How much payload in the bed can you carry in a 1987 el camino

I beliefe they are a 1/2 ton pick-up.

Where did you get that? The only reference I found was that they had the same capacity as a regular malibu which is probably 650lbs.

Pick-up trucks, which this is one, are 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton or one ton. Like in Ford, F150, F250, or F350. Look at all the pick-up trucks and the actual rated capacity does not match that designation. It has a lot to do with the springs, shocks, and driveline and rear end and engine output not to mention gearing. The Ford and Chevy car converted to truck had a car frame so the actual weight was less because of the suspension.

no, they are just regular malibus

The El Camino's are cars, not pickups. 500 pounds is pushing it.

Can cary 800lb cargo weight http://midsizebowties.net/historical-gm-intermediates/chevrolet-elcamino-specs-1978- 1981/