!980 El Camino frame and suspension help.

[oldtinsmith]

After 20 years, my 1980 El Camino needs updating! So far, I've gathered 1) a rust free frame, 2) a 3.73 (open) 1984 Hurst olds 8.5 rear axle, 3) a late 90's Camaro LS1 rear disc brake set up, 4) a 1998 dual piston caliper two wheel drive Blazer front brake set up, 4) a new Drawtite class III frame mount receiver/tow bar. ... My plan for the El Camino is a driver (not daily) and semi work light truck. I'll be hauling from time to time engines, transmissions, lumber, or what ever is needed for what I'm working on at that time and towing trailers (nothing over a classII) every once in a while (not very often). It's a factory manual transmission and I'd like to keep it that way. The engine will be something very streetable with maybe a tad more torque (maybe a 5.3 truck engine). ... With all that said, what will I be able to do to my new frame (with no body in the way) to build a suspension that handles more like a car of today and a lot less like a car from 30 years ago. I really enjoyed SSLance's post that is a sticky at the top of this page. His post draws me back almost daily and the autocross videos look like a blast (hmmmm!)! ...Looking forward to some replies! Oh, a few pictures.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/April72011002-1.jpg (http://s892.photobucket.com/user/oldtinsmith/media/April72011002.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/April72011003-1.jpg (http://s892.photobucket.com/user/oldtinsmith/media/April72011003.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/BuildRebuild80001-1.jpg (http://s892.photobucket.com/user/oldtinsmith/media/BuildRebuild80001.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/011-1.jpg (http://s892.photobucket.com/user/oldtinsmith/media/011.jpg.html)

Doug

[MonzaRacer]

If its rust free, and straight. I would measure every way possible, even have it on local frame rack you trust. THEN plate any open channels, close off all un-needed holes. Reroute and body drains from the frame and basically get it epoxy coated, powder coated or some sort of surface protection. check and reweld ANY weld you question. Now is time ot smooth and clean up as much as you can AND any suspension mount in front make sure its firmly and completely welded. I had a lower control arom mount break loose on my 71 Monte Carlo, rewelded it with my 110 mig, never came back off. I have had 4 people with Monte Carlos take them in and the welds were s__t on rear mount thats welded on frame, so they had frame shop add weld and reinforce. NOW is time to do any mods or other work,,,before installing.
Love those old "trucks" .
Good Luck and hope to see some pics.

[oldtinsmith]

MonzaRacer,

I had a Monza coupe (no 2+2) with a Saginaw 4-speed many years ago! It was a blast!

Yes sir, the frame is rust free (from a Choo Choo El Camino that never saw Michigan snow) and I am planning to do exactly what you mentioned. My shop is a disaster! I'm in the process of picking up, pitching out and cleaning. Before any fab work or welding, I must get rid of "tinder"! ... When I restart the work on my trucklet I will post up pictures. In the mean time, here's a couple from last year. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/003-1.jpg (http://s892.photobucket.com/user/oldtinsmith/media/003.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/009_zps71b6fc0d-1.jpg (http://s892.photobucket.com/user/oldtinsmith/media/009_zps71b6fc0d.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/006_zps05b9c7e4-1.jpg (http://s892.photobucket.com/user/oldtinsmith/media/006_zps05b9c7e4.jpg.html)
...this is for squaring up the frame:

Doug
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/January122013003_zpsaf8f1873-1.jpg (http://s892.photobucket.com/user/oldtinsmith/media/January122013003_zpsaf8f1873.jpg.html)