Category Archives: 1970 El Camino

1970 El Camino…

Damn squeaking noise is driving me nuts. I removed the wheel which was an adventure in itself since the tire shop I purchased from tightened the lug nuts so tight I was unable to remove the wheel. I also wanted to check the disc pad and calipers but couldn't do that either. I ended up going back to the tire service center and had them remove the lug nuts and reinstall them each by hand torque specifications.

I did find another zerk fitting located on top of the A arm. I did not apply any grease to this fitting since I couldn't see it with the left front wheel installed.

1970 El Camino…

Complete audio system rewire. The previous owner did an okay job but didn't follow and discipline. He just used what he had available and went with that.

I ordered all the correct gauge cables and hardware adapters to use a double amplifier setup. While I was at it I also redid the power connections to the battery to a robust and modern solution.

1970 El Camino

Well. I had work done in the left side bracket breaking off and last night some guy flagged me down letting me know my right side was down. Sitting at my favorite muffler shop getting it repaired by welding that sucker down.

1970 El Camino Dash Lights…

The swept dashboard instrument cluster light brightness seemed to be on the dim side. I removed the upper Dash pad to access the 194 bulbs from the rear. I replaced all of the bulbs and the intensity didn’t seem to increase much, especially in the center area of the instrument panel. 

Tip, if you’re needing the same multiple bulbs for a project. You can purchase them bulk at your local auto parts store. This is a huge savings. In my case buying the packages would cost $30 for 10, I was able to get 10 pieces for $8 bucks. That’s a big savings. 

I even tried using the LED equivalent version, that made no difference at all.

Wheels & Exhaust…

Took the Elco over to NorCal mufflers to get the driver side mounting bracket redone. It was dangling by the header bolts. Also, got new front tires installed at a local shop. I need to figure out how to remove the wheel balance weights residue that was left on from the previous installation.

This  was the first time I had the Elco on a lift so I was able to look at the underside and see the setup. It has True Duals going straight into Flowmasters series exhaust.  After the mufflers turned downs are used right below the cabin, no wonder it’s so freakin’ loud!

A couple of functional mods that make a huge difference are the front and rear slotted rotor, caliper disc braking system and the UMI Stage 4 kit suspension with Viking coil overs. This upgrade is combined hovers around the $5000 range.