mjs-13

Everyone, The most accurate paint in a spray can that represents the black out paint used as underhood black is Blitz Black from John Deere. This is the black that all the NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) guys use to replicate the firewall/inner fender/radiator support black used on Corvettes. This color also closely/exactly replicates the black used for underhood parts that were "bucket dipped" (painted) such as A/C brakets, PS brackets etc. By bucket dipped I mean exactly that. Look at your brackets and you will see a run line or little paint dimple as these parts were painted by dipping in black paint on a paint line at the "part" manufacture/assembly plant. The firewall black/ black "may" have been different on a Monte however I would not expect GM to have multiple suppliers of paint for a black out process. There could very well be a difference in brackets and other "dipped" parts as there could have been multipe bracket/parts suppliers who "sourced" their own black. GM is/was pretty good about specifications for everything including part color/finish. Everyone uses Krylon until they try something better. The products from Eastwood are very good. There are other alternatives closer to home such as John Deere. Try Blitz Black. It's great paint! ------------------ Mike Strinich Nashville, Tennessee 72 Monte Carlo Convertible [This message has been edited by mjs-13 (edited 07-18-2002).] [This message has been edited by mjs-13 (edited 07-26-2002).]

There are several manufacturers of "Repop" trim rings. One repo has the gold tint to them, they look awful. The other looks "much" better without the gold tint. This is the set you want if you go repo. Both are made in Taiwan and the price will be similiar depending upon where you buy. The GM rings do look best. The are difficult to get on and off with the 4 clips. You have to be VERY careful not to bend the edge. You also can (that means you will) have the problem of a wheel weight right where one of the 4 attachment clips needs to be. Remember, the trim rings are indexed with the valve stem. For a daily driver, the "better" repo's are the way to go. ------------------ Mike Strinich Nashville, Tennessee 72 Monte Carlo Convertible 70 SS 454 Chevelle Convertible 70 Buick Gran Sport Stage 1 Convertible 1969 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible 1972 Chevelle Malibu 400 67 427/400 A/C Corvette Coupe 67 327/300 A/C Corvette Converible 67 P.O.S. Corvette Convertible 65 327/300 A/C Corvette Coupe 66 Shelby GT-350 Vintage Race Car

The car in Tennessee is completely loaded but maybe not as nice as the car you are considering. The Tennessee car is unrestored however you can drive the car every day. It's just a decent to tired old Monte with build sheet, numbers match and all options. Email me off line at strinic1@bellsouth.net for owner information and I will give you his number for contact. ------------------ Mike Strinich Nashville, Tennessee 72 Monte Carlo Convertible 70 SS 454 Chevelle Convertible 70 Buick Gran Sport Stage 1 Convertible 73 Buick Gran Sport Century Stage 1 Four Speed 67 427/400 A/C Corvette Coupe 67 327/300 A/C Corvette Converible 67 P.O.S. Corvette Convertible 65 327/300 A/C Corvette Coupe 66 Shelby GT-350 Vintage Race Car

Wolfman, That's great that he found the build sheet. Don't be too upset if he can't see the VIN on the side of the block. It's very difficult in the car, especially if a light hit. If this car does not work out and you want a restoration project. There is a loaded (all options) black/black 70 SS454 Monte for sale here in Middle Tennessee with build sheet and original engine. Best of luck with your purchase. ------------------ Mike Strinich Nashville, Tennessee 72 Monte Carlo Convertible 70 SS 454 Chevelle Convertible 70 Buick Gran Sport Stage 1 Convertible 73 Buick Gran Sport Century Stage 1 Four Speed 67 427/400 A/C Corvette Coupe 67 327/300 A/C Corvette Converible 67 P.O.S. Corvette Convertible 65 327/300 A/C Corvette Coupe 66 Shelby GT-350 Vintage Race Car

You will find many early 1970 Monte Carlo and Chevelle's with 454's with NO VIN on the pad. It was stamped down on verticle "rough" casting nest to the oil filter. This is actually next to where the transmission bolts to the block. Most later 1970 Chevelles (February on) have the stamp on the pad. As a point of interest, 396 SS Chevelles were always on the pad from what I have seen with early 454 Chevelles by the oil filter. Go figure, they were made on the same line along with Monte's. I have never heard a good explanation as to why the 454 made a difference as to where the stamp was located. Production DID put all the stamps on the pad in the second half of the production year for all Chevelles. Since Monte's were made on the same line, I would expect this also to be the case. If the VIN is not on the pad, believe me, it is by the oil filter and it is usally a "[you said a naughty!]" to see. Many times, the only way you will see it is with the engine out of the car as the stamping is in "rough" cast iron, not a machines surface like on the engine pad at the front of the engine. Many, Many 69 Z28 are also stamped here and they are small blocks. As a matter of fact, on Z's, if you see a VIN stamp on the pad after January 1969, it's probably a restamp as they were all stamped down by the filter when assembled in Norwood. California Camaro's were typically on the pad. Point is, it's very probable that this IS the orginal motor. Look down by the oil filter and don't get upset if you do not see the stamp. Its VERY small and usually "lightly" hit because of the rough casting and usually greasy/dirty. Vin stamps by the oil filter are VERY well known in other parts of the Chevy hobby. As Monte's become more popular, this information will filter to this part of the hobby. ------------------ Mike Strinich Nashville, Tennessee 72 Monte Carlo Convertible 70 SS 454 Chevelle Convertible 70 Buick Gran Sport Stage 1 Convertible 73 Buick Gran Sport Century Stage 1 Four Speed 67 427/400 A/C Corvette Coupe 67 327/300 A/C Corvette Converible 67 P.O.S. Corvette Convertible 65 327/300 A/C Corvette Coupe 66 Shelby GT-350 Vintage Race Car [This message has been edited by mjs-13 (edited 03-29-2002).] [This message has been edited by mjs-13 (edited 03-29-2002).]

I prefer mechanical pumps for carburated applications. It's a safety issue, engine stops, fuel flow stops. Modern cars with FI have "in tank" electric pumps with several safety shutoffs typically oil pressure AND a accident/rollover switch. Most FI conversions performed by enthusiasts I have seen have external (in-line) electric pumps and NO Safety switches of any kind. This is in my opinion, foolish and VERY unsafe. In an accident the fuel can keep flowing if there is power to the pump. NOT VERY SMART. This foolishness of no safety switches and electric fuel pumps applies to most carburated/FI drag race cars I see. There are lots of ways to leave this world, burning up is at the "bottom" of my list. Winston Cup requires mechanical fuel pumps in all their divisions. Could it be a safety thing? ------------------ Mike Strinich Nashville, Tennessee 72 Monte Carlo Convertible 70 SS 454 Chevelle Convertible 73 Buick Gran Sport Century Stage 1 Four Speed 67 427/400 A/C Corvette Coupe 67 327/300 A/C Corvette Converible 67 P.O.S. Corvette Convertible 65 327/300 Corvette Coupe 66 Shelby GT-350 Vintage Race Car 70 Buick Gran Sport Stage 1 Convertible