Hardtop 1959 elcamino

This was a project I started in 97 and went a different direction with my elcamino. A hardtop elcamino with factory parts.

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Is this a rescue and restart? Hope so

 

A restart. I have all the parts to rebuild it. Lost most of the roof when our business burned down in 2000. But I'm going to use a convertible windshield frame and make the roof removable.


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That is going to be cool! Always wanted to do a 59/60 El with no roof and only little 1/2 bubble windscreens for the driver and terrified passenger

 

With the roof off, you can't tell that it's not a convertible. 4-door hardtop rear window frames for the door glass. It worked out pretty slick.


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What are your plans for the rear glass? The missing top sounds cool, but I'm not seeing it with the backlight in place. Not to stray too far off topic, I always thought it would be neat to do the door mods you did but also include the rear roof section and backlight from the four door. Sort of an extended cab look.

 

The way it was looking, the back of the roof and the edge of the window would look like a 4door hardtop. It was going to work without needing to reshape the back window. But since they are re-popping the back window now, may be able to make it fit better.


To chop or not to chop. That is the question.

 

I was thinking of setting the roof up like a corvette hard top. I have a friend with a 59 vette and it wouldn't be to difficult to go that route.


To chop or not to chop. That is the question.

 

I Like your 59 RPU idea, thought I would also chime in share this (photoshop?)pic I ran across awhile back..

 

That would be different !


To chop or not to chop. That is the question.

 

Cool idea! I'd go for no chop. I think it would make people scratch their heads more.


Dustin

 

I like the idea of a removable hard top, I am not sure how often with would be pulled if it were mine but it is a cool idea.

I got a thing for El Caminos and Rancheros anyway. Not sure which one I like best, probably depends on the year. I'll have to watch this.

Are you hittin' it as we speak or is this a long term thing?

 

It's already chopped to Impala spec. A wee bit more would be neat, but ditto as it now is.

 

It's already chopped to Impala spec. A wee bit more would be neat, but ditto as it now is.

 

Get going, liking the ideas. I always thought a 4 door hardtop rear window with an extended rear window tray would be a neat El Camino custom trick. But i do think your removable top would be a nice way to use what you have now.

Still miss my old 59 El Camino, it went over to Sweden and never heard more about it.

 

Here is the start of my elcamino. Started putting the front clip together and digging out all of the bits and pieces.

 

I had a similar idea. I bought a 60 4dr ht, for the roof, front and back glass. Parted out the rest. I've been looking for another 59 ElCamino. I've collected all the 2dr Impala moldings. Been looking for 59 H.T doors. So it's cool seeing this here.

 

Here is the same el camino in front of same building


but the photoshop does look similar to that one transporter that was built to carry a racecar

 

ok, once I found the other picture there is a big difference but this is what that photoshop reminded me of

 

I can't find a elcamino body so I'm going to modify a station wagon into a camino. I got this wagon in 96, sold it and just got it back.

 

This guy is all for you keeping the rainbow sticker in the back window............

 

The Impala/Nomad trim with the El Camino scrip will look good, nice touch.

 

Here's some of the convertible parts for the car from a badly rusted out 60 Buick.

 

Just picked up some nos thrush glass packs from my parents attic. (Of all places)

 

Interesting idea. Should look really good I think.

 

Kid - You gave me Thrush envy. Had a set of Hush Thrush header mufflers in my pop's barn I was saving for decades. The roof had leaked on 'em and they looked like lumps of rust when I found them! Damn! Who woulda knew..
Should have bought a pallet full of them back then. Chrome reverse wheels, too!

 

I can smell a host of good ideas in this. Removable top? Not one of em for me but it's yours. I'm not smellin a chop either. The subtlety of the hard top thing is just off the hook kool and you have an opportunity for a level roof. The finished stance of a well done hot rod Elcamino is right where the roof becomes level. Still, even a stocker at that, the fins are a little high when it's all done and we just have to accept it. Now I can see about 1/2 the required rake and a shit ton of OEM touches to make the most avid fan scratch his head till it bleeds trying to sort it all out. H.T. Elcamino or 1st impression convertible? Anyone can have a 'vert...

 

It won't be chopped anymore than installing a hardtop windshield. Making it look factory is the goal.

 

Quarter panels for the 2-door jam placement