'71 MONTE CARLO-- The Beginning!

[Jake616]

MY 1971 MONTE CARLO!

Picked this up recently because I gave up my other daily, and needed a new ride because a week of rain and riding the CBR600rr plays its toll :fawk: Couldnt pass up the deal so I grabbed it.
It's a 71 Monte with a 350/350 combo,20" KMC Nova's,new tires, small engine mods,full Kenwood stereo and custom paint. It does needs its work but I have already done a few things to make it run alot better!
----> Set the timing/fixed a couple carb. vacuum leaks/vacuum modulator on trans/ new headlight foot switch/Piston style door locks/resin skull/USB Adapter/repaired bad stereo ground/rewired the green underdas neon lights.I may add my train horn to this because it will look tacky on my Datsun. I also have 1975 Monte carlo swivel buckets I was going to put in my Cadillac I may refinish in black and put in this. I have a list of stuff to do, but its not a build, It's a driver!
------> Test it out and drove to Lake of the Ozarks from Kansas City (195miles) and managed around 17mpg... :)

* Already started the customizing even though its a daily. It didnt have an air cleaner so I picked up one until i can gt a better one and powdercoated it candy green to match the paint! :fluffy: I will do the chrome valve covers 2 toned like the paint as well when I replace the gaskets this week.
I will keep it updated as small changes happen..I also have alot better pictures i will post later!,[/URL (http://[URL]https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58497)]. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/l_6f0da88bd2114182aa743b48586764f2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Enjoi!

ADDED MORE PIX:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
*It looks like a big dent in hood, but it isnt. Unless its a small one? Must be the lighting...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

It is a cool cruiser so far! Got a couple kinks to work out and some other stuff to replace but I am enjoi-ing it!
Replaced a blown marker light, rear tail light, ordered a new interior door handle that was broken, interior dome light lens, replacement pedal pads, new motor mounts, Fixing the old threaded bolt on carb. for air cleaner,rerouting a radiator hose,added my rear view mirror demon,dug old 383 felpro gasket kit out of storage to start replacing stuff with. Looking for my 10" kicker sub/amp so a basic sub install should be done in the next week. Just trying to get it where it will pass inspection, be driveable without problems/or discomfort/ and then cruise it. Already priced a few larger ticket items for later! ;)
This this is great to fix! I have less than $200 invested in repairs/mods and have fixed pretty much every little problem it has! I havent been able to do that on most my rides!

[Jake616]

================================================== ===

I cleaned the car up a little and took some better pictures instead of just driveway shots. It will probaly be just small unnoticeable changes for awhile but I will take pix and log progress as it happens! :)


================================================== ===


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[mikey]

Hey did you pick that up in Independence on s. Dodgion? You need to take it out to the Camaro Club cruise night at bass pro 2nd sat. of the month.

[Jake616]

Hey did you pick that up in Independence on s. Dodgion? You need to take it out to the Camaro Club cruise night at bass pro 2nd sat. of the month.
Well, he was from that area. I met him @ Hyvee on 23rd/L.S Road and got it... :) But yes, its a local car....

[FULMNTE]

Congrats!
Now come and check us out at www.firstgenerationmontecarlo.com

[Jake616]

So I figured I could get to work on small little things that don't cost an arm and a leg to get it to an overall better looking appearence all around so I been hitting up Advanced Auto Parts/Hot Rod Shops and gathering random engine dress up items. :) I still have a few items to do like engine pulleys,oil pan, some brackets,etc...


Give Me Your Opinion!?

* I am going to do my engine block in a high temp silver as well as doing the headers and intake manifold in the silver as well. :) Still gotta get all this put on first!

* The only remaining stuff I want to do to the engine for now are install the green Taylor plug wires, new radiator overflow tank, clean up hoses and lines,and call it done until bodywork can be started.

* Got some air ride items gathered, still got some more to get. Checkining into options for a stereo install in the truck and a custom center console but still trying to keep this all budget built. If I can't have it done in a weekends amount of time, then I dont need to be doing it. IMO


BEFORE:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0868-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0869-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0882-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0883-1.jpg

AFTER:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0878-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0879-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0896-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0897-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSCN0880-1.jpg

[SamHatco]

Ouch! What's with the green font? Can't read what you posted.

Sam

[Jake616]

Fixed.... :)


Checking into swapping air cleaner from the 14" round one to either a custom ram air style setup with a cab hat/bonnet or running a Mr. Gasket Street Scoop mainly just for the looks for now. :) I have not decided. I am talking with a buddy who does interior about a custom center console and rear stereo install as well.

