Monte Carlo Forum - Monte Carlo Enthusiast Forums - Advices on muying an AT 1978 231

Monte Carlo Forum - Monte Carlo Enthusiast Forums (https://montecarloforum.com/forum/)

- General Monte Carlo Talk (https://montecarloforum.com/forum/general-monte-carlo-talk-9/)

- - Advices on muying an AT 1978 231 (https://montecarloforum.com/forum/general-monte-carlo-talk-9/advices-muying-1978-231-a-52639/)

Advices on muying an AT 1978 231

Hi Guys, I am new to the forum and already passed throught the presentation thread.

I am planning on buying a cheap 1979 monte carlo, with a 231 engine and is automatic.

The car is not in great shape but its still running.. (will post PICs later)...

I am planing to restore it but I am afraid on wasting thousands for nothing. I live in South America and I am not allowed to bring used car parts. Only new parts. The seller says that the engine and transmission have been fully rebuilt recently. But I dont know about the queality of that rebuilt.

So here are my questions:

What kind of parts would be hard to get new???

What should I check on the car before buying it???

Its the 231 engine strong enough to climp uphill at any situation???

Its the automatic transmission reliable???

Can I buy a totalled car from any brand (leys say a VW GOL) and put a whole different machine on the monte carlo chasis??? engine, transmission, sensors, ecu, drivetrain??? Have anybody done a work like this???

Hi Mel SS & Welcome to the MCF

Sorry, that no one has answered your questions. I know it's difficult to advise on older vehicles.

It depends on what you have to pay for it + if it's mechanically sound ? Have you worked on cars/vehicles before ? Do you have the tools to do the repairs ?

Do you know any good mechanic's that would check it out for you ? I strongly suggest that you have it checked out. Plus go to search sites like Google & check on parts...Like J.C. Whitney etc.

Check back on your thread & hopefully one of our expert member's that have more knowledge on the year of your vehicle...Good Luck :thumbsup:

The seller is asking 2500 for it and it must pay about 700 usd on accumulated taxes. I will offer him 1700 usd for it.

I have worked DIY things on my first car a 1996 dodge neon, and on my third car a 1998 chrysler Sebring convertible. Actually I have no car.

Does the owner have receipts for what he put into his Monte ?
Did he do the work himself ? Older cars can be a Money Pit & can cost a lot of dollars to keep it on the road...

I suggest `if you do decide to buy (?)> to drive it as long as the owner permits & see how the engine/transmission/suspension/brakes & if it heats up + check for leaks.....Let it run & park in a dry area & check under the Monte...

I don't know what other options you have in your area for vehicles & the availability of parts for this Monte (?) I would really do a lot of homework before you spend your $'s....

Have you ever considered a Motorcycle ? Cheaper & easier to work on ? Maybe ? Good Luck & I hope more member's post their opinions/comments/advise/information...

Yes he told me that he has de receipts, the rebuilding was done at a mechanic taller not by himself. If I can fully rebuilt it by 6000 usd it will be nice... please consider that everything in my country costs twice o three times than in the US.... what do you think.