1974 El Camino Desert Queen Sitting For Years! Will It Run/Drive? - NNKH

[@Jaarzima]

It was nice meeting you today at oreilly! My daughter will not stop talking about Gus! Thanks for the sticker and making her day!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Great meeting you guys as well and thanks so much for checking me out the channel!

[@Jaarzima]

Always, we look forward to checking all the past videos out!

[@d_rock_t]

Love it that Jen loves these old junky cars as much as you do. Dont change your style.

[@crforfreedom7407]

🙄

[@NewLife-qj9mx]

Agree, I like that shes part of the video

[@mikejennings2346]

Awwright! Another Road Trip on NNKH with Chris, Jen, and Gus. This is gonna be a lot of fun to watch. Good luck ya'll.

[@Jlmartin25]

Best ever channel on youtube! Keeping what you’re doing!

[@joellekarma]

I was a Highschool senior in 1987 I bought a 1974 Chevelle Malibu 4 door with a 350 My Mom who was very skilled helped me paint it cannery yellow I drove that car for years. It had a points distributor I converted it to HEI I added a 1970 stock4 barrel manifold and Quadrajet carburetor and dual exhaust. It was no race car but it would travel down the highway with ease at high speeds. You check the Transmission fluid when its running not while engine is shut off.

[@DaBossk]

N I C E

[@johnnyfisherr2656]

Exactly

[@Hanzyscure]

I think he knows how to check trans fluid on or off.

[@joellekarma]

@@Hanzyscure Just suggesting is all

[@paxhumana2015]

@@joellekarma , I would have LS swapped the car and made it have some go.

[@1969bonneville]

You have a rare one there. In 74, Chevrolet had the Spirit of America edition available on all models in anticipation of the Bicentennial. They didn't sell very well so 74 was the only year for them. That's the first el camino I've seen. I've seen the option on an Impala, Nova and a Vega before. Probably adds value, but not sure how much. Definitely rare though.

[@dcformee123]

They did make the option in 76 still.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

I just love it. Jen is the best looking mechanic I’ve ever seen and she looks good twisting a ratchet. It’s a brave move driving it home but I guess that’s half or maybe a quarter of the fun. Gus is the icing on the cake and I love the way you both adore him. What a beautiful family you guys are. Cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

[@Hard_Right]

damn i remember when this channel had like 20,000 subs can't believe how fast it's grown... actually i can believe it, this is THE BEST will it run channel on youtube in my opinion

[@jennifersugint]

Thanks for your support! I was just saying that to Chris. I remember the moment he hit 20,000 subs and how excited I was for him. I am over the moon excited for his growth. All from hard work and dedication!. Thanks for watching. We appreciate all the viewers so much.

[@Daddyrabbit_2]

I would have agreed with you over a year ago NSDE! All of their adventures are interesting,informative and entertaining!

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

This, vice grip, junkyard Diggs

[@deerski4426]

Hi Jenn, you have the same smile as Cheryl Ladd. Beautiful and Not afraid to get dirty! Chris you are awesome and I wish I had a quarter of your knowledge for turning wrenches. And Gus, his beautiful blue eyes get me every time 🐶. I am a new scriber and am so glad I found you 3. ❣️ love from Washington state, jeff

[@FerociousPancake888]

I have to agree. This is #1 on my will it run list.

[@alanmclenon9703]

Going full "My name is Earl" That is pretty cool, someone in my neighborhood back in the 80s had an SS454 that he kept spotless.

[@Lovegun-w4s]

Back in 1984 when I was a senior in high school I got a 1969 El Camino out of a farmers field. Changed a junk motor and some bodywork and had myself and awesome hotrod. Just love El Caminos 👍

[@paxhumana2015]

My ex-stepfather had a black one that was from 1970 and it was an SS model. Sadly, there was more rust than truck on the truck, though. If he had not had more issues than a magazine, as well as had been a stable person in his life, then he could have taught myself the art of vehicle maintenance, but, seeing as I have autistic spectrum disorder in real life, I probably would not have made a good mechanic, unfortunately.

[@jrnash5329]

I've always had one , after blowing up my big block Camaro I got the 1st '72 El Camino & I've had 5 more. Once I drove one I never wanted to drive anything else , cept maybe another big block Camaro HA !

[@brettbritton7795]

The older Chevy small blocks had pressed in rocker arm studs -- running them at high RPM's would pull them out a bit, looks like that is what happened --- they sell threaded studs - pull out the pressed in stud - tap it and thread in the new stud --- Done ! Great videos -- good luck !

