New to MCF as of today. My long gone first Monte was a gen 2, 1975. It was my first car. Loved that thing! Now at 47 want to aquire a gen 1, 1972 and take it to full restoration. Currently searching for a 72. Im not sure what condition will appeal. I just completed my new 36x60 man cave and the 72 will be my first project in the cave. I have restored a couple of cars and worked part time at a body shop for a few years so Im fairly confident in my abilities. Tools-Im a tool junkie, best part about man cave is the wife wont necessarily see my growing tool fetish....

If experience is knowledge, with consideration of a 1972 MC, how difficult is it to find new replacement parts? Specifically, what general hurdles will I encounter if I move forward with a 72?

 

I have a 1970 Monte that I've owned since 1987. There are a lot of aftermarket parts for these cars these days. Some of these places are: Year One, Original Parts group, Cars Inc., Paddock. There are some others that I can't think of. A lot of Chevelle's of that generation share a lot of parts with the Monte.

firstgenmc.com is a good website for the first generation Monte's and they have a great forum. I plan on restoring mine again in a few years. The 1st generation Monte's are my favorite. Good luck on your search.

Wayne

 

70monte1,
Thanks for your feedback. I had read that perhaps the rear sheet metals may be hard to come by and even front fenders. Its hard to break away from the search to explore availability of parts-need to do that. Though my first desire has been a 72, any gen1 would be awesome to have. I will check out the site you mention. I take it you are registered there as well?

After all the years you have owned your MC, certainly gen1 is in your blood. Good luck on your resto and perhaps see you out on the road.

 

Welcome to the site. Here are a few links that might help. The cars inc catalog has quarters and other sheet metal
Dixie Monte Carlo Depot
1970-1977 Monte Carlo Restoration Parts Catalog | Chevelle Parts, Chevelle Restoration Parts & Accessories, El Camino Restoration Parts & Accessories, Restoration Parts, Monte Carlo Parts, GTO Parts, Cutlass Parts, Skylark Parts, Cadillac Parts | OPG
https://www.yearone.com/
Cars inc Catalog
good luck.

 

Rear quarter panels are easy to come by. I first had my Monte redone in 1992 and you could buy reproduction quarter panels back then. Front fenders I'm not sure about as I just had patch panels installed in mine as usually only the bottom section between the wheel and the door is the part that goes bad. You can buy pretty much all of the outside trim as well as most of the interior parts and upholstery. You can even buy reproduction front and rear bumpers now. Pretty much everything you need you can get.

Any original big block car is the most desirable, especially the 70 or 71 454ss cars as not very many of these were made.

I am registered on the firstgenmc site but I haven't been over there in awhile.

Wayne

 

I have seen alot of gen1 MC and have a question. The rear lower quarter trim tends to show a light on some and not on others. Is that a year change or options? Just curious what and when they have lights?

 

All of the first gen MC's have marker lights on the lower portion of the rear quarter panel along the trim line as well as in the trim line of the lower front portion of the front fenders. If you have seen some without, it is because the owner's have customized them to be that way. I have personally never seen a 70-72 MC without these marker lights.

Wayne

 

Here is a few pictures of my 70 Monte.

 

Must just be hard to see at times. Appreciate the feedback. Nice lookin car! I wish I still had my 75!.

 

Thanks, the lights do kind of blend in with the trim.

Wayne