1969 El Camino Restoration Part 1

[@Luvless69Chevy]

As an owner of a 69 el Camino, thank you for saving this one. I look forward to watching this progress!

[@CalculyticCuber]

There are some online stores that sell reproduction quarter panels and fenders that are completely rust free. Doors even. Your willingness to restore this car in this condition is admirable. I'll have to restore one of these fine vehicles one day.

[@512kjt]

CalculyticCuber Thanks! I've been discouraged a few times but I'm still moving forward. Hope to get some done on it this weekend. Thanks for wathchin!

[@michaelclosson68]

Im doing an 82 el camino and I much preferred to pay $30 for a door with, interior panels, working window cranks, locking system (I swapped the cylinder so my keys would work) opposed to a $600 +freight shipping ($200-$400) bare door that doesn’t require any rust repair? Maybe im a cheapskate 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@nathanielrohwer4186]

I discovered your channel while looking for videos about Monte Carlos. I do love working on all old cars. At first when I seen your thumbnail for this video I thought you had a large dent where your gas tank fill door is. Glad to see that it is just the shadow from your two wheeled cart. I know this video is 7 years old, I look forward to progressing through your videos to see how well you have done.

[@512kjt]

I haven't yet begun to put it back together. I have the body off the frame and will be moving forward with the '69 as well as the other cars I have and a couple of other projects. Thanks for watching and hangin in there!

[@Swilling]

Cool project man. Looking forward to following along

[@512kjt]

Thanks!!!! I've been watching all of your videos on the T37 build and you, sir, do amazing work. All of the meticulous documenting on the engine build and how you prepare your next tasks by researching and sharing what you've learned, you are a true Garage Gang mentor! My first car was a 1971 LeMans Sport in 1981 and OH how I wish I still had that car. I'm looking forward to your posts. Your work is very inspiring and I appreciate your sharing it with all of us, Thanks for watchin! KT

[@Swilling]

512kjt Thank you KT! I really appreciate it, thanks so much for the compliments. Its inspiring just to hear this kinda stuff. We're all here to learn! I'm finally catching back up on everything , so looking forward to getting up todate on your Progress, I'm sure i'll be learnin a thing or two from you also. Very cool you had a 71! Thanks again man. Keep at that Elky!

[@Dndhdjism]

Is this anybody else's dream car?

[@noquemalive7111]

Death Claw Mark 5 I have 2 a 1969 and 71 el Camino

[@ShotgunKitty101]

@@noquemalive7111 Stop bragging about your daddy's cars and go back to playing fortnite.

[@_joshua_g59_90]

My Grandpa has one, he’s going to teach me how to drive a manual in it soon.

[@busenitzsucks]

That's a bad ass car, good for you for keeping it alive

[@512kjt]

busenitzsucks Thanks! I appreciate you stopping by.

[@ANGEL-gd5qg]

I have my father's 1969 el camino that he had before he went to Vietnam he had it before I was born I am 42 now and working on it and this gives me more of inspiration to fix it just wished he was here to see it he pased in 2019 due to agent orange and now buried at Santa ca National cemetery. I have his truck and want to restore it just wished I did it with him... thank you for this video it may take along time financially but will be fun 🙏

[@512kjt]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. God bless his soul and I am very thanful to him for his service. Good luck with the El Camino. Hang on to it, they aren't making anymore! Thanks for watching. KT

[@oacumulador]

Man. At least you are in USA. Lots of aftermarket parts and donnors. I have a 1969 base model as well. But I'm in Brazil... Lots of work to make it back to life. Good luck to us all. But these cars deserve the effort!! Great video!

[@512kjt]

Thank you RMD! Even here in the USA, it is becoming very difficult to find donors. Those that are decent are very expensive. You are correct, they are worth the effort!

[@ClassicCarOverhaul]

Wow you got your hands full on this one but it will be worth it and a cool ride to have. I was surprised when it started right up. I'll be watching your progress. Good luck.

[@512kjt]

Ha! Yeah, that's how I move it around when it's time to clean around the garage. She's surely a handful. I can't wait until I get to the point where you are and can actually start putting some things back together!

[@HRsFamilyGarage]

Good luck! Looking forward to watching your progress; I'm in the same boat, new to everything but want to give it a go any ways.

[@512kjt]

Thanks Steve! I've been working on cars since I was 15 but never body work like this, always mechanical stuff. I'll be posting another video soon where I've pulled off the driver side fender and found a real mess. Subscribe so you'll see what I found. Also, there are some other users that I've subscribed to that are doing some real cool stuff. If you sub to them let them know 512kjt sent you! They are Cheator40 (early 70's Firebird frame off) rustyrods34 (working on a cool old 33 Ford truck) fatstercat1 (second generation camaro) bigpaw64 (69 chevelle) therickfix (mid 70's nova) ndebt4kidz (50's Ford pickup) And My Friend Pete down here in Texas is funny as hell. He's at swrnc (his shop page) diyautoschool (his tips and DIY on paint and body) Good luck on your build and I hope we get to see some videos.