[@allstylinone5122]

Love the Spirit of America edition on a ElCamino. 👍

[@frankiesanchez8565]

Hi Chris it was nice to finally meet my favorite KZbinr here in New Mexico I’m the guy you seen this morning at Arby’s hop y’all have a great safe trip back home can’t wait to see the new video soon

[@Pureignition58]

0:47 My grand father had one like that but it was brown with beige pin striping. Before he bought the camper shell, he took me to San Francisco to visit Alcatraz Island. I pasted out in the bed of the El Camino while we were on the freeway and my grandmother told my grandfather to pull over and she put the air conditioning on and told me to get in the front seat and sit in the middle. Things were so peaceful back then.

[@Ogsonofgroo]

OMG what a desert queen! I just started this episode and am already gobsmacked, one of the few early 70's Chev's that had nice lines and was somewhat practical with almost a half tonne carrying capacity, I am amazed the original cap is there, the project is a diamond in the rough for sure and now I am going to actually watch this with a good bevy and muchies :) Side note ~ Canada killed many of these with rust and I suspect most survivors are in BC, even have a few in my neighbourhood :)

[@andrewspirk6502]

So pumped when I get the new video notification! Love where this channel is going.

[@freewheeler88]

Chris & Jenn ...Thanks for taking us along on your Florida trip ...Good Times. Love your "Will it Run" Series.👌💥!

[@knockrotter9372]

that access panel in the trunk is a GM stopgap, the el caminos and malibu wagons shared the same frame and floors, so instead of making a different cast for the elkie floors they just threw a slab of sheetmetal over the rear footwell on the wagon floor and hey lookie now you have a place to put your beer in case you get pulled over

[@brianalanmorris5628]

That's awesome Jen goes with you working on these vehicles. I love Gus he is so cool Jen rocks and great job. Very knowledgeable and straight to the point Chris keep up the kick ass work.

[@jasonpetrich4141]

Oh my good God where did you get that picture of David!!!??? That's amazing, one of the best guys at hotrod!! Love roadkill... dude you got a nice ride and it comes with the topper!! Score. I have always loved the elcos all the body styles, I only drive trucks And love the g body's, So it's the best of both worlds.

[@ronaldmiller2740]

HI NNKH,, CHRIS.. GOING BACK TO SEE PART 1 MAX AND I .. GREAT DRONE SHOT.. SEEING THE EL CAMINO JUST COMING BACK TO LIFE,, THANK TO JEN AND GUS HELP.. WOW!! SPIRT OF U.S.A. ,, THANK'S ALL.. PEACE ..

[@wilsonfigueroa1679]

You guys are a perfect couple and perfect car handy keep flipping and most of all keep it humble I rely admire you guys.

[@movieman25155]

You are awesome Chris. Super channel!

[@betobsbf]

Very cool to see Jen talking more in the videos! Gus is a very sweet puppy btw

[@carldevries2023]

Wow!! A “Spirit of America” ElCamino!! I had no idea these existed ❤❤

[@sheldonbenson4510]

You do great work bringing all these cars and trucks back to life,love your videos,and I noticed you are wearing a diesel creek t shirt Matt has a great channel to

[@mayhem035]

Koa campgrounds are the best! Back in the 80's they started on those cabins ! I was 10 years old.. love the video!

[@rickmunson8317]

My brother had a Camino. Always was working on it. Enjoy the videos. Enjoy seeing you all together on your adventures.

[@keithjefferies9862]

Just love these trips away with Jen and Gus and i can see your enjoying every minute Chris

[@cliffweinan3907]

Brings back memories of my 73 El Camino restoration. Nearly everything needs TLC, but they are fixable. With 4 coil springs, the 3rd generation El Camino rides so smooth over a pickup truck. El Camino and Ranchero are the original SUV, sport trucks.

[@scottwright388]

I believe Jen is the no nonsense girl. When he asked, what are you doing down there...she replied, what you asked me to do...I love it, reminds me of me.

[@steelwheels327]

Love El Caminos!! too! The hidden storage was because the EC. was built from the same platform as their station wagon so the spot where the storage is located is exactly where the backseat passengers feet would be at.

[@matthewpeterson3329]

Hey bud, you were right in my back yard on this one. It would have been a treat to come meet you and your traveling companions. I know you are trying to film as much as possible so you don't want a bunch of looky loos, but if I could offer a suggestion... drop a vague hint of your general location a few weeks ahead of time. If time allows, maybe shoot out a video short for a meet and greet... not to be recorded necessarily, but I think your following is strong, and folks would like to say hi in person and shoot the shit about cars. I'm certain most of us would be willing to offer support when needed too. Anyway, great stuff as always!!!

