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The title is "The conclusion" this is actually a summery, I suppose, more than a conclusion. I don't see a conclusion in this Elkys
future. My 76 was never a Frame Off and there were plenty of left over issues with the truck at this point. Therefore, I could hardly
conclude something so unfinished.
For this project, I have painted, rebuilt the brakes and put in a new transmission, and another and another, removed and re-built the
engine twice and I've completely redone the interior. New shocks, wheels, tires, drive shaft, re-did the dash and many other things. I
replaced things like the windshield wiper motor, the AC has been rebuilt, then rebuilt again and then replaced with a newer design.
I've had to make brackets for the AC compressor, fought with pulleys that do not or will not line up. Even after all the frustration and
in some cases outright failure, I'm still compelled to continue to spend money and do work on it.
future. My 76 was never a Frame Off and there were plenty of left over issues with the truck at this point. Therefore, I could hardly
conclude something so unfinished.
For this project, I have painted, rebuilt the brakes and put in a new transmission, and another and another, removed and re-built the
engine twice and I've completely redone the interior. New shocks, wheels, tires, drive shaft, re-did the dash and many other things. I
replaced things like the windshield wiper motor, the AC has been rebuilt, then rebuilt again and then replaced with a newer design.
I've had to make brackets for the AC compressor, fought with pulleys that do not or will not line up. Even after all the frustration and
in some cases outright failure, I'm still compelled to continue to spend money and do work on it.
The power plant that I got at the start of the project is no longer the engine that is in it. I learned that "Cheap" re-built engines are exactly that "Cheap!" A good
strong reliable power plant with any discernible power is going to be pretty expensive. Not to say that all "Expensive" Engines are power or well built, they're
not. There are lots of lessons that I have learned going through all this. Every step of the way has been a learning experience for me. When I started, I was a
cocky person who knew that it was a simple matter to rebuild and make worthy this vehicle. I found out I didn't know much or "I was full of it" about what I
did know!
I finally ended up with a GMPP Crate ZZ383 Engine in my little 76 Elky. I tried using the block I had from SRS as a base to rebuild it wasn't over .030 so I
figured all is good. Got me a stroker crank and rotating assembly and some other stuff from Dallas Imports or www.strokermotor.com and that went south.
From day one it had a bad vibration in it around 3000 to 3500 RPM up to 4000 RPM sometimes. That vibration, that torsional force tore apart three
transmissions and broke or cracked metal brackets and mounts. So, after three transmissions I decided to call in an expert to fix my engine problems. I figured
why go to amateurs, go to the source of the issue, GM Performance Parts! GMPP makes and sells a ZZ383 Crate motor that is warranted for 30 days and
honored at a lot of GM Dealers shops. Plus it comes complete from the front balancer to the rear flywheel from the oil pan to the intake, complete and ready to
go! It has a Dyno sheet attesting to its 425 Hp output at the flywheel. I'll install my accessory drive and goodies on it along with my carburetor Then I'll need to
re-case my 700R4 since that was the last one I broke and get the drive shaft balanced to top off the new stuff. If this fails then I an going to the auction block
with it! I have a 72 in the wings waiting to be started.
strong reliable power plant with any discernible power is going to be pretty expensive. Not to say that all "Expensive" Engines are power or well built, they're
not. There are lots of lessons that I have learned going through all this. Every step of the way has been a learning experience for me. When I started, I was a
cocky person who knew that it was a simple matter to rebuild and make worthy this vehicle. I found out I didn't know much or "I was full of it" about what I
did know!
I finally ended up with a GMPP Crate ZZ383 Engine in my little 76 Elky. I tried using the block I had from SRS as a base to rebuild it wasn't over .030 so I
figured all is good. Got me a stroker crank and rotating assembly and some other stuff from Dallas Imports or www.strokermotor.com and that went south.
From day one it had a bad vibration in it around 3000 to 3500 RPM up to 4000 RPM sometimes. That vibration, that torsional force tore apart three
transmissions and broke or cracked metal brackets and mounts. So, after three transmissions I decided to call in an expert to fix my engine problems. I figured
why go to amateurs, go to the source of the issue, GM Performance Parts! GMPP makes and sells a ZZ383 Crate motor that is warranted for 30 days and
honored at a lot of GM Dealers shops. Plus it comes complete from the front balancer to the rear flywheel from the oil pan to the intake, complete and ready to
go! It has a Dyno sheet attesting to its 425 Hp output at the flywheel. I'll install my accessory drive and goodies on it along with my carburetor Then I'll need to
re-case my 700R4 since that was the last one I broke and get the drive shaft balanced to top off the new stuff. If this fails then I an going to the auction block
with it! I have a 72 in the wings waiting to be started.
