#2. 1978 El Camino SS. Will it run and drive after 20 years? Let's get started on this restoration!

In this video I attempt to get the 1978 Chevy El Camino Super Sport running and driving. I also clean out all the mouse houses. Let's get started on the restoration!
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Clunkers and Classics
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[@johnsegura-zy6ru]

What made this review is the inspection crew love the 🐈 they are giving there approval of this project

[@JDLR956]

Lookin forward to this build series. Black n silver two tone with your iroc wheels is my thought.

[@williamlee8098]

I can hear the excitement in your voice about this one I’m so happy for you I feel the same way about old bicycles it never gets old

[@biglutherie]

I agree with you about the color of that stripe package. Any color you decide on will be an improvement.

[@380.motorsports]

Love that body style El Camino. Gonna be a big project but it will be a good looking car when you are done.

[@kennethsonier1766]

From the way you explained things Lee it sounds like it sure should be a nice car when you're finished. Keep up the good work and the cool videos ✌️🇺🇲

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks 👍

[@randyhoepker5528]

Lee loves this car! Like I said I prepped about 5 of these brand new in the summer of 1979 for delivery at the Chevy dealer I worked at. I would keep it white and the gold will look great. As you mentioned there were other stripe colors you could choose. But what is going to screw you up is the fact that the interior is gold. So if you keep it gold, will a maroon or silver stripe look OK with the gold interior? A couple I prepped for delivery may have been SS models, but I know one was a green Conquistador model. And there was one gold Conquistador too. These were not bad looking cars, but most of them were limp wristed with V6 engines (that I saw). At least this one has a 140 hp 305. Definitely want to find a donor car for the tail gate and trim and possibly interior door panels. It would be a fair amount of work to change the interior color. We will be watching the build! 😅

[@scrappy7571]

I also worked at a dealer in '78. Bought a black/gold SS 350 4-speed. Loved that car, drove it until the rust killed the frame in the late 90's.

[@Aaron-TheHandsome]

🐈 Cat: On standby for rodent 🐀 control!👍🏽😂😎

[@trolllibtards2604]

To bad he treats them like 💩.

[@keithharden7844]

Paint it grey anthracite with a black stripe.

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! Looking 👀 👀 forward to see how it comes out ! 🍺🍺🍔🍟

[@lirr408]

It is a beautiful truck. I always liked the 78- 86 El Camino, Chevelle , Monte Carlo I know they were not all available for all those years). I have a 73 Chevelle here on Long Island and I agree about rust in the North East. Looking forward to the progress on the El Camino. Great job on the Chevelle, Novas, Aspen, and Nomad. The rear wheels look like they are original to the vehicle . The fronts look like Cutlass rims.

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks

[@paullombardo8809]

I would keep the same color scheme. It will look beautiful when it’s done

[@rwl8150]

This car would look great in the GM Black Cherry paint.

[@rickypevey7751]

Miss my old 78 I was 20 23 now I’m 62

[@gazza6348]

Has that poor cat landed yet 🤣🤣

[@kellyhumes1217]

I would put the wheels on that Malibu on the El Camino.

[@davidthomits544]

I’ve seen the work you’ve done and this will look great when your finished

[@1yris1]

You got a damn good deal!!!!

[@clunkersandclassics]

i think so too

[@FiresideCoffee]

I vote for black with a silver/red stripe kit!!!

[@williamdavis4511]

I spose a complete disassemble and POW R WASH. Sweet...

[@ferrochinabisleri1587]

I do remember these back in 1982. They were nice and all gold, bronze, brownish, burgundy, stylish metallic colors like that.. .but I was in Los Angeles at that time...

[@jamespn]

Throw a can of ATF in to silence the lifters.

[@davidlaramore1359]

I like it!

[@nickelnoserestos2598]

Excited about this project... soooo glad you're giving this one the attention it deserves... Love this era El Camino... I like the "Royal Knight" package also that these came in (think it was '79).. I was just graduating HS when these came out and they hold fond memories for me.. and I just thing they're dang cool!

[@billangel5655]

your key may not be turning back because the column collar (moves with the shifter) may not be going to full park position......my 78 malibu with console shift did the same thing. Been watching since you first got on yt and love your low budget approach!

