🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

El Camino

Product Name:

Chevrolet El Camino Chevy El Camino Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual 1964-1987

Covered Years:

1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Chevrolet El Camino owners and enthusiasts seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and restorations

Value Proposition:

Provides significant cost savings by enabling owners to perform their own service and repair work, comprehensive coverage for a wide range of model years and configurations

Ease Of Use:

Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and clear pictures

Accessibility:

Instant delivery via email, accessible on multiple devices

Flexibility:

Printable for physical reference

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All El Camino models, engines, trim levels, and transmission types

General Coverage:

Complete A-Z service and repair procedures

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

Compatibility:

PC, MAC, tablets, smartphones (requires Adobe Reader)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals (assembly, disassembly, overhaul), fuel systems (carburetion, injection), ignition systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems, emission control systems, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmissions (3-speed, 4-speed), automatic transmissions (Powerglide, TH350, TH400, 700R4), clutch systems, torque converters, transmission overhaul and repair

Drivetrain Systems:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assemblies (various ratios and types), limited-slip differentials

Suspension Systems:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, control arms, steering linkage, alignment specifications

Brake Systems:

Front and rear drum brakes, front disc brakes, hydraulic systems, parking brake, brake service and repair

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, generator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting systems, instrument cluster, gauges, switches, fuses, relays, optional accessories

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, weatherstripping, glass replacement, door mechanisms, tailgate operation, frame inspection and repair

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, refrigerant handling (for later models)

Fuel And Exhaust:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, exhaust manifolds, exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters (for later models)

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication, spark plug replacement, battery maintenance

Repair Procedures:

Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major systems

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, fault finding techniques

Diagnostic Procedures:

Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system testing, brake system checks

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component refurbishment

Depth:

Comprehensive (suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics), detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

High-resolution, printable pages for individual sections or the entire manual

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1964-1987:

Inline-6 (230 cu in, 250 cu in), V8 (283 cu in, 307 cu in, 327 cu in, 350 cu in, 400 cu in, 454 cu in - specific availability varied by year and trim)

Horsepower Torque Range:

Approximately 140 hp to over 300 hp depending on engine and year (exact figures vary significantly)

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (single, two-barrel, four-barrel carburetors common throughout most of the production run), Throttle Body Injection (TBI) introduced in later years (e.g., 1980s)

Cooling Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with radiator and fan

Oil Type:

API Service SF or SG rated oils, viscosity dependent on climate (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, 5W-30 for later models). Manual will specify exact grades.

Ignition Type:

Conventional breaker-point ignition (early models), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and High Energy Ignition (HEI) distributors on later models

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

3-speed manual (column or floor shift) on base models in earlier years

Optional Transmissions:

4-speed manual, 2-speed Powerglide automatic, 3-speed TH350 automatic, 3-speed TH400 automatic, 4-speed 700R4 overdrive automatic (availability varied by year and engine)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III (or equivalent) for most automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions typically use gear oil (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5).

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Varied significantly across generations, typically ranging from approximately 190 to 210 inches

Wheelbase:

Varied by generation, common wheelbases include 115 inches (first gen) and 117 inches (later gens)

Bed Length:

Approximate bed length of 6.5 feet (78 inches) for most models, though variations existed.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,000 to 3,800 lbs, depending on engine and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited standardized crash test data available for these earlier model years compared to modern vehicles. The manual will cover safety-related adjustments and components.

Brake System Features:

Standard front and rear drum brakes, optional front disc brakes became widely available and standard on many models by the late 1960s/early 1970s. Power brakes and front disc/rear drum combination are common.

Restraint Systems:

Lap belts were standard. Shoulder belts were introduced and became more common in the late 1960s and 1970s, often as an option or standard depending on the year and trim. The manual will cover seat belt inspection and replacement.

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column introduced in later years for improved safety.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory AM/FM radio, AM/FM with 8-track tape player (popular in the 70s), optional stereo systems. Later models may have offered cassette players.

Early Features:

Power steering, power brakes (optional or standard on higher trims/later years), cruise control (optional on many models).

Early Connectivity:

Primarily analog connectivity through switches, cables, and mechanical linkages. No digital connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Manual provides specific guidance.

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plugs, points (if applicable), and distributor cap/rotor typically every 12,000-20,000 miles. HEI/electronic ignition systems extend these intervals.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic transmissions: Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 24 months. Manual transmissions: Inspect at major service intervals, change as needed or every 60,000-100,000 miles.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (green type), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water for optimal freeze and boiling protection. Capacity varies by engine, around 4-6 gallons.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (for models with disc brakes). Capacity is approximately 1 quart.

Power Steering Fluid:

GM specified power steering fluid or Dexron-III (or equivalent) for models with power steering. Capacity is typically around 2-3 pints.

Common Problems Engine:

Carburetor tuning issues, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), ignition system problems (points, condensers, coil on older models), overheating due to aging cooling system components.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings leading to poor handling and alignment issues. Power steering pump leaks. Steering box wear.

Common Problems Brakes:

Drum brake shoe adjustment, worn wheel cylinders, seized caliper pistons (on disc brake models), master cylinder leaks.

Common Problems Electrical:

Faulty alternators/generators, worn starter motors, corroded wiring connections, failing voltage regulators, instrument cluster malfunctions.

Common Problems Body:

Rust (especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and cab corners), aging weatherstripping leading to leaks, door hinge wear, tailgate issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing popular and innovative vehicles since its founding in 1911. Known for its broad range of cars, trucks, and performance vehicles.

Generations:

The El Camino was produced across five distinct generations, based on Chevrolet's Chevelle or Malibu platforms, evolving in styling and engineering with each iteration.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in the United States by Chevrolet.

Production Duration:

1964-1987 (with a brief hiatus between 1960 and 1964, and later production shifts to front-wheel drive platforms for the final generation).

Market Niche:

Unique market position as a car-based coupe utility, blending passenger car comfort with light-duty truck utility.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Status:

Iconic status in automotive culture, particularly for performance-oriented V8 models and its unique utility vehicle segment.