Notice the wheels are from a 1985 Corvette.

This is a really cool custom 1966 Chevrolet El Camino that Charlie Beck built from the ground up. “I did most of the custom work on this before the aftermarket parts were really available.” He explained. It’s the kind of project where Beck built the custom features before the direct fit components were even available. He was not into waiting around for others to make the part for him to buy.

He used 1985 Olds drop spindles and disc brakes that he had machined to fit directly into the stock El Camino ball joints. He added 1978 El Camino lower tail-lights, a newer Buick LeSabre 60/40 front  bench seat, 1997 Laguna door handles, and the rear view mirror from a 1978 Malibu. All of these parts are a conglomeration from other cars, but they are perfect fit for the look.

The engine is a 396 cubic-inch big-block that is followed by a turbo 400 transmission, and positraction rearend. The engine is fueled by a Holley 4-barrel 600cfm carburetor and is internally stock. “I’ve never even taken it apart,” Beck explained.

The interior has also seen some custom improvements that include a center console Beck and his son put together. “My son is a carpenter and helped me build the console,” Beck said. The console is built to house the floor shifter and DVD player navigation unit that he installed in the car. The amp and stereo speakers for the sound system are hidden snug behind the seats.

While this is a cool car just based on how it looks, what makes it really cool is how Beck put it together. A lot of these modifications are readily available for purchase in aftermarket kits, but the fact that Beck went out and made everything how he wanted with what was available adds a whole new layer to this impressive build.

If you want your car or truck to be a part of our Street Feature series, all you have to do is shoot us an email and tell us about your ride and we will make it happen.