Business in the front, party in the back. Or in this case, redneck all over! This 1984 El Camino started out in Arlington, TX as a tame hauler until Choo Choo Customs derailed those plans. If you like fiberglass on more than just Vettes, then this is your lucky day. Find this SS here on craigslist in Brooklyn, NY for $6500. Thanks goes to Pat L. for the tip!
Tennessee based Choo Choo Customs began converting Elkys in 1983. Using Monte Carlo SS front ends and custom made body kits, owners could have the look of NASCAR with the functionality of the farm. Chevrolet was so impressed with their IROC pace truck built by Choo Choo, the outfit earned an exclusive contract to build and sell at Chevy dealerships. The trucks were ordered from GM with the SS option, which included suspension, engine, and decal upgrades, shipped to the CCC warehouse, then visually modified into the Designer Series SS. For 1984, Chevy stopped selling its own El Camino SS and only sold the Choo Choo version. Confused yet?
This country boy has been given a Jersey Shore make over. Staggered Centerline wheels, chromed dual exhaust, snap on bed cover, Maaco quality paint job, computer speakers for surround sound, aftermarket hood, and more have visually paired boots with a track suit. In truth, there is nothing wrong with any of those modifications, but I try to live by the words of less is more. I’d like to see less overspray in the door jambs and more paint in the bed. Glad thought to see all the special decals were reapplied. This truck was a radio delete when new but now sports a modern radio drilled into a rare fake wood delete plate. The sun has dried out the infamous GM hard plastics but the buckets, center console, glass, and dashboard still look nice. This truck is a good starting point to further customize it to one’s own taste.
Choo Choo didn’t modify the mechanicals of their conversion El Caminos. Like my father’s base model 1984, this SS is powered by a 305 V8 with a 4 barrel. Three speed automatic with locking torque converter means highway comfort to the detriment of burn outs that the fat rear tires are promising. Speaking of those wheels, they are available for an extra cost, so not sure what comes with the truck? Plan accordingly! The 305 has as many fans as critics, but can be pumped up to more mimic the Monte Carlo SS. The aftermarket is full of parts to restore or further modify these vehicles. Watch out for rust on the frame rails, around the bed, and back window. Claimed to be a real Choo Choo that runs and drives well, this train, I mean truck, could be a great entry into the world of rare ’80s Chevrolet’s.
Gone already. I’d get rid of the wheels. I’d prefer some nice 5 spoke aftermarket ones and drive it as is.
I tell you what, you got to move fast in this world!!!! Just as soon as they are found and written up, they are gone! Luckily you can find these trucks all day long.
Nice Choo Choo El Camino. I too would prefer different wheels, maybe stock rallys, or a nice 5 spoke wheel.
If you have to have a hood scoop, that one is preferable to the plastic, bolt on, non functioning one, originally offered by Choo Choo Customs for the El Camino. Fortunately, this Choo Choo doesn’t have the tacky side skirts/side exhaust panels on it.
I can’t say that I’ve ever seen or heard “Maaco”, and “quality paint job”, used in the same sentence.
IROC wheels would be right at home on this.
I have a 1984 SS Choo Choo has 350 largest cam without going to stall converter has vortec racing heads new cooling systems Has 342 gear with T350 needs a little fine tuning body black inside black has true irock wheels buckets center console One owner bought new asking $22000
I’d love to see some photos of your Choo Choo (that sounds weird haha). If you’d like to list it for sale on the site, you can submit it here: barnfinds.com/sell. It would get a lot more attention than being here in the comments!
Well, the reason I never liked these wheels is that they look the same sitting still as they do going a hundred miles per hour. I prefer wheels that have a little spin to them when they’re moving.
You’re either a fan or you’re not. Personally I like them….but not the Choo Choo crap on the late models. Here’s a pic of one I owned.
@Diehard chevy:
Are you upside down in your El Camino? I’ll let my self out.
He comes from a land down under!
There is one of these on ebay right now that is the first one of these Choo Choo SS’s ever made, one of only 23 made in 1983 AND it was a GM promo vehicle that did some pace car duty at the 7-4-83 Firecracker 400 at the Daytona Speedway.
Choo choo Camino or redneck bow tie
h have 1 oener 1984 cho cho with 350 4 bolt mani bo onlt with 9 tone pistons vortec racing heads largest coup cam with out sall converter hige vol oil pump as342 rear end with eaton locking has 4 core rad has 1986 iroc wheels powder coat new paint black black inside has new fiber frount end for