stangeba

Welcome, nice looking Monte. I was very lucky, years ago in 1985, I purchased a used 71 Monte like mine from a guy I worked with, BUT it did have the OEM factory gauge package. It also was NO A/C and a 350 4bbl all like mine. I swapped out all the items required including all (less heater fan) the wiring under the hood. It was a big job but I'm happy I did do the swap. When I went to sel the other Monte the starter went out so the price came down......... Nobody had aftermarket gauges back then.

Someone posted these pictures years ago and I took them because I thought it was great information to have and to share.

My 71 "bench seat" Monte had one for the shoulder and one for the lap. I ordered deluxe seat belts so the lap belt was "self" tightening but the shoulder belt was a tighten as needed. I never never wore the shoulder belt but did use the lap belt all the time. In 2009, I bought MORRIS aftermarket 3 point system for the front seat. I ordered the bucket seat and bench seat female ends because I have bucket seats I thought I was going to put in someday. All for $350.00 I love them!

Where did you purchase the inner plastic fender from? I need a new right one, it's cracked under the battery. CARS Inc is close to me so I could just pick them up but haven't gotten there yet...

I think the steel fender needs to be pushed in way more, at the wheel opening area, and pulled forward some, till it has a ft of door to rear of fender, gap that matches, like till the bolt hole lines up for the plastic inner fender. Is it a new plastic inner fender? Perhaps it was damaged?

One of my brothers graduated in 1964 and still has his first vehicle, our Grandfathers 1937 Dodge PickUp. He did update it some with a larger flat head six, twin carbs and a T-5 5 speed.

In 1978 my wife and I bought a 78 FORD Thunderbird. (I did keep the Monte) The T-Bird was a very nice car and I worked at a FORD dealership as a service advisor then. 351 Cleveland 2bbl.

Steve, I still have my 1971 High School tassel hanging from my mirror in my 71. I remember when it was a real thing in its' day, everyone with a car did it.

I didn't know they were different, thanks for that information. Here is a picture of my 71 rear speaker grills for reference.

Yes, Happy 4th of July!

Looks great!

Probably not of any help to you, but here are pictures of my original 1971 Monte Carlo. Gas Cap Pictures

I love your picture!

I remember always using a 12 Volt test light (with a pointy tip to pierce into the wires) for testing for power and continuity but I was taught back in the early 70's.

Good point! I haven't driven my Monte at night in a very long time... Or several bulbs may be burnt out?