BUILD THREAD '79 Monte Carlo body-off restoration NL

[rednas]

So I'm doing this 🙂

I have owned this '79 Monte Carlo for over 2 years now and only did some minor stuff to it. It is in need of some repairs and TLC and decide to do it thoroughly and make it a complete body-off restoration.

Here's a pic of the day I got it, August 2015. Completely stock and not messed with. Original paint and all.

 

[rednas]

It currently has some electrical issues and is not running 100%. After doing some small repairs last weekend I saw too much rust and other stuff I want to tackle that I decided it is time to do this right.

I only just started so nothing really to show yet. I will keep you updated and probably ask a lot of questions along the way 😉

 

[rednas]

Nothing too special but started taking the doors apart yesterday

Not much rust fortunately 🙂

On my way to the shop now to do some more wrenching 😀

 

[rednas]

By the way, I'm wondering how you guys go about a project like this? I like to keep all screws and brackets and stuff together with the parts they belong to and use a lot of zip bags. I then put the parts in boxes marked "interior" , "doors" (for the parts, not the actual doors 😛) etc.

While tearing it down I make a list of all parts that come off and need attention, stating "cleaning", "rebuild", "replace" etc. for each individual part.

The plan is that I can take the list and instantly see what jobs need to be done in stead of going through all the boxes.

Just wondering what your approach is as this is my first restoration.

 

[TURNA]

Car looks super clean!!! Very nice!!

 

[fleming442]

I've never done a frame-off, but it looks like you're off to a good start with being organized. In this digital age, snap pics with your phone as reference for reassembly. The car looks like a clean start; where is the rust you're concerned with?

 

[rednas]

Car looks super clean!!! Very nice!!

Thanks 😀 it's a real clean and solid car 🙂

I've never done a frame-off, but it looks like you're off to a good start with being organized. In this digital age, snap pics with your phone as reference for reassembly.

Thanks, I'm taking pictures of every angle and part indeed 😛

The car looks like a clean start; where is the rust you're concerned with?

Thanks, sure is. It's quite rustfree to be honest. There is a little bit on the bottom of the doors (only visible with the door open) and a bit near the rear fenders. Nothing too bad as far as I can see now. Will completely strip the paint of though to be sure.

 

[axisg]

looks great and your plan to bag and tag everything will pay off in dividends when it comes time for re-assembly

Must be a little daunting. That body style is pretty rare in N America never mind trying to find parts in the land of Windmills and Wooden Shoes 😉

 

[rednas]

messed around with the monte some more today

Tore out the front seats and a lot of trim

I am in desperate need of a pair of these in blue:

Anyone know an address that will ship to Europe? Or another way to replace/rebuild these?

last question of the day 🙂 What is this thing called?

It sits in the B pillar activating the seatbelt when the door is closed.

 

[rednas]

looks great and your plan to bag and tag everything will pay off in dividends when it comes time for re-assembly

Thanks, that's the plan, this is only my second USA car and never really messed with it so I have no clue *yet* where everything goes 😉

Must be a little daunting. That body style is pretty rare in N America never mind trying to find parts in the land of Windmills and Wooden Shoes 😉

haha. I love our reputation abroad 😛
It can be quite the challenge but I am really amazed with what I can order from Rockauto :O and nicely priced too.