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???

 

Nothing???

 

Here are the PICs of the car, its a 1979 with 231 engine. The car is at 500 km from me in a coast city with a lot of humidity and salt on the air.... The seller claims to have fully repaired the engine and transmission.

 

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

 

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.