[@nicksauto3320]

yo, I know I am commenting, long after the upload date, but should you see this comment, don't give up, I am in high school, and people like you (everyday people trying to save classic cars, rather than trash it) is amazing, and I idolize you. (i also like the el Camino, like my 67 el Camino 327)

[@512kjt]

Thanks Nick! I'm about ready to get back on the '69. I've been doing some actual mechanical work on my other cars and neglecting my two old Chevys. It's taken me decades to get here and I'm still having fun with these old rides. Whatever you do NEVER let that El Camino go! I regret letting go of all my old cars, even though they were pains in my ass. Looking back, some of the issues would be easily fixed now, but back then I didn't think they were worth it. Keep on wrenching and thanks for the kind comments!!!

[@Kru_zito]

I know this video is a bit older but I just bought a 1980 El Camino and I'm hoping to watch some of these videos on my way to restoring it!

[@512kjt]

Awesome! The El Caminos are starting to gain popularity across all year models. I'm trying to get back on my cars. Hopefully soon! Thanks for stoppin by!

[@XxSewardxX]

Gettin a 79 el camino in 3 weeks!!!!

[@512kjt]

Awesome! They are really neat cars and getting more rare every year since they don't make anything like them anymore and probably never will. Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@396ssbbc]

I am in the middle of restoring a 1969 original ss396 el camino. when I got it you could not see any rust on mine, but when I media blasted it there was a couple of rust spots on in the quarters and in the fenders. I ended up replacing the tail gate skin, fender, and a quarter pannel. You can still save that car by buying all new sheet metal, it is relatively easy and cheap compared to the time you will spend doing body work. And if you go to a place like ss396.com they will probably have all the panels you need. Personally If I could start over I would probably just fix all mechanical issue and drive it because when you paint it nice you will not want to drive it. What ever you do have fun because it will seam like it will never get done but it will.

[@512kjt]

That's an awesome website! I'll surely be ordering some stuff from em.

[@chrismansker8870]

hay kt that's a great project I am also just learning the body work and paint and I have never sprayed a car in my life get a nice little welder from eastwood or similar nothing to big 135 amp maybe and practice on some 22 gauge sheet metal you can do it and they make every part for that car which is nice. great buy and it sounds good

[@512kjt]

Thanks Chris! I did buy me a Hobart Handler 190 and it's been awesome. Huge difference between shielded gas and a stick welder LOL.

[@chrismansker8870]

well I have never been really any good with a stick welder and I could not imagine trying to weld sheet metal with one your making great progress though the cowl repair looks awesome.

[@512kjt]

Chris Mansker Thanks!

[@rustyrods34]

Hey nice project. Thanks for subscribing to my channel. I just subscribed to yours. I will be looking forward to video updates on the El camino. If you want my advice, it would be to keep the car a running and driving vehicle as you progress with the bodywork. Just seems to help to stay motivated with a car you can still sometimes drive around a little bit.

[@512kjt]

Thanks for the sub! That's some really good advice. Actually, that is what happened to my MC. I started working on it and didn't keep it road ready and it ended up sitting. Thanks for the tip!

[@mikebecause906]

HI there, i see your currently working on a 69 el camino. I am currently building one myself. i have a totally of 3 69 elcaminos which two are my donor cars and ones my main. i have a question and hopefully you can answer this for me. above the steering Column, the gauge thats above it what does it say for you in it. mine says chevelle and i do not know if thats correct. it would be an honor if you can get an answer back to me soon as possible.

[@512kjt]

Hey Jessie! Yep, Mine reads Chevelle too. I've seen some with a clock in them but it's either been that or Chevelle.Are you doing any videos on KZbin?

[@mikebecause906]

no im not. I've been looking around online about the chevelle symbol and when i came across your first video i couldn't read out the gauges. mine doesn't have a clock but my entire dash looks just likes yours. I didn't know if there was a mistake or not but thank you for letting me know that.

[@512kjt]

Jessie Hall No problem!

[@vwdarrin]

very cool ride, you can do it ,if you need help there are lots of cool guys on the youTubes , thanks for the videos

[@512kjt]

Thank you, Sir! I really appreciate your comment and I've watched a TON of your videos! The Garage Gang is AWESOME and I'm learning a lot from guys like you Darrin and I appreciate you taking the time for the rest of us! I'm a purist, sort of, when it comes to my two projects and watching the attention to detail and true craftsmanship you and others put into your inspire me to do it right and take pride in the finished product. Thanks for watchin my video and thank you for the gift of your knowledge! KT

[@davshaw5]

Whoever told you to junk this is dead wrong, these are getting more rare every day! They're just jealous....don't wreck 'em, restore 'em.

