MCfan

Patrick, You are getting (and will get) various answers to your question about maximum Backspace for one simple reason: Backspace depends on rim/wheel width and Offset! In fact, for any wheel/tire combo, the calculation is: Backspace = ((Rim Width +1)/2) + Offset NOTE: Backspace (usually expressed in inches) is the distance between the mounting surface and the inside edge of your rim/wheel. For example: For a wheel/tire combo to be centered on the hub mounting surface (zero Offset), a 7" wide rim needs a 4.0" backspace, an 8" wide rim needs a 4.5" backspace, a 9"wide rim needs a 5.0" backspace and so forth. If you are considering aftermarket wheels of various widths, you need to focus on OFFSET first (as all of the wheel manufacturers do) and then Backspace will follow depending on which wheel width(s) you select. Offset is necessary to center the wheel/tire combo within the wheel well opening for best inboard and outboard clearance. OFFSET (usually expressed in millimeters) is the distance between the center of your wheel/tire combo (regardless of rim width) and the hub mounting surface. Positive (+) offset moves the wheel/tire combo inboard, zero (0) offset perfectly aligns the center of the wheel/tire combo with the hub mounting surface, and negative (-) offset moves the wheel/tire combo outboard. GM did not build first gen Montes for or with zero offset wheels! Front wheels have the best clearance at +6 mm offset and rear wheels have the best clearance at +12 mm offset. However, rather than have different front and rear wheels, they compromised at +8 mm for their stock wheels. For example: stock 7" wide rally wheels have a +8 mm offset resulting in a backspace of 4.30" (look it up in the factory specs). At zero offset, that backspace would be 4.0" but it has to be 4.3" to move both front and rear wheel/tire combos slightly inboard. There is a great chart at https://tiresize.com/wheel-offset-calculator/ that you can use to determine what Backspace you will need for whatever rim/wheel width and Offset you want to consider. Just scroll down on that Offset Calculator page until you see the multi-color chart at the bottom. First select the rim width in the vertical scale, then read across until you see either +6 mm offset for front or +12 mm offset for rear and follow that column back up to read the Backspace you need for that rim to fit you Monte with the best inboard and outboard clearance. Car guys love to talk about Backspace, usually without considering the effect of rim width and Offset, but wheel manufacturers always talk first about what Offset you need and then tell you what Backspace you should get depending on the rim width you select and how much Offset (+ or -) you want/need. Sorry for the long answer, but you can easily determine what Backspace you will need once you select a rim width and specify the Offset. Of course there are practical limitations to both rim width and tire sizes for our Montes which many of our members can advise you on from personal experience. Good luck.

I can't speak to the rarity of Desert Sand '70s, Anthony, but I think I have seen many more Autumn Gold '70s, possibly because I have previously owned two in that color and am more familiar with it. In any case, you certainly have one beautiful '70 Monte and I think the Desert Sand is actually a more pleasing combo with the black vinyl top!

Nice! I like it - does it mount to the bottom edge of the bumper?

I'm not sure many would be aware (or even interested) in this recent "burn out" event held in Salina, Kansas by the Pestinger brothers. As some would know, Tim Pestinger is the current owner of the somewhat renowned Dick Harrell-modified 1970 454 LS6 Monte Carlo (see photos). In fact, that car is parked securely in one of their buildings adjacent to the closed-off York street where this event has been held annually for several years (it was cancelled last year, but reinstated this year). I have personally been privileged to tour the Pestinger collection (including the LS6 Monte, COPO Camaros, Yenkos, etc.) and seen many photos of prior Torque on York events, although I've never attended one. A lot of big names show up with a wide spectrum of performance-enhanced vehicles to lay down rubber and create lots of smoke for an audience sitting in adjacent bleachers. I've never been a fan of such entertainment, but it is impressive to see massive horsepower and torque displayed so vividly! There may be more videos coming soon, but here's a link to the FB video of just one of the entrants this year. https://www.facebook.com/reel/589242754259461 EDIT: For anyone interested in burn outs, here's a link to the Media section of the Torque on York Facebook group with more photos, including from prior years: https://www.facebook.com/groups/492658937916905/media/albums

His reserve is not met yet - I'm guessing it is at least $15K, possibly more. It appears to be a fairly well-executed, one-off, head-turner with some serious, albeit specialized, utility. It's the happy marriage of the Beauty and the Beast! Vintage 4X4 Chevy capability with the classic beauty and comfort of a first gen Monte! Wish I had something I needed to tow!! 😍

Now that's cool! We've probably all seen first gen Montes abused more with far less desirable outcomes!