[SamHatco]

Very nice. I had a buddy in high school that had a brand new 71 SS 454 Monte he got for his senior year. That was a bad a$$ ride. Ahhh those were the days. :twothumbs

Sam

[Jake616]

Using the http://www.firstgenmc.com/tech page I decided that I would determing what the Vin # and body Tag end up being decoded as :)

Vin #: 138571K220954

Body Tag:
S171 13857 K 315 175 BDY
TR 708 75 B PNT
06 B 03 001


The Results:

VIN:
1st Digit Division 1 Chevrolet
2nd and 3rd Digits Series 38 Monte Carlo
4th and 5 Digits Body Style 57 2-dr hardtop coupe
6th Digit Model Year 1 1971
7th Digit Assembly Plant K Kansas City, Mo
Last 6 Digits Production sequence Starting at 100001 (except 200001 at Arlington, TX) and 500001 for Canadian production in 1971


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/Bodytaga-1.jpg
Body Tag (need more info i guess?.Italicized the parts that were confusing to me...):

Body type:57
Time Built Code: 71
Division: Series: 13857
Year: 71
Trim Number: 708
Body Color or Lower Body Color: B
Top Color or Upper Body Color:
Assembley Plant: K
Unit Number: 315175



I plan on getting the casting #s off of the engine when I can and running its information next. :idea:

[Viperlover]

Your car reminds me alot of mine, its my daily driver too.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

So the car is a 71 but someone swapped the 72 front end on it?

[Jake616]

So the car is a 71 but someone swapped the 72 front end on it?
Ummm..... :confused: I don't know? What do you know because i dont.... :)

Very nice Ride you have!! Any info on it? (link?)

[FULMNTE]

Ummm..... :confused: I don't know? What do you know because i dont.... :)



The Grille and front bumper on your Monte are from a '72 model...

[Viperlover]

Ummm..... :confused: I don't know? What do you know because i dont.... :)

Very nice Ride you have!! Any info on it? (link?)
It has a 72 grill/headlight assembly and the 72 bumper
have you checked the vin to see what year it is?

thanks, i don't really have any links to anything but ive done a bit of stuff to it
rebuilt motor w/ new crank/cam/headers/intake/carb
putting some aluminum heads on it this week because of a blown head gasket

i lowered it 3 inches in the front and 1 in the rear with polygraphite bushings in the front, 20x9 and 20x10.5 wheels
hoping to repaint it soon at the community college in a autobody class, likely silver with black stripes

[srh3trinity]

The car looks good, actually, there are several nice looking MC's in this thread. Do you have any pictures of the Cadillac that you mentioned in this thread and in your Datsun thread?

[Jake616]

* I am having a problem occurring I took it to my parents house at Lake of the Ozarks this previous weekend. I stopped to get gas and the car wouldn't start, just a starter click each time I would turn key. Puff of smoke from under the hood, and I checked it out.... It's a 10-14 gauge red wire running from + side of battery to something on my radiator support, then leading to either the horn relay (behind driver side headlight area) or the voltage regulator? Replaced the wire and it fired right up! Then 2 days later, same problem :( No ideas what it is exactly....


* Picked up a few more stainless or chrome under hood items to powder coat and some of my air ride parts have came in the mail! :smoke:, as well as found a guy on craigslist from a local college town who is building a autocross 1970 Monte Carlo and had a lot of random little things he was giving away or selling cheap so I paid him a visit. No parts really worth mentioning though.


Had a guy on another boards do a quick photoshop of my car on air suspension for me... Not to bad! :idea:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/vdflz4-1.png
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/25g6uj9-1.jpg

[FULMNTE]

Did you use a heavier gauge wire? This seems to be the main feed wire for all you electrical accessoires except for the starter...

[Jake616]

Did you use a heavier gauge wire? This seems to be the main feed wire for all you electrical accessoires except for the starter...

* I went from the 14 gauge wire it had, to a 10 and am still having the problem, but noticed it melted all the way through the wrapped wires to either my horn relay or the voltage regulator?

* I read this post and it sounds similar to what I am experiencing.
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2200312

I am ordering a new voltage regulator, going to check all my ground wires, and replace the red wire that melted and see where that gets me. :confused:

* Located some bucket seats that are from a 68-69 Chevelle I believe, but without headrest? I figure they will be pretty close to what I am looking for (stock Monte Carlo buckets!) instead of the seats that are in it. Picture are at the link below....