[@kennyboone2278]

I was looking at some that I think are factory colors. Black with a red bottom looks really good. I also thought blue with a silver bottom looks good, too. Not sure if you want another black car, but I don't think you have a blue one yet.

[@lietus4192]

The el camino is your car , no need to bankrupt yourself because of a car. I have faith that itl work out for you .

[@jonathonmanigault7698]

I like it. It sNice trying to find me one now…..💯

[@benvoncannon7430]

Great year cruck so nice great cruser its azzin for a vet motor

[@mana-ma-non3072]

Nice little addition. My 1st thought was man that would sure look great with a burnt orange stripe and burnt orange interior . Liquid sponge type dye is available . Looking forward to this build

[@MikeyMack303]

Nice job on that El Camino. I'm pretty sure that you can salvage that gold carpet with a good washing with the pressure washer and some Dawn liquid dish detergent and one of those brush/drill attachments. Thanks for showing this, Lee.

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks

[@lietus4192]

Another good video Lee!

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

That's a nice addition to the collection. A score finding at a key price too. If that were mine, I'd paint it rootbeer brown, with a tan lower graphic, and hood scoop similar to what the Camaro Z28's had on them of that same era. Looking forward to watching the build.

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks

[@zaffinod]

Keep the SS true. 200 HP is plenty for we common folks.

[@darrelkinney9856]

I’m a Chevelle, Elcamino nut. 64-87 A body , G body.

[@mikesawyer4707]

Lee you remind me so much of my dad. He could see past the worn out paint and a little surface rust. Good luck and we will be watching this project going forward. To you and Nikki take care.

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks

[@virginiosantiago3329]

Nice car

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks

[@slyboogey6263]

Cool project!

[@Darryl603]

Nice! I like the direction you're going with it. The black rims would look good. You might have a bent push rod. You can check it by rolling it on a flat surface.

[@rickcapron9353]

Should be awesome when you get done with it

[@murvisstribling4035]

Next video please murvis from Orlando Florida area

[@mikesawyer4707]

It is your car do it your way.

[@nickenglezos687]

Get some valve cover gaskets and adjust those rocker arms.ill follow you through the journey...peace.

[@billsocha1058]

I really like this car. If you don't like the factory colors, maybe paint it in the same style but with colors you like? And maybe put a small cam and some heads on it to wake up the 305.

[@richardmarino5658]

I know you're going to make this Ol' gal beautiful again. As far as putting another engine in, I don't know. It depends on what you find after you remove the valve covers and see what you can see. If the numbers are matching, I would leave it in. Being a 78 I think most people would prefer original over speed. Like you said you can always do a few things to perk her up a bit. Just my two cents but I would leave it white and gold. I'm looking forward to seeing you getting started on it.

[@rwl8150]

A standard full size tire will fit behind the seat along with a factory style jack.

[@clunkersandclassics]

yes but has a brochure in the car for a space saver spare

[@daviddematos7470]

Top silver gold paint Black and red strips

[@lucifermorningstar8541]

I got an 85 El Camino looks exactly the same body style, so I can’t wait to see if you’re going to replace the weatherstripping where the doors are inside around the frame because I got to replace them and I tried the one side and screwed it up, so I want to see how you do it.

[@clunkersandclassics]

stay tuned!

[@robertsmith987]

Don’t push the kitty away

[@trolllibtards2604]

He treats them like 💩…

[@twistedjeeper1]

The gold '78 stripe kit from Pheonix looks much nicer at least on their website than what is on the car, it would look good with that and the IROC wheels off the '76 Donor car.. Definately a good car to fix and flip.

[@daviddematos7470]

1981 z28 mags👍

[@garybell799]

Some If the Last 70s GM cars had a button on the colum, to release the key, check the colum to see if there is a safety lock on it

[@clunkersandclassics]

there's not

[@garybell799]

@@clunkersandclassics I Can't Remember when the put them on GM, I know I had a 1980 Chevy Monza with a 400 SB Tubro 400, It had a safety Latch on so maybe in the early 80s

[@ryanmiller7588]

You asked for comments on paint colors…I would stick with stock colors and decals.

[@Geezer1320]

I had one of these. It had station wagon springs on it and set a little higher. It looked so much better. I put Center Line Auto Drag wheels on it and it looked pretty awesome. These cars look really good black or silver. Or black with silver strips in my opinion.

