began. Shortly after that, I took a job assignment in the Cleveland area, and the company moved me, and the car, there. The car was delivered to the work office, because I didn't have a permanent place to live yet. Not long after, I bought a house, and needed to move the car there.

The car was prepped for paint, front and back glass removed. Come moving day, I slammed on my sunglasses, and headed out. A year earlier, I had the body sandblasted, and the first few miles the sand was flying everywhere, inside the cab. That cleared out soon enough, so I put the hammer down and drove as fast as reasonably possible, before the cops could get me. The Ohio highway patrol don't mess around, but I made it home safe without incident. Great fun!

 

[dorkburger]

Regarding the original video. I mostly agree, but regarding his mention of failing electronics, unless one is going back to carburetor times there are electronics involved. Granted, new stuff is ridiculously complicated, but even the older more rudimentary stuff can be problematic as it ages.

Since we're speaking ElCamino... my 66. It started as a 230 / powerglide car. It ended as a 454 / 4 speed. It took me on two cross country trips and countless weekend and day trips.

Untitled by Glen Brenner, on Flickr