87 Monte Carlo SS

[kevm14]

For Bill.

http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/4364042096.html

Not sure where those seats are from but nothing GM...

Planz:

Phase I - Drive as-is occasionally as a fun car, if it runs well. 3-speed is BS for anything daily driven and frankly the carb is, too. But, it seems clean and again as an occasional driver, this is a good way to get back into G-bodies.

Phase II - As an incremental and learning step, he could fuel inject this engine if it turns out to be a solidly built engine, then also swap to a proper 4 speed (700R4 or 2004R probably).

Phase III - Sometime down the road, overhaul the entire powertrain with an LQ4-derived engine or something similar.

I like this approach.

[kevm14]

Another $4k Monte, but with a 383. No pics, and Middletown, CT.

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/4378550765.html

[Adam]

Just figured i would mention this in case anyone doesn't know. Common G-body rust areas in no particular order:

Rear lower quarter panel behind the wheel. Paint chips or packed in salt get into the metal and the rust works its way back.

In the trunk where the body mount bolts go through. Road debris gets around the body mount perch and work its way into the trunk through the bolt.

The frame section behind the rear axle. Rust usually starts on the bottom weld seam.

Bottom of the doors, usually goes along with leaking belt moldings on the door.

There are plenty of other places to rust but you usually see it start in the above areas.

[Bob]

Sounds like you need a southern car, like the one Dale used to drive.

[bill25]

I used to have a 1985 Monte SS. I bought it in 2000 and it had pretty much all of those rust problems mentioned. These are getting harder and harder to find at a reasonable price. Most that I have seen that are in good shape are asking 8-10K there are some higher than that, but the average is probably 8-10. 4K would be great, but I have my doubts.

[Bob]

I just did a quick search of the Charlotte craigslist and I was shocked to see several 5 digit price tags. I guess the prices on the nice ones are really going up!

[kevm14]

30-somethings are starting to have some disposable income.

[Adam]

Go on.

Also, this must have been what happened to the muscle car market in the 90's.