72-CLASSIC_RIDE

Hey all, Tried to post a brief overview last night of the WM and experienced problems attaching pic's. The pic's seemed to have resolved themselves, so here are a few highlites. Once everyone gets settled in back home I am sure the board will lite up with all the details. My adventure started by meeting up with Aaron (Canuck), Jake (ShadowgraySS) and Chris (Montecruiser) in Portland, Oregon for the final leg of the journey to The Dalles, Oregon Thursday afternoon. I met all three at a predetermined location in Troutdale, OR. where everyone stretched their legs before continuing on. Jake was experiencing some car difficulties along the way but did not prevent him or us from arriving at the Meet. The weather was beautiful all the way to The Dalles and it was a treat tagging along with them. There were a few others already there and greetings were exchanged. More cars arrived as the evening progressed with everyone introducing themselves. The bulk arrived Friday that quickly filled up the parking lot. All in all I think there were a total of 20 Montes in attendance. In fact, as Thursday ended there were 4 1970's, 4 1971's and 4 1972's. The 1972 Model year represented the most once all had arrived with 8 cars. Friday saw more arrivals with many spending time prepping their cars and enjoying each others company. The Neon Cruise was the highlite Friday evening cruising thru downtown The Dalles. It involved all types of cars and was enjoyed by a large number of car enthusiasts from all over. Saturday morning we all headed out together for the car show held at a nearby County park. It was impressive watching 20 Montes climb the hill to the show. We were able to group all of us at one location where we could look over each others rides and talk amung each other. I believe there were around 240 cars in attendance. 2 individual awards were given and 1 group award by the sponsoring Car Club association to the FGMCC club. They were very gracious hosts of this event. Saturday evenings finale was the WM banquet where all enjoyed the food, drink and each others company. I'll let others fill in the blanks. Sunday some attended another car show in Dufur, Oregon a short distance away while others headed straight to the track for some racing excitement. Crazy Davies better half (Red) and Tim (sorry can't remember handle) represented the FGMCC proudly during the eliminations. (Pic's attached)! It was a very hot day. WE must have been less than a mile from the Sun!! It was time to head back home that afternoon, said my goodbyes and reflected on the previous days events during the ride home. As I was driving home solo and this was my real first test of the car, I was apprehensive during the ride home and went uneventful. A special THANKS to Aaron (CANUCK) for his tireless and unselfish efforts to see that the WM was enjoyed by all. I just can't express enough appreciation for such a wonderful JOB!!! Also, my appreciation to everyone for being such a OUTSTANDING group of people who made my first Meet a very homey comfortable feel and one that I will never forget. Until next year guys, WM BANQUET GROUP PIC: REDS HOLE SHOT: TIMS PEDAL TO THE METAL: All have a GREAT day....... Doug

Just talked with Montecruiser (Chris) around 1:15 P.M. Said they were just leaving Tacoma, WA. Got a late start as Shadowgray (Jake) experienced mechanical problem about 5:00 mins. after leaving his driveway. Solved it and in Tacoma another issue arose that needed attention. Latest is everything appears to be working and are on their way. A little additional time waiting to see if any others would arrive and then decided to head out for Portland and then The Dalles. The expectation was as many as 7 cars were going to meet in Tacoma, but just 3 arrived for the journey. Chis had no further info on the non-arrivals. So, the West Coast Caravan has been pared down to 3! Canuck (Aaron), Montecruiser (Chris) & ShadowgraySS (Jake). I will hook up with them in Portland for the final leg of the journey. Baring any further issues, they should arrive here sometime around 4:00 P.M. & into The Dalles likely by 6:00 to 6:30 P.M. Just around BEER:30 this Thursday! Will update any new valuable info as it arises until I get the call they are nearing Portland. So you guys who are staying behind or leaving later & our Easter Brothern wish us luck in finishing the journey without incident. As Rosanne Rosanna Dana so aptly put it, (it's always something)! Hope no other news to report as (No News is Good News)! All take care, Doug

