Article and Photos by Bryan Fross
In the summer of 1995, Dominic Demarco of Yorba Linda, Ca. bought a 1965 Chevrolet El Camino. Starting with the mechanical condition, he rebuilt the 283 C.I.D. Chevy motor. He installed an Isky cam, Pete Jackson Gear Drive, Edelbrock Carburetor, Wiend Intake, Hooker Headers, and a Mallory Electronic Ignition.
The front end was removed for steam cleaning and was converted to disc brakes from a '72 Monte Carlo. The front and rear suspension were painted black and then treated to new polyurethane bushings. The bed, inner cab, frame, and firewall were then sand blasted. Rusted panels in the floor were cut out and new sheet metal was welded in to replace it. A transmission hump was constructed to fit the new 4 speed transmission.
Starting on the body, Dominic smoothed out the fenders, hood, and rear quarter panels. The emblems, mirrors and trim were all removed in the process. After smoothing everything out, he moved it to the paint booth where it was painted yellow from front to back. It was then put back together including the motor, transmission, hood, dash, and carpet. The El Camino was finally ready to drive in April of '98.
The motor was blown in the summer of '99 and was replaced with a 350 Chevy motor. Then in July of 2000, it was in a car accident and needed some work so it was time for a change. The door handles, keyholes, hood chrome, and antenna were shaved. Steve Vandemon laid out the graphics that were drawn by Louis Demarco (Dominic's brother) and the body was sprayed yellow and silver by Mr. D's paint and body. The airbrushing and pin striping were finished and clear coat was applied.
To finish it off, billet pulleys, air cleaner, valve covers and a chrome alternator were installed. The rear end was shortened 3 inches to accommodate the 17 inch American Racing Torq Thrusts wrapped in Nitto rubber.
All of Dominic's El Camino (except for the final paint) was built at home with the help of his father and brother in their full service garage behind their home.
