And the answer might be

Ok so am kinda looking for something I can use as an autoX car and back up car (in case something goes wrong with the Civic) but I could also REALLY use something with some hauling room (home depot runs and dirtbikes) as well as the ability to tow around my little Spit. I was trying to figure out how I could find room for two vehicles but I really can't. So I need one vehicle to fill that void and the first thing that came to mind was an El Camino. Can an Elky do all of those things (mostly worried bout towing and if it will fit a dirt bike)?

Edit: Looking for other ideas or advice about El Caminos. No vans.

A '90s 2wd extended cab S10 V6 comes to mind. Would be fun with a stick, tow decently, and can be built to handle cheaply.

A van.

Theres nothing an El Camino can do that a 4.3 S-10 can't do better-except look cool

Junkyard_Dog wrote: Theres nothing an El Camino can do that a 4.3 S-10 can't do better-except look cool

Yeah, but REALLY cool

So basically an S10 and an El Camino will do the same thing. I just need to see how the prices compare and decide if the Elky is worth the extra money.

Modern suby baja?

S-10s have been on my mind lately . . . stripped S-10 + BIG cam V8 + 4speed + ridiculously wide rubber.

Something like Aussiesmg's S-10 . . .

Apparently, the regular cab, short box variety is around 2600lbs . . .

Rancheros look better.

Always had a soft spot for El Camino/Sprint & Rancheros. Although th El Camino is a favorite, especially the early ones. They don't do either truck or car very well but are totally cool. Been thinking that one could replace my F150 as a Lowes/HD trip hauler. Should be able to handle that. That's about all I use my 95 F150 for nowadays.

The modern Baja is too much money. So does anyone know if an El Camino could tow a stripped down Spitfire? I figure the car is under 1500 lbs plus trailer.

I found this on the internet.

What is the towing capacity of a 78-88 El Camino? (Author: Ernie G. from http://www.malibunirvana.com) According to the Chevy Recreation and Trailering Guide there are three possible trailering configurations for an El Camino. All require a deadweight hitch bolted to the frame through pre-punched holes. Equalizing and antisway assemblies were also required and were available through outside sources. Light towing (class 1 hitch): An El Camino equipped with a 3.8L (LC3/LD5) motor, automatic transmission, and a 2.73 rear can pull up to a gross weight of 2000 pounds with 200 pounds tongue load. Medium towing (class 2 hitch): An El Camino equipped with a 5.0L (LG4) motor, automatic transmission, and a 2.41 rear can pull up to a gross weight of 4000 pounds with 500 pounds tongue load. Heavy towing (class 3 hitch): An El Camino equipped with a 5.0L (LG4) motor, automatic transmission, and a 2.73 rear can pull up to a gross weight of 5000 pounds with 600 pounds tongue load. Medium and Heavy towing also require a heavy duty battery and heavy duty radiator.

Eew. 5.0 liter.

So an LS1 can tow 6000, right?

wlkelley3 wrote: Always had a soft spot for El Camino/Sprint & Rancheros. Although th El Camino is a favorite, especially the early ones. They don't do either truck or car very well but are totally cool. Been thinking that one could replace my F150 as a Lowes/HD trip hauler. Should be able to handle that. That's about all I use my 95 F150 for nowadays.

What would the guys at NABMS say if two El Caminos show up at a meeting?

In reply to 93EXCivic:

A few would like it
A lot of those guys learned on hot rods before they went Brit/Euro. There are a few that have hot rods at home. One guy has a E-type Jag, older Jag X-type, Jag XJ6, Buick Grand National and a Bandit clone T/A along with a WRX wagon. Used to have an XJ8 but sold it.

Is it possible that the dirt bike can go on a trailer? If yes then I recommend a turbo Volvo wagon. The rwd's like a 740 and a fwd like a 850/V70 are rated to tow 3500lbs with trailer brakes.
They can be set up to autocross and a quite good at Home Depot runs.

jrw1621 wrote: Is it possible that the dirt bike can go on a trailer? If yes then I recommend a turbo Volvo wagon. The rwd's like a 740 and a fwd like a 850/V70 are rated to tow 3500lbs with trailer brakes. They can be set up to autocross and a quite good at Home Depot runs.

It would be possible but not really practical. Basically my apartment has garages that you can rent. So I would keep the El Camino in there as well as a dirt bike but there wouldn't be room for a trailer.