+1 on getting a truck instead. Much more useful load capacity, cheaper and if you are worried about load height, you can always lower it. I had a nice '70 F100 with a 5.0 EFI transplant that'd probably still be a $4k or less vehicle today.

http://image.customclassictrucks.com...tage_truck.jpg
1970 Ford F100 Pickup Truck Restored Vintage Truck Photo 1

Have fun!

G

Major plus for 60's Chevys (from my experience back then):
Parts! Almost all parts are interchangeable. Heads from a 327 will fit on a 350...
Ford? Not so much. Windsor parts won't fit on a Cleveland.

My brother had a '65 El Camino.

Originally a 6 cylinder, we put in a 383 stroker. Had to convert the front end to disc brakes. Originally non-power drums. Was super nice. Then my brother put it into a tree.

Don't get a Ranchero. Too much specialty stuff for it. El Caminos are a dime a dozen and parts are cheaper.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1388350729.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1388350782.jpg

a cousin of mine has one almost exactly like this one. just a slightly different shade of red

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1388352845.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398199822.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398199854.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398199992.jpg

My HVAC guys El Camino.

67' with a 396. IIRC close to 200k on the clock.

He bought it new and has done only regular maintenance on it otherwise pretty much the way it left the dealer.

A real survivor car.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398200347.jpg

El Camino in my opinion just LOOKS a lot better. Both are pretty simple cars to keep/maintain I imagine.

Lol!!!

Elky. Period.

And there's nothing wrong or rare about a Muncie. Gazillions made. Zillions still in use.

700r4 would be today's best choice for a trans in an old Elky.

If you want to drag, get a 'Glide.

If you want a boat anchor slushbox, go TH350 or 400.

Muncies are weak....spare me...

Carter

I prefer the 2004R with full lockup and a limited slip rear in an El Camino. That is what I have. The 700r4 is great for a pickup because first gear is real low. Great for pulling a load. The 2004R can be built plenty tough for any reasonable street driven car.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398259411.jpg

I have driven my 1986 Elky for over 22 years as my daily driver.

It rides like a car but has some cargo space. My wife told me this morning we are going to the nursery to buy plants this evening.

I get complements every week on the Elky. It is amazing how many 18 to 25 year old kids love it. Of course lots of old geezers my age comment on it.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398259671.jpg

This is the most valuable load I ever hauled. It is worth more than a very nice house. It is a 9x9 aerial camera that cost way more than the Cessna 206 that hauls it around.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398263444.jpg


For the use you are looking at (hauling bikes and cruising with the occasional burnout) I would go with an automatic.

My favorite El Caminos are the 1966-67 models.

Another great trans choice!!!

And a killer lookin' late Elky!!!

I gotta remember to let my Muncie equipped buds know how weak, yet rare their transmissions are. It'll probably take a while. I think they must own very nearly all of them, given the rarity.

Admittedly, M22s are somewhat harder to find. Ebay will always have some though.

Carter

I am more of a Ranchero fan--the later 77-79 with the quad headlamps and sharp angles--preferably a GT with the stripe package--or an 80's elky with the Royal Knight package. My great unlce had one of these in Black with gold decals back in the day--and that thing just looked sweet--like a Bandit T/A but in truck form.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398352236.jpg

I have to admit I am very prejudiced, but I think that is just a good looking vehicle.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1398352294.jpg

The '59 model is pretty hot, too.

http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Che...S_DV-08_08.jpg

One of our local El Camino club members has a 59. He was going to stuff a 545 in it. We all tried to discourage that. Before he could swap engines he got married. Now he will stick with the engine it came with.

I think it's aged very well. That's a solid cruck! It's great that you've had it so long.
I know you've seen the sad/rusted, banged up examples. They look ragged.
Not yours though. That's a great vehicle all around.