'72 Elky Project

Any questions or suggestions regarding restorations
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GavinS
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon 25 Aug 2014, 12:23
Location: Cape Town

'72 Elky Project

Post by GavinS » Thu 28 Aug 2014, 18:30

So now I have bought the Elky the bodywork is about to begin, the following needs to be done:
-The Elky must be stripped to base metal to make sure there are no hidden surprises.
-As there is some rust the following body parts need to be repaired:
~ Both left and right front fenders
~ Both doors
~ Both left and right side bed panels
~ Tailgate
~ Front stone shield has to be repaired
~ Rear lower valance
~ Engine compartment

I also need to finalize the project budget and maybe you guys can help me make some of the decisions:
~ I will be upgrading the engine from the IL6 -4.1l to a 350CI V8 Chevy engine, the two options on the table
are to use a Chevy LM7 (cutaway engine from the States) or a new Chevy LS1 which I have been offered at
at good price keeping in mind it is brand new 0Kms on it. What would you recommend?
~ If I am going to drop that much power into the Elky I need to upgrade the brakes so I am thinking of going
disc brakes all round - is this overkill and if not what would your recommendation be in terms of what to use?
~ I am also need advise regarding the rear axle and dif - I want to be able to put as much of the power down
on the road as possible so am of the opinion that I need to change the axle and dif - what would you recommend?

Be kind remember this is new territory for me 8O

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jlebenon
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Joined: Tue 31 Aug 2010, 11:48
Location: fourways,jhb

Re: '72 Elky Project

Post by jlebenon » Thu 28 Aug 2014, 18:57

Ls1 and lm7 are not easy to retrofit the oil pan is opposite , so you have to get the oil pan that fits , they are available but not cheap .... Also require ECU and pedal box if throttle body is drive by wire like the later ls1's .... Engine mounts need to move , gearbox mounts etc ... Just depends ... Ford 9inch is good for the rear , redrill the axles to chev pattern ... Depends what you wanna spend
2006 lumina ute
1973 El camino 353ci

GavinS
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon 25 Aug 2014, 12:23
Location: Cape Town

Re: '72 Elky Project

Post by GavinS » Fri 05 Dec 2014, 22:34

So its been a while since my last post and much water has flowed under the bridge. Due to work pressures as well as domestic issues my Elky was fast heading towards becoming yet another abandoned project.

Since then I have outsourced both the body and the engine and amazing progress has been made - the final engine is a Chevy 350Ci from a 72 Monaro SS.

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Johann65
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Joined: Sun 24 Aug 2008, 13:07
Location: Rothdene, Gauteng

Re: '72 Elky Project

Post by Johann65 » Fri 05 Dec 2014, 23:10

The fitting of rear disk brakes is the best thing to do. I like the rear audi calipers as they include rear handbrake facility and just get the right sized (PCD) rotor that will fit! My Opel has great brakes! :D I used Golf GTI rear calipers on the Kommando that Mantaray now has :mrgreen:
Member No: 209
Ah! Yes I remember it well! (Only GM's!)
1966 Opel Rekord L CLASSIC SEDAN Current Project

Donovan Smith
Posts: 248
Joined: Tue 27 Sep 2011, 00:43
Location: Walkerville JHB South

Re: '72 Elky Project

Post by Donovan Smith » Sat 06 Dec 2014, 08:57

I used Mercedes rear disc. They need some machining. They use shoes for the handbrake and you have to turn off the inside where the shoes press against so that the side shaft can fit in. Then you have to re drill and make the brackets for the calipers

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Johann65
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Joined: Sun 24 Aug 2008, 13:07
Location: Rothdene, Gauteng

Re: '72 Elky Project

Post by Johann65 » Sat 06 Dec 2014, 10:25

Johann65 wrote:The fitting of rear disk brakes is the best thing to do. I like the rear audi calipers as they include rear handbrake facility and just get the right sized (PCD) rotor that will fit! My Opel has great brakes! :D I used Golf GTI rear calipers on the Kommando that Mantaray now has :mrgreen:
Just to add: The BMW 3 or 5 series has the same 120 pcd as the Kommando. :D
I don't know the PCD on the Audi. Worth Checking :mrgreen:
Member No: 209
Ah! Yes I remember it well! (Only GM's!)
1966 Opel Rekord L CLASSIC SEDAN Current Project

syncromad
Posts: 137
Joined: Mon 26 Aug 2013, 07:59
Location: Pretoria

Re: '72 Elky Project

Post by syncromad » Mon 08 Dec 2014, 17:06

Older audi pcd is 5x112, newer have changed i think to 5x100 as per the new golfs etc

GavinS
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon 25 Aug 2014, 12:23
Location: Cape Town

Re: '72 Elky Project

Post by GavinS » Tue 26 May 2015, 18:24

Update on my Elky project, so much done but still so much to do.

Body work completed and spray painting finished. Engine rebuilt and installed with 350 Turbo box, I have managed to source new door seals, weather strips, front windscreen rubbers and side vent window rubbers.

Next steps:
Interior, loadbed and finishing touches.
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barrydorr
Posts: 351
Joined: Mon 13 Apr 2015, 12:16
Location: Vanderbijlpark

Re: '72 Elky Project

Post by barrydorr » Tue 26 May 2015, 19:41

That's a very good looking bakkie! Well done on your progress..
My Toys:
1974 Opel Manta 1900 DL
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

1972 Toyota Corona MKII 1600 - Bakkie (SOLD)
1991 Opel Kadett GSi 2lt-16V Superboss (SOLD)

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