Monteman1971

I say maybe get another used off ebay or get a new reproduction... it's a pain getting the cluster out of the car so you're really only going to want to do that once..... My 2 Cents, Steve

First...Bruce... I love your Monte with the slick top!!! Second, 95% of newer cars all look the same from late 90's until today. I remember bring my son to get tires mounted on my Yukon in the early 2000's, there were three silver cars up on the lifts at the time and my son couldn't have been 6 years old, he looked at me and said "look dad, three of the same cars". Of course they were all different makes. It just seems every car now has that same general shape with some minor different body lines down the sides. I think with only a small exception there are no real classics for the future.... Steve

The fender is a dead give away but also that big whole on the left side is to accommodate the charcoal canister that wasn't required on the 1970 unless it was a California emissions car. Steve

Thanks for sharing....wish I could have made it.... Steve

The real trivia question here is how do you know which one is which!!!! Who knows what the difference is and why!!!!! PS... I know and you don't have to guess which one is which because Aaron already has the correct answer........

Sounds like the starter solenoid. They get beat up from the heat of the engine. Do you have headers? Headers amplify the problem. I use to carry a really long screwdriver when my monte was a daily driver so I could reach between the header tubes and jump the solenoid. Steve

If it wasn't all new I'd say.....Chevy idas..... Meaning leaky valve stem seals. although this is typically on start up, if you have pools of oil it is possible. Maybe they were installed dry and got torn up? I'd go to the valve with the biggest leak and pull the spring off (remember to use something to hold the valve up during this procedure).

I got my first Monte in 1980.....I've always had one...does that count? lol!!!!! I've had this one since 2007 which is actually a long time for me. Going to keep this one.... it's in my will to my son. Steve

Congrat!.... sweet ride!! Steve

You found that on your property? Pretty cool!! Dig deeper...who knows what you'll find!!! Steve

Welcome!!! How about some pics of your Monte...old or new pics we love them all! Steve

17x8 4" BS on the front..... I forget the tire but its 26.5" tall. 17x9.5 with 5.5" BS on the rear. Rear tire is 295/45 17 drag radial. It's section width is 11.6 and it's 27.2" tall. Unfortunately, Mickey Thompson has discontinued them so next time I'm going to have to go a little taller 27.8". As Darren said, because the section width is greater I needed to trim the inside lip a little more than an 1/8 inch, almost up to the top screw for the wheel well trim.....just a little grinding. Steve

All good ideas!! I would try rotating the column first, it's position has a lot to do if the key is going to turn or not and then check the rod by removing it from the switch at the bottom of the column. Steve

The small pinhole spots, can be filled with a mig welder. If the metal is weak the mig will blow that bad metal away so your fill may get a bit bigger but then you can grind it down. Any spot bigger than that your best bet is to make a patch. Lastly, chemically treat the area before any type of body/paint work. Steve

I'm a little late to the party but just an FYI...a Chevelle drive shaft is the same as a Montes as long as they are the same set up..... Chevelle shafts are a bit easier to come by. Steve

Check the mechanism itself. I had a similar problem where the hood wouldn't open yet the mechanism seemed to be working properly. I was using a screwdriver through the grill to give it that final push to open. Turned out there was a tear in the metal so the metal was flexing for that final 1/8 inch that actually opens the hood. Replaced the mechanizm and all was right with the world. I could have welded it but I already had an extra so I just put that in. Steve

New rear diff cover.......... getting ready for the Eastern meet!!

New rear diff cover.......... getting ready for the Eastern meet!!

The lever is not part of the Chrome vent. The lever actuates a flap behind the vent. You break the glue that holds the assembly together and replace just the chrome piece and then glue it back together. That is true of at least the 1971/72's. I've replaced a few of them. The grain is different for the 1970 so just make sure you get the right ones. Take a blade and score the factory glue until you cut through (sometimes it's just melted plastic but the seal lines are still there to follow). Steve

Sweet ride!!! Congrats!!! A lot of really nice options!!! Steve

That's one great looking ride!!!! Really nice work!!! Steve

Great starting point!!! Like you, I took some liberties on my numbers matching 71 SS454. I also added power windows, door locks, and the gauge cluster......oh, and about twice the horsepower....lol. Keep the pics coming!!! Steve

Can't watch youtube here at work....shhh, I'm not really posting when I should be working.... lol. But did the contestant win the Monte? Steve

Hey Mike!!! I just recently returned myself!! Welcome back!!!! Steve

I certainly like them!!!! It's nice to have something to change off too. Gives the car a different look.