As I got into this endeavor, I was compelled to do things that I had never planned to do in the first place. Let us Review, I was only going to fix this truck up to
turn a real quick profit and never intended to keep it in the first place. What a hook! My days of being 17,18 and into my early twenties were there again!
Sounds completely stupid but its true. I found I could work harder on this truck that I ever thought possible. I am talking working in some serious heat, I live in
Texas after all and I worked into the winter. I couldn't wait to get off work to go to work! It was crazy really.
I was impressed with what I could do and the end results of all of it. I've never been really good at woodwork or things that require those types of skills. I do
think I am pretty good at restoring and pretty much anything that has to do with mechanical stuff. I was also lured into some of it by reading about the bits and
pieces available on the market. I saw what I could have and liked it! I had always like old cars and trucks especially if they had lots of power and lots of
chrome. The classic lines and roomy interiors that were simple actually but comfortable and yet, needed something extra. My 1976 El Camino turned out to be
no shabby example of its time also. I really do like the lines it has front to back. I think that they were saddled with a paint or design limitation at the time so lots
of people felt that this year range of Chevrolet Products were the worst. The big cars were very, very big, many of the GM cars had very long hoods, and the
bodies were not very proportional with them.
By the time I had done most of what was needed to be done I found other things to improve on. I was concurrently working on this and the 1980 SS El
Camino and I still am. When I got to a point where I am driving the 80 around I'll still be doing for this one then that one and I'll start on the 72 and probably
still be working on both the other two. I took some of the best of the changes between the two, the 80 and the 76, and I've tried to incorporate them into the
76 somehow. Every year a new "something" will come out that I'll try to incorporate in the 80, its still in work, and then do the same for the 76.
turn a real quick profit and never intended to keep it in the first place. What a hook! My days of being 17,18 and into my early twenties were there again!
Sounds completely stupid but its true. I found I could work harder on this truck that I ever thought possible. I am talking working in some serious heat, I live in
Texas after all and I worked into the winter. I couldn't wait to get off work to go to work! It was crazy really.
I was impressed with what I could do and the end results of all of it. I've never been really good at woodwork or things that require those types of skills. I do
think I am pretty good at restoring and pretty much anything that has to do with mechanical stuff. I was also lured into some of it by reading about the bits and
pieces available on the market. I saw what I could have and liked it! I had always like old cars and trucks especially if they had lots of power and lots of
chrome. The classic lines and roomy interiors that were simple actually but comfortable and yet, needed something extra. My 1976 El Camino turned out to be
no shabby example of its time also. I really do like the lines it has front to back. I think that they were saddled with a paint or design limitation at the time so lots
of people felt that this year range of Chevrolet Products were the worst. The big cars were very, very big, many of the GM cars had very long hoods, and the
bodies were not very proportional with them.
By the time I had done most of what was needed to be done I found other things to improve on. I was concurrently working on this and the 1980 SS El
Camino and I still am. When I got to a point where I am driving the 80 around I'll still be doing for this one then that one and I'll start on the 72 and probably
still be working on both the other two. I took some of the best of the changes between the two, the 80 and the 76, and I've tried to incorporate them into the
76 somehow. Every year a new "something" will come out that I'll try to incorporate in the 80, its still in work, and then do the same for the 76.
After some new carpet, new seats and repaint the interior pieces needed this interior turned out very nice indeed. I purchased and installed a new set of AC
deflector vents in the dash and dressed up some of the old trim paint that had peeled or worn off over the years. The Chromalusion paint was an expensive
addition to this trucks paint job. Typically this paint locally, if you can find a distributor, will sell for anywhere from about $90.00 an ounce to about $120.00 an
oz. These seats are all new, the dash was removed and the surface behind the instrument panel was painted over with a Chrome or Silver colored paint. This
allowed me to increase the illumination of the instruments at night without replacing the factory PN bulbs. I took off the old nasty steering wheel and used a
Grant GT type wheel with cherry wood to match the overall color in the truck. Officially, this is Carmine Red.
The center console is more of an Arm Rest / Storage box and Jump Seat. The seat is large enough to accommodate someone's butt however, its not going to.