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288584

[badbu68]

The guys on team chevelle are right, they're 69-72 A-body seats that somebody recovered and left the head rests off. 69+ all seats had headrests, think it was a DOT mandated. 68 seats have the seatback mechanism in the side not in the back.

[Jake616]

Did you use a heavier gauge wire? This seems to be the main feed wire for all you electrical accessoires except for the starter...


Finally got around to messing with this today. Replaced the voltage regulator, replaced positive side of battery to core support wire, and found a short near the horn relay and cleaned all alternator and battery connections and it fired right up. :smoke: It fixed the starting issues, the turn signal not working issue, the headlight not working on low beam issue, and the radio randomly dying issue! :) :idea: Don't know why i didn't fix it earlier, but oh well... an hour of work got me going again :) Not to detail it again because it's sat and gotten dusty!

[Jake616]

MY FIRST FIBERGLASS PROJECT! CENTER CONSOLE; Please Help?
http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/blogs/14686



I went out running some errands around the city today and decide to snap a couple new pictures before winter gets here!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/l_db16ef89cc284d2cb1cd172239d8e01f-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/l_46286bb57a81483fba2549b0ca5b6dc6-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/l_b338c2060dd3438ba34f964446d8a5fe-1.jpg

[WS6]

nice car. My mom had a 72 Monte back when I was very young. Though I only remember the 74 she had.

[mc84_zz4]

Nice ride! Just like they were meant to be: driven!! :drive:

[montessaj]

Sweet Monte. Did you do that powdercoating yourself? If so what did you do it with?

Andy

[steelcity6]

Very nice..I like the detail and those new photos are badass .

[Jake616]

Nice ride! Just like they were meant to be: driven!! :drive:
Yup.... :)


Sweet Monte. Did you do that powdercoating yourself? If so what did you do it with?


With a 30'x14' Powder coating oven, a GEMA gun, and hand prep. Yes, I did it all myself at my last job before they sold the business. It is Columbia Coatings candy green over the factory chrome on most pieces. Over silver chrome powder on others.


Very nice..I like the detail and those new photos are badass .



THANKS EVERYBODY! :)

Starting on a custom fiberglass center console now. I will start a thread for it so I can get help with the whole process. :) Never messed with fiberglass before. Good project/time to learn! :idea:

[FULMNTE]

Starting on a custom fiberglass center console now. I will start a thread for it so I can get help with the whole process. :) Never messed with fiberglass before. Good project/time to learn! :idea:

Sweet...
Check out www.classictruckconsoles.com (http://www.classictruckconsoles.com)

[MonzaRacer]

I also used Beretta GT console in my 70 Monte.

[Jake616]

11/29/2009--

I was going through my storage today and came across a few purchases I have made over the last year or 2 and decided I would dig them out and possibly make use of them on my Monte Carlo! It should make it a more fun and daily driver with purpose. It's ntoa full project or it wouldnt get lotsa toys :)

Siege Engineering Train Horn Kit
Viair 380 Compressor/3 Gallon Air Tank/Air Line/ Valve/Fittings/Etc
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/4645288379-1.jpg


As well as other items:
Pete Jackson SBC Gear Drive/ 2 new Mufflers/ Car Detailing Misc/ Green Interior LED Kit/ Concept 1200w Amplifier/ 12" Kicker Sub/ Kenwood 3.5" Speakers (Dash)/Battery Cutoff/ Etc...

I have also gathered factory service manuals/haynes service manuals/nos interior door handle replacement and dome light cover/ and other misc to go along with the car.

Now I need to be productive! :) I will try and get more pictures later.

.
MY FIRST FIBERGLASS PROJECT: CENTER CONSOLE (http://okcminis.com/showthread.php?t=3156)
.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/8JHQAEJA1J-1.jpg

[WS6]

sell that horn kit.

[Jake616]

NEW RIMS! :cool:


I still have the KMC Nova's but after a year of eyeballing around and checking on what to expect to spend and how far to travel to get some stock rallys from a Monte Carlo..... I made the drive and dropped the dough! :D Now to get some rubber and powdercoat these and do some polishing! What do you thing!?

From staggered 20's to 15x7 Chevy Rally Rims! :D

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


And yes, the train horn is sold. Haha. Got a Pete Jackson gear drive and a few other goodiews to get put on as well. :fingersx: Picked up a 396ci and Muncie 4 speed for either this or my Datsun also :idea: