1985 Chevrolet El Camino Conquista from North America - Comments

There has really been nothing that has gone wrong with the car yet except for a few things (which to me are normal) ;

1. Water Pump

2. Belts and Hoses

3. A/C.

Everything on this truck is original and normal maintenance has been performed on the vehicle since its purchase originally from the manufacturer.

I got this truck from my father in law who passed away last year. He used it as a farm truck and did not drive it much. For a 1985 with only 86,000 miles when I got it, it has performed well and looks good. The driver's side of the vehicle is somewhat faded, but that is from him parking it that way in the sun when he was on the farm. The engine is not quite powerful enough for me, but it is only a V6 and under all that metal, is a little sluggish for me when I pound the accelerator. The comfort level in the vehicle is standard for that model; it floats and turns like a boat, but is smooth on the road.

I am experiencing problems with it now, but it is basically parts that are needing to be replaced because of age. I intend to do either of the following:

1. Top to bottom Resto of the entire vehicle back to showroom stick (except for a stereo).

2. Complete body resto and add small block 350, turbo 400 tranny, supercharger and posi rear end and add a stereo.

I have been happy with the vehicle and I always get people who stop me and say that I have a nice truck.

If you plan on doing a full resto, figure $10,000.00 in parts and paint. I'm just finishing my 1985 GMC Caballero. The best source for parts is dixiemontecarlo. Another good source is OPGI.

I had a 1985 El Camino SS until March of 2008 when I gave to to my ex wifes new husband. The odometer read 825,000 miles other than routine maintenance the only major repair was a remanufactured engine at 476,000 miles. The seats were a little saggy, but that 4.3 liter V6 was a charmer. The only negative thing I have to say is that I had to carry about a quarter ton of kitty litter in the bed during these harsh mid-atlantic winters. The rear end on these cars are a slippery as snake snot.

John, Media, PA.