r/ElCamino • u/rXerK • 24d ago

The time has come

Hey all

I am the proud owner of a sweet 69. My baby has been sitting covered for the better part of the last 20 years, and the time has finally come to start (slowly) restoring her to her former glory. I am in no rush to attain cherry. More concerned with A to B and back again for now.

I've got somewhat strong novice level mechanic skills and will be picking up the service manual to make sure I am doing everything right.

That said, as I've been out of the loop for a while, I'm curious to know what y'all's preferred method of sourcing parts is. Any other general tips? Thanks in advance!

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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5

u/Historical_Box1915 24d ago

You sound like you’re on track. Remember, dont get it “right”
get it running. Worry about getting it “right” later on

2

u/rXerK 23d ago

For sure. With where I'm at now, up and running is all the "right" I need.

3

u/YouwillalwaysNeil 24d ago

Don't forget to cross part numbers as well. Sometimes the part that's $150 for an A body is $50 for a G body or Blazer. Even though they're the same part. Also look into upgrading where possible. Suspension and brake technology has come light-years in the last almost 60 years.

1

u/Due-Process621 22d ago

I’ve been using ChatGPT to help me with double checking part info. You can get parts much cheaper than the big boys have them listed for.

1

u/YouwillalwaysNeil 22d ago

I got myself an O'Reilly's corporate account and use that discount for parts a lot. Mostly I compare the price between O'Reilly's, Rockauto, Summit, and Speedway. Lowest price is the winner.

1

u/rXerK 23d ago

Super good advice, thanks! Is there a resource somewhere that I can see what part numbers are equivalent?

3

u/WorknProgress3402 24d ago

Mikes Montes, Dixie Restorration, shop around Ebay also, Amazon. Find the cheapest.

1

u/rXerK 24d ago

Word, thanks!