Project Hiway Star 71 Monte Carlo

[SPLATT71MC]

After years of being away from the muscle car/hot rod scene I decided it was time to get back into it. The last time I had a hot rodded car was a 78 Pontiac Grand Prix with a Chev 350/th350. It was the typical car owned by a late teen being held together with bailing wire, duct tape and bubble gum. I ended up trading it in on a brand new S-10 pickup and was pretty much a truck only guy for 20 some years. Now in my early 40's and inspired by Optima Batteries Street Car Challenge I got the itch to get myself another car. Now my first choice for a car was either a 69 Camaro or 70 Chevelle(cliche I know but they were my favorites since the time you could buy a really clean one for 3K-5k)but both are now well out of my price range and I wanted a fairly clean driver. I made out a list of suitable cars that are easily modified with a large supply of parts and decided on a 1st gen Monte Carlo. So after months of looking I found my car or more appropriately it found me.

I ended up with a fully loaded 71 Monte with A/C, power windows,350/350 combo and a 12 bolt. My plans at first were to build a hardcore streetfighter/pro touring type car but have since re evaluated the end product. The new plan is now a good handling, capable street car that can occasionally go around a autocross course or road coarse but still be comfortable to take on a long road trip.

The plan for the build is to keep it drivable most of the time so it's not going to be a long drawn out frame off build but to correctly fix what is needed and modify as I go. This doesn't have a set budget but I will spend the money where needed and go with budget parts when I can but will use decent stuff.

Here's the plan.

Body

Fix the minor rust around the right rear quarter and wheelhousing.
Remove the vinyl top and remove the trim studs and weld up any holes.
Modify the hood with a Chevelle SS cowl scoop.
Repaint in a similar color orange with silver SS style stripes.

Interior

Color change to black or dark grey
Change out the bench for buckets. Something comfortable and supportive but not restrictive.
Custom center console that may or may not go all the way to the back seat and back seat modified accordingly.
Modernize the some of the features while keeping the classic look.
Decent stereo system but not overkill

Engine and drive train

Mildly built 383 stroker with a GM serpentine accessory drive.Looking for about 400-450hp.
Upgrade to electronic ignition.
TKO 5 speed with hydraulic clutch.
3.73 and an Eaton limited slip in the 12 bolt.

Chassis,suspension, wheels, tires and brakes

Upgrade to tubular control arms front and rear.
Larger front sway bar and adding a rear.
Lowering springs all the way around.
New shocks all the way around.
Upgrade front brakes using factory type parts for ease of replacement.
Swap rear drums for discs using factory type parts.
Swap vacuum booster for a factory type hydraulic set up.
245/40-17 BFG front and 275/40-17 rear
17x8 and 17x9/9.5 Torque Thrust II wheels

The day I brought it home
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/CAM00169_zps37bc8653-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00169_zps37bc8653.jpg.html)
Other shots
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/CAM00215_zpsbb9a2f7a-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00215_zpsbb9a2f7a.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/CAM00213_zps96bc5dab-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00213_zps96bc5dab.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/CAM00212_zps29adc64c-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00212_zps29adc64c.jpg.html)

Thanks for looking. I will update as I go.

[splatt]

Looks like a great start. I'm building a 70 Monte now.

[lsx80monte]

That's a clean looking Monte. Hope there are no issues under the vinyl top. Ive seen some Ive seen some otherwise perfect cars that ended up needing complete roofs. If you plan on taking out the factory a/c lmk. Im always looking for cores.

[IronChevy]

I have a 70 Monte too with some upgrades, Hotchkis TVS system with shocks and a DSE 600 12.7:1 ratio steering box, both gave the car a great handling improvment!

[SPLATT71MC]

That's a clean looking Monte. Hope there are no issues under the vinyl top. Ive seen some Ive seen some otherwise perfect cars that ended up needing complete roofs. If you plan on taking out the factory a/c lmk. Im always looking for cores.

The previous owner had the car painted and top replaced after he got in and kept it garaged for 20+ years and I don't feel any bubbling or soft spots on the roof so it should be good.The compressor and lines are about the only thing that are going to get changed out and whatever is need to change to the smaller compressor as well as being relocated


I have a 70 Monte too with some upgrades, Hotchkis TVS system with shocks and a DSE 600 12.7:1 ratio steering box, both gave the car a great handling improvment!

I'm hoping to get it to handle at least as well or better than my 02 Silverado 2500HD. Right now I swear it's scraping door handles going around corners and it can get sketchy at speed.

