Frustrated...but moving forward
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
From: Decatur, IL
Frustrated...but moving forward
So I've had my 03 SS for a little over a month now and while I knew it was going to require some work, I had hoped to stagger it out over time.
Work done so far- New tires, new Quick Struts all the way around, Moog outer tie rod ends, Moog sway bar links, new brakes on the front and rear, new torque strut mounts, tune up, and she's perfectly aligned.
The new headlights just arrived-just trying to decide if I want HID's or not.
Looking closer at the body, I discovered more crappy body work that was done and needs to be fixed. My personal favorite are where the Monte Carlo emblems on the door are half broken off and the SS emblems are removed-some #$@% painted over the broken emblems AND the adhesive for the SS emblems. Who does that???
Then there's the transmission....I started getting a little whine to it that I've heard from many a GM tranny. The fluid was red but had a little burn smell to it. So I did a filter swap to see how that helped. It looks like the filter was just replaced right before it was sold...and there is plenty of metal shavings in the pan and fluid. So I'm going to bite the bullet before it strands me at the worst possible time. When I get to work tomorrow I'm ordering a reman tranny from Moveras. FUN FUN FUN.
Also working on some interior items.. as I pulled the dash bezel out to pull the non working stock radio out, the $&%# thing severely cracked.
I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting...but I'm too frustrated to remember.
Still love my Monte though.
Work done so far- New tires, new Quick Struts all the way around, Moog outer tie rod ends, Moog sway bar links, new brakes on the front and rear, new torque strut mounts, tune up, and she's perfectly aligned.
The new headlights just arrived-just trying to decide if I want HID's or not.
Looking closer at the body, I discovered more crappy body work that was done and needs to be fixed. My personal favorite are where the Monte Carlo emblems on the door are half broken off and the SS emblems are removed-some #$@% painted over the broken emblems AND the adhesive for the SS emblems. Who does that???
Then there's the transmission....I started getting a little whine to it that I've heard from many a GM tranny. The fluid was red but had a little burn smell to it. So I did a filter swap to see how that helped. It looks like the filter was just replaced right before it was sold...and there is plenty of metal shavings in the pan and fluid. So I'm going to bite the bullet before it strands me at the worst possible time. When I get to work tomorrow I'm ordering a reman tranny from Moveras. FUN FUN FUN.
Also working on some interior items.. as I pulled the dash bezel out to pull the non working stock radio out, the $&%# thing severely cracked.
I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting...but I'm too frustrated to remember.
Still love my Monte though.
Monte Of The Month -- October 2012
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,886
From: Ames, IA
Sounds like your in the process of getting your Monte overhauled. Congrats on that! 
Sucks that you are having some issues. Then again, it is almost a 10 year old car, so these type of things are naturally expected with that age
For the headlights, IDK how to put this lol. For your best results, a Projector Retrofit paired up with HIDs is your BEST option. Just putting HIDs in the stock housings (without a projector) will give a lot of glare and probably blind a majority of your oncoming traffic. I have HIDs in my stock housings (6000K, wished I would have went 5000k, I'm not a fan of the blue tint they have) I've aimed them down several times, but I still get people who flash me every time I drive at night. The stock housings alone (without a projector) just don't pair up well with them. But you put them in a projector housing, and they'll work out just fine. If you do want to get HIDs, I would recommend something 4000-5000k, this will give you the best output. Any of the HIDs with a blue, yellow, green, pink, purple, etc. tint, will give you poor output.
For the bodywork, I'm glad I don't have any of that mess
Sounds like you can probably take care of that though, get us pics! 
On to the transmission, I haven't destroyed my stock one yet so I can't lend much advise or help there lol. Sounds like a reman. should have your Monte shifting smooth with no more whining.
Just a side note, you should take some pictures of your process and post it up here on the forums when you get a chance. I'm sure there's a lot of people here who would be interested in seeing your progress and what you do to make it yours
Sorry to write you a novel, I don't blame you at all if you don't even read it all haha. But it sounds like your putting a lot of time, work, and $$$ in your Monte Carlo, and I can most definitely appreciate that
Sucks that you are having some issues. Then again, it is almost a 10 year old car, so these type of things are naturally expected with that age
For the headlights, IDK how to put this lol. For your best results, a Projector Retrofit paired up with HIDs is your BEST option. Just putting HIDs in the stock housings (without a projector) will give a lot of glare and probably blind a majority of your oncoming traffic. I have HIDs in my stock housings (6000K, wished I would have went 5000k, I'm not a fan of the blue tint they have) I've aimed them down several times, but I still get people who flash me every time I drive at night. The stock housings alone (without a projector) just don't pair up well with them. But you put them in a projector housing, and they'll work out just fine. If you do want to get HIDs, I would recommend something 4000-5000k, this will give you the best output. Any of the HIDs with a blue, yellow, green, pink, purple, etc. tint, will give you poor output.
For the bodywork, I'm glad I don't have any of that mess
Sounds like you can probably take care of that though, get us pics! On to the transmission, I haven't destroyed my stock one yet so I can't lend much advise or help there lol. Sounds like a reman. should have your Monte shifting smooth with no more whining.
Just a side note, you should take some pictures of your process and post it up here on the forums when you get a chance. I'm sure there's a lot of people here who would be interested in seeing your progress and what you do to make it yours
Sorry to write you a novel, I don't blame you at all if you don't even read it all haha. But it sounds like your putting a lot of time, work, and $$$ in your Monte Carlo, and I can most definitely appreciate that
How many miles are on your 03 S.S. ? How many past owners ? Do you know how it was maintained or driven in the past ?
It's great that you run a parts store, but still the cost + time can be expensive...Wish you the best on getting your Monte in Top condition...Also, when is your new baby coming ?
Wish you the best with your Monte + your family...
Keep us updated & Good Luck
It's great that you run a parts store, but still the cost + time can be expensive...Wish you the best on getting your Monte in Top condition...Also, when is your new baby coming ?
Wish you the best with your Monte + your family...
Keep us updated & Good Luck
Thread Starter
|
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
From: Decatur, IL
Space- just turned 97 k... from the looks of the mechanicals, not very well maintained until it fell into my hands. New baby will be popping in around March 10th.
Chibi- reman tranny is going to set me back about $1400 with torque converter
Chibi- reman tranny is going to set me back about $1400 with torque converter
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