Update on West Coast Caravan, Just talked with Montecruiser (Chris) around 1:15 P.M. Said they were just leaving Tacoma, WA. Got a late start as Shadowgray (Jake) experienced mechanical problem about 5:00 mins. after leaving his driveway. Solved it and in Tacoma another issue arose that needed attention. Latest is everything appears to be working and are on their way. A little additional time waiting to see if any others would arrive and then decided to head out for Portland and then the Dalles. The expectation was as many as 7 cars were going to meet in Tacoma, but just 3 arrived for the journey. Chis had no further info on the non-arrivals. So, the West Coast Caravan has been pared down to 3! Canuck (Aaron), Montecruiser (Chris) & ShadowgraySS (Jake). I will hook up with them in Portland for the final leg of the journey. Baring any further issues, they should arrive here sometime around 4:00 P.M. & into The Dalles likely by 6:00 to 6:30 P.M. Just around BEER:30 this Thursday! Will update any new valuable info as it arises until I get the call they are nearing Portland. So you guys who are staying behind or leaving later & our Easter Brothern wish us luck in finishing the journey without incident. As Rosanne Rosanna Danna so aptly put it, (it's always something)! Will post to General Forum so all will have the opportunity to root for us and send us good Carma! Doug

Dave, Expecting the Norwest Caravan in Portland around 2:30 P.M. where I will hook up with them @ Troutdale for the final leg. Could be a close encounter! Glad your trip North was without incident. I'm sitting here going over my (things to take list) & think I am locked and loaded. Once the call comes in I will head out to Troutdale stopping just long enuff to grab a 24 oz. Mocha Frappe Freeze to ride shotgun. Say safe the final leg! Doug

Much appreciated Chris, Looking forward to meeting all. Gonna be rough sleeping tonite! All take care, Doug

Hey guys, Just got computer back up and running! Red Aleret! Red Alert! Trying to firm up meeting location when passing thru Portland, Oregon Thursday on way to Western Meet. I had selected the Troutdale Travel Center located just off I-84 @ exsit 17. Some are aware from a previous post to this thread. What I need first is a confirmation someone had read this current post and can communicate to the group, specifically Aaron. If someone would contact me around Kalama, WA I can be at Troutdale before you arrive to meet up for the final leg. My Cell #971-227-8564 or Home #503-659-2293 is where I can be contacted. I will then leave for the hook up in Troutdale. Thanx for relaying my message to the appropriate members. I had planned on contacting Aaron earlier this date but as I have a TRACFONE, I forgot I can't call outside of US. So figured a message would do it. When I tried to type, the keyboard went nutz and sent me places I hadn't requested. So, just got new keyboard up and running. WHEW, cutting it very close here! Please advise receipt of this message and hope the communication is understandable enuff. Hope to see you guys in Portland, Oregon tomorrow. Drive Safe! Doug

Have a safe & uneventful ride up I-5 Dave. Looking forward to meeting you & Red at the Meet. I am heading out Thursday also. Plan on hooking up with the Norwesters Caravan around Troutdale and tailing along with them. Gonna be a real treat seeing all those Montes cruising up the Gorge! Hope I got enuff storage capacity for the camera. Til then...... Doug

Spent last week replacing dash circuit board and a new quartz clock. Then last week end cleaning cleaning cleaning! My Dad drove her over to the garage where stored for me and noticed the brake pedal seemed soft at prolonged stops. Sure enuff, driving to the garage he held light pressure on the brake pedal and by the time he got to the garage the pedal was to the floor. Needless to say, this week end I will be replacing the master cylinder. Hopefully, nothing else turns up and can finalize a couple other things I would like to do before she goes back to storage until Thursday. Hope everyone is successful in getting ready and uneventful getting to and from the Meet. Hope to see you all there!! Doug

I am up for the Salmon but will go with the majority. Doug

Yeah Darren, Should have mentioned earlier it was a A/C car. I seem to always forget the important details! I learned with A/C, any room that was available without the A/C is gone! I had to fix both the defogger and map light previously so it should'nt prove a big deal but thanks, if I find the need I will let you know. I did misalign the clock. It is slightly negative of being straight up and down but it is what it is now. Wished I had planned it better so that I could have spent more time cleaning backside of dash but with so little free time available, I had to prioritize the needs and disregard the wants! I found a very good A/C guy and plan on having him check it out later in the Fall. The 2 previous attempts to find out why it won't hold a charge failed. Just need some expertise on trouble shooting this one. Thanx for the props. Makes me feel secure knowing that this portion is completed and dependable. At some point I'm hoping I can just kick back and enjoy it. Hopefully during the WM! Have a good one..... Doug

