EVC

I like pictures.

When the time comes and on my 100th birthday , I may decide to go with the coilovers.

After looking at the negatives and positives, I didn't view the tubular arms as an upgrade, just more Chinese junk to rust and repair down the road. I recently replaced the upper control arm bushings on the passenger side and a few steering parts, did a realignment,,, and saved a ton of money for gas.

Wayne, I've never installed the tubular arms, but would like to know how well they work for you. Keep us posted. Also , which ones did you choose from EBAY. I get red flags when one size fits all GM cars.. From the photo it looks as if your car is a bit higher in the front.. Keeping that stance and changing the springs would seem difficult. Maybe others can better advise. BTW,, Nice car… Ed

Happy New year…. May your first and last mile be safe…. Ed C..

Both of my 70's used the flat washer spark plugs …. Sounds like they may have made some changes in the later models. When I was in the AF , Back in the 1970's,,, I recall we lost an $80,000 Buick Start Cart for the SR71 because it ate a spark plug washer from a recently changed set of spark plugs. Yep, wrong plugs. …

.. Spark Plugs- Tapered seat, or flat w- washer???? | Team Chevelle.webloc

Spark Plugs- Tapered seat, or flat w- washer???? | Team Chevelle.webloc Some interesting info on using tapered seat vs Flat washer plugs..

Rob, I've had good luck with the r43s and tend to use the cooler plugs in my Monte. I'm sure some would disagree, but the added advantage of the $7.00 plugs ,,,,, unless you're racing or have an exotic distributor,,, doesn't make sense to me. Any of the major brands work fine for me ,but I tend to go with ACdelco. I went to a cooler plug because my engine compression is +- 2 lbs at 170 on all 8 ….. The cooler plugs gave me more levity with setting my fuel/air mixture and timing for regular pump gas… I'm running an HEI distributor with Edlebrock carb and intake. When mine was stock I used the r45s plugs gapped at 040. or a loose 035. Hope this helps. Ed C

LOL ? ,, Not meant to be humorous, but I won't be putting TS plugs in my 041 heads… I'm using the r43s plugs in mine ...Thank you for the update. In all fairness to those who may not know, find out for yourself before you put a tapered plug in a flat topped hole… Ed C.

I thought the r45ts had the tapered seat and the r44s were flat….

I drive to VanNuys Calif to air up my tires. 😆

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.. Ed and Angel …

I think it's sad when an excellent 70 Monte Carlo has less monetary value than a Toyota Corolla. I've always enjoyed seeing the higher asking prices the car deserves. I think an excellent well maintained Monte is worth more than a new $50,000 Lexus anytime. Fact is,,,,, I wouldn't trade car for car… I'm sure other members disagree…

passenger and small dog included in price.

I think some of the driving force for the increased prices of our Montes is the cost of new autos.. I'd be very reluctant to pay 35 for my car, but selling it for the price of a used Buick or Lexus makes no sense to me. Unlike many of the member here, I'm not into showing or racing. It's just one of my daily cars. I don't consider it restored. Over the years it has been either repaired, maintained, upgraded or improved to keep her on the road. Our Montes are extremely comfortable and roadworthy road cars, and I think we'll see the values increase even more. If I were spending 30 to 40,000 for a car, I'd probably consider a car like ours, a car that has lasting value and timeless beauty. Personally , I can't imagine not owning mine. " For Sale, $ 100,000… " 326 miles on the Speedometer… " 😇 Ed C.

How much did it sell for ? I recently turned down a solid offer for $34,000 on mine. He said he was hoping I'd counter with 35,000. I'd trust my old Monte with 200.000 miles over a low milage car anytime.. I have a difficult time trusting super low milage cars. Especially those over 50 years old.

Did the 1972,, 350 come with a 400 Tranny ?

Beautiful car. The only negative thing I see is no A/C…

I found the seat belt retractor covers for the buckets seats on EBAY. I only needed one but they sell in pairs. The quality seems to be as good as the originals. The description isn't very clear. They appear to be the same for the bucket or bench seat… Perhaps another member would know for sure. They say "chrome" but come in paintable black... Ed C.

Dan , As I recall they also made great holders for the cassette tapes during the mid 70's and 80's... Thanks for the info .. Ed

Sammy, Speaking about seat belts. Changing the stock seat belts is on my list. Trying to get out of the stock belts in an accident could be a real problem, especially for some handicapped people. It was a crappy design then and it's a hazard now. As I recall, most people never used the upper belt back in the early 70's and probably very few do now. Some of the kids today can't even figure out how to roll the manual windows up or down. For them , the convoluted seat belt 'thingydo" may as well have been from outer space. Just my humbled opinion .. I hope the car shows don't take points off for seat belt changes. Ed C.

Appreciate the info, Mark. I found two very decent looking, heavy duty, but flexible plastic, round cup holders in my "world famous" junk area. I can mount them just in front of stock holders or remove the current holders and replace them with the new. I did a mock up check and they will fit perfectly with no interference to the leg, seat space, shifter or gauges. They will also hold our 16 oz cups. I'll probably overthink this for another year, but I'll make some proper reinforced side mounts, with hidden minimal invasion to the side of the console, and paint them to match. It'll work and be functional. I may even use the existing holes that mount the stock holder. The ash tray was blocked long ago by my stereo, back up camera, key/door FOB, and alarm systems. As most can see, the clearances are tight,,, but coffee holders are essential for our long road trips. I've complained about this for 53 years now… Time to do it. Someday, I may even replace that white gauge with the new one I purchased about three years ago. Ed C

The best looking wheel I've seen . They should have been put on the Monte at the factory.