[@jennifersugint]

Where Are you located?

[@matthewpeterson3329]

@@jennifersugint I'm in Maricopa. It's probably a 45 minute drive from AJ. I usually listen to your show while I work, rather than watching. Between NNKH, Junkyard Digs, and Vice Grip Garage, there is plenty to keep my ears occupied while I work. I love the long format. Keep up the great content!

[@geirmyklebust]

My daily drive since 2017, blue and white '74 Camino, still love this car. Slot mag rims, Speedhut gauges, nice steering wheel, and nice seats.

[@Blucenturion344]

This is hands down my fav vid of yours, Chris! Just outrageously great! Jen is worth her weight in gold in your productions, and life!

[@MrJohnBabcock]

Great video! Love that NNJenn and Gus came along for the trip and support. Was fun watching all the side bits of the trip as well as the mechanicing. Keep doing you!

[@modstek]

Four miles to Walmart is farther without breaking down than Sleeperdudes projects lately 😆 Keep up the good work I'm sure the big Sponsors are right around the corner 👍

[@TechyRodsWire]

my fave channel now!!! made my day to see a new video!! love you guys!

[@davidwoollett1877]

Great video! Love 1973 -1976 Chevelles/Lagunas. My second car was a 1974 malibu that ended up getting a cam, quadrajet, duals and a posi/sway bar from an olds cutlass with 3 55:1 gear and i ran 4 AFX scat trac L- 50-15s on the back. That car was so cool. That was 1980. Keep bringing the great videos!

[@DG-mi2mc]

So glad i Found your channel. No nonsense, Quality content. Love it! 🙏

[@evilborg]

i loved the El Camino -- as a kid growing up in the 70's i always wished to own one but never got a chance

[@jeremiahskarsten4519]

My sister lives down in PHX, and I also absolutely love the desert, I always ride the harley thru apache junction, up to Canyon Lake etc. There Def is something magical about the 🏜

[@frankm8533]

Great episode I could do this stuff all the time. That's a awsome car

[@burtbacarach5034]

My first vehicle was a 74 El Camino,350 2 barrel TH 350.Thing was black and white,black interior with swivel buckets and a console.Bought it in 1980 for way to much money,it had been hit in the front and the frame was wacked,first time I washed it a the car wash the paint peeled off in sheets,Car was a total turd and I loved it!I've had a couple more since then,a 77 and an 81,somsday I may own another,Great vid!

[@MountainAdventures1]

I have an '86 El Camino (the Cruck). If you do a decent driver-level restoration, you'll never want to get rid of it. Only disadvantage is that it draws a lot of attention to itself, be prepared to have someone come over and talk to you every time you make a stop. I've also had traffic swerve out of their lane and almost crash into me because they took their eyes off the road to look at it. Hope you make the journey without incident.

[@MikeComberger]

Experienced the exact same thing with 2 of my 70's era C3 Corvettes. People will chase you down to look at them! Lol

[@livinglikarockstar]

Dad gave me his worn out 77 el camino for my high school graduation present in 84. built a 396 out of used parts here and there and drove the wheels off it! She's a keeper, special edition!

[@DT7967]

Been watching Vise Grip Garage for years and found you guys. I was a mechanic for many years. Unless someone did this kind of work, they do not understand how difficult it can be. Jen is a trooper however I'm sure some of the stuff has to be edited out!-:) She's always smiling but my wife does not like to help me working on cars because sometimes I get kind of irritated working on them!

[@geebopbaluba1591]

When I was a senior in high school in 1974 a friend of mine had a 74 SS 454 Elco and man I’m sure it belonged to his dad but damn I loved that car.

[@jasonspringett5367]

yesss, I been waiting for this one!!

[@ulfhellquist6172]

My favourite channel :-) Looking forward to the next one! Greetings from Sweden!

[@davidsnyder2000]

Great video guys…love Gus❤️🙂 And I think the butterfly/moth was attracted to Jen’s energy. If I were to say more, you guys would think i’m nuts. Animals and God’s other creatures know good souls when they find them…it’s your positive energy guys🙂👍❤️🙏 Much love👍

[@jobu9224]

You are a brilliant mechanic. In awe that you can work on absolutely anything. That is talent.