Finally it's DONE! Just finished installing the dash pad today after some mods to the dash clips to hold them in place. Did a little paintinjg touch up and some polishing to round out the day as well. Didn't think it would ever be done. First OPGI sent a defective quartz repop clock and didn't have another in stock. The Parts Place overnighted me one and was incorrect for the year (1972). Painted the back white from green and the connector stud was to long with the nut securing the terminal to fat! Cut down a stud and found a thin nut to correct interference. So much for being a direct replacement! There was a broken mount on the insturment panel and made a bracket to secure panel. All the A/C Heater ducting foam was missing, so fashioned new seals for connections. Removed & cleaned the plastic cover for gauges and replaced the A/C Heater lense. Also put in the driver/passenger side vents with the shut-offs for a 1970 model. Replaced and added screws that were missing when pulled. Circuit board was bad and replaced it. Emergency flashers were not working and fixed them. Now have everything electrical working and illuminated except for Map light and Rear defogger. Both were working and now have to trace their problems. But all in all, I'm very happy with all these repairs. Still have the A/C to get repaired and car will be whole. I know it takes pic's to seal the deal so here are a couple as proof of this venture. DASH REMOVED DASH REPAIRED, READY FOR INSTALL DASH INSTALLED NEW A/C HEATER LENSE Thats it folks! Rest of time will be spent spiffing up for the WM. All have a GREAT day...... Doug

Dash is out! I did not mention this is a A/C car so the degree of difficulty increased substantially. Found a few problems along with the bad circuit board that needed corrected as well. Dash had previously been removed by all indications. Possibly to replace heater core. Will attempt replacing dash Saturday. Will advise when back in. Doug

Hey Luke, Don't know how long you have owned or how many miles you have driven her at this point but a lot (at least in my view) depend on how confident you feel making a long trip. I have not had much opportunity to really drive mine for a long distance since replacing the entire drivetrain. I am going to hook up with the caravan coming from up North in Portland and join them. Safety in numbers! Anyone else in Cali you might be able to hook up with to make the journey? Otherwise I would fallback on my confidence level or as you indicated, possibly tow her up to the Meet. Whatever you decide, hope to see you there. Doug

Hey guys, Still some time til the WM but wanted to start firming up a place where I can meet up with the caravan in Portland. I did some checking and there is truck stop in Troutdale on I-84 that has off/on access to I-84. I figured it may be a good location where I can hook up with you all on the last leg of the journey. Give you all a chance to stretch your legs after the trip from Tacoma. It's called Troutdale Travel Center and is accessed by taking the #17 exit ramp off I-84. It is located on the same side of road with easy access back onto I-84 North. Let me know what you think and if ageeable will be there before you all show up. I believe Aaron has my cell phone number so we can determine arrival time. I'm just off I-205 about 10 miles from I-84 interchange so won't take much for me to get there depending on your ETA. Traffic can be brutal after 3:00 PM weekdays. Let me know. Doug

Appreciate the help Darren, I tested the bulbs by running jumpers from bulb socket to the battery to ensure bulbs were good and they were. I considered testing the circuit board and see if a ground in the board was broken & possibly running a jumper. Hey, if I have to take it out, only makes sense to replace it before the next break happens. Since I purchased her, I have spent the last 3+ years repairing/replacing 35 years of neglect. I was suspicious the gauge lighting was not fully optimized and had been avoiding it til now. Geez, had to pull the dash pad and driver side speaker just to get to the Amp gauge light socket! It ws no picnic pulling/replacing the lower clock socket either. I really don't like dealing with OPGI anymore so will check Year Ones site. Will see what kind of a time frame for delivery Year One offers. May try Super Chevy here in Portland Monday to see what they have to offer. Still got a lot of cleaning to do before the WM but not having fully functional Insturmentation lighting bothers me. I have replaced & repaired a bunch of faulty lighting & this should make at least this portion whole again. I think I can accomplish both if demands at work lessen. Thanx again for removal detail Darren. I know it's going to save me some headaches. I haven't had much free time keeping up on everyone who is attending the WM. If you are attending, hope to meet you there. Regards, Doug

