59 El Camino in CO

[303Radar]

I just joined today after a couple of weeks looking around. Glad to see loads of information.

My current plan is to do a frame off restoration on the El Camino. Currently the car is in pieces while I find time to be a new dad. I'm learning to weld b/c I want to reinforce the frame b/f I have it powder coated.

My plan for the engine is to rebuild it. I don't believe the engine has ever been rebuilt or at least it hasn't in the past 20 years my dad owned it. I'm tosing around ways to make mid 400's. Hopefully that isn't too much power for a block that started with 250 horses.

I look forward to driving the car in about 4 years (maybe less). I also look forward to giving and sharing information.

Ragan

BTW, anyone have any idea on how to remove the ignition switch? I've got the car a part minus this ONE item. I even removed the glass and doors single handed but I can't figure out the switch :doh

[jim_ss409]

Welcome to the site.:cheers
Does the El Camino have a 348?

I'm not sure about 59 ignition switches.:scratch I seem to remember that you had to insert a pin into a hole on the bezel on some of the Chevy's from that era. I did a search but didn't really find anything specific to the 59 model year. I did find some info for a 57 ignition switch, it might apply. If not I'm sure someone will come up with the right answer. Here's what I found...

"There is two small holes in the chrome cylinder where the key goes in. Take a fine pick preferably a mechanics pick and it's nice if you have a key but you really don't need one. Push the pick in the lowest hole to release the spring, with the key turn left and pull out. Without the key old school a screw driver without damaging the outer casing and twist the same way as with the key. The casings are cast and they can easily be damaged. Easiest way to just buy a new casing with ignition from east coast Chevy $36 and a lock for $23 then its all new. You can buy the whole set for $76 doors, trunk, ignition, and glove box. Hope this helps Lyle Davidson"

[oldskydog]

Welcome aboard. El Caminos are a little under represented here but there are a few.
On the ignition switch, Jim is basically right but here is the 59-60 Shop Manual which has the specific procedure. Go to Section 9, Electrical, and go to the ignition switch removal on page 9-6.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1959_60/index.htm

[bubbletop1961]

Welcome. Just spent a week in rmnp. Not sure how close you are to there, but it is closer than i am. Lucky. Hope to see pics of the project.

[303Radar]

Jim, OldSkyDog,

Thanks for the ignition information, that explains the two holes on the front of the bezel. I should be able to butcher a paper to get it off.

The engine is the 348. Along the way I found a 3x2 setup that should help in the HP search. I'll get some pics posted once I build a stand to hold the body off the frame.

Thanks again!

[rwagon57]

303Radar

Welcome to the asylum:hug

You will definitely find this thread useful in designing your engine build. http://www.348-409.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12872&highlight=Engine+Builds

[303Radar]

Here are some photos of the El Camino. I'll post more later.

Ragan

[303Radar]

BTW, I'm trying for the life of me to figure out why the engine compartment is red and the rest of the car is white.

Any ideas?