[@clunkersandclassics]

I already have a black one

[@raymiehershey1430]

Like this one, a jem. Not a big fan of Chevrolet Gehto Gold. Silver scheme nice.

[@mypronouniswtf5559]

Damn,getting views on this car!! here's to 20k subscribers and beyond!

[@clunkersandclassics]

People are ready for a new build!

[@RoverWaters]

black if you make the AC work

[@daviddematos7470]

Good for total for Black elcamino

[@docdenton5407]

Maybe they put the electric pump on because they were running it on propane and had a switch to turn it on and off

[@clunkersandclassics]

probably

[@willskinner3101]

you know it is a REAL SS so why not fix it up and keep it and sell your other El Camino you already fixed up and painted? As for paint Black with a red stripe would look great but in case the hail damage is too much maybe go with the stock white and gold. I'm sure whatever you decided it will come out nice so go nuts and have fun with it. Look forward to seeing what you go with.

[@thomasdenton5204]

Good video Lee

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks

[@jasonlong3981]

Rust belt cars make a person learn new auto repair skills…. Ask me how I know!!!! Lol

[@ericdelgado3395]

Its missing or damaged front air dam! Love that Curved rear glass be careful that might not be made anymore! Pinch welds are OK in southern states my brother comes down south to get cars because they are not rotted away!! So glad you are trying to save original upholstery charcoal sounds good for lower stripe and wheel color with Silver top color but tan interior or "BUCKSKIN" won't match unless you go with a whitish looking silver !! Those Ralleyes look good dark already charcoal soon sounds like !! 😂😂😂

[@RedWhiteAndBlueVideo]

I know that White and Gold isn't exciting. Although I would probably go original as it goes with the interior. Honest Charley has the SS front end which would be cool except it's $2600. I know guys in the 80's would put bigger cams in those 305's, and get decent power out of it. It sounds like it needs lifters etc. anyway. I don't think you will get 50 to 60 Hp out of exhaust on a 305. I think you need a cam for that.

[@clunkersandclassics]

intake and 4 barrel plus headers and duals, cat delete will add 50 hp easy

[@RedWhiteAndBlueVideo]

@@clunkersandclassics yeah I guess a 4bbl should help. I did have an 84 Z-28 4BBL 305 it only had 145HP. Probably would have helped I had taken the emissions carb off, but we had E-test. Now it's only 96 and up OBDII in WI.

[@waynemcdonald8687]

turn the lower part of the steering column

[@clunkersandclassics]

tried that

[@tracywalters5606]

Gun mantel grey with a black stripes

[@Dookieandsons]

say that's totally different I love that body style I would clean that car up and making hot rod out of it skinny's on the front and slicks on the back just like my daily driver S10 Blazer with a V8

[@Dookieandsons]

I actually meant that brown gold looking Malibu that you said wasn't worth fixing to you I love that body that is a Malibu correct

[@craigpeter5871]

try shooter some w-d 40 in the key ignition...i would keep the same paint scheme for the look from the factory....keep up the good work lee

[@clydepodvin5026]

Great job, yep your right about the northern cars, snow and slush don't go well with metal.

[@mypronouniswtf5559]

That was a damn good deal on that El Camino..I like that your going to redo the car mostly stock like the wheels etc..those seats are a nice design and redone will bring more value to the car,costly but they make the interior of the car,junkyard seats would kill it, I think... As for the color I am torn between keeping it original even the stripes,I guess if it was my car I would do lots of research on it,maybe a El Camino forum and get more info? I don't know just talking out loud..Maybe a color change will bring more money? Better color stripe kit? Anyways I will sit back and see the direction you take it..

[@Jsellers1965]

LP Gas is probably so they could shoot flames out the exhaust.

[@loganboyer8816]

These also came with a 4.4 liter 267ci v8. I had one. And a 79 malibu sedan with the 267. Interesting little small blocks.

[@clunkersandclassics]

I think they come out in 79, not offered in 78

[@danawick9817]

I still say Lazer Blue and titainium if you can get the silver graphics. if that had propane thats why things are messed up and the motor makin noise besides not running for 20 years. ive seen guys pull propane out and in less than a month engine blows up.. could also be why it has a 2 barrel the 4 bbl could have been for duel fuel. just my 2 cents

[@frankgannon8907]

Great video. Car sounds great. The moter from the. 77 would sound good in it solid car!!!!!

