JJ Garcia - 72 Monte

Greetings all, Happy Memorial Day!! Thanks for all the words of encouragement and well wishes. Especially enjoyed the budget advice from Joe T!! 🤣. Planning Phase now, but will keep the group updated (yes yes with pics!)

Would very much like to get the info on your friends shop...

Thanks for the welcome sir, car is in Miami, but I also spend a lot of time in TN

I don't plan to do much of the work, short on free time, and definitely not when it comes to bodywork/paint/ interior.

Ronald, forgetting my manners!! Thanks for the welcome. For any forum members who may justifiably be wondering why I'm resto-modding, instead of restoration, the history on it is engine is a replacement from a junkyard, the vinyl top is not the same color combo as factory and I dont think the carpet is original. I primarily want to have a comfortable modern interior for long haul drives. Looking forward to getting the project underway, but figure the more time spent in research before I start, should go a long way to prevent major (expensive) mid-project changes.

Hi Ronald, here is a you tube link to the car. Looking up some more pics. Full disclosure, car was stored outside for last six years while I worked overseas, so in a bit rougher shape mostly bodywise, but still runs and is now driven a bit more regularly

Greetings all , Apologies for the long read, no "soundbite" way to get this across. I am planning to do a full (frame off) resto mod on my 1972 Monte. Seeking brutally honest reviews of my thoughts and plans for the car, have a fair idea that its gonna put a serious dent in the bank account, and am in full understanding (or denial :)) of the financial implications of a sentimental redo vs a straight financial investment. Short version is car belonged to my cousins husband, we were close. I drove it a lot to outings he and I went to (he also had a 70 Vette that was his first love), and when he passed away 13 years ago, I bought it from her. My kids, nephews and nieces grew up driving in it, later driving it and loving it, and its kinda been part of the family. Let me give you an idea of what I have in mind to turn this car more into a regular long haul cruiser (Think Miami-Orlando or Memphis-Atlanta, 5-6 hour driving distance) Engine / Xmsn / Brakes Engine (LS3 crate motor? Stock? mild Mod? Motor 500 hp?) Replace transmission, drivetrain and exhaust Highway oriented gearing (but still retain decent off the line performance (5/6/7 Spd Transmission?) Upgraded brakes, suspension to improve stopping and handling Slightly lowered ride height (car must sit level Wheel and tire package No exterior mods, (maybe change to bumper to 1970 style to accommodate foglight) LS3 Crate Motor (mostly stock?) Frame to be blasted (media?) and protected (paint, powder coat?) Frame reinforced for stiffness Remove current vinyl top (rust issues) Body & body panels down to bare metal, rust issues dealt with, no filler? body panels adjust to tight fit Body corrosion protected, all surfaces primed sanded and repainted Current bench seat interior converted to bucket seats Dash and instrument cluster updated with modern gauges while maintaining retro look Amplified stereo with sub and modern connectivity Interior body panels, carpet, seats, headliner replaced Mouldings, seals and trim reuse/replace as required "Walk in freezer" AC a high priority Comfortable seats with good support for long haul driving eats more comfort than performance Interior light kit Upgraded suspension Upgraded brakes LED front and rear lighting kit options?