75 Camino

[Cammin]

This rebuild has been a long time in the works, but it is finally seeing progress. 10+ years ago I had a mechanic take it, with parts in boxes, to rebuild it at his leisure. Not long afterwards, he developed an issue which required a stent that drained fluid from his brain. I got married not long afterwards, worked full time and finished college. The mechanic towed the Camino back unrepaired, after a few years. At this point the car sat uncovered, until my in-laws built a cover for my birthday/Christmas gift. Next, we moved away so that I could enter graduate school. Fast forward to four days ago, when we move the vehicle and parts to my current residence.

2 flat tires, 3 wheel bearings tightened and 2 bruised fingers it is now here. Don't let the pictures fool you, it is flat as flat can get. We cleaned out the parts, swept out the bed and gave it a bath. The mold came off ok, but it has some really stuck on gunk that might require a magic eraser. Oh yeah, flat tires all the way around. Stole the spare from it and another tire will hold air for a few minutes. My plans this weekend are to borrow a couple of wheels from my truck, so that I can move it over and back about 8 feet.



I'd forgotten how many parts I'd purchased (10+ years ago). Really all I need to get it moving, minus the tires, are the following: intake manifold, camshaft, gaskets and a battery. That is supposing that I simply button the current 350 short block up and see if it holds together. As it sits now, the lifter valley is open and has been the entire time. I was planning to drop my other engine, thus I never worried about the elements. As we unloaded, the rear air shocks gave out and dropped the rear. That just added to the ghetto lean, because the springs are virtually unsprung now. The hood springs are no longer wanting to comply when closing the hood now. And don't get me started on the rust.... Will have to pull the bench seat and attack the floors one day, along with the fenders and doors and bed. Oh yeah, the steering wheel and arm rests have turned to goo. It reminds me of the fly strip glue. That will have to go soon. I'm sure I will find more items to repair.



I opened the boxes inside:

trans mount
engine mount

rubber brake hoses (front and rear)
all hoses
all 3 belts
2 wheel cylinders
master cylinder
brake booster
radiator
shift kit for the 350 Turbo

header bolts
Copper collector gaskets

air filter
rebuilt distributor
rebuilt alternator
Holley 600 cfm carb - purchased prior to 2000



Prior to shutdown 10 years ago:
New pads and rotors

New rear pads and drums

2 flowmasters
3.42 gears
driver's window off track, so it would not roll down
A/C levers stopped moving





Other than that it's just like new :)

Current Plans:
Take a few minutes each day to fix something/anything
Put it up on jack stands or blocks
Give it another bath
Get the current 350 engine and trans running: Summit Cam/Jeg's Intake/Fel-Pro gaskets/Fluids/Battery/Tires

Future plans (way off into the future and in no particular order):
500 Cadillac engine without paint except Ferrari Red valve covers
Fuel injection
5 or 6 speed
275/45 tires on 17s painted Gray/Green (more Gray than Green) or dark NIckel
A/C
Red carpet
Buckets
2" lowering springs
Move bumpers in 2"
Better Brakes/Suspension
Find and repair all rust
Window Tint
Remove radio - enjoy engine stereo instead


As always, plans are subject to change....

[Cammin]

Quick update: Moved the Camino back today, after changing the wheels momentarily. Also, I removed the mud flaps. I was uneasy about using the original bumper jack, so I used a scissor jack instead.

[Twentyover]

Make it happen, man

[Cammin]

I'm planning to, thanks.

I'm looking for help with a DIY setup to help change out the door bushings and pins. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as that these doors are slightly hefty.


Check out posting #19, on the following link, for the car rotisserie that I'm planning to emulate. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?61731-Car-rotisserie

[Z06killinSBF]

Heck ya, hit it hard and make it happen.

[Cammin]

I'm looking for help with a DIY setup to help change out the door bushings and pins. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as that these doors are slightly hefty.


Check out posting #19, on the following link, for the car rotisserie that I'm planning to emulate. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...Car-rotisserie

[Cammin]

I finally got tired of looking at the rusted bed floor, so I sanded the bed and sprayed rust inhibiting paint. It's not beautiful, but I can easily remove it later on.

[Z06killinSBF]

I'm looking for help with a DIY setup to help change out the door bushings and pins. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as that these doors are slightly hefty.


Check out posting #19, on the following link, for the car rotisserie that I'm planning to emulate. http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...Car-rotisserie
I always use a floor jack under the door frame with a bundled up shirt or something soft to support the door and do one hinge at a time.

[Cammin]

I always use a floor jack under the door frame with a bundled up shirt or something soft to support the door and do one hinge at a time.

Thanks! I'll give it a try.


Updates:

I cleaned the steering wheel and arm rests with soap/water, acetone and finally steel wool. I also cleaned the carpet and seats with a soap/water mixture.