Well ... it IS a restomod and it seems to me it has been pretty well done! The stripes are unnecessary but at least the original body lines have been preserved. I doubt the builder will make much of a profit, if any, on this one. Having owned and driven a stock '70 SS for eight years, I would love to drive this baby and note the difference in performance with it's upgraded drivetrain! Now, if I just had an extra $50K laying around .... 😄

Keith, I hope you find what you're looking for but I'm guessing that is a pretty tall order. When I went looking back in 2010, I felt lucky to find one with the right "bones" (i.e. 402, M20, Posi, buckets, console, etc.) but very little window dressing. Mine was built with zero power options, not even power steering. I spent the next few years installing factory and aftermarket power options and that was part of the fun for me. My guess is that more of the 589 BBC 4-speed '70s were ordered for "go" than for "show" or comfort. But, maybe there is is high-optioned "barn find" lurking out there somewhere. Good luck in your search!

Condolences for the loss of your special friend, Jared! Great that you could have such a close and supportive relationship with him. Possessing his treasured (and beautiful) vehicles will keep his memory alive for you and others who knew him. Thanks for sharing his/your story and the meaningful photos!

That is simply shocking- I've never seen a first gen Monte in that bad of condition!! Hope you can get some usable parts from it. Restoring it would be akin to resuscitating roadkill, IMO. Good luck!

Congratulations, Clint, she's a beauty!!! Love the wheels/tires - very tasteful mods! I don't recall ever seeing that color combo on a first gen before ... elegant! Enjoy!!

I'm guessing both the car and the seller are legit based on seller's original post of December 31, 2023. I see he didn't reply to any of the many welcomes and suggestions for confirming a factory 4-speed so maybe that's just the way he rolls. I also see it is a Flint produced car so there won't be any Build Sheet available. Hopefully, by now he has confirmed a numbers matching drivetrain by finding the VIN-related stampings on the motor and trans. I would think any buyer would require seller confirmation or opportunity to inspect the car for confirmation. Even if it's not a factory configuration, it will be a lot of fun to own and drive but it might significantly affect is value and selling price.

Wow ... the Holy Grail of First Gen Montes (IMO) ... 1 of 589 built! Not sure how I missed your original post on 4/14. If this is still available it makes me question the sincerity of anyone who claims they are looking/lusting for one! From what I can see in the photos you've shared, it reminds me a lot of the one I found in 2010. The basics (402, M20, buckets, console, gauges etc.) all appear to be there but no AC or power options. Never mind, those can all be added (I've done it). Hopefully, you have a Build Sheet or can find one hidden over the gas tank or in the underside of the seats (I found one under the passenger bucket seat) that can confirm a matching numbers drivetrain. Good luck with the sale - it shouldn't take long if anyone's paying attention!

Hi, Chris, I agree with Doug but having a non-AC Monte in Florida is pretty much a 4-70 proposition ( all windows down and 70 mph). Installing aftermarket AC was one of the first projects (of many) that I did after buying my non-AC '70 which had all of the basics I wanted (402, M20, 3.31 Posi, buckets and console). I carefully compared the Vintage Air and the Classic Auto Air offerings and chose the Classic system (listed for the '70 Chevelle but shipped with longer hoses for a Monte). At that time (2010) they were virtually identical in price but I really liked the way the Classic system left both of the bottom Astro Vents open and usable with the stock manual actuator. I also liked the way they used the stock control panel and cable actuated deflectors. However, I understand that even Classic has gone to all digital controls with their own non-stock control panel so that my no longer be a consideration. The attached photos will give you an idea of how the Classic system looks installed. I have more photos if you are interested. Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

And I thought the engine bay of my '70 SS was filthy when I bought it in 2011! Just a couple of hours with some soap, water, metal polish and elbow grease could have eliminated that eyesore! But, what can you expect for$38.5 K?!