*El Camino Ride Height ?*

[1972coronet]

I've been slugging along on the AMT 1968 SS-396 El Camino , and it's been a pleasure of a build thus far.  

How long will that last ?

I've read about completed build-ups, all out of the box stock; I've seen quite a few photos of the same. Some builders have mentioned the ride height being on the Lowrider side -- something I'm trying to avoid on a factory stock build. 

What kinds of cures / treatments / modifications can be made to keep the Elco at a stock ride height?  It seems that all of the 'Renaissance' AMT kits of the 90's tend to suffer from this malady.

Any other tweaks and adjustments to make for an optimum fit ? I seem to recall that the engine kind of "floats" in the engine compartment because of the exhaust manifolds.

I've been enjoying this kit so far. I don't want to relegate it to the 'Shelf of Doom' due to impending build issues.

Thanks much !

[Ace-Garageguy]

Judging from the instructions for that kit, raising it should be easy.

At the rear, shim the springs, parts 31. You'll probably have to fiddle the shocks, parts 38, to accommodate this. The easiest way is to cut the skinny end off, lengthen to fit the mounting holes (with a small styrene shim the same thickness as the spring shims), cement back together.

At the front, the object, if you want to raise the model, is to lower the stub-axles on the spindles, parts 24, relative to the rest of the car.

Sometimes, if spindles of this type aren't symmetrical, you can simply swap them side-to-side.

Other times, it's necessary to cut the stub-axles from the spindles and move them relative to the vehicle (with the vehicle being right-side-up, naturally).

To get the strongest result, drill the spindles to receive short lengths of styrene rod the same diameter as the original stub-axles, glue in place with liquid cement, and allow to dry thoroughly.

MEASURING before and during the procedure is critical to get good results, and to get all 4 wheels on the ground.   

Edited January 23, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy

[deuces wild]

Big block powered El Caminos and Chevelle SS with the F-41 suspensions sit up a tat higher than the lo-po small block powered ones.. So yeah, raise it if you must!...

Edited January 23, 2022 by deuces wild

[1972coronet]

13 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Judging from the instructions for that kit, raising it should be easy.

Thanks much for the suggestion, the perfect, detailed explanation, and for the visual (excerpt of the instruction sheet). 

[1972coronet]

13 hours ago, deuces wild said:

Big block powered El Caminos and Chevelle SS with the F-41 suspensions sit up a tat higher than the lo-po small block powered ones.. So yeah, raise it if you must!...

You are correct. Every stock Mark IV powered El Camino I've seen of 1966-1967 & 1968-1972 model years sat higher than their small block relatives (I don't recall having seen an L-79 powered El Camino with the F41... same stance as a 396/402/454?).

Thanks much !

[rightrudder]

If having steerable front wheels is important to you, use a short length of aluminum tubing. Shave the spindle as shown in the photo, then epoxy to the tubing to get your proper axle height. Then drill through the upper and lower control arms with a pin vise and slide piano wire through them and the tubing and you're done!

I did this with the spindles already glued to the wheels, but it's easier if done beforehand.

 

 

 

 

[Muncie]

SS Big block 1968 El Caminos came standard from the factory with rear air shocks (and probably available on small block and non-SS) - rear ride height would be variable.

[deuces wild]

That's right because some folks would load up the back with some heavy loads... The SS version did have a pair of heavy duty rear coil springs.. Probably from the Malibu or Chevelle station wagons...

Edited January 26, 2022 by deuces wild