[@512kjt]

They are getting more rare... Hardly any original parts available anywhere that aren't over-the-top expensive. Thanks for watching!

[@oacumulador]

Did you sell the cars? The El Caminos are gone?

[@512kjt]

RMD No, no, no! I lost free time starting a different job about 6 yrs ago and they’ve stalled. I still have both. I’ll be doing an update vid soon, since I got laid off from that job that I put so much time into. Thanks for commenting!

[@shadowstorm3999]

I think people should go to jail for car neglect :/ it makes me cry when I see abused cars, but this guy rescued it

[@512kjt]

Still working on it, but no recent videos :-/ Thanks for watchin!

[@dasdew2]

YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!

[@512kjt]

dasdew2 Thanks!

[@orlandoelcaminoss4542]

That's my dream car don't lissen to any one that that say junk it. Its a gem.

[@512kjt]

Thanks Orlando! I'm going to be starting back up on it here pretty soon. Thanks for watchin!

[@0Heeroyuy01]

hope you can get a good job b/c if your name is any indicator gas wont be cheap in a 454. i was looking to put a 454 in my 73 el camino decided to put a 383 instead.

[@greenwolf401]

Did he say, "Straight 6, 350"?.

[@512kjt]

Nope...

[@amandaevans6628]

l just got one to runs and drives good

[@winnabegobob1547]

I'll buy it

[@396ssbbc]

It will probably take about $7000 to get all the sheet metal good and new. Put an LS style engine in it and a good drive train and suspension for about the same money, then call it "rusty" and that would be fun and a good sleeper.

[@512kjt]

Whoa! My budget isn't that big so I'm gonna have to figure out how to cut some corners. And it's just a base model so there's not much special about it like an SS or unusually optioned one. Thanks for watching!

[@512kjt]

Check in if you get a chance. It's getting real ugly! I'm not up to $7k yet but I'm sure finding a ton of rust so far.

[@noquemalive7111]

I’m building a mostly jegs performance 454 bbc for mine

[@512kjt]

Nice!!! Old school muscle, nothing like it!

[@zachstroh4554]

I would call that more car than truck its a muscle truck people don't use these for truck stuff they use them for muscle stuff XD

[@512kjt]

zach stroh True that!

[@mattroberts4209]

Hey man, if you need any pointers on doing the body work Feel free to ask , Just dont give up Ive saw alot worse cars worth Less money Get fully restored , I Have a good example , im building a 60 impala convertible that the main body Is literally rusted into 2 pieces, The rear tub, and fire wall with doors, NO FLOOR PANS Or ROCKERS left and ill have it on the road again in a few years, GOOD LUCK

[@512kjt]

Wow, that's impressive! Funny, the rockers are about the ONLY thing on this car that aren't eaten up. I'm still in the de-construction phase so I'll surely be posting up some questions once I get to the point where I actually start putting stuff back together. Thanks for watching! KT

[@tomscott1163]

I Would Just leave it as is, and let people go to hell, as long as it runs , drive it until all of the rust consumes it. I'll be you could get another 12 years out of it. Spend the money and time on your old lady, you're only young just so long, Give your Girl Friend or Wife the time and attention.

[@mr.brownplumbing]

Swrnc diyautoschool!

[@512kjt]

My Friend Pete is AWEWSOME!!!

[@StopTheRust]

My accent is a lot more southern than yours. Don't hold it against me.

[@512kjt]

Yeah your accent is pretty Southern LOL! Thanks for the sub, subbed you back! You've got an awesome channel. I was staring at your channel art for a good while. It looks exactly like my '69 ElCo, but yours is all wrong-sided :-D Thanks for watchin!

[@StopTheRust]

And thanks for your videos. Very helpful considering I bought my project missing so much. I just about bought half a car.

[@MMCGRACING]

Hey buddy showing your channel some support!! I also have 71ss elcamino I’m redoing on my channel you wouldn’t happen to have any parts would ya ? Love the elcaminos if you have any parts you can go to my channel and leave a comment thank you !!! 👍 video

[@aztec455]

Fiber glass . Patch it up with Fiberglas

[@phoneone1371]

I restore LCAMS for a living and this ones not worth fixing

[@512kjt]

I'm just gonna try to get it streetable again. Definitely not worth the sheet metal to get it back to original.

[@perfectdark7445]

you must not be that great at fixing them if you call this bad your crazy I bet your one of those people who only know how to put new wheels and have it painted kinda guys