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THE AUTO BUILDER
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Totally Awesome Elky
“I started building this car a little over 15 years ago after completing a Pro Street ’70 Camaro RS for my then-16-year-old son, Brad,” says overhead door installation specialist Jim Meltzer of Ventura, California. “I always had the urge to build a ’59 Pro Street Chevrolet El Camino (hence the nickname “U.S. Pro-1”), having owned one of those cars when I was just 21 years old,” he says. “Forty years later, the ’60 came along, and I figured that was close enough. The El Camino project was a joint collaboration with my sons Brad and Rod, and it got off to a great start. We made plans for a big motor and even built a full rollcage for that huge hunk of steel with the intentions of actually racing it.”
Shade-Tree 1.6.
Okay, we weren’t quite that naive about what we read regarding upgrading to 1.6 rockers on our small-block Chevy for the first time, but it was close.
The engine in question was a decent runner with 30,000 miles on the mild-performance rebuild. The rebuilt engine was purchased used, and among its selling points were 0.030-over 9.5:1 pistons, moly rings, 1.5 roller rockers, a Performer RPM intake and a brand-new Holley 750cfm carburetor. The cam wasn’t a perfect match to the torque converter used in the previous installation nor was the final-drive gear ratio. As a result, the owner planned on stepping down on the cam chart to a Comp 286H-10 cam, which came with the engine in its original box. Also included were a brand-new factory Z28 oil pan and a factory timing chain cover to replace the cheap chrome pieces. For $300, the engine package was a deal, and one we couldn’t pass up. We sold the aforementioned chrome pieces and matching valve covers for $50, getting us the engine at the bargain price of $250, and we still had the new cam and lifters on our shelf.
A FINE PIECE OF WORK
Jon Therriault is no stranger when it comes to building high-profile cars. We received a message from Therriault a while back, informing us that he was working on a new top-secret project—a new ‘07 Satin-White-Pearl Subaru WRX. He went on to inform us that this car was to be considerably different than his last project.
Spotlighter
Horseless Carriages Roar Through Monkey-Town
The HCCA Wraps up It’s Annual National Convention and Tour with a Stop in Dayton, TN
Author
The AutoBuilder Staff
2024 HCCA National Convention and Tour in Chattanooga, Tennessee
No, it’s not the plot for a new Planet of the Apes movie. This year, the 2024 HCCA National Convention and Tour made its way through Chattanooga, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. The AutoBuilder staff was treated to an unofficial car show just outside our windows when the club stopped in Dayton, Tennessee, for lunch and shopping. Dayton is also known as “Monkey Town” for being the location of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial. What better way is there to spend a nice spring day than enjoying classic cars?
The Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA)
The Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA), founded in 1937, is a prestigious institution headquartered in La Mesa, California, devoted to conserving, restoring, and enjoying vintage automobiles predating 1916. As automotive technology rapidly evolved during the first half of the 20th century, a group of enthusiasts recognized the importance of preserving the legacy of these pioneering vehicles. In response, the HCCA was formed, initially as a small community of like-minded individuals united by their love for vintage cars. Over the decades, the club has grown significantly, attracting members from all walks of life who share a common enthusiasm for early automotive engineering and design. Over its history, the HCCA has been pivotal in orchestrating events, rallies, and exhibitions spotlighting antique automobiles, offering a platform for enthusiasts to exhibit their cherished vehicles, exchange expertise, and cultivate enduring connections.
Appreciation for Early Automobiles
While pre-1916 automobiles aren’t our typical focus, we here at AutoBuilder still appreciate these mechanical marvels. These early cars are integral to our car culture heritage and are cherished by enthusiasts. Take a journey back in time with us through our photo gallery, showcasing a sampling of the vintage rides that cruised through downtown Dayton, Tennessee.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Horseless Carriage Club Of America (HCCA)
3109 Fish Canyon Rd.
Duarte, CA 91010
(626) 287-HCCA (4222)