The storage compartment is Oak and is handy at times. I do want to remove this part completely some day and install a console and a floor shifter. Once I've
competed the one for the 80 then I'll come back and do one for this truck also. Finally, I have installed a set of gauges and just to the right of the speedometer I
installed a small tachometer.
deflector vents in the dash and dressed up some of the old trim paint that had peeled or worn off over the years. The Chromalusion paint was an expensive
addition to this trucks paint job. Typically this paint locally, if you can find a distributor, will sell for anywhere from about $90.00 an ounce to about $120.00 an
oz. These seats are all new, the dash was removed and the surface behind the instrument panel was painted over with a Chrome or Silver colored paint. This
allowed me to increase the illumination of the instruments at night without replacing the factory PN bulbs. I took off the old nasty steering wheel and used a
Grant GT type wheel with cherry wood to match the overall color in the truck. Officially, this is Carmine Red.
The center console is more of an Arm Rest / Storage box and Jump Seat. The seat is large enough to accommodate someone's butt however, its not going to.
The storage compartment is Oak and is handy at times. I do want to remove this part completely some day and install a console and a floor shifter. Once I've
competed the one for the 80 then I'll come back and do one for this truck also. Finally, I have installed a set of gauges and just to the right of the speedometer I
installed a small tachometer.
This was just after the second engine was installed. This one is a 383 Ci. SBC
There is still plenty left to do I have plenty of things I want to upgrade on this truck before I feel like I am finished or even at a resting point. I still want to add a
PowerTrax locking differential, I'd like to upgrade the body bushings to polygraphite along with the front and rear control arms. I'd like to box in or replace the
rear control arms altogether. I would also like to customize the lid over the Smugglers Box so that space can be used. I will end up replacing the CD player
with a more appropriate stereo system. I would like to replace all the wiring in the truck with a new Painless 18 circuit harness.
The latest in the battle to keep it on the road came when I had taken it to the racetrack for the first time. I wanted to feel it run and see what it would do. I
knew its limitations at the time. I had a good engine and a fair transmission but the rear end has a factory set of 2.73:1 gears. This gives me fair mileage on the
highway and could allow this truck to go as fast as 140 before topping out, but it does nothing but harm to its "Stop light fun factor." My first run I missed the
lights and jumped out ahead of time. The response from the truck was not a "but pinning" experience that I had hoped for.
The second time I got a good burn out, I staged and didn't flinch when the tree started to go off. I hit the light stomped the gas and took off like a heard of
turtles again. Hauling down the 1/8th this engine just barely got into its RPM range before I reached the end of the line. I had a miserable time of 10.1s @ 62
Mph. However, unknown to me at this time I had another problem that developed. The amount of torque put out by the 383 was big and it wanted to turn
something, twist would be a better word for it. My bell housing snapped in two from the excessive amount of power applied to that low of gears. My 383
produces somewhere close to 407 Lb/ft. of torque and if the tires hook, and they did that night, then any weak link will show up. I guess that the transmission
had a fracture in the case all the time I just wasn't aware of it. When the transmission started to twist in place it twisted the mount apart and the housing gave
way.
There is still plenty left to do I have plenty of things I want to upgrade on this truck before I feel like I am finished or even at a resting point. I still want to add a
PowerTrax locking differential, I'd like to upgrade the body bushings to polygraphite along with the front and rear control arms. I'd like to box in or replace the
rear control arms altogether. I would also like to customize the lid over the Smugglers Box so that space can be used. I will end up replacing the CD player
with a more appropriate stereo system. I would like to replace all the wiring in the truck with a new Painless 18 circuit harness.
The latest in the battle to keep it on the road came when I had taken it to the racetrack for the first time. I wanted to feel it run and see what it would do. I
knew its limitations at the time. I had a good engine and a fair transmission but the rear end has a factory set of 2.73:1 gears. This gives me fair mileage on the
highway and could allow this truck to go as fast as 140 before topping out, but it does nothing but harm to its "Stop light fun factor." My first run I missed the
lights and jumped out ahead of time. The response from the truck was not a "but pinning" experience that I had hoped for.
