Marks71

The paint looks fantastic. All the first gen Montes had the separate shoulder and lap belts. Just a thought here, since you’re doing the headliner and looking for seat belts have you considered the Morris 3 point belt system? It’s a combo shoulder/lap belt similar to what’s used on today’s cars. You won’t need the 2 clips per side that currently hold the shoulder harness along the roof. Plus you won’t have to worry about damaging that new headliner while clipping the shoulder belt back up when not in use. Unless of course you’re like me, and only use the lap belt.

It looks like you’re good to go. The 1 1/2” won’t be a problem because I think the factory arms are less than 3”. The arm you have is definitely better than boxing in a factory arm. When you order your sway bar, you may want to order a shim kit or the bar may come with one. The shims are in case the sway bar fits loose between the arms. You don’t want to use the bolts to pull the bar tight against the arm. That will add undue stress on your bushings and arms.

You are correct that the holes face the rear. I believe the center to center on the holes should be 6” to fit the reproduction sway bars produced. If yours are not 6”, then you may need to contact the manufacturer of your arms to see if they offer one to fit. The bar I received from OPGI had a 5 7/8 center which was still doable. You will also need to check the center to center distance between the rear hole on the arm and the rear bushing. These are the measurements I got from a link that Joe T sent me so I trust them.

Are yours an aftermarket boxed arm or are they the factory type arm with the insert welded in with the 2 horse shoe bends to prevent collapsing the arm where the sway bar bolts would go? Similar to this photo prior to grinding and paint?

I like that installation fixture. Great idea.

Just guessing here, but if that molding is riveted or screwed on, I could see 3.5-4k to make that stuff disappear like it was never there.

Looks like a flipper to me. Wonder what the seller paid for it in December. Good luck with that one. Although I get the feeling that this was posted for reasons other than the car itself.

I never got the reasoning behind those pouting kids at car shows.

The line items on my window sticker show the buckets at $129 and the console at $59.

Yes, didn’t see the trim code, that’s why I said possibly the buckets because I wasn’t sure. But I would think the console for sure.

I see it started life as a column shift car and the console and possibly the buckets were added later.

It sure does look nice. Wish there were more photos. Kinda makes me want to start a trifecta of base model Montes.

I’ve put maybe 350 miles on my 71 in the year and a half that I’ve had it. Just going to local shows or cruise ins. What’s worse is that since I got the Monte I’ve put 0 miles on my 69 Z/28 of which I’ve had since 98. Probably averaged about the same miles on it as the Monte in the past. I think maybe I’m a little like Willie on this. I enjoy tinkering and detailing and just admiring some of GMs best designed cars ever.

The 12 bolt,( like the th400 trans is to the th350 trans), is a heavier stronger piece than the 10 bolt. GM made a variety of 10 bolts over the years. Some not so good, the ones in our Montes are not those. There is nothing wrong with a stock 10 bolt under normal driving conditions. They can be rebuilt to be considerably stronger though. If you’re lucky enough to have a 12 bolt, then good for you. Especially if that 454 you’re thinking about using gets dropped in and you’re planning on tearing up the streets.

Count the number of bolts holding the cover on the back of the rear end. Will be either 10 or 12. Here is the pan for a TH400 transmission. If the pan is square with a clipped corner then you have a TH350 transmission.

They mentioned examining the build sheet. Must have it confused with the broadcast copy, or maybe even the window sticker.

Too crazy for me. Must be a home maintenance nightmare.

Welcome Robert, glad you joined. Well worth it.

I see Farm Truck made it.

Welcome Korey. I have a 71 in Nevada silver (similar to Cortez) with the same top, and interior combo as yours.

Congratulations Bruce, you are one of the few that can say ”glad I never sold it”. As opposed to the many of us who say “wish I never sold it.

Welcome Shawn, joining this club will make the journey easier for sure. There’s quite a few seasoned members here who really know their stuff about these cars.

That kink at the fuel pump looked the worst. That had to starve for fuel on hard acceleration.

2 First- 71 from 73-82 Second - identical replacement to first from 2023-current

Real nice car. Is it missing an option? Two things I’m curious about. Did the front bumper guards come off a parts car or is it some weird reflection? Did the 70s F41 cars not have the trailing arms boxed. Must have some sort of spacer to prevent collapsing the arm with the sway bar bolts.