I finalized the exterior colors after finding the following link... http://www.boldride.com/news/2015/08/chevy-nova-hot-rod-denmark/87554 .

[Cammin]

I'm currently planning to pull the engine. I'm leaning towards a home-based cleanup; re-ring, brush hone, bearing replacment, etc.

Although, I must admit that I'm interested if and how long it might run if I 'RoadKill' it back together. :)

[Cammin]

I oiled the door and hood hinges, vacuumed the cobwebs and leaves from the engine compartment, then reconnected the transmission linkage. How nice it is to simply pull the handle, instead of reaching underneath the vehicle. Although, I forgot that I've never seen the indicator work (even when I was a small child). Oh yeah, the lap belts don't pull out. Add those to the to-do list...

[mikidymac]

I love your project. We need to get more of these forgotten A-Bodies on here. Keep in mind that these are hard to find replacement parts for but OPGI is getting better at getting us some stuff.

I feel your attachment after owning a forgotten project for so long. I came home from the hospital in mine, my dad bought it brand new and my son thinks it is ugly. Go figure.
116590

[Twentyover]

I oiled the door and hood hinges, vacuumed the cobwebs and leaves from the engine compartment, then reconnected the transmission linkage. How nice it is to simply pull the handle, instead of reaching underneath the vehicle. Although, I forgot that I've never seen the indicator work (even when I was a small child). Oh yeah, the lap belts don't pull out. Add those to the to-do list...

One bite at a time, the elephant eventually gets eaten

[Cammin]

I love your project. We need to get more of these forgotten A-Bodies on here. Keep in mind that these are hard to find replacement parts for but OPGI is getting better at getting us some stuff.

I feel your attachment after owning a forgotten project for so long. I came home from the hospital in mine, my dad bought it brand new and my son thinks it is ugly. Go figure.
https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116590&stc=1

Thanks for the message. Give your son time and I bet his feelings will change. Thanks for the OPGI tip.

[Cammin]

One bite at a time, the elephant eventually gets eaten

Along those lines, I removed the master cylinder and booster. I've covered the hole for the mean time, until I have time to bench bleed the new master/attach the two and reinstall.

[Cammin]

One pound of dirt removed with rags and soapy water. It's nice to see multicolored wires, instead of light brown ones.

[Cammin]

Flat black for the master cylinder and brake booster. Bench bleeding and re-assembly are next in line. Slow and steady wins the race.

[72D100]

this was my first car, i wish the frame wouldnt have rusted in half . glad to see one being built

[Cammin]

this was my first car, i wish the frame wouldnt have rusted in half . glad to see one being built


I'm glad now that I didn't get rid of it, when I was considering it about 10 years ago.


Quick update:

Clear coat and install complete. I forgot that I stored my jack stands away a few years ago and I hope to get them soon. More space underneath would be very useful at this point.

[Cammin]

I'm planning to tear apart the suspension and replace the rubber components with polyurethane, over the winter. So, a Harbor Freight hydraulic press may be in my future.
I've got something unique planned for the bed, you will just have to wait and see.

[Cammin]

I'm working on the front brake hoses now and I will replace the rear soon. Here's a shot of the damage...

[Ed90061]

I love your project. We need to get more of these forgotten A-Bodies on here. Keep in mind that these are hard to find replacement parts for but OPGI is getting better at getting us some stuff.

I feel your attachment after owning a forgotten project for so long. I came home from the hospital in mine, my dad bought it brand new and my son thinks it is ugly. Go figure.
116590

Once you dial in some power that will change

[Cammin]

Finally finished the front brake hose replacement. I found a few items to slow me down: one rusty hard line nut, incorrect key placement on the section that mates to the hard lines, sticky copper shims. The tiny keys (one large and one small) were clocked wrong. It would have fit perfectly if placed in the opposite side of the mounting brace. Some filing took care of that issue. The copper shims were too small to fit onto the caliper bolt, so a little massaging with a file and drill bit took care of business.

Next, I removed the battery tray and discovered a little surface rust. Oh well, I will just add that to the list. Here's the battery I purchased 11 years ago and it still looks brand new. What are the chances I can recharge it and simply use as is? :fingersx:https://static1.pt-content.com/images/smilies/fingersx.gif

Painted two wheels flat black to cover the nasty rust, a few days ago. I'll get to the other side this weekend.

I forgot to mention that I replaced the battery cables prior to its shutdown.


Here's to 'slow but sure wins the race'...

[Cammin]

Cleaned and painted the battery tray and underlying wheel well. Up next, I plan to remove the seat and pull up the carpet/sound deadener to get a look at the floor board. I don't have a welder, so I'm considering the use of bonding adhesive with the patch panels. Any experiences to share about this type of repair?

[Cammin]

I finally got the Sonoma battery tray cleaned and painted. El Camino bed panel was removed and I did some minor damage assesment, with more in depth later (along with smuggler box removal) . I got help with the Camino bench seat removal and I plan to remove carpet/sound deadener soon.