[csouth]

I'm hoping to get it to handle at least as well or better than my 02 Silverado 2500HD. Right now I swear it's scraping door handles going around corners and it can get sketchy at speed.

I'm sure that's due to the 30+ yo suspension. A Bodies are really easy to update suspension wise.

[SPLATT71MC]

Front suspension gutted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/CAM00250_zps352dbdef-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00250_zps352dbdef.jpg.html)
The new stuff
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/CAM00252_zps12942f07-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00252_zps12942f07.jpg.html)
Installed
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/CAM00257_zps0448a634-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00257_zps0448a634.jpg.html)
Back on the ground.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/CAM00256_zpsbb60cf0e-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00256_zpsbb60cf0e.jpg.html)

Next up the rear suspension followed by an alignment

[JAWSS]

Nice, I kinda miss my old 72 Monte. My 70 Chevelle is getting a similar build as a capable streetcar.

[SPLATT71MC]

Some parts for the rear
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/CAM00275_zpsc7c39161-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/CAM00275_zpsc7c39161.jpg.html)
Got it all installed but no pics of that yet. Took it out for a drive around the neighborhood and could really feel a positive difference in how the car feels. I didn't really push it and it needs an alignment before I do. Next up alignment along with wheels and tires.

[SPLATT71MC]

New wheels and tires 17x8 front and 18x8 rear with 245/45/17 and 255/45/18 BFG rubber. I also had the rear end rebuilt with 3.55 gears and a Yukon Gear limited slip diff and I also picked up a quick ratio steering box.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/a7be2d2735004973ac9ad6067e1b91a5_zps83d2-1.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/splatt1911/media/a7be2d27-3500-4973-ac9a-d6067e1b91a5_zps83d2f11e.jpg.html)

[csouth]

coming along nicely....

[Bluemalibu]

Good job... I love these first generation Monte's. I'm currently building my third car. I chose the same wheels that you are using. (They were mounted this weekend and will be bolted on in the AM) It, like my first one, is a '72. I purchased another man's project... he spent quite a bit powder coating the frame and building up the drive-train and suspension for the strip, and then died before it was complete. My second Monte was a numbers matching '70 SS454 that was stolen in 2006 and just recovered stripped this past Thursday.
I'm changing direction with this car as I want a cruiser and to run stop-light to stop-light. I therefore just pulled out the built powerglide w/ transbrake/ quarter-stick / 3600 stall converter, and shoe-horned in a 4L80E. There was fresh scarring on the trans-tunnel, evidence of blowing a tail shaft off of a previous transmission, due to the torque of the solid-lifter 468 under the hood, so I beefed the 4L80 and had a strong chromemoly drive shaft assembled with billet yokes.
The 12-bolt had a new Eaton posi and 4.11 gears installed just before I received it, so I stayed with the tallest tires that I could put on the 17's, to help the over-drive tame the highway manners a bit.

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The Hooker Comp headers and 3" Flowmaster system had the classic "Oil Drum" tinny sound to it, so I pulled it and installed the polished stainless 3" Dynaflow system behind Headman headers on Friday. ...It brought about a world of difference! Becoming a deep, low rumble instead of an oil can clanging.

[bigscaht]

good lookin monte. im building a 72...love those first gens...

[Motown 454]

Nice project, and a good car to start with. Looking good!

[SPLATT71MC]

The project has hit a couple of snags and stalled momentarily but I'll be back on it soon.

[xsboost90]

looks like a cool project. Known a few guys that had these when i had my 71 Nova.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnD9DR9Ndzc

cant help but think of this!

[SPLATT71MC]

Still stalled. The last year has been an absolute $#!+ show. Between working on getting my work life sorted out and getting the families lives back on track and the daily drivers deciding to give me troubles the Monte has been neglected a bit. With some things starting to come together I should be able to get back on it in the next couple of months.

[SPLATT71MC]

Well the $#!+ show that has been my life since getting laid off in Nov of 2015 has gotten squared away. Once the weather gets a bit better the plan is to get the car running and driving again. From there it's just going to be a matter of what needs fixed and what to modify. My goal is to keep it driveable most of the time and address all the mechanical aspects before doing the bodywork and upholstery. I really enjoy driving the car with the modifications I've already done and miss being able to do so.