[@williamcleveland9218]

My first new car was a 1974 Elcamino, I paid 3700 out the door. It was two tone blue on blue 350 power steering and brakes.

[@dgb56bgd]

I like it that Jen doesn’t mind doing some work on the cars? Reminds me of my own wife. She’s younger than me and loves working on things with me. We’re building our homestead in NE Tennessee. Couldn’t do it without her. We’re currently living at our 2 homes that we built in China, but will return to Tennessee in December, to finish up our home there. Can’t wait. Blessings y’all.

[@kc0lif]

i like that generation of el camino especially with camper shell.

[@magicmarouke1425]

Dude ,I absolutely love these rescues from scratch. Especially the will it drive home part . Like the 70’s vehicles you choose too . Keep up the good work

[@RubenChickenFences]

Loving this video as usual. Please give us more.

[@danielsmith8412]

Not even a car guy but love watching your videos. Keep doing cross county drives. Love your style and explanations on how things work!!!

[@mjbray3525]

Those starburst panels were GM’s solution for customers who didn’t spring for the clock option. My Chevelle has one in the cluster too lol

[@paulcarter2907]

What an untidy engine bay..Pipes and tubes everywhere it seems..Others seem much simpler..Great video Chris, again, thanks...

[@grosbeakmc]

Great video. I really like your approach to solving problems on the fly - wish I was more like that but we've all got our own strengths! Great to see Jen and Gus along for the adventure. Take care!

[@jayyin88]

Having the significant other who supports your hobby is a true blessing. You don’t know how much I envy you for that.

[@terrye6853]

Another really nice episode, appreciate the work you guys put in to get these done

[@escoh1]

I love these long road trips so much fun to watch!!!

[@chugaaa]

Love this channel so much, I wish they could post every day! Lol. Good luck on your way back it looks a bit crusty 🙏🏻

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! 👀😎👍 Man you done it right you can’t go wrong! Am the owner of the 1976 GMC Sprint 400 cid had 60,000 one year ago now 68,000 miles . Good luck on work ! 👀😎👍🇺🇸👀😎👍🇺🇸

[@jstar1000]

Diesel Creek T shirt love it, Matt is the man!

[@twinkie27271]

I was looking to see if Matt commented.

[@onecrak]

You guys are just cool man, cheers from Australia 👍👍👍👍

[@jefferybye2169]

Greetings Chris and Jen and Gus, from Jeff in Pennsville, i love these will it run videos that your traveling too..great work like always..

[@dgb56bgd]

I love the way you get so excited over these “not so nice” TONS OF WORK vehicles. I’m with you…I love the El Camino and Ranchero rides. Should be fun.

[@pdrphil8159]

My 1st car was a 73 Chevelle.. Id love to find one thats not a bucket-o-rust. The 74 Camino is based off the Chevelle . I love em. Most came with the 170 hp 350. Low compression smog hogs . The EPA won out & killed the muscle cars for 25 yrs. But , you could buy them cheap in the 80's . Love to find a Chevy Monza Spyder.. I had a 77' with the small V8 In hi school. It had a 262 I think. I had to practically pull the motor to get the back 2 plugs out.. A lot of em were crushed because the frames rotted at the wheel wells..

[@oldschoolbassman4590]

I had a 72 back in hi school. I'm starting to look for another. So cool. I can't wait for the next video.

[@stevesalvage1089]

Great team work there ! Very entertaining ! Keep up the great content I'm a big fan !

[@karaDee2363]

The smartest thing you ever did was having Jen on the videos more... And Gus too... But now you have so many subscribers that my comment will get lost in the crowd 🤣 LOL Looking forward to part two..

[@ecannon649]

Great video, looking forward to the next. If that cam is wiping the lodes out that means the metal shavings are all in the engine. I wiped a lobe in my sbc years ago and it wound up killing my bearings etc. Best of luck to you guys.

[@knightwizaed6921]

Waiting for the next parts. Thanks Jen for putting in the seat and tightening the lug nuts.. wow I can't wait ...

[@BradleyKole]

You’re my favorite KZbinr

[@jerrywilliams9190]

Jen's a FOX! Chris?......he's not too bad either. SUPER nice guy and very knowledgeable and helpful - easy to follow/understand.

[@alanmclenon9703]

Those 70s GM small blocks are notorious for soft cams, had a 77 Impala wagon with a 305 and it started clacking and the rocker came off and it dropped a valve, all I can figure is it got jammed up and broke the top of the valve off or knocked out the spring keeper, either way it was catastrophic.