[Twentyover]

Going to remove the Smugglers Box? That's where I'm planning on putting my battery, compressor, and traveling tool kit. And maybe a cooler for post- travel refreshment. Can I ask your rationale?

[Cammin]

Going to remove the Smugglers Box? That's where I'm planning on putting my battery, compressor, and traveling tool kit. And maybe a cooler for post- travel refreshment. Can I ask your rationale?


Sorry about the confusion, I intended to say that I'm removing the plastic box so that I can get a better look at the metal underneath. I've often thought about putting a couple turbos inside or a plan similar to yours.

[Cammin]

Here's more rust pics and one with light streaming through the rusty holes. I'll be looking for replacement pans this winter, any suggestions for which manufacturer to use or stay away from?

[Cammin]

http://bangshift.com/general-news/videos/like-ratty-muscle-cars-the-guys-behind-the-facebook-page-have-put-together-their-first-video-and-it-rules-check-this-out/

What do you think? The Camino already has the right patina...

[Cammin]

Quick update: I will soon have a stock cam / lifter set and an intake manifold. My friend wants to add a slightly lumpy cam to his 350 and the manifold will be upgraded to a chrome piece. A classic 'parts for labor' swap. Yes, I'm keeping the cam safe until install (I'm thinking pipe foam insulation) and notating which lobe each lifter belongs with (18 count egg carton with sharpie numbers?) . All for now...

[Cammin]

It's been a few days since my last update, so here goes:

I've got a cam and lifter set for the Camino now, after helping a friend install a Thumper camshaft in his 350 Chevelle. I made sure to record the location of each lifter so that it will stay with the ramp it was with before.

I've put the Sonoma wheels back on the Camino now, as that I've got a set of rallys with new tires for the Sonoma. The lug nuts from the rally wheel do not work with the Sonoma wheels, when used on the Camino. I tried to use the Sonoma lug nuts, but none of the nuts I tried wanted to start and I thought better of forcing the issue. Thus I've got the Camino on jack stands for now. Any suggestions which lug nuts to use for this situation?

Next on the list is pulling the engine and replacing the wheel cylinders.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Cool Project! I like the unique ones. This chassis has decent geometry to begin with so you've got a good start there.

The Sonoma likely uses metric 12mm 1.50 thread lug nuts and the Camino's are std. 7/16" x 20 thread pitch.

[Cammin]

Thanks for the information. Next question for you folks... I pulled the cylinder heads off and found that the driver's side cylinder head gasket was leaking into the #7 cylinder. Surface rust has set up on the bottom of the cylinder wall. Scaping with fingernails didn't pull the rust away. I sprayed it down with WD-40 and plan to pull the engine for further investigation. Any recommendations for removing the pistons without causing too much damage? BTW, no ridge at the cylinder tops.

[Cammin]

PIcked up an iron manifold (3965577) for $10 at a yard sale. What recomendations do you have for removing or covering rust in the intake ports? As always, slow but sure...

[Jimmy Sean]

PIcked up an iron manifold (3965577) for $10 at a yard sale. What recomendations do you have for removing or covering rust in the intake ports? As always, slow but sure...

soak it in vinegar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlcL_vHODkc

[Cammin]

soak it in vinegar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlcL_vHODkc


Nice, thanks. I'll block off the ports and fill it up.

[LUV2XLR8]

Nice, thanks. I'll block off the ports and fill it up.

WD40 rust remover

[Cammin]

Finally got black lugs nuts that fit the wheels (thanks for info) and it is now sitting on the ground with 4 tires that hold air, for the first time in many years.

Up next, I will replace the rear wheel cylinders.

[Cammin]

Quick update: I've been offered a free, running 350 (fully dressed) if I pull it. So, I'm planning to make the short drive to pick it up within the next month. Will update with photos at that time.

[Cammin]

The day of reckoning is finally approaching...

[1965gp]

Slow progress is still progress- just keep moving forward

[Cammin]

Much like life, this project has taken a few turns lately.

The engine I was planning to use is in approximately the same condition as mine, so I'm planning to pull mine and perform a re-ring rebuild; new cam, lifters, springs, gear drive, thinner than stock head gasket to raise compression a bit, etc.

I've been following along with Sloppy Mechanics (http://www.sloppymechanics.com/) since the turn of the year. Next, I found Project Joe Dirt (https://www.theturboforums.com/threads/365277-Project-Joe-Dirt-86-Monte-Carlo-SS-LSx-5-3-T70-Megasquirt-II) and I really like this set up.

So my plan is to rebuild the current short block and start acquiring parts for a 4.8L turbo build...

[Cammin]

Quick update: I've pulled the driveshaft, which I plan to paint and replace the u-joints. I'll be pulling the engine this winter for the rebuild and I plan to have the Camino running by the start of Spring. I'll give updates as the winter progresses.