[SPLATT71MC]

UPDATE
After four years it's drivable again. Felt good behind the wheel again even if the Holley needs some off idle tuning.
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Next up installing the rear coil over shocks and adding bucket seat brackets, modifying the tunnel for the TKO600 and installing the buckets. Somewhere in there it's getting headers and new exhaust and rear disc brakes

[andrewb70]

I love these cars too. Back in HS my buddies Dad used to own a 1970 Monte SS 445. It had a LS-5, TH400 trans and 2.73 gears. Talk about a Hiway Star!!!

Andrew

[SPLATT71MC]

In the process of getting it running again I did some upgrades. I've switched the front over to QA1 coilovers and just need to do the rear. I swapped in a Holley Street Avenger and an Edelbrock EPS manifold along with a $20 swap meet Pertronix HEI and a 78 amp 12SI alternator. I also installed a Red Head quick ratio steering box with a new idler and pitman arm. The next major work to do is to pull the bench out and put in the Procar buckets and do the trans tunnel mods for the TKO600.

[SPLATT71MC]

As with any project changes can and do happen


Body

Fix the minor rust around the right rear quarter and wheelhousing.
Remove the vinyl top and remove the trim studs and weld up any holes.
Modify the hood with a Chevelle SS cowl scoop.
Repaint in a similar color orange with silver SS style stripes.Going to a deep metallic blue with silver and red

Interior

Color change to black or dark grey Blood red
Change out the bench for buckets. Something comfortable and supportive but not restrictive.
Custom center console that may or may not go all the way to the back seat and back seat modified accordingly.
Modernize the some of the features while keeping the classic look.
Decent stereo system but not overkill

Engine and drive train

Mildly built 383 stroker with a GM serpentine accessory drive.Looking for about 400-450hp. Doing a 355 instead
Upgrade to electronic ignition. Done
TKO 5 speed with hydraulic clutch. Next to be done
3.73 and an Eaton limited slip in the 12 bolt. 3.55 rear gears

Chassis,suspension, wheels, tires and brakes

Upgrade to tubular control arms front and rear. Done
Larger front sway bar and adding a rear.Done
Lowering springs all the way around. Went to QA1 coilovers at all 4 corners
New shocks all the way around.
Upgrade front brakes using factory type parts for ease of replacement.
Swap rear drums for discs using factory type parts.
Swap vacuum booster for a factory type hydraulic set up.
245/40-17 BFG front and 275/40-17 rear Went to 255/45-18 on the rear
17x8 and 17x9/9.5 Torque Thrust II wheels Went to 18x8 on the rear

[SPLATT71MC]

Finally installed the bucket seats. I oughta change the project name to Slow Ride with as slowly as it's progressing.
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[Alwhite00]

As with any project changes can and do happen


Body

Fix the minor rust around the right rear quarter and wheelhousing.
Remove the vinyl top and remove the trim studs and weld up any holes.
Modify the hood with a Chevelle SS cowl scoop.
Repaint in a similar color orange with silver SS style stripes.Going to a deep metallic blue with silver and red

Interior

Color change to black or dark grey Blood red
Change out the bench for buckets. Something comfortable and supportive but not restrictive.
Custom center console that may or may not go all the way to the back seat and back seat modified accordingly.
Modernize the some of the features while keeping the classic look.
Decent stereo system but not overkill

Engine and drive train

Mildly built 383 stroker with a GM serpentine accessory drive.Looking for about 400-450hp. Doing a 355 instead
Upgrade to electronic ignition. Done
TKO 5 speed with hydraulic clutch. Next to be done
3.73 and an Eaton limited slip in the 12 bolt. 3.55 rear gears

Chassis,suspension, wheels, tires and brakes

Upgrade to tubular control arms front and rear. Done
Larger front sway bar and adding a rear.Done
Lowering springs all the way around. Went to QA1 coilovers at all 4 corners
New shocks all the way around.
Upgrade front brakes using factory type parts for ease of replacement.
Swap rear drums for discs using factory type parts.
Swap vacuum booster for a factory type hydraulic set up.
245/40-17 BFG front and 275/40-17 rear Went to 255/45-18 on the rear
17x8 and 17x9/9.5 Torque Thrust II wheels Went to 18x8 on the rear

So you are going a blue car with red interior?


Car looks great so far.

[SPLATT71MC]

So you are going a blue car with red interior?


Car looks great so far.

Eventually yes

[70CougarXr7]

Always liked the monte carlo!
Even though your are getting a red interior, i like the current bucket seats!