The second time I got a good burn out, I staged and didn't flinch when the tree started to go off. I hit the light stomped the gas and took off like a heard of
turtles again. Hauling down the 1/8th this engine just barely got into its RPM range before I reached the end of the line. I had a miserable time of 10.1s @ 62
Mph. However, unknown to me at this time I had another problem that developed. The amount of torque put out by the 383 was big and it wanted to turn
something, twist would be a better word for it. My bell housing snapped in two from the excessive amount of power applied to that low of gears. My 383
produces somewhere close to 407 Lb/ft. of torque and if the tires hook, and they did that night, then any weak link will show up. I guess that the transmission
had a fracture in the case all the time I just wasn't aware of it. When the transmission started to twist in place it twisted the mount apart and the housing gave
way.
Its May 2005, My new word is Vibration! Vibration killed two good Transmissions, a Torque converter, and finally the Motor its self. My analysis, while late,
is that at the time the Cam went bad was on Brake in. It was a Comp Cam that #1 Exhaust lobe went flat in which caused my vibrations. Between 3000 and
4400 RPM the dead valve really started being a significant factor. A bad cam caused a lot of problems, cost me a lot of money and delayed my enjoyment of
my ride for a while.
So, I bought a cheesy Long Block, to save on some cash, to start this whole episode off! Funky! That engine went south, built a 383 bought a bad cam for it,
no, I mean "Lousy Stinking Comp Cam", tore it up eventually along with two transmissions! It is a good thing I don't have to depend on this for my livelihood,
I'd be a street person right now and this little project, started in 98, would be a hunk of Iron rusting away at some local junk yard!
Three engines, three transmissions, three (counting the cut down) drive shafts, one rear end gear change, tires and wheels,one complete interior (Two
stereos), outside make-over and some upgraded electronics, and one complete new brake system later I am now able to really enjoy the truck a while. I
hope a long, long time. We'll see.
is that at the time the Cam went bad was on Brake in. It was a Comp Cam that #1 Exhaust lobe went flat in which caused my vibrations. Between 3000 and
4400 RPM the dead valve really started being a significant factor. A bad cam caused a lot of problems, cost me a lot of money and delayed my enjoyment of
my ride for a while.
So, I bought a cheesy Long Block, to save on some cash, to start this whole episode off! Funky! That engine went south, built a 383 bought a bad cam for it,
no, I mean "Lousy Stinking Comp Cam", tore it up eventually along with two transmissions! It is a good thing I don't have to depend on this for my livelihood,
I'd be a street person right now and this little project, started in 98, would be a hunk of Iron rusting away at some local junk yard!
Three engines, three transmissions, three (counting the cut down) drive shafts, one rear end gear change, tires and wheels,one complete interior (Two
stereos), outside make-over and some upgraded electronics, and one complete new brake system later I am now able to really enjoy the truck a while. I
hope a long, long time. We'll see.
 |
As I have already touched on, many things about this truck are just not the way I want them to be for ever more. I do plan on getting some new Poly Body
Bushings for her. I believe that will give less sway to her body in corners. I am learning some about suspension at present. I want to changed the upper and
lower control arms out for a tubular set, front and back then add a sway bar to the rear. I'd like to change to a new better set of springs and finish up
re-building the front end components. I want the body off the frame for a spell so I can refinish that too! Nothing fancy like the 80 but something that will
protect her for many years to come from rust and other problems.
So this saga will continue for a time.
Bushings for her. I believe that will give less sway to her body in corners. I am learning some about suspension at present. I want to changed the upper and
lower control arms out for a tubular set, front and back then add a sway bar to the rear. I'd like to change to a new better set of springs and finish up
re-building the front end components. I want the body off the frame for a spell so I can refinish that too! Nothing fancy like the 80 but something that will
protect her for many years to come from rust and other problems.
So this saga will continue for a time.
 |
This is a ever so brief photo show of the history and progress and problems in capsule form. You may choose to view it as it is, slide show format and
sideshow format in enlarged separate window. You can click on any of the images to bring up a separate window also to get a better detail. Most
photos are sized to fit on a screen resolution of 800 X 600 or less. Note: Netscape Browser for some reason doesn't pick up on the individual notes in
the photos. So this works best with IE or it's derivatives.
sideshow format in enlarged separate window. You can click on any of the images to bring up a separate window also to get a better detail. Most
photos are sized to fit on a screen resolution of 800 X 600 or less. Note: Netscape Browser for some reason doesn't pick up on the individual notes in
the photos. So this works best with IE or it's derivatives.
| Last Revised: Monday June 18th, 2007 5:50 PM CST Copyright © 1998-2007, V. R. Engstrom, elcaminoplace.com is a Registered Trademark All Rights Reserved |