Customize your gauge?

Customize your Autometer Gauge

"Custom gauges. That's what it's all about. The world’s finest performance instruments are now available to you in nearly infinite configurations. Limited only by your imagination; your dash can now display the same level of individuality as your ride – all with Auto Meter’s legendary quality and attention to detail."

Well, this thing brings whole customizing El Camino to a completely new level. Now that SS-dash comes to handy what I thought on a Dakota Digital Dash blog post, in a new way.  So does my budget for restoration gets deeper pockets. 

I guess I could add this to wishlist, even though I would never ever go for this product due higher cost. Well, never say never they say, but I still like that "factory" look and I could achieve it by getting that SS-dash and custom set of these from Auto Meter but too expensive to see if it works.

This wishlist thing is starting to get a bit out of hands. This is the third gauge product on my wishlist and price has been going up ever since that.

Factory tachometer?

1970 Non Gauge Tach With 6000 Rpm Red Line

 " This El Camino replacement tachometer has been manufactured to meet or exceed factory specifications and performance. You will find the fit, finish and function will work perfectly for your vehicle. You will also be pleased to know that the El Camino Store has sourced this tachometer among other possible parts as the best choice for your repair or restoration project."

I do have a clock for my gauge cluster but I haven't installed it yet. That spot is empty and I was thinking installing that clock on it. And I have planned on installing tachometer somewhere on my dash, but now I am thinking of installing it on that spot with this one.

Although I have this: Dakota Digital VHX Series Dash on my wishlist, I think it will take time before I can afford it, so this could be solution for meanwhile and it's not too expensive too.

Other "El Camino".

I came across this ad in Craigslist today and someone has made a Mopar "El Camino" out of Plymouth Satellite.

After I used Google Image search I found this blog: moparblog.com and there was yet an another conversion made from Dodge Demon:

I've seen few GM-made conversions but never a Mopar one. Now one with a Hemi, would that be awesome?

Air Lift 1000 air spring kit.

Air Lift 1000 air spring kit

"Air Lift adjustable air springs work with your existing suspension to give your vehicle more leveling support when you need it, so your vehicle is always level and stable. Proper weight distribution to all tires means more safety and a more comfortable ride as well. This results in:

Improved braking and steering: when all four tires are firmly on the ground, braking time and steering are both improved

Less sway: Air springs increase spring rate and vastly improve vehicle stability

Less bottoming out: Air springs provide adjustable load support to help prevent bottoming out on rough roads

Headlight aim: Only level and stable vehicles provide safe and proper headlight aiming

Less porpoising: Even vehicles which don’t squat when loaded can begin to “porpoise” vertically when towing heavy trailers. Adjustable air springs dramatically reduce this problem for a safer, more comfortable ride"

I had original air shock in the rear, but those leaked and didn't worked as those should have. When I bought the El Camino it came bed full of new and second hand parts, including a pair of Gabriel Red Ryder Gas shocks. I installed them last spring and those didn't improve the ride quality that much, it was better for sure, but I think springs has seen better days. I could go "All bag" but I don't want that kind of hassle with the compressor and "Stance", plus I don't have the money to go "all bag"!

Retro Sound.

1968-70 Chevrolet El Camino Model Two Radio

"RetroSound®'s Model Two is the most technologically-advanced radio ever made for your classic Chevrolet. This is the only Made-For-iPod® radio for your vintage El Camino, and also the only with built-in Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free phone calls and wireless audio streaming. The Model Two features a new 32,000 color display to customize your radio to your El Camino's interior. Two USB ports for iPod®/iPhone® plus two standard auxiliary inputs are included. The Model Two has a built-in 25 watts x 4 channel power amplifier as well as front and rear RCA pre-outs, plus subwoofer output, to add external amplifiers. It mounts seamlessly into your Chevy thanks to RetroSound's patented InfiniMount adjustable bracket system."

I have an old radio/cassette player on dash but that doesn't work and I had speakers under dash pad, but I never really cared for the music that much on a car. Sweet sound of V8 has been all the music that we needed. Although sometimes it would be great to play Rock'n'Roll music but I don't want to cut out my dash to house a new modern radio/cassette player, but luckily there is this available as after market installation. It fits straight on the dash without cutting anything.

Then I need to think where to install speakers. I'm not installing them on a doors that's for sure. I am thinking on a small speakers on top of the dash pad and 2-way speakers behind seats. Either making a custom "floor mount" or building a wall in the back compartment. We'll have to see how this thing progress.