DIY Network

'66 El Camino: Bumper and Trim Installation It's one step closer to the checkered flag as the newly painted El Camino gets the bumpers and trim reinstalled. From "Resto Rides" episode DRRD-104

	Your esteemed cohosts, Andrew Totolos and Christie D'Amore

The car is back from the paint shop, and the new paint job looks great. Andrew and Christie replace the trim work and install their custom dash. Finally, they mount the new wheels and tires to complete the fierce look of the El Camino.

The steps in this phase of the restoration, as seen in episode 104 of Resto Rides, are summarized below.

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.

protective absorbent matting
painter's tape
wheels and tires
wheel spacers

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The '66 El Camino now sports a new candy-apple red coat.

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: 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.

Steps:

• Andrew and Christie are ready to replace the trim work. First, they pop the cowl into place and carefully replace the screws, so they don't scratch the new paint.

• Then they pop on the windshield trim and the windshield wiper arms before moving to the front where they begin work on the headlights.
  It takes some time to make sure the trim around the headlights line up straight. After the headlights, Andrew and Christie bring in the new SS-style grill and screw it into place.

• Next, they install the hood trim up top, and finally, the hood spear.
  

  	With the paint job complete, Andrew and Christie install the bumpers.

  Bumper and Trim Installation

• It's time to attach the bumpers. Andrew and Christie tape up protective absorbent matting to protect from scratching the new paint job.

• Once the padding is taped on they carefully raise the bumper into position and bolt it into place to complete the front end.

• In the back, Christie replaces the bed trim and pops on the freshly painted El Camino emblem. She also reinstalls the taillight and the tailgate emblem as well.

• The rear area is protected with padding, and Andrew and Christie lift the rear bumper into place.
  

  	Andrew and Christie install the exterior trim

Next, they move on to the dash. It takes some work to make the dash pad fit properly, but it's easy to lock the pad down with washers and nuts. Andrew and Christie are ready to install their custom dash.

• First, Andrew drops down the steering column by removing the mid clamp. Then they attempt to get the dash into place, but it's a little difficult to work it in around the wiring. Once the dash is lined up there are a few screws along the top to put in. After all the screws have been tightened, Andrew replaces the steering column bracket, and Andrew and Christie work together to lock the dash into place.

• When all of the bolts are in Andrew replaces the key switch and the air-conditioning controls. Christie brings in the gauge panel. They trim away some of the extra wiring and tape off some dead ends. Then they go to work pre-wiring the gauges. There are six gauges, so they combine two like wires into one and keep merging powers, grounds and illumination wires until there's just one wire for each hookup.

• Once all the pre-wiring is complete, Andrew and Christie hook the new gauges into the existing wiring in the car. Each gauge also has a sending unit wire, so those get hooked up as well.

• Next, Andrew drops the center mount one more time to fit the gauge panel into place.

• Once the panel is in Christie screws it down, while Andrew replaces the steering column mount. Then they pop on the steering wheel and the dash install is complete.
  

  
  

RESOURCES :

Special resources for DIY's Resto Rides 100 series: 1966 El Camino

Original Parts Group, Inc.
www.opgi.com

Husky Tools
www.huskytools.com

Rick's Hot Rod Shop
www.rickshotrodshop.com

Vintage Air, Inc.
www.vintageair.com

Fuel Injection Specialties
www.fuelinjection.com

Lokar
www.lokar.com

K & N Engineering
www.knfilters.com

Nordskog Performance Products
www.nordskogperformance.net