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1966 El Camino Restoration: Front Suspension and Brakes A 1966 El Camino begins its journey into the 21st century with some custom resoration and tricked out mods. From "Resto Rides" episode DRRD-101

In this five-part DIY series, a 1966 El Camino gets new technology in its old body. In this first phase of the project, work gets underway with the installation of a new suspension, upgraded brakes and replacement of the steering column to meet modern safety specs. To see just how this transformation begins, read on.

Before

Before

After

After

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Project Overview: Suspension and Brakes Upgrade

DIY's auto-performance ace Andrew Totolos has discovered a diamond in the rough — a 1966 El Camino, that he'd like to restore in a way that brings it into the era of modern high performance. While he loves the bold stance of the muscle car, he wants to soup it up with some new technology under the hood and a new paint job.

Before restoration

The El Camino engine, before restoration begins

	Installing the front brake
	New high-performance front brake, installed

For this undertaking, Andrew brings this road-weary vehicle to the shop of fellow car-enthusiast Christie D'Amore's. To start the rebuild, Andrew and Christie work from the ground up by removing the suspension, the steering system and the old engine.

Because they're practically rebuilding the entire car, Andrew and Christie decide to pull off the front clip and pull out the engine first. They equip the car with a new suspension that includes drop springs and tubular components that outpace the stamped metal of yesteryear. With the addition of cross-drilled and slotted rotors all around, and a new steering system, the car is well on its way to being a fine ride.

Materials and tools:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), the essential tools required for this phase of the project are listed below.

new disc brakes with master cylinder and brake booster
upgraded shocks
floor jack and jack stands

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the restoration procedures shown in this episode of Resto Rides. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, don't rely solely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle. When using a jack to access or work beneath a vehicle, always use jack stands for support. Make sure that the jack and stands that you use are rated for the weight and type of your vehicle.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

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