Purchasing 1970 Monte Carlo Today

[Sharon]

I am purchasing a 1970 Monte Carlo later today from an individual. How do I find out the history of the car?

Carfax doesn't go back that far.

[jft69z]

Hello Sharon, and welcome to the FGMCC.

There's not a lot that can be done in that regard. You could sometimes put in a request to your State DMV requesting a history, but that takes a fair amount of time, and because of privacy issues, there won't likely be any names attached to the report.

Best you can do at this point is look the car over real well, and maybe have a trusted mechanic who knows older cars well enough look it over. When you get the car later, please post up some pictures here as we love them!

Joe T

[Rob Peters]

Sharon,

Congrats on purchasing, arguably, the best year (70) of the Monte Carlo, it would be a bonus if it is Blue.  We love pictures!!  As far as a history on your car, the best way is asking previous owners.  In looking at a potential car there are things you can notice yourself.  Areas to look at I will list at the end of this post.

Welcome aboard the best website for Firs Generation Monte Carlol's.  We hope you like what you see here and decide to become a full fledged dues paying member of the club.  We have a couple meets coming up in the next couple months that ate well within driving distance of where you live.  The first one is our Eastern Meet in Somerset, KY and the second one is our Mini-Meet at the GM Nationals in Carlisle,  PA.  We would love to see you become a dues paying member of the club and join us at one or both of these meets.  It is a great way to meet a large number of First Gen Monte Carlo Club members and as a bonus see a good number of First Gen Monte's.

Please post some pictures of your new ride.  Are you new to the First Generation Monte Carlo scene.  This is a great place to come for all of your first gen Monte questions and answers.  There is so much information here using the search feature on the site but if you have trouble finding what you need just ask.  

OK, Things to look at:

• If it has a vinyl roof, look for raised bumps showing through from beneath the vinyl, especially below the rear window.
• Open the trunk and look for rust marks running down the rear tire housings.  Look under the trunk mat for rust
• Look for rust around the rear wheel well openings and under the wheel well trim
• Look for indications of rust behind the front wheel well openings
• look for indications of rust under the rocker moldings
• If no vinyl roof look for indications of rust around the rear window, especially in the lower corners
• If you can get it on a lift look real well at the undercarriage for possible rust holes in the floorboards.
• Ask them if they will let you take it to a mechanic you trust to put it on a lift and give it a good once over
• If you can't put it up on a lift to check the undercarriage look at the floorboards

Just incase nobody else mentions and you didn't notice I did, We LOVE Pictures.

rob

[Sharon]

32 minutes ago, jft69z said:

Hello Sharon, and welcome to the FGMCC.

There's not a lot that can be done in that regard. You could sometimes put in a request to your State DMV requesting a history, but that takes a fair amount of time, and because of privacy issues, there won't likely be any names attached to the report.

Best you can do at this point is look the car over real well, and maybe have a trusted mechanic who knows older cars well enough look it over. When you get the car later, please post up some pictures here as we love them!

Joe T

Thank you, I didn't know if the VIN would tell me where it was manufactured at. I have found out that it only has 54,000 actual miles.

The interior is in good condition. It does need a paint job though. 

Edited April 10 by Sharon

[jft69z]

1 minute ago, Sharon said:

Thank you, I didn't know if the VIN would tell me where it was manufactured at. I have found out that it only has 54,000 actual miles.

 

On a 1970, the 7th digit of the VIN should be assembly plant. The below links will help you decipher the VIN and Cowl Trim tag on the left side, near the windshield.

https://www.firstgenmc.com/forums/index.php?/resources/decodingvin/

https://www.firstgenmc.com/forums/index.php?/resources/decodingbodytag/

[Sharon]

8 minutes ago, jft69z said:

On a 1970, the 7th digit of the VIN should be assembly plant. The below links will help you decipher the VIN and Cowl Trim tag on the left side, near the windshield.

https://www.firstgenmc.com/forums/index.php?/resources/decodingvin/

https://www.firstgenmc.com/forums/index.php?/resources/decodingbodytag/

Thanks...This is so informative.

[jft69z]

Just now, Sharon said:

Thanks so much. This was very informative.

You're very welcome!

If you need help, just ask!

Check the PM's here, I'll leave you my phone number.

[Scott S.]

What is it with people painting green Montes black ????

I just don't understand.......  

Welcome to the club, Sharon. 

I think you'll find everything you want to know about your new hobby.  

[Sharon]

2 hours ago, jft69z said:

You're very welcome!

