1972 402 Monte Carlo Resto-mod

1972 Monte Carlo. Originally a 402 big block, 400 transmission and 12 bolt car. This is a bucket seat, center console car. Has AC, but currently is not functional. 400 Trans removed and replaced with Tremec TKO600.

My original intention for the car was to build a reliable and quick cruiser. Something I could drive long distance comfortably without concern about having an issue. Most of the mechanical work is done. The only major work that wasn't completed was swapping in a LS engine. I have a new LS3 sitting on the stand waiting to go in (the engine is not a part of the auction, but it could possibly be purchased as an add-on). I have just lost interest in the car. I'm a truck guy in my heart and this is the only car I own.

The Good.

All of the following work was completed on the car the winter of 15/16. Disassembly started Thanksgiving weekend of '15 and the car was on the ground and running in May of '16. Mileage at that point was 105,xxx. Today the odometer shows 1067xx.

Currently the car still has it's original 402 and 12 bolt. The transmission has been replaced with a new Tremec TKO600 w/ Hydraulic clutch. A complete kit was purchased from Silver Sport Transmission. The trans tunnel modifications were done by Kultured Custom Restorations in Gardner KS. You may know of them from their TV show 'Gear Dogs' on the Discovery Channel. The original center console is still in place with a top plate for a 4 speed car. (Silver Sport Trans Kit - $5478, Cultured Kustoms work - $1904)

The rear end has been completely rebuilt. The only original part is the housing. It contains a Detroit Truetrac carrier and 3:55 Richmond gears along with new Mosier axles. The axle tubes were also welded into the center section. Housing was wet painted black before assembly. (Parts and paint - $1800)

Brakes have all been updated to Baer four piston discs on all four corners. Black calipers with zinc plated cross drilled rotors. The fronts are 13" and the rear 12”. A 'Right Stuff' Proportioning valve as well as a mater cylinder and brake booster operate them. (Baer Front brake kit 4301381B - $1695, Baer Rear Brake kit 4302308B - $1295, Right Stuff Brake components G10030572 - $215)

Suspension is a combination of Hotchkis and UMI Performance. The front is all Hotchkis to include upper and lower control arms, BB Springs and sway bar. The rear has Hotchkis springs, Control arm braces and sway bar, but the upper and lower control arms are UMI. I choose the UMI sway bars for their roto joints. This keeps the rear end free from binding, which was a very obvious problem with the poly bushings in the Hotchkis control arms I originally installed. (Hotchkis Suspension 89007-2 - $4202, UMI 4041, 4037, 2999 - $699.97)

The front steering was all replaced. A new 12.7:1 quick ratio box was installed. The new steering box is still a Saginaw box (same housing), just with quick ratio gears and a larger diameter torsion bar that gives you a lot more feedback driving down the road. The car is quick and crisp. All the tie rods, pitman arm, rag joint, etc were replaced at the same time.

Cooling was updated for the engine. I installed a new Norther Radiator Aluminum 4 core radiator and dual 12" electric fans. I'm currently running a 185 thermostat with a 195 switch. The car typically stay at about 190 unless you are sitting still a lot. If the fans come on the temp stays right at 195 until you get moving again. (Northern Radiator 205055 - $265, Duel Fans w/ Shroud Z40004 - $255)

Wheels are American Racing Wheels VN327's. The front are 17x8 with Toyo Versado Noir - 235 50 17 tires. The rear are 17x9 with Toyo Versado Noir - 245 50 17. There is a matching 17x8 VN327 in the trunk for a spare. (ARW Fronts $395 ea, ARW Rears $406 ea)

Before any of the new components were bolted on, the car was striped clean underneath. It was sealed and painted black. All new Energy Suspension body bushings were installed.

The 402 big block received a new HEI distributor and a Holley 4175 650 CFM four barrel carburetor.

For safety a set of Morris Classic Concepts 3 point seat belts were installed along with their MCCS exterior mirrors (look just like factory). Originally the car only had a drivers side mirror, now it has both drivers and passenger. (Seat Belts - $312, Mirrors - $190)

There are many many additional items that were also installed. An Excel Doc along with paper copies can be provided to the buyer.

The Bad.

The 402 is tired. With the new Tremec manual transmission behind it the engine is beginning to complain. To the best of my knowledge nothing has ever been done internally to the engine. So with 47 years and 106K miles on it, it has a right to be cranky. It will start right up, but it has begun to smoke. It also is not running as smoothly as it did a couple of years ago. I have attempted to tune out the stutter, but I am convinced it is time that the engine be replaced or rebuilt. My guess is valves, or valve seats along with weak valve springs along with worn cylinders and rings.

Cosmetically nothing has been done to the car for many many years. The paint looks good at 20-30 feet. It will oxidize if it's not waxed once a year, and it has some bumps and bruises. The panels are all nice and straight though. I was told by a fellow Monte owner at a car show a couple of years ago that the paint is lacquer, but I personally don't know for sure. I do know that the original color was Pewter, so the car was painted at least once in it's life. I removed some of the front end when I worked on the car and didn't do a good job of getting all the body lines correct (I am not a body man). There are chips in the paint. The edge of the doors, a chip in one quarter panel (no dent), and small driving chips in the front. There have been touch-ups done to the car by the previous owner. You have to look for them, but they are there. In the end, it's a driver, not a show car.

The interior is in good shape. The carpet could stand to be replaced now. It doesn't fit just right in the front due to the tunnel modification for the Tremec. There is a sown seam in the drivers seat that has started coming a part. The dash is uncut and in very good condition. The original 8 track player is in tact and is believed to be functional. All the windows are manual and function correctly, but could use adjustment to make them seal better when they are up.

I enjoy driving my cars, so the exterior is less of a concern for me. I like them straight, dry and clean, but don't want to worry about an excited child that wants to look in the window at a car show with sticky hands or a metal button on the front of their pants. So none of my classics have perfect paint.

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL ITEMS THAT COULD BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY.

I have a HPI Customs K-Brace and frame boxing kit for the car.

I also have a custom fabricated Cowl hood. This is a very nicely done marriage of an original GM Monte Carlo hood and an original 1971 Chevelle LS6 cowl hood to include rear chrome trim and vent. There are 400 hours of fabrication in the hood at this point. In primer.

New GM Crate engine. LS3 6.2L with cam. 480hp version. I have had the factory exhaust manifolds ceramic coated and I have a new Moroso oil pan that will allow the engine to fit the car. The engine has never been started or installed. I also have the flywheel needed to reattach the Tremec TKO to the LS3.

Car is for sale locally also, so I reserve the right to cancel this add. Deposit will be non-refundable should you change your mind after the fact unless you come to pick the car up in person and there is an issue that we can agree on. Any questions or concerns, please get a hold of me. I should be able to tell you anything about this car. Additional photos can be had also.

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