Michael saw a slick 1973 El Camino about five years ago at the Kansas Inspection garage. Instantly, he knew he would have one in the future. His brother in law has a 1968 Firebird and three old Broncos from the early 1970’s. So he needed a classic too!
Michael has been scanning sites for a few years looking for Camaros and El Caminos, and this 1970 El Camino SS 396 popped up one day. He knew he needed to go see it fast. Arrangements were made for a visit and test drive. Michael made the deal with a very good owner that was moving to Texas and had no garage room. He literally had tears when he handed the keys to him, and he promised to take good care of her! He named her Pearl Cam for Pearl colored Camino off the name Pearl Jam! It is rare to find a 1970 El Camino in such excellent condition, says Michael. It was originally gold and was repainted a pearl color (paint job is good but not excellent). The engine is a big block 396 (actually a 402). There were 6,468 SS 396’s and he thinks he has one of them, but he’s still researching to verify.
Michael also cleared it with the business accountant (he runs a landscaping company) as a “delivery and advertising” vehicle for the business. This sealed the deal. He is now very happy to have this as his first “muscle” car. He is learning a lot about what to do and how to keep it in excellent condition as well.
He’s added: a new battery, replaced all sway bars and grommet connections, replaced the head gaskets, added new front shocks and a new master brake cylinder. Leaks have been fixed, and it’s been gone through by a good local mechanic shop. He also has replaced the lighter, the speedometer cables, fuel cable and the transmission cable.
Michael plans to tweak it every year and make it incredible, and show it. It has a “dummy” 8 track. He plans to put an amazing stereo in the car with great speakers and and working 8 track. He also plans to paint the bed after he finishes his research on if it’s an SS or not. Michael also plans to add some more horsepower, and possibly some upgraded disc brakes in the future.
