New to the forum 1975 El Camino

[tgaetto]

Thanks for adding me to the forum, I’m finding out just how hard 73-77 parts are to come by. I just picked up a 75 El Camino Classic 2 tone in white and orange. A New Mexico car built in Texas, now in Chicago by way of Indiana. Car is clean but I am pretty nutz so after I stuff a cam, manifold, trans rework and long tubes out the back and drive it for a year, I will no doubt disassemble and ground up resto. For now, I am tinkering with some electrical and interior comfort issues, exhaust, brakes and tuning whats there. I’ll be picking up a cam and some other stuff to fun this up a bit before spring. This all in between a 66 Corvair Corsa build currently on the rotisserie...

[Flywheel]

Welcome to the forum! Your El Camino looks like it's in pretty good shape.

[Limey SE]

Welcome Aboard Sir Looks like a pretty Cool build to start with

[thatfnthing]

Welcome aboard!

[g3chevy / Mr Pontiac]

Welcome to the 75 El Camino gang! Looking good! Keep posting pics as you make progress with it.

[tropdeprojet]

Welcome!


I like the two tone on this Classic generation.

[tgaetto]

Thanks everyone, I was just at the trans shop for some budget pricing.. lined up a guy to come over to spray the new hood, the one on the car must be a repo and is quickly disintegrating. As for the color, I like the 2 tones as well! This combo was what my friend had in high school and the black red black combo is sweet too.
I will post progress. Is there a specific thread for that? I’m still getting to know the site...

[77camino]

Welcome! Glad you are here and keep us up to date on your build.

[tgaetto]

One thing I need to know - any way to reinforce the seat? Can additional springs be added? I am going to be pulling it soon to take a look, not sure why it wasn’t addressed when it was recovered...OR maybe it was.

[g3chevy / Mr Pontiac]

One thing I need to know - any way to reinforce the seat? Can additional springs be added? I am going to be pulling it soon to take a look, not sure why it wasn’t addressed when it was recovered...OR maybe it was.

They maybe either rusted, fatigued or broken. They can be replaced whatever the case and/or you can add more foam under the area that is sagging. I've got extra springs if you need any. Just let me know. Here's a pic for reference.

[tgaetto]

They sure got cheap with those bench seats! Thanks for the info, I’ll let you know what I find.

[76 Malibu]

That is a great looking El Camino. It should make an awesome project. That Corvair you're building sounds cool too. Those second generation Corvairs were great looking.

If you figure out how to reinforce the seat, I'd be interested in seeing what you did. My bench leans back further than it used to. The frame seems to have weakened and leaned back over the years.

[tgaetto]

Thanks, I’ll be pulling the seat next weekend If nothing comes up. I am lining everything up so once I pull the trigger I’ll be pretty busy with the project. I’ll let you know what I do - probably try a few methods unless something is extremely obvious. The Corvair does have great lines - picked up a parts car last week. I got the motor running yesterday - first start in over 10 years. This puts me ahead a couple years. I’ll do the under side in the spring, transplant the drivetrain and be able to drive it as I work on it..

[tgaetto]

Seat is out, going to start pulling the cover and see whats up. The springs are away from the seat foam, is this normal?

[Joe73]

The springs being away from the foam is not correct. And those springs are bent. Thats your problem. Those S springs can be replaced and you could add a few and have them closer together but that would make the seat stiffer.

[tgaetto]

Are the springs formed to the offset of the seat foam? As usual 73-77 bench seat springs are troublesome to find like all else from the gen 4 parts wish list...

[Joe73]

They should have an arch and meet with the foam. They are real easy to locate new springs.

https://www.fabricfarms.com/UP56.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjs6o3Y-45gIViJWzCh2voQvkEAQYAiABEgKVK_D_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/Zig-furniture-upholstery-tempered-sinuous/dp/B01FE3PSZE/ref=asc_df_B01FE3PSZE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=168533602451&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18241315338077750048&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004192&hvtargid=pla-300985914139&psc=1

[Joe73]

Plenty on google if you search it. Even here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xCZu7F0m4E

[tgaetto]

Thanks for the info, I have see the springs with searching - however I was concerned that the springs had to be specific since thats what seems to be the case with other models. I imagine the existing springs were replaced and bent the way they are for that reason? I will get some springs and add more since I am looking for the seat to be more stiff.

[tgaetto]

Here is some progress - getting ready to replace and add more springs and paint the frame. I need to fix the drivers side adjuster bolt - it was stripped and a giant PIA to get out.

[g3chevy / Mr Pontiac]

Your foam and seat frame are in great shape. When you get the springs figured out you'll have a perfect seat for your Camino.

[tgaetto]

I was happy to see the foam in such great shape. I am going to add a rod in the front across the springs and some burlap, I’ll test it to see how it feels and adjust as necessary. I need to find a seat back strike..

[g3chevy / Mr Pontiac]

I may have a seat back striker bolt in my stash from a 74 El Camino I parted out. The seat was trash but I tried to get all the hardware off of it before I took it to the scrap yard. For the stripped out threads on the seat frame, you can drill out the bad threads and grind down a nut with the correct threads and weld it in. I've done this on several projects and worked well.

[tgaetto]

Awesome, thanks! Let me know. Yet another reason to get my welder serviced.

[g3chevy / Mr Pontiac]

Here is some progress - getting ready to replace and add more springs and paint the frame. I need to fix the drivers side adjuster bolt - it was stripped and a giant PIA to get out.

Wasn't able to find my box of seat hardware. I think I may have given it to the guy that bought my 77 Malibu a couple years back. I'll keep a lookout at the junkyards and let you know if I find one.

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