Member: Richard Williams

Car: 1986 Chevrolet El Camino SS

Richard's 1986 Chevrolet El Camino SS

I have owned several “vintage” cars in my youth, most notably a 1952 Ford Crestline Victoria Hardtop, a 1957 Ford Fairlane 2 Door Hardtop and a 1956 Chevrolet Fleetside Pickup. I am an avid collector of die cast model cars and trucks and have about 120 in my collection in glass cases in my garage.

My affair with this 1986 El Camino SS started in the spring of 2003. My son called me from Newfoundland to tell me that he had found a car on the internet and that it was in Everett, Washington and I might be interested in having a look. My curiosity was piqued to say the least.

I called immediately and made arrangements to drive down and have a look. The original owner had been sick for 6 years and had recently passed away and his son was selling the car. It had been parked for 6 years at the time. It was love at first sight! He told me that his father had purchased the car brand new in Everett and had babied it all the way. The only thing that the son had done was replace the tires as the original ones had rotted from sitting for so long. Unfortunately, he forgot the original rims at the tire dealer as he had put on IROC tires and wheels. I made arrangements and bought the car, but it took 7 days to get the U.S. Customs search done, before I could even pick it up! Then, at the border, it had to be cleared by the U.S. Border team as well, and of course the applicable taxes paid!

Since it has been home in my garage, I have done a good many things to bring the car up-to-date mechanically. The paint was in excellent shape and when I waxed it a few times, it shone like new! But, I have had to do a few things under the hood! Most recently, all the gaskets in the engines, put in new shocks, new brakes, a new windshield motor, door seals and factory floor mats.

I have also purchased several factory manuals for it: Owners Manual, Shop Manual, Electrical Design Manual and the Original Maintenance Schedule. I have the Original Service Sticker mounted and framed and hanging in my garage. In the future, I am anticipating having to rebuild the transmission, but at the present time she cruises and purrs like a kitten.

Richard’s ’86 El Camino is equipped with the following


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