Hey guys, A couple of weeks ago I was able to take the Monte for a late evening drive. In fact was the first time have driven her at night. I noticed a couple of the insturment panel lights were not working. Today I pulled the dash pad to replace the Amp Gauge lamp and did not iluminate. Also the lower lamp for the clock was replaced & did mot iluminate. I'm going to pull the Insturment Panel tomorrow and check the circuit board for breaks. I know the speedo cable needs removed from the panel and the procedure so was wondering if this is going to be a real pain to do. Also, never had the Insturment Panel out before and any tips would be great. If a new circuit board is needed any sure bets on where to buy? I'm sure there are several places but any one in particular that stands above the rest? It is a factory Tach optioned car. Thanx for any input. Doug

What is the Registration form all about. Is it a form that allows participation in the events? Never been to one of these before and am ignorant of what the procedures are for this Meet. Need some help please! Doug

Look on FGMCC Home page. In L/H side column find Resources and click on Parts Sources. There you will find a link to Leo Konik who likely has what you need or can direct you to where it can be found. Maybe someone who reads your post might have a spare laying around as well.

Talked with Jack (MONTEMAN1972) & he will be coming later if all goes as planned but am still hyped about hooking up with the caravan in Portland on Thursday. I will keep you all posted and as the Meet approaches firm up a time where we can meet up. By the way!@ I meant I-84 East as most have probably already suspected. If I go I-80, it's going to be a loooong drive and will miss you entirely! Would be nice to see the Cali crew merge at the same time and converge on The Dalles together during the last leg of the trip. Not certain of their path but is just a thought. Doug

P.S...... If I-5 thru Portland onto I-80 East is the route you guys up North determine is the route you will take, I am interested in hooking up with the caravan just after you hit I-80 East for the final leg of the journey. There is a large truck stop just before Troutdale right on I-80 that would be perfect. Easy off, easy on. Can stetch your legs, gas up and get nourishment if needed. I will talk with Jack (monteman1972) tomorrow and see if he might enjoy taking part as well. If another route is selected will meet up with you all in The Dalles Thursday afternoon. Doug

A correction! Based on Aarons reply I called back to verify room availability & this time was granted a room. The individual I talked with earlier apparently did not catch that I was with the FGMCC. I inquired and was told there are still a number of rooms available to the FGMCC. I should have asked for a number but did not think to ask. However, all other rooms have been booked for the week end of the Meet at this particular location. If you have as yet booked & are planning to, I would do so at the earliest opportunity to lock the reservation in. If the FGMCC reserved rooms have been completely booked and you cannot get access, I will gladly surrender my reservation for 1 Single Queen room as I do live close enough that it won't create a major hardship for me to surrender it. Thank you Aaron for your reply to my earlier post. Otherwise I would not have revisited booking a room. All have a GREAT day & see ya at the MEET....... Doug

Hey all, Just letting you know I called to book a room today and not a room to be had during the weekend of the Meet. A bigger whoop-de-doo than I had figured. So, on to PLAN B! I live about 1 1/2 hrs. drive away & am planning on returning home after each evening of the MEET. On a lighter note, expenses will be less. I live about 5 min's off I-205 and it's a straight shot to I-80 East and into The Dalles. Thought about another Inn close by but am not comfortable leaving the car unattended. More safety in numbers if you get my drift! Will also allow me the opportunity to get some hiway miles on her and see if all that effort I put into her the past 3 years actually paid off! Sooo, never attended a MEET before and am curious on what the intinerary will be for Friday. Not sure if there is going to be a location and time where we will all meet up. If anyone carrying a Cell Phone would like to give me their number, I can call ahead warning you all I am near. GREAT idea some of you meeting up as a Caravan getting to the MEET! I am in envy!! Way to COOL.... Hey Dave, I'll vote for ya buddy in your run for the Presidency. With a mantra of "politics just can't get any worse!!", your a sure bet. If you need a campain manager I'm your man! My mantra is "If you can't dazzle em with brilliance then baffle em with" er,this is a family site isn't it? Until next time, Doug