And no worries in beeing slow, that is exactly the lane i am in :D
(****lane but atleats we are making progress ;))

[SPLATT71MC]

Haven't made much progress in the past year. Between going back to school and in the last 6 months or so my health has been a problem. Well here's some progress on the engine for the car. The short block is a .030 350 that I originally built back in 1996 for a Blazer I used to have. While it was in the Blazer I swapped around cams and heads a couple times and when I sold the Blazer I pulled it with about 15k miles on it and stuck it on a stand in the corner of the basement. I pulled it out a while back pulled the factory iron heads and Comp 4x4 Extreme cam and cleaned up the short block. The short block has a factory steel crank and 4 valve relief flat top hypereutectic pistons(Sealed Power I think),a Comp Cams XR276HR hydraulic roller. I'll be topping it off in the next week or so with some Brodix IK180 aluminum heads and a Performer RPM Air Gap intake. From the research I've done and running the numbers through a Desktop Dyno program peak horsepower should be between 390-425ish and torque numbers should be in a similar range with a meaty torque curve. I know these aren't huge numbers by todays standards but for what I want out of the car they'll be fine until I can pony up the cash and build a LS based engine.
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[SPLATT71MC]

Rebuilt the front brakes, I plan on upgrading to Wilwoods or Baers later on, I just want to reasonably stop. And finally installed the rear QA1 coil overs and not pictured a front UMI frame brace.
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[SPLATT71MC]

Made a little progress, got the wheels powdercoated. I loved the polished aluminum look but hate polishing. More coming as the weather gets better, open carports suck.
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[SPLATT71MC]

Made room for the TKO600, just have to do some clean up work and seal the seams and paint it.
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[andrewb70]

Nice work!

Andrew

[SPLATT71MC]

Nice work!

Andrew

Most of it is a pre-bent piece I picked up from Speedway that I modified the rear section for a better transition to the rest of the tunnel. In the coming weeks I'm going to be installing the pedals and hydro clutch master and reservoir.

[NorCal-SS]

Awesome progress and thanks for sharing! Keep chipping away at it.

You’re motivating me to get off my ass!

[SPLATT71MC]

Awesome progress and thanks for sharing! Keep chipping away at it.

You’re motivating me to get off my ass!

Not having a garage makes it tough to get work done in a timely manner. It limits me to pretty much to the summer months, late spring, early fall if I'm lucky. It doesn't help that I'm trying to keep it on the road as much as possible to be able to enjoy it as well.

[SPLATT71MC]

Participated in my first show a couple weeks back, Good Guys no less. Had a lot of fun doing it. Any progress working on it is on hold for a bit. At the end of June my father in law passed away and seeing we've been living in one of his rentals we need to find a new place to live seeing that all his properties are being liquidated. Thankfully we will have time to look and move. The plan is to be moved by winter and have a place with a large garage and/or a shop and then I can make some stuff happen faster.
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[SPLATT71MC]

Well all major work is on temporary hold as my wife and I are in the market for a new house. I want the car drivable until after we get moved but in the mean time I'll still work on small bits and pieces to keep things progressing. I did recently get the back seat recovered to match the fronts and installed a new package tray cover.
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[andrewb70]

Nice work in the interior

[Threepointtwo]

Wow, what an inspiration. I love that you complete projects and get it back on the road. Great project-good luck in finding a shop (house too) and continuing.

[SPLATT71MC]

Wow, what an inspiration. I love that you complete projects and get it back on the road. Great project-good luck in finding a shop (house too) and continuing.

Well not all the projects on the car are complete. Some are just in a state that doesn't take it off the road It doesn't help that I added another project to the fleet 2 years ago that I'm trying to keep it driving as well. Once we get into a new house and I actually have a garage/shop I'll be able to progress more work in the wintertime. Trying to do major work evolutions and still enjoy spring/summer/fall shows and cruises makes it tough to do both. Once we're settled in I should be able to ramp up the progress.

[72'Monte]

Cool monte. I'm building a protouring/restromod 72'factory 454 monte

[SPLATT71MC]

Well the wife and I found our house and it came with this. 30+ years of working in a gravel driveway, backyard or borrowed garage/shop space is over. We move in next weekend. Work on both my projects will resume as soon as I get organized.

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[1965gp]

That’s great! So much better.

[Threepointtwo]

Congrats! A nice shop makes things so much easier.

