Hi I'm new to this site and I'm looking for a few words of wisdom. I recently found a title to a '72 Monte Carlo that was my registered to my grandfathers company. He bought in 1991 apparently with intents of doing a few repairs and keeping it for himself (so i'm told). He kept it in a garage till about 1998 where he sent it to an auto body shop for rust repairs on the roof. He then passed away somewhat suddenly in 1999 due to a very quick acting case of mesothelioma. No one in my family new very much about this particular car so it was never looked for and the auto body shop never attempted to contact anyone in the family for it to be picked up.

I recently found the title and tracked it down to the auto shop my grandfather put it at. The guy still has it after 13 years he never did any work because he knew of the passing and it's sat on the lot ever since. He wants $1000 (i think i could work him to $500) for a "holding fee". I think that's a little unfair since he knew of the passing and never contacted anyone in the family but nevertheless i had interest in taking in the car as a piece of history.

Unfortunately when i went to the lot today i found the 13 years the shop owner just let it sit out on the lot has not paired well with the car. There is a lot of rust in the roof and under the rear window (section where one would typically put speakers is rusted so much its basically gone). The car as a whole is complete and original. To my knowledge not an SS and it has blue cloth interior.

My question to you all since i'm new to classic car area is would a car like this be worth the effort and money to get off this guy and restore. Probably needs a lot of work. I'm in college and wouldn't mind a summer project/learning experience, but i'm mostly concerned about the cost vs. actual value of the car (it's not like its an SS or anything fancy)
Any direction or thoughts would be so appreciated! I should also mention if i decide not to take it the guy at the shop wants me to send him the title so he can do something with it. Still bugs me he never tried to get it back to us so many years ago.

Here is the one picture i took... Stupid me i should've taking so many more.
<table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/tra...background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114974309329577944125/March82012?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A9-YQJEJp0M/T1lQu9D9ZGE/AAAAAAAAAQ0/eSk-pG2mS9Y/s160-c/March82012.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114974309329577944125/March82012?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">March 8, 2012</a></td></tr></table>

 

From the sound of it the car is in pretty rough shape. I'm not sure of your skill level but if you feel you can tackle the project I say go for it. One of the best things about a classic car is the story behind it.

 

I also depends on what level of restoration you want to do/pay for. In 72 there was not an SS model. Fully restored with the highest horsepower and options they are probably not worth more than $20,000-$25,000. We sold a 72 triple black with the power pack (350 engine, 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust) and bench seat for $13,000 a couple of years ago. Didn't have the build sheet but had protect-o plate and manuals.

 

Hi Tyler,
I think it would be a major project to restore. I do think if you can get it out of storage for $500 & you have a place for it, then I would risk the $500 & get it... Then try to get it running & advertise it & see what you can get..

Do you know a person that's into cars & can give you a report on the overall condition ? Are there any good parts on it...How the interior is ? Will the engine turn over ?
Will the guy let you have access to the Monte to have it checked out ? It's difficult to tell from just one photo...

Sorry, about the passing of your grandfather & wish you the best in your decision...Let us know what you decide.
Good Luck from the MCF 4-Sure

 

Thanks for some of the suggestions. I haven't decided what i am doing with the car yet. I actually did have the chance to be on the lot and poke around inside the car. It's in bad shape. The shop owner said it was brought in 13 years ago for rust repair in the roof. The repair was never done and 13 years of outdoor storage has not done it well. So from what it looks like when it rains outside water must seep in certain places, there is no real big holes or anything but the inside looks like it's gotten wet many times. The interior with probably the exception of the dash which looked in good shape would have to gutted. Maybe the upholstery could be thoroughly cleaned because nothing looked ripped but i would doubt any foam or seat cushions would be moldy and need replacement (there was a odor in the car). checked the odo and confirmed the car has done an original 75,000 miles so i guess considering the year thats not bad.

As far as the motor, it hasn't been started in like 8 years the shop owner seemed to remember but came in running and he started it to move it around the first couple years he had it on the lot but has sat since then. The motor bay was beyond dirty and had a lot soot covering the engine and would probably need through cleaning and checking before attempting to but a battery in and trying a turn over. All in all probably a rebuild.

I'm going to continue my thoughts over the weekend and i appreciate all the suggestions! I should also add i do have a old warehouse (actually my grandfathers old place of business) that i could store the car and work on. My biggest concerned is the lack of time i would probably have to work on it.

Edit: Oh and by the VIN # i found out its a 350 2bb

 

Hi Tyler,
Thanks for your reply...It's great that you have a place to store it (Does it have electric) ?
Yes, you have a lot to think about 4-Sure...
It could be a fun experience, but I think a expensive one `if you wanted to get it back in shape....
I suggest you do some research on parts that you will need & the cost...Do you have the tools to rebuild ?

If you decide not to rebuild, I would still get it from storage & put in your grandfather place & then run some ads 4-Sure...
Your decision 4-Sure "Time is Life" & Time is $'s
Good Luck & let us know what you decide

 

hey man in your situation this is what i would do. I would buy it and restore it. for these 2 reasons alone. 1 is that its a 70's monte and they are the coolest out of all of the gens. 2 this is the big reason for me, it was your grandfather. The setimental value still holds. Even if it would cost 20 grand to rebuild its still worth it to me at least to keep your grandfather and the 1st gen montes alive.

But hey I am me and you are you, so you can disregard that if you like. All I'm saying is that it could be a really good deal to have it over-hauled restored.

 

If you can't restore it, I would try to get it an Ebay it. Why do you think the shop wants it? $$$$. Those cars bring good money if done nicely. Sounds like it could be an expensive fix though, are you up for it?

 

I have thought about taking it in and then if i decide it's too much to tackle just put up on craigslist/ebay to sell or even part it out. I feel as though a car of this age i'd like to transfer as a whole to someone who want to fully restore it. The warehouse does has electricity and a couple hoists so it would be nicely suited if i decide to go that route.
The rust look similar to this
http://i31.servimg.com/u/f31/15/41/56/82/photos14.jpg
however the doors are much worse on mine.

I just wanted to mention sentimental reasons aren't the strongest. He bought this car purely with intentions to fix up and i think just hold as a collectors item. He didn't drive it to much from what i've heard. His primary car was an anniversary SL roadster that we still have in mint condition 13,000 miles that car has a really strong emotional attachment. The monte carlo for me would probably be along the lines of just finishing something he never got the chance to start.

Tools would probably would be costly and is something i'll have to factor in. All i have now is a couple mechanic sets jack stands creeper and a sander.

Once again i appreciate the comments!

 

that only looks like surface rust to me, but i could be just as well be very wrong. did you see any wholes or try to scrap at it with a knife or something to see how deep the rusting is?