If you are going to use a stock era correct radio then yes, 10 OHM speakers are required or you will damage the radio. If going for a stereo radio, you will need a different wiring harness (9 pin) that plugs into radio and feeds the 4 speakers. As Aaron stated, you will need a stereo dash, 2 front 4x6 speakers (1 driver side with offset magnet), 2 speaker brackets compatible with dash mounting points and 2 6x9 speakers (10 OHM) for rear package tray. Will need 2 speaker grill covers for rear and 2 baffles for rear to project sound up thru package tray instead of into trunk. The 2 rear speakers should be equipped with a mounting bracket that allows you to secure the baffles on the underside of the rear speakers. Here some pic's to identify components. FRONT SPEAKER BRACKETS FRONT 4X6 SPEAKERS (Notice driver side w/angled magnet REAR SPEAKERS REAR SPEAKER PACKAGE TRAY GRILLS I plan on converting my factory Mono AM/FM radio to stereo someday. I've gathered everything I need. Just need to have radio bench tested to ensure it is sound before I do the conversion. I am not certain but think the mounting locations on the rear package tray are intregal with the frame. I have examined my 72 and only need to cut access into the package tray to mount additional speaker. I bought my 9 pin wiring harness from Impala Bobs if I remember right. Same as a Chevelle harness. Hope this helps. Found most of what I needed on eBAY and had speakers reconned. The 6x9's & Grills are hardest to come by. You might use the For Sale forum here to locate them. I think there is a set of dash mounting brackets on eBAY that ends today. I believe I have a extra set of dash brackets and the 2 4x6 correct speakers stored somewhere. Speakers would need reconned however. The baffles can be purchased aftermarket. Doug

Visual inspection was a good representation for the appearance. Backside was sandblasted for the rust prior to plating and then backside primer coated. I checked all the edges to ensure plating had at the minimum wrapped around to backside. No rework had been performed on this bumper which was a big plus also. Granted, I did take a chance considering I don't have any previous experience with them and their location but based on my inspection determined it to at least meet my minimum expectation. I do have my receipt stored for future reference if needed. A warranty was given verbally but no set timeframe specified in writing. Six months seemed to be the magic number and as far as defects in plating are concerned, need to be addressed when identified. While there are repops available, maintaining as OEM where possible has been my focus. She is stored indoors out of the weather and given any unknown cirumstances I anticipate will maintain well. The protection applied on the back was my effort to retain finish for as long as practicle for both finished side & back. Once the rust starts forming it can encroach into the finish side. Now that the bumper is on the car, I feel better about it. Fitment is better than my original. The unknown is how well it will weather. I'm familiar with Bumper Boyz but did not see their booth at the Portland Swap Meet this year. Last year they did not have a rear bumper to show me. I hate buying sight unseen. The other plate shop at the Meet only had a 1970 front bumper for sale. This was the only rear bumper available who I purchased it from and visually looks very nice and straight. If worse comes to worse, I know I have a very good core to work with. My original looked fine less the chrome flaking until I had removed it. While laying flat on the floor I could see where likely bumber came into contact with something. The chrome gave a wavey appearance when looking down the length of the bumper. Not sure if a poor chroming or what that was from. But, time will tell how well this one will last. Just wondered if anyone else had any comments good or bad about this outfit I purchased from. Doug

Attended the Portland Oregon Swap Meet this past weekend and picked up a replated Rear Bumber to replace my much needed rechroming rear bumper. I had priced mine out for a triple chrome plated one and came to aounmd $650.00 just for the rear. It cost me $300.00 for the replacement as I kept my original for a core. While I am pretty certain the one I bought is not of the highest quality, from examination it is visually nice and straight. To hopefully keep it in this condition for a prolonged period of time I will POR 15 the inside to help maintain it. Has anyone dealt with THE BUMPER SHOP / COAST TO COAST BUMPERS LLC? Just curious of any bad publicity or otherwise input anyone may have. Just got it this past weekend so haven't installed it as yet. Fitment will be the next issue! Doug