ripleydale

I think there are probably a lot of accurate bits and pieces on this car. Vaughn showed me a few things that are proof of the big block or commonly missing. I'll have to take a lot of pictures when I start taking it apart. Jared, that's the Monte Graveyard. I created a post a while back. The guy is in the process of getting rid of them so I'm going to try and make a deal to salvage whatever I can. He's stripped out what he believes is valuable but I suspect there are a few things left that only a Monte restorer knows are hard to find. I've contacted Leo to get his opinions but haven't spoken to him directly yet. What parts would you save Jared?

5 months after I purchased it, my 1971 SS is finally home, in large part due to Vaughn from this club. What a guy. Never met me before in his life and saying he went out of his way for me is a huge understatement. Took time out of his busy life to drive down to the US border, pick my car up and take it back to Edmonton (6 hours from the border). After being taken by my original transport company, it's great to meet a guy like Vaughn. Couldn't say enough nice things about this guy, and his Monte collection is unbelievable. His black 70 SS is gorgeous and anyone going to Penticton is going to see an amazing car. So back to the SS, I was actually contemplating trying to drive it back to Edmonton. Pretty clear that wasn't going to happen when it would barely start and gas was pouring from the back holley carb bowl (figured that out later). I really don't think it's been driven since 1981, the date of the last plate and inspection sticker. So it's triple black, highly optioned, 44,000 mile car in original condition. Which means not so good in my case, but all the parts are there. GT71SS sold it to me and bought it from the original owner in 2000. He acquired a vast array of parts while he owned the car but I'd say he just stored it the entire time he owned it. Check out the parts pics on the link and see what fit inside the car as it made its way to my place. 2 NOS fenders and inner fenders and lots of other goodies. Unpacking the car was like opening presents at Xmas. Lots of documentation including build sheets, POP, and assorted other documents from the original owner. I even had the original title in my hands, but I had to give it back to GT71SS so he could get me a current Florida title. So it's going to take a while, but eventually I'll restore it from the ground up. For now, I'll drive my 402 car and plot the SS's restoration. http://my.inbox.com/photos/ripleydale/index.aspx

And if you have a rock crusher, it's pretty easy to tell by opening it up and looking at the gear cut angle.

I doubt you would have much luck with a Chevelle and that combination. The back half of Montes and Chevelles are pretty much the same.

Thanks Leo. Ya, they sure do look good in black. I love your signature pic. I'd hang it on my wall.

Leo's is the answer to the question I was asking (I know, I said undocumented too). Nice to know everyone likes black, but how many were original? And in the time I've been looking, I haven't seen any black true SS's, original color or not. People must keep them once they paint them. ) So Leo, do you have a documented triple black 71 SS with buckets, console and gauges? I couldn't find any description of your collection of cars on the site.

Thanks for replying everyone. In my experience having looked around for the last couple of years, very few SS's seemed to be loaded, and even fewer were originally triple black. I've found lots of people turn the cars that way, but they didn't come that way. That's why I was curious about the documented ones with a build sheet or POP. I'd guess Leo probably has probably run across more SS's than anyone else.

I am certainly aware of your car Capri. And I do remember it's history was a little weird (the buckets with column shift). Gave me hope I might find one. By the gauge dash, I mean the gauges and tach instead of the idiot lights.

I was wondering how many documented (or undocumented) triple black, console/bucket, gauge dash 71 SS cars might still be out there. Kind of my dream car and I'm wondering if any members have one or know of one.

Way to go Dave. Sorry about the accident. I've always said if I ever get cut off again, I'll just drive into the guy. The idiots always escape and you wreck your car avoiding them. Instinct will probably make you avoid the guy, but it's worth a shot. ;o) Nice times for your car. Hope the stint on it's side didn't hurt the paint too much. Enjoying the 1320 link but can't find the part you said to look for.

It makes a difference what model of Muncie and what parts you have. M22's are worth more. $500 to $1500? Check eBay. There are lots for sale all the time.

I can add a 71 402 from LA with a Tonowanda block. No idea if they're original, but it's a numbers matching block.

That is a pretty hot looking drag car. Good luck Dave. Looking forward to the video and pics.

The fog has lifted. Thanks Dave. I was assuming the piece below the trunk was solid, sort of like the back of a 72. Didn't realize the black was just paint (although if I'd read the tech info a little better, it is stated there). Thanks again everyone, I'll contact Leo.

Thanks gents. However, I'm a little more confused now. I went to www.thepartsplaceinc.com and found the rocker panel emblems. It looks like it would just go over my existing trim, right? I found the trunk lid emblem but assume I still need the black panel below the trunk. So I'm not sure if when you say center piece, and upper side moldings, you're talking about the black bits below the trunk lid, center, right side and left side. Am I missing anything besides the rubber bumper strip (which I think I'll pass on)? Again, thanks for the help. Kelly

Is it possible to get SS trim for a 1971 model? I like the subtle look with the piece below the trunk and on the lower trim molding, and assume you guys (and Capri) restoring them must have to source these things somewhere. I'm not trying to pass it off as real, and I don't plan on looking for the air ride system.