[@MikeComberger]

Isn't that the darn truth! Huge combustion chambers, press in studs, nylon covered timing gear & soft cam lobe. And yet, I'm STILL a Chevy guy!

[@royfrye2871]

Great video. Congrats. You are the proud owners of a Spirit of America El Camino! Sweet!👍👍⚡⚡⚡🇺🇸

[@megagregg]

Obviously the stud on that rocker was pulled out a little. You can see it has more clearance under it than the others. This happens when you rev those really hard.

[@georgetubbs8211]

I NOTICED THE STUD HAD PULLED SOME TO

[@megagregg]

@@georgetubbs8211 yeah he probably needs to tap some threads and put some threaded studs in. He'll find out sooner or later when he takes a closer look or reads this comment.

[@spacecomma4355]

I came here to say this. I can't believe so few people saw it.

[@saxmanbrad]

truly look forward to every single new vid! love the content, thanks from Annapolis!

[@chicagovasko]

I love this channel. Bro your my street release.

[@raywilson9450]

3 takeaways; 1) Jen is a good sport. 2) Gus is a very good boy. 3) Most El Camino have those behind the seat storage areas rusted completely out. Yours is perfect!

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

Those old 350 heads the rocker arm bolts are notorious for pulling out of the head because they're not threaded in. High RPMs kill them ask me how I know LOL.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Interesting! That might explain a couple things. Maybe they're already partially pulled out. I was thinking it's collapsed lifters

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

@@NoNonsenseKnowHow you're more than likely right since that motor has been sitting so long. Keep making the videos I love what you're doing.

[@wastingmymoneyonmotorcycles]

I like these travel videos...!

[@jennifersugint]

Thank you!

[@tentotwo8290]

Absolutely love your style of videos, can’t believe I only found you a week ago. Thanks to all three of you for your hard work. All the best from across the pond. (North Wales)

[@jrgenfriborg3508]

Hi. I’m 64- had 2 of them when I was 19 -20 years. Loved them.

[@clstjam4321]

Is it just me or did that rocker stud look like it was taller than those adjacent? Some old SBCs are known for lifting those press-in rocker studs. I've had it happen three times on three motors. The fix is drilling and tapping them out and replacing them with screw in studs.

[@prevost8686]

If you were on a tight budget you could “pin” the pressed in studs. You drilled through the pedestal,through the stud, and then hammer a hardened pin through both. A lot of dirt track guys who were broke would pin them as it was far cheaper than machining and installing screw in studs.

[@MikeComberger]

​@prevost8686 I remember that growing up with dirt track racers-in our trailer park! (Yep, small town folks still had race car hobbies!)

[@travharrell1713]

O'Reilly's is great. The guys at the one here are always very helpful and friendly.

[@richardthomas1743]

Hey Chris, Jen and Gus! Hell yeah lets do this!!

[@breedavis8838]

I dnt no a thing about cars..but from watching your videos.. makes me wish I would of.. your a hell of a mechanic man.. very interesting

[@brucebociung820]

I sold that El Camino to the guy you bought it from It has a rebuilt engine in it with 30,000 miles on it The receipt for the engine is in that paperwork I bought the car from the son of the original owner

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

That's so cool that you ended up seeing this video! And yes I haven't dug through all the receipts yet but he did mention that it was a rebuilt engine bored 30 over.

[@SuperTater2000]

I love watching your videos. They’re very informative.

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

Nice ride

[@lawrenceengel3330]

Sure do love watching these adventures you three get up to 👌

[@alyssadoha]

'Damn babe, you are like in there' Jen... 😝

[@charlesroberts6965]

Always fun hanging out with you guys bringing back another piece of history. My dad actually owned two of these a 72 with the 350 ci and 4 bbl which after I was grown wish I had saved for my first car☹️ he replaced it with a 76 305ci with the 2 bbl nothing like the older model on power..but he loved them and drove it to our families Napa business. Appreciate you sharing this brought back some fond memories of him. Thanks for all you do..amazing content 😁🇺🇸🔧

[@greybear3090]

yea used to be a clock

[@Joesmusclecargarage]

Not “used to be” a clock. A clock was an option, and that is the blank that was used in vehicles that were not equipped with a clock.

[@timemerson4162]

Nice find, I recently bought a '77 myself love these Elcos. my late brother bought a '73 new.

[@j.v.7273]

❤ another show of your talent. Great old footage of ads of years past. Thanks for time and video. Stay safe on your travels.