If you need help, just ask!

Check the PM's here, I'll leave you my phone number.

 

45 minutes ago, Scott S. said:

What is it with people painting green Montes black ????

I just don't understand.......  

Welcome to the club, Sharon. 

I think you'll find everything you want to know about your new hobby.  

Mine is not black. It is dark green. It just needs a new paint job.

[Dtret]

I realize you want the history but unless you’re provided paperwork it’s pretty hard to get. A clear title in the sellers name is a must. If they are not the original owners  sometime the title lists previous owners. You can try and do a search on them and see if it gets you anywhere. Based on the pics you posted it looks like a pretty nice car. 54,000 miles could be correct based on the look of the driver seat and brake pedal. If it has been redone, this won’t apply. Good luck and keep us updated. 

[Dtret]

Sharon,  when you go look at it keep Joe’s number on speed dial. If he can’t answer the question, he has a computer loaded with numbers of people that can help. I am more than willing also. 

[Rob Peters]

1 hour ago, Scott S. said:

What is it with people painting green Montes black ????

I just don't understand.......  

I don't know, it looks green to me

rob

[Glen]

Welcome, Sharon!  Hopefully you had enough time to read and decipher the advice you’ve gotten so far in order to make an informed purchase.  

In the event it’s too late and there’s issues you need help with, you’ve come to the right place… but I’m sure you figured that out already!  

Congratulations on the purchase and keep the pictures coming. 

[cny first gen 71]

Welcome Sharon, looks pretty good from what I can see. Good luck with it and yes we do love pictures. 

[DragCat]

Welcome to the madness Sharon 🤣 Lots of good people here with tons of knowledge to share 

[Scott S.]

4 hours ago, Sharon said:

 

Mine is not black. It is dark green. It just needs a new paint job.

Must be the lighting..... 

[willie]

Welcome Sharon!!!!   This is by far the best club for First Gens!!!!   Congrats on the p[urchase. She looks pretty good to me also!!  As you already have been told, any questions that might arrive we are willing to help and get you back to driving her!!!  Just ask away!!

[Dtret]

Curious minds want to know. Did ya get it , did ya get it?

[Marks71]

Welcome Sharon, and welcome to the world of the first gen Monte’s. Good luck with the detective work. Let us know what you find. 

[willie]

After reading Dennis post i had to reread  the top post i thought Sharon bought it already??????  Going with my gut, it was purchased!!!   YAAAHHH!!!

Sharon please answer we are all now wondering what's going on!!!!  LOL

[Glen]

59 minutes ago, willie said:

After reading Dennis post i had to reread  the top post i thought Sharon bought it already??????  Going with my gut, it was purchased!!!   YAAAHHH!!!

Sharon please answer we are all now wondering what's going on!!!!  LOL

Looks like she’s not “Sharon” any more information at this time, Willie.

Ahhhh, a Dad Joke. I crack myself up sometimes… 🤣😂

[Sharon]

6 hours ago, Glen said:

Looks like she’s not “Sharon” any more information at this time, Willie.

Ahhhh, a Dad Joke. I crack myself up sometimes… 🤣😂

Sorry guys. I was busy yesterday evening purchasing my car. It needs work. But I am happy to have it.

[Sharon]

8 hours ago, Dtret said:

Curious minds want to know. Did ya get it , did ya get it?

I got it. Now to start working on it. But I am happy to have it. It's a little scary to purchase something this old. I had (2) Monte Carlos when I was in my 20's. That was such a long time ago. But I have wanted one ever since and was lucky enough to grab this one up. I am also happy to have joined this page. The responses have been great from you guys.

[jft69z]

Congratulations on your new car, Sharon!

Now the journey begins. Watch out though, there's something called the 'snowball effect' that seems to happen around here. Starts with the intention to just do a few little things, before you know it...the body of the car is off the frame 😁. Hopefully you'll have fun making the car your own, and as you have seen, if you need anything or have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Also, THANK YOU for becoming the newest, full dues-paying member of our Club!

Joe T

[420ponies]

Boy, Now that car looks familiar with those wheels on it. Wasn't someone on here selling the same car to cover construction costs on his house? I still think it was in North Carolina? Could it be in the for sale section of the forum?  Nope, Just looked at it here on the forum, it's a '71 shiny Black paint ,but same wheels.,in Wisconsin.

Sharon, Welcome to the Club!! Looks like nice find of a '70 Monte Carlo. I hope there are no "surprises" along the way. Did you drive it home?