Just wanted to share my grandfather’s ‘78 El Camino Conquista that he handed down to me – his grandson – 6 years ago before he passed away.
Leo was a WWII Air Force bombardier, flying over 40 missions in the Pacific theater before settling in Los Angeles after the war and running a chain of hardware stores. He bought the El Camino brand new in ‘78 and took great care of it (although occasionally touching up dings with spray cans 😂). I always reminded him how much I wanted his ride and after I moved to Southern California he made sure it happened!
When I got the car absolutely everything on it was original. I drove it like that for a while and then started in on a bit of an overhaul. Everything from the dash forward got stripped clean and rebuilt. Finally got the new engine all finished up and the wheels the way I like them with a fresh coat of paint in the original colorway. Interior has never been touched. Tape deck works great.
I tried to keep things as close to stock as possible while beefing up the power and stance. She’s registered in AZ so no California smog nonsense. I drive her often and the connection I feel to my grandfather makes the money spent beyond worth it.
Last two photos are Leo in uniform during the war and beside his squadrons beloved Snow Job II, a steadfast companion through some heavy days.