[@michaeljankowski8036]

Just wondering, did you check the rear frame rails for rott? If they are good and solid the rest will go smooth.

[@clunkersandclassics]

frame is solid

[@michaeljankowski8036]

Good

[@blevins6584mopar]

Paint those Camaro wheels on the Malibu . And put them on the 1978 El Camino . 🤔 Nxt year power tour car ?

[@clunkersandclassics]

not a power tour car, not enough room and no lock carrying cargo

[@lonnymay3997]

Try to grab the bottom of the column and turn it counter clockwise to get the key to turn back. The floor shift cars still have a rod that runs up the the column just like column shift cars. If its gone or out of adjustment and the column isnt turning all the way (like its in park) the key wont turn back.

[@RichL8223]

Probably should pull the tank and try and clean it, looking forward to the progress

[@ericdelgado3395]

It's got a button release to remove the key It's the black button on the column! Use your thumb on that black button (slide) while turning keys back to you!

[@clunkersandclassics]

that is the 4 ways. button to release key may have come on standards

[@paulsampson6024]

What’s probably holding it is between the ignition and dash that part of the column turns.. the linkage between the shifter and there is most likely broken.. you should be able to turn the column by hand to go back to park to turn off the ignition

[@resurrectionmotors2421]

Back in the day general motors use that dashboard in a lots of cars, a Buick century, regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass, Chevrolet Malibu ECT. You may be able to find a replacement dash. You could get some stencil paper, an outline those logos and paint them all to save money. You might run some Marvin's mystery oil through that motor and get rid of that tappan. Just a few ideas. God bless

[@lonnymay3997]

That exact dash was 78-80 Malibu, Elco and Monte Carlo only.

[@Spennyman10]

I like those 14'' rallies. I'd run 225/70/14. There usually reasonably priced. That size is equivalent to a 205/70/15 or a 245/60/15.

[@novals1319]

I think I would put on the burgundy stripe kit & also do the wheels in burgundy too.

[@raymondchaisson5617]

WHY DONT YOU USE A GO PRO CAMERA ON YOUR HEAD THEN YOU WOULFNT HAVE TO CARRY THE CAMERA AROUND

[@jct300m]

Nice project!! Those Cats stick to you like glue!!! There camera hogs!!! They stay in most every shot!!! Lol-lol!! Good Luck on the new build!!!

[@clunkersandclassics]

Thanks

[@trolllibtards2604]

To bad he treats them like crap.

[@skelelator]

I had a G body El Camino and the full size spare fits flat behind the seat

[@abrdds]

Cool

[@randomguy1807]

Keep it the same color scheme. Then you’ll be changing interior colors and such

[@bobbysprinkle6086]

Hey Mr.Lee if you want to sell that 2 barrel carburetor let me know I am looking for a carburetor for my 1973 Chevy C10 truck I got if you want to sell it

[@hankpugh4980]

Aren't the bumpers from a 78-87 Malibu wagon the same as an El Camino? Anyhow looking forward to this build,you seem fired up about it.

[@clunkersandclassics]

yes

[@MichaelSmith-wb1es]

That thing would look great with the IROC Z wheels

[@tracywalters5606]

Hi what happened was he had a boat

[@kdog7617]

It’s running not bad may be put a rocker arm and push rod on it. Good oil change

[@melissadunagan6596]

I would paint it back to the factory colors . I like the 2 head lights more that the 4 head lights my self. I have a 87 el camino, they or nice.

[@bryancantu3297]

Hopefully the rear taillights are in good shape they’re a one year only

[@VATION3RD]

If you do put a LS engine then you could put on the bottom SUPER SPORT LS

[@dwayneda7729]

How about those 5 spoke ss wheels on the 77 Malibu? I've always thought they looked great on the ss Monte Carlos

[@waynemcdonald8687]

It's not all the way in park

[@clunkersandclassics]

it is

[@dougtodd305]

Looks like the condom protected it

[@richdetlaff-5983]

Somebody probably gonna tell me to shut up....but grand national front end...all black

[@SeanWoessner]

Do you have any kids

[@richdorak1547]

GM should have stopped at 1966. IMO.