Mike V’s 1967 El Camino

Ground Up Content Team
June 10, 2021
Customer Cars, El Camino

Built From The Ground Up

Mike V’s 1967 El Camino

Mike is the second owner of this 1967 El Camino 396 BBC, 4 Speed Muncie, 3:55 gears w/ Posi and acquired it for $10,000 on February 16, 2016, from his Grandfather. His Grandfather purchased it in 1967 from a Chevy Dealership in Palo Alto, CA.

The car was used primarily used as a work truck to and from work for his Grandfather’s machine shop. Mike has fond memories of his parents borrowing the El Camino to pull their boat for family vacations. Also using it for a few dump runs from time to time.

Since the truck was built the same year he was born in 1967, he told his parents that if the car was ever to be sold, to give him first rights so they could keep it in the family.

Fast forward to 2016, Mike received a call from his parents asking if I was still interested in purchasing the truck. Without hesitation, he sold his Jeep Wrangler in 3 days, wired them the money, and took delivery within the next week.

Now keep in mind, the car had been sitting in his Grandfathers garage. In Washington since 1991, so he had some concerns about appearance and if the car even ran. His Stepfather emailed him pictures and assured him that it was running.

Other than just seeing pictures, he was basically purchasing and taking delivery of this car sight unseen. After meeting with the transport service driver at the local Walmart in Bend, Oregon, he drove the truck home and having some serious buyer remorse.

In February 2019, he had to pull the engine for a full rebuild. His now 19-year-old son helped him pull the engine along with putting the engine back together and dropping it back in. All the labor except for the short block rebuild and the exhaust has been done by both him and his son.

It was honestly his dream to own a first-gen Camaro muscle car since he was in high school. Although he is at a stage of his life where he can finally afford a Camaro, the 1967 El Camino runs deep with him and he wouldn’t sell or replace it for anything. The car has a family history, it’s cool and will remain in our family for years to come.

He often attends local car shows in Central Oregon. He has future plans for the 1967 El Camino including a rear Global West w/ QA-1 coil-over suspension package, upgraded seats, and a paint job.

Rebuilt Engine Components: (Rebuilt April 14, 2019)

Holley Street Brawler Quick Fuel 750cfm
COMP CAM 11-430-8 (280HR)
COMP ROLLER LIFTERS
COMP CAM Ultra Pro Magnum Roller Rocker Arms 1:70
COMP CAM Pushrod Guide plates
COMP CAM Bronze Fuel Pump Rod
Smith Brothers Racing Rods
March-Serpentine pulley kit
Mini High Torque Starter 9000
Moroso 6-7 qt. oil pan
Moroso Oil pump pick up
MSD Digital 6AL 6425 Ignition Box
MSD Coil
MSD Pro-Billet Street Distributor
MSD 8.5mm Spark Plug Wires
Edelbrock intake manifold gaskets
DEI Titanium Spark Plug Protect-A-Boots
Holley Valve Covers
RPC billet valve cover breathers
McLeod Racing Clutch
Melling-oil pump
Autotec pistons 10.5:1
Flowtech aluminum heads hydraulic roller
Aluminum radiator
Water pump
Edelbrock timing cover
Cloyes Street True Roller
Edelbrock Performer RPM 2-O Intake Manifold
Lower and upper main bearings
Cam Bearings
Hedman Headers 68198
Holley Fuel pump
Chrome air cleaner
K&N Air Filter
CPP Power Steering
Power Steering Pump GM Type 2
March Power Steering Pulley
March Power Steering Serpentine Pulley

All-New Suspension:

Drilled slotted front rotors
Drilled slotted rear rotors
Front calipers & pads (69 Chevelle) / Rear calipers & pads (79-85 Cadillac El Dorado)
QA-1 front coil-over springs
Hotchkis front sway bar
Front steering rebuild
17” front wheels US Mags
18” rear wheels US Mags
BF Goodrich G Force tires