1968 L78 EL CAMINO

[FrankOD]

Hi everyone. I own a 1968 L78 El Camino with 19000 original miles that was purchased new by Edward Meiller of Maryville TN. This Fathom blue car was bought at a Tennesee dealership in October 1967. While under warranty the expired 396 was swapped out for a CE 427 short block. At this point the badging on the exterior and interior were changed to 427SS. All the engine components including the heads were swapped over. The car was sold at some point and was in Illinois for a period of time. I purchased the car in 2008. Does anyone remember or know of this car from back in the day? When it was last registered in Illinois the license plate read "FEW LEFT". Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.

[olredalert]

----Frank,,,You have a nice car there. I remember it from around the early 80s. I was working at Classic Motors in Hinsdale and went to look at your El Camino as it was for sale. I liked the car a lot but we couldnt get together on the money. Later I regretted not stepping up for it as it really was a sweet ride. Unfortunatly, I cant remember any of the specifics (owner, et,). Ill bet theres someone on this board from the Chicago area other than me that also remembers the car though.......Bill S

[FrankOD]

Wow! That's something. Thank you Bill. I had the car full frame off restored in 2010 by Jen Jacs in Savanah GA. They put a date code correct 396/375 back in the car with all the original parts from the the 427. Every body panel is original to the car as is the M21 and the rear end. When they blasted the car Joey called me up and said he never saw anything like it. Not one spot of rust or bondo anywhere on the car.

[markinnaples]

Any pics? I love old Elcos.

[Charley Lillard]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2014/01/full-23-8767-pichers1.jpg

[FrankOD]

The whole restoration is on Jen Jacs.com

[parkbrau]

This one? http://www.jenjacs.com/r.php?page=58

[FrankOD]

That's it. When you click more pictures the whole restoration would come up. I see that is no longer working. Not sure if he is still in business. Those pic's are from 2009/10.

[mockingbird812]

Boy, that's a dry truck!

[69hurstSC]

Looking at buying a 68 SS El Camino 138 car w/ a 4spd. The car has had a motor transplant. Are there any signs to look for to identify if it was an L78?

[the427king]

M22, 6K tach, 3/8 fuel line

[69hurstSC]

Are those options are above and beyond ordering the L34?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the427king</div><div class="ubbcode-body">M22, 6K tach, 3/8 fuel line </div></div>

[Carleen]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 69hurstSC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking at buying a 68 SS El Camino 138 car w/ a 4spd. The car has had a motor transplant. Are there any signs to look for to identify if it was an L78? </div></div>

Singel 3/8 fuel line

[69hurstSC]

Thanks. I've purchased the car, but have to wait for it to be transported. I'll post shots when I can.

[69hurstSC]

Some preliminary shots from the seller. Rust free car with an older restoration.

http://i61.tinypic.com/j0bq03.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/fp2k3t.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/5jsffb.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/2qd8z7o.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/ins75y.jpg

[camaromb]

It sounds like the L78 El Camino that was here in Illinois years ago. The original owner was in Tennessee and I was able to talk to him regarding the 427 from the protect-o-plate info. It had an L88 put in at the dealership where the original owner worked and 427 fender emblems. It was a handful when I drove it, drum brakes. It had a blue interior I believe, Bill Balzer was the owner here in Illinois late '80s, early '90s. It was very original and had similar mileage.

[FRANKO]

The car is now for sale. listed on e bay. Thank you.

[FRANKO]

SOLD.