Save it or scrap it?

[joesregalproject]

Agree that. Amazing that people will spend all that time patching in pieces to a questionable car rather than import a better body. Especially a car with a pretty large production run.

It's easier to do than you think-

That said, I'd let this Monte Carlo go.

 

[DysonSS]

No offense to the Monte guys, but 83s aren't particularly noteworthy other than being first year of reintroduction to the market.

Boring steering wheel, no buckets, funky interior color choice, steel wheels.

What amazes me is the number of bench seat Monte SS that were built in the following years. Bench seat in the "image/performance" model?

Pretty sure I have the body mount if you decide to go down that road

You could rebody, but then it's not a "real" SS anymore for people into that

I might take you up on that offer. If you could figure out a price and the cost of shipping. I know the car is not that rate but it’s what I have for the moment. I have already looked at 2 other cars that weren’t as bad as this one but still needed a lot of work. I would love to travel south and find a rust free car but work and coming up with travel money make that difficult.

 

[DysonSS]

In 83 and 84 you only got two colors, blue or white. AND......no factory sunroofs on G-body Monte SS. Why? Probably because of bench seats. 🙂 I don't know. Monte options were strange. Back in '83, it's not like people were falling all over themselves to get into a Monte SS. Nice cars, but they were rather subdued. I never talked to anyone saying "I'm going to go get me a new 83 Monte SS."

This 83 better be a labor of love to get that puppy back up and on the road safe. I'd pass on it myself. And it's not like it's an Aero coupe or something worth a couple of dollars more. You'd have tons invested in metal work/parts/labor getting that puppy just basically ready for paint (doing it right) and for what? Peel back that layer and I'll bet there's more in that story as to where all the rust is. If that's something that someone sees as a challenge...then go for it. Otherwise, drop the wrench and back away slowly.

I’m pretty sure once I have the body completely off the frame and give it a good look I’ll find a lot more rust

 

[Ribbedroof]

It's easier to do than you think-

That said, I'd let this Monte Carlo go.

Oh, I know what it takes, it's part of how I make a living.

Time, money for patch panels, materials. Then what about all the places you can't see inside of the structure? Anywhere you weld, it will rust without proper prep and corrosion protection after the repairs.

When you're done, you have a car that looks good, but will likely still have problems down the road. OK if you're not in it for the long haul, but better to start with a better car if it's a keeper.

I don't mean to discourage anyone from chasing their dream, just know the realities going in.

 

[69hurstolds]

I’m pretty sure once I have the body completely off the frame and give it a good look I’ll find a lot more rust

At least you probably won't have to remove any bolts. Doesn't seem like there's anything left to hold it on. Just lift it straight off! 🙂

 

[DysonSS]

At least you probably won't have to remove any bolts. Doesn't seem like there's anything left to hold it on. Just lift it straight off! 🙂

only 2 bolts came out whole 😆 the ones holding the radiator support.

 

[565bbchevy]

only 2 bolts came out whole 😆 the ones holding the radiator support.

I am not even a bit surprised based on what we have seen so far.

 

[joesregalproject]

Oh, I know what it takes, it's part of how I make a living.

Time, money for patch panels, materials. Then what about all the places you can't see inside of the structure? Anywhere you weld, it will rust without proper prep and corrosion protection after the repairs.

When you're done, you have a car that looks good, but will likely still have problems down the road. OK if you're not in it for the long haul, but better to start with a better car if it's a keeper.

I don't mean to discourage anyone from chasing their dream, just know the realities going in.

What I meant was it's easy to start with a small rust repair project and quickly let it spiral out of control. Not that the repairs are easy. Like with my Ford truck, I started off patching the floors, next thing you know I replaced the cab mount supports, rockers, cab corners, floors, core support, tailgate, both bumpers and the entire bed.

 

[lilbowtie]

I’m not to concerned about keeping it a original SS it will be mostly a strip car.

All the more reason to have a rust free frame under you. I've seen few control arm mounts ripped out. I know what it's like to be on a limited play budget. I did my share of flipping cars and parts to support my fun. When you put pen to paper your better off paying up for some good bones, especially if you plan on keeping it. Another word of advice, if you don't have the cash you don't need it.

 

[DysonSS]

Thank you everyone for your reply’s and honesty it is greatly appreciated. I am going to look at a 86 6 cylinder Monte on Saturday. The guy says it pretty clean rust wise it has been hit in the front, he says the frame is still straight. He wants $700, I’m not going to money or my trailer so I don’t impulse buy. I have a habit of doing that when I get excited.