[SPLATT71MC]

Well no current updates on progress but have had a chance to evaluate some things so far. The seats, while they look great and go reasonably well with the car, are tight in the bolstering on the seat base, simply put is my butt is too big for the seat. They seemed fine for the short trips I had been driving the car but on longer trips it becomes really noticeable. So my options there are either different seats or have them reworked by an upholstery shop. The wheels, I love Torque Thrust wheels but when I bought them I wanted 18x9 with 275 wide tires on the rear but the backspacing wasn't quite enough to give me adequate clearance to the fender lip so I went with 18x8 and 255 wide tires. After having the wheels for a few years one day I noticed that the front and rear wheels both being the same width had different backspacing with the front having noticeably less backspacing. Now my selective OCD won't let me not see it. I know I should have just rolled the fender lip but have to do some rust repair on the passenger wheel opening first. The other is on a long drive I developed a small exhaust leak at the exhaust manifold donut. I figured it would be okay until I replaced the entire exhaust system when the new engine goes in this fall. Well the drive to get to the Puyallup Goodguys show along with the poker run before the show killed what was left of the exhaust donut. I drove around all weekend sounding like a ratty old farm truck. Anyways I'll do one more cruise night in it's current condition before I dig into the next series of upgrades.

Here's a couple of pics from Goodguys.
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[FORDvsCHEVY]

Which GG show?

[SPLATT71MC]

Which GG show?

That would have been the Puyallup Wa Goodguys show this past weekend.

[FORDvsCHEVY]

Nice thought I saw a piece of the sky ride in the background. Nice ride by the way

[SPLATT71MC]

Nice thought I saw a piece of the sky ride in the background. Nice ride by the way

And if you look closely you'll also see a bit of the big roller coaster as well.

[SPLATT71MC]

I've finally got my shop organized enough to get some work done so back to work.
So this pile of parts I've collected for the last few years need to be put where they belong.

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First up install the rear disc brakes and finally replace the upper control arm bushings. I did the brakes while the rear end was still under the car but decided to pull it out to do the bushings and new hardlines.

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Next up, get the axle back in and swap the master cylinder to a Corvette unit and a 4 wheel disc proportioning valve.

[SPLATT71MC]

Got tired of fighting with the e-brake adjustments on the Cadillac calipers and ordered some Baer Brakes for both ends instead.

[andrewb70]

Got tired of fighting with the e-brake adjustments on the Cadillac calipers and ordered some Baer Brakes for both ends instead.

Good move!

Andrew

[SPLATT71MC]

Some progress made but parts trickling in.
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[SPLATT71MC]

Time to fit up tires so I can get some wheels. I know they'll fit the rear just need to get the right specs on the wheels. While I'm at it I'm going to see if I can get them to fit the front with the same wheel spec as the rear. If that doesn't work I have a plan B for the front. Not exactly 335s but for unmodified wheel wells they're plenty wide
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[SPLATT71MC]

Got the tire jig put together and adjusted and got my wheel specs figured out. I have room for 275/40/18 on 18x9.5 with 6.0 BS on all four corners with just enough room on the front and room to go up to a 295 on the rear in the future. I might be able to go to 295 on the front with a different sway bar.2144872144882144892144902144912144922144932144 94214495

[andrewb70]

Nice fitment on the tires! That's a handy tool to have.

Andrew

[SPLATT71MC]

Nice fitment on the tires! That's a handy tool to have.

Andrew

Took me some trial and error, should have found a Youtube video, but got it all figured out. Now I just need to order the wheels. You seem to be the go to guy for EFI, what would you recommend for a decent system, preferably port style?

[SPLATT71MC]

Got the new wheels in and got the tires mounted and balanced.
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[SPLATT71MC]

Out with the old.
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[SPLATT71MC]

Made some progress today. Got the master for the clutch and pedals in.
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[SPLATT71MC]

Got my master cylinder and booster installed, made a bracket and installed the hydro clutch reservoir, cleaned some parts for paint and ordered some parts. Hopefully I can get the brakes and steering operational soon so I can move it out of the garage so I can pressure wash the engine compartment so the engine can go in.
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- - - Updated - - -

- - - Updated - - -

[SPLATT71MC]

Made some progress. I got the steering functional again as well as getting the column plugged back in. I got the pedals hooked up but messed up on the clutch linkage for the hydro setup. Got some new parts on the way for that. I got to find the neutral switch and harness and get that installed along with filling and bleeding the brakes. Hopefully the weather will clear long enough to pressure wash the engine compartment.