Member: Al Campbell
Car: 1959 El Camino
Car: 1959 El Camino
 |
Many years ago my Dad purchased a ’59 Chevy Bel Air as our family’s first car. I always liked the unique appearance of the ’59 and promised myself to one day have one of my own. The years passed by, however, about five years ago I became serious about purchasing a ’59. Things had changed over the years; the search was on for a ’59 El Camino, not a Bel Air like my Dad had bought those many years past.
Over a three year period I checked out a number of Elkys and finally in early 2006 I found the car I had been looking for; a modified ’59 listed for sale in Portage la Prairie Manitoba. I contacted the owner (Norm Weibe), talked about the car and found out that he and his son had saved the El Camino for the crusher when they purchased it from Bosco’s wrecking Yard in Selkirk Manitoba. After the conversation I knew that I had to go and see the car so arrangements were made to fly out and have a real close look. The restoration and modifications were completed in 2003 by Norm and his son.
It was everything that the owner had described. A deal was made and on April 19th 2006 the El Camino was heading west to a new home in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island.
The ’59 is powered by a 300hp four bolt main 350 with an RV grind cam, 600 cfm Edelbrock carb and intake matched to a 350 turbo tranny with shift kit. Hedman headers hooked up to a 21/2 exhaust system with Flowmaster 50 series mufflers complete the under the hood treatment.
Behind the Corvette rallies is a four wheel disc brakes system complete with drilled and slotted rotors to make sure the El Camino comes to a quick and smooth stop. Steering is made easier by a 605 power steering set up.
The interior is highlighted by ’74 Monte Carlo swivel bucket seats complete with a Chevy Impala centre console. The carpet, headliner, and door panels match the seat upholstery that was done by Omer’s Upholstery in St. Claude Manitoba.
The final modifications were a custom pine wood deck complete with a storage compartment for the box and a S10 windup storage system for the spare tire.
I enjoy taking the El Camino to the many car shows and cruises here on Vancouver Island. The car definitely filled the promise I made to myself to one day have my own 59!