Project Hiway Star 71 Monte Carlo
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/image...37bc8653-1.jpg
Other shots
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...bb9a2f7a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...96bc5dab-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...29adc64c-1.jpg
Thanks for looking. I will update as I go.