Ragan's '59 El Camino Rebuild Project

303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
I find myself in a position to get my '59 El Camino project done!!! I have a short term goal of putting together a parts list and need help/recommendations on parts. For example, the original bed I have is beat up and needs replacing.
I am in of need recommendations/links for the following:
Glass - This seems to be the best price -
https://www.autocityclassic.com/195...t-el-camino-complete-glass-package-5960elpkg/
Bed Replacement - I've seen a couple of generic wood kits, but was hopping for either metal or an El Camino Specific Kit
Wiring Harness - Not sure which options make sense and pricing is all over the map.
Brake/Hydra boost - Not sure which options make sense and pricing is all over the map.
Trim fixing/plating - I know folks here have a ton of experience with various shops.

I think I have a good handle on a lot of the parts but these seem to be a good start.
With any luck, I may be driving it in a year!

Thanks in advance for everyone's help!
 

303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
I guess a better question than are there any 3" stainless steel exhaust kits out there might be, should I use a 2.5" exhaust but open the collector in the header when I want some real performance?
I have a set of the Mark Wilson headers where I can open and close the collector.
Would a 2.5" exhaust be too restrictive for daily driving? I'm guessing not...
 
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303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
2 1/2 will be fine for your ride 303.At anything like 3/4 throttle your rear tires are going to break loose any way.Put slicks on it so it'll hook and that Jag rear will break like glass.
I won't beg to differ because, well, I'd be wrong.
I will say, the checkbook has replaced the weak links (30 spline inner stub axles and 31 spline outer hub components) with enough chro-moly that I should be able to safely use a 285 or 295 tire, topping out at no more than 30 inches in height.
 

303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
Another point of input I'd like is wheel size combo's. I like the look of the front sitting down and the back a bit in the air but not so much it looks like a big stink bug. I'm running Mike's big as break kit with 2" drop spindles. My thoughts are:
Front - 255/50R18
Rear - 295/45R19

Looks like there are a few cost effective options for tires anyhow with these sizes.
Other thoughts?
 

303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
Regarding El Camino beds, is there a company that repops the original metal bed? Or will it be more cost effective to get a wooden bed?
Any one have links or recommendations for either?
 

63 dream'n

Well Seasoned Member
Supporting Member 4
Regarding El Camino beds, is there a company that repops the original metal bed? Or will it be more cost effective to get a wooden bed?
Any one have links or recommendations for either?

OK it’s a stretch .....but I found a very obscure car part by doing this kind of detective work ........you got a chase people down, if you look at the 4:30 mark of this video .......somebody connected with Alloways hot rod shop....... has a friend you’ll see in the video “ Jimmy from St. Louis Missouri “....... I guess I would start by trying to contact this Scotty DTV............
 

303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
Today's question, fan belt alignment. How much out of alignment is too much?
I had to move the alternator forward to not rub against the lower radiator hose. Now it looks like maybe the water pump and pulley on the crank shoud move forward as well.
There is about 3/16th of an inch between the lower radiator hose and the fan belt.
How much clearance should there be?15977077504192496421614760393739.jpg15977077977987116685249079373287.jpg15977078376772661290514621903756.jpg
15977077504192496421614760393739.jpg15977077977987116685249079373287.jpg
Thoughts?
 

303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
Get a lower radiator hose clamp with shield for a 78 up Oldsmobile with the v8 engine.They ran the belt closer to the hose than what you have there.The shield[basicly a metal covering] will protect the hose from the belt.As for belt alignment,the straighter the better.
That is frickin genius!
I'll see what I can come up with or make happen.
I hate pushing everything too far out. Because of the wide belt on the ProCharger, I'll be relocating the power steering pump close to the alternator. But wanted to work out alignment first.
With some kind of shield, I can probably move the alternator back without moving everything else forward.
 
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303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
90% of the engine's use will be under 5000 rpm.
I've put a near race engine in to a fun cruiser car. Oh well. At least that's my intent.
The idea of using this to race at Colorado National Speedway for their circle drag nights should be really fun.
3/8 mile oval with high bank corners and two flat straights, this should be a lot of fun there!
The last time I was there, it came down to a new ZL1 Camero with temp tags and a Nissan 380z both supercharger/turbo vehicles. I know I can't compete with cars like that, and I don't want to. Rather, I'll be happy knowing I'm not easy to beat.
 

303Radar

Well Known Member
Supporting Member 2
So, I had fashioned a cover for the lower radiator hose but still didn't like the alignment. The it hit me, use a pulley!
I like the look and how much it raises the belt.
Next step, where to put the power steering pump since the lower passenger side wil get in the way of the belt on the pro charger.
15993982680937894004105304058838.jpg 15993982207257922838491083327981.jpg15993982480616258021008865498724.jpg
 
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