Mike Brichta

Maybe someone has an extra 12 bolt upper control arm laying around?

Or maybe the spacer is on the wrong side of the water pump housing which would move it backwards?

If the AC and alternator belts line up without any issues, then I believe you are correct about shimming the PS pump forward to get a better alignment. Is there any play where the PS pump bracket bolts to the Water Pump? Otherwise it will be difficult to shim forward.

That looks pretty far off. Are you sure you are running the correct belts in the correct grooves? Is this an AC car?

Hey Mike, A couple of questions/thoughts for you. - Did the first top (that was bad) have a vinyl top on it? Maybe you could use that top for a pattern of where to place the studs. You could also get the locations for the "Monte Carlo" and "Custom" badges from there also. - Are you planning to put a "full" halo top on your car? That would make it a little more work. - Do you already have the vinyl trim pieces? You will have to put them together and lay them out on the car. Be sure to put tape on the new paint before doing any work. - I usually try to make patterns of where to put things using tape and making marks before doing any drilling or screwing. The molding strips are pretty thin so you have to be pretty accurate on your locations. - I would start at the rear corners and work my way forward. There is little room for error if you start at the rear corners and rear molding strip first. Just some thoughts.

In my opinion, the cheapest, fastest way to improve all of your lights in your car is to switch to a 105amp alternator. It is a fairly easy job and will improve everything from your headlights to your instrument panel lights. Everything will work the same as stock, just brighter. Your battery will also last longer and crank the engine much faster. If after doing that you are still looking for brighter lights you can look at halogen or LED bulbs. Good luck!! Mike

If I remember correctly when I installed power windows (actually did it in all 3 of my Montes) there are adjustments for all directions of the glass in addition to the windows up and down stops. If you want to "tilt" the glass in or out at the top I think the adjustment as on the underside of the door. There is a bolt down there that allows the window "rod" to move in or out. Let me know if that is what you are looking for or not. I can always look at my spare doors for reference.

I guess to make one of those you would have to take a Monte frame and switch it with the original one on the El Camino. Then use the Monte fenders, hood, etc. I actually have enough parts to make one. Just saying.

Hey Darren, Thanks for posting the pic. I was actually thinking of white with a black stripe as the paint scheme. Did you use the original heads or go with aluminum heads? Also, can you put a roller cam in a BBC original engine? Did you paint or do some sort of Rhino lining in the bed. It looks black in the picture. Thanks everyone for your honest input and ideas!! Mike

Yes I did consider the zz454 crate motor also. That would move the cost up to around $10,000. Maybe I should make that option #4.

Ok, here is the situation. I recently purchased a 70 SS El Camino which I am going to bring back to life and save from the crusher. The car is a true SS 396 car and has the numbers matching drivetrain. The previous owner had done some engine work but I don't have any receipts to know what they did. In addition, the car was stored outside and water got into the engine. When I pulled the intake and heads, the pistons had standing water in them. The pistons and valves look new but have rust on them. It looks like the pistons say .060 on them. The motors turns but would have to be completely pulled apart and gone over/rebuilt again. Choices are: - Rebuild the original 396 engine as stock and put back into the car. Cost unknown? Thinking around $5,000 to $6,000? - Rebuild the original engine make make some upgrades (aluminum heads, roller cam, etc.). Cost unknown? Thinking $6,000 to $7,500? - Store original engine as is and purchase a crate motor to put into the car. Cost unknown? Probably GM ZZ6 Deluxe turn key engine (with EFI). Cost around $8,000? What would you do? I'm leaning towards option #3. Thanks!! Mike

I need to purchase some sheetmetal panels and basically see 2 main brands. AMD and Dynacorn. Which is better? Thicker? More accurate? Thanks!! Mike

Thanks for sharing. Wish I had one of those machines in my garage.

Hey Bob, Nice find. That will keep you busy for a while. Where in PA are you located? I am in Center Valley 18034. I have lots of Monte parts if you need any along the way. Mike

Hey Ian, It was very simple to install the bracket and solenoid. The kit (1950) was made for my carb (1904) so it fit perfectly. You will have to run a wire to it which supplies power when the key is turned on. I tapped off the HEI wire. I could have also tapped off the electric choke wire as well but the HEI was closer and a thicker gauge wire. If I get a chance this weekend I will post a pic. Thanks!! Mike

Update: I installed the Demon 1950 Throttle Solenoid last weekend and set it up so the engine idles around 800 RPM when solenoid is engaged and around 500 RPM when it is not. That seems to have solved my problem. Also, the engine starts right up when I go to restart it. So I guess that was the answer to my problem. If I ever get the AC working correctly then I may readjust the settings but for now I am happy. Thanks!! Mike

Hey Guys, Thanks for all of the responses and suggestions. Here is some additional info on my situation: - Fairly new GM ZZ4 crate motor (< 2,000 miles) with Hot Cam upgrade kit (400+ HP) - Already use premium fuel - I can't turn off while in gear because it is a 4 Speed Muncie (It works if I turn on the AC before shutting off) - Have already tried adjusting the timing and curb idle screws to no avail - Already use manifold vacuum I run a Demon 1904 carb and just ordered the 1950 Demon Throttle Solenoid Kit. I will be installing it this weekend and will post my results. Keep your fingers crossed!! Thanks!! Mike

Hey Paul, I'm running a Demon 1904. I think the kit I need is a Holley 1950. What do you think? Can this be used to fix dieseling and as an AC stepup? Thanks!! Mike

Yes I still have the original solenoid but am no longer running a Q-Jet so there is no place to mount it and probably wouldn't line up with the throttle linkage like it did before. Maybe I should be looking for one for my specific carb? Sounds like some more research is in my future. Thanks!! Mike

Hey Paul, I tried that also. I usually like to keep the curb idle around 800 RPM and even went as low as 600 RPM. I didn't really change anything other then the idle speed. Thanks!! Mike

After triple checking the engine timing and carb fuel mixture settings I'm still occasionally dealing with engine run-on. I've read that the best fix for "dieseling" is an electric solenoid in the fuel supply system to instantly stop fuel pressure once the engine is turned off. I'm not sure exactly what that means or where it goes. Has anyone dealt with this before and what did you do to fix it? Thanks!! Mike

Glad it worked out for you. I liked their product.

Hey Doug, If Jeff doesn't want them I will let you know. Thanks!! Mike

Hey Doug, sorry I don't have the power lock actuators.

Hey Jeff, I have a set of OEM power window motors and regulators. A complete set. Tested and they work great. Let me know if interested. I'm in Pa. Thanks!! Mike