Classic/Antique Car Repair/72 el camino VIN#

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Expert: - 11/9/2007


Question
QUESTION: I have a 1972 el camino the brake combination valve has a push button on it. What exactly is this for.

ANSWER: There is a spring clip that is supposed to be used to hold that valve open when bleeding the brakes. It supposedly neutralizes the valve so that the pressures are equal and unrestricted in each end of the vehicle for bleeding.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for reply on the 72 el camino combo valve.I was also researching my vin# (complete runaround)and was wondering if you could help or steer me in the right direction ,it is 1D80H2L533618 also what is the tag on the cowl. Thanks Again.

Answer
Ok, here goes.
1= Chevrolet
D= Sales Code
80= Body Style ElCamino
H= Engine code
2= Model year
L= Assembly plant Van Nuys Calif.
The rest is the run or unit number called the Plant Sequential Number. The key to this can be found in a Chevrolet Factory Service Manual. Also for more information go to web site http://www.nastyz28.com/decode.html
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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