![]() 1982-1987 El Camino (also 82-83 4dr Malibu) OEM drivers side front side marker. (’84 Shown and appearance varies slightly by Model Year). 82-87 Front Park Light Lens (except SS or Choo Choo) 1982-1987 El Camino and 1982-1983 Malibu (except SS or Choo Choo) reproduction d. The “ Choo-Choo-SS” document found here, contains a detailed breakdown of what the package consists of, and how to identify them. “Spoiler alert!” Choo-Choo’s aren’t actually “Super Sports” by GM’s definition…read more in the attached document! This package design somewhat coincided with the introduction of the aerodynamic Super Sport Nose styling that was present on the freshly redesigned Monte Carlo SS that was primarily done for it’s use in NASCAR, was released about the same timeframe, and appeared to be almost identicalīut that’s not all there is to it…there’s quite a bit more interesting information on these unique versions. The custom pieces for the package were manufactured, and installed by a van conversion company in Chattanooga, Tennessee, called Choo-Choo Customs. The listing notes that the El Camino has been further upgraded with new headers and a Flowmaster exhaust, ensuring the El Camino will sound as good as it looks.GM offered a separate, special package-version of an “SS” that was dubbed the “Designer Series”, officially referred to as the “El Camino SS”, and was introduced around the middle of 1983. The seller doesn’t distinguish between the two, so you’ll have to get in touch for clarification. The replacement engine presents well, but here’s my question: it’s not outside of the realm of possibility for the replacement engine to have 56,000 miles on it, or for the chassis to have that many. ![]() No word on whether the air conditioning works on this car. To me, the work done on the exterior would be nicely complemented by some upgraded bucket seats, a different steering wheel, and perhaps a set of carpeted floor mats with the Choo Choo logo. To say nothing about the lack of mechanical enhancements, the interior also emerged essentially unchanged after the Choo Choo work save for a small badge on the glove box door. The challenge for me with the Choo Choo conversions is that they didn’t go very far. The seller’s car is in very nice condition, with an interior that isn’t perfect but still looks better than 56,000 miles might suggest. There’s no denying that the enhanced looks were definitely an improvement the question is, how much are those improvements worth? This alone made the El Camino looks much more aggressive, along with additional SS graphics, rally wheels, white-letter radials, and a custom rear bumper. The biggest change was the nose, which benefitted from an upgrade to the Monte Carlo SS front end. The conversions performed by the Tennesee company certainly helped to up the attitude factor of the standard El Camino, even if they didn’t do much to affect the actual horsepower. That’s a lot of scratch for an El Camino, even if it’s a genuine Choo Choo. The El Camino seen here is cosmetically sharp and also benefits from several mechanical improvements, including a new Jasper transmission and GM Goodwrench 350 engine. The Choo Choo Customs enterprise built numerous conversions, largely focusing on vans, but the El Camino was perhaps the more popular model in terms of long-term staying power. It’s located in Rhode Is56land, but the seller confirms it was previously garaged in North Carolina, which hopefully means it was never driven in the road salt and slop. ![]() This 1986 Chevrolet El Camino SS is a genuine Choo Choo conversion, and with just 56,000 miles, it hasn’t exactly been over-used. ![]()
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