Just got a 2004 Monte Carlo SS Supercharged Intimidador
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 46
From: Charlotte, NC
Just a recommendation based on my observation of the quoted statement.
DO the work because you like doing the work and are proud of what you are accomplishing.
DON'T do the work because you think this car will be considered a classic in most states when it hits 25 years old in 2029.
A couple reason's I point out the DON'T:
1. - I do know the 2002 Dale Sr car with less than 50k miles, in mint/unrestored condition (in some cases still with various factory tags and plastic) has fetched $18-$24k at auction (see results on BringATrailer.com). I know that was NOT the 2004 Intimidator, but gives a ball park of a potential value (there were only 3333 of the 2002 Dale Sr car made). These were clearly sold to collectors and since finding mint/unrestored cars like these are still out there, the market for a restored one is not going to be as significant.
2. - My love, the 3rd gen Camaro (1982-1992) is actually starting to see some significant jumps in value. That generation has been gone for 30 years.
3. - It has been curious from Monte enthusiasts for years, will the 6th gen Monte ever have any real collector value. It has been asked because from 2000-2005, they were all v6 cars. The 2006-2007 were the only ones with the LS4 v8. Plus, they are FWD (many people prefer the RWD when they think "classic cars").
If you truly enjoy the work, enjoy the car and proud of what you are doing, game on! Everyone here will totally back you on a project of passion, labor of love. Lord knows I have done my share of projects for that vary reason. But if this is dreams of cashing out when you are done, it might be tough for that to end the way you hope.
DO the work because you like doing the work and are proud of what you are accomplishing.
DON'T do the work because you think this car will be considered a classic in most states when it hits 25 years old in 2029.
A couple reason's I point out the DON'T:
1. - I do know the 2002 Dale Sr car with less than 50k miles, in mint/unrestored condition (in some cases still with various factory tags and plastic) has fetched $18-$24k at auction (see results on BringATrailer.com). I know that was NOT the 2004 Intimidator, but gives a ball park of a potential value (there were only 3333 of the 2002 Dale Sr car made). These were clearly sold to collectors and since finding mint/unrestored cars like these are still out there, the market for a restored one is not going to be as significant.
2. - My love, the 3rd gen Camaro (1982-1992) is actually starting to see some significant jumps in value. That generation has been gone for 30 years.
3. - It has been curious from Monte enthusiasts for years, will the 6th gen Monte ever have any real collector value. It has been asked because from 2000-2005, they were all v6 cars. The 2006-2007 were the only ones with the LS4 v8. Plus, they are FWD (many people prefer the RWD when they think "classic cars").
If you truly enjoy the work, enjoy the car and proud of what you are doing, game on! Everyone here will totally back you on a project of passion, labor of love. Lord knows I have done my share of projects for that vary reason. But if this is dreams of cashing out when you are done, it might be tough for that to end the way you hope.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,605
From: Mentor, Ohio
OK, no worries. I just wanted to ensure you were not thinking this car will be a huge pay day in a couple of years. I mean sure it's hypothetically possible, but I would NOT hold my breath on it. Just so long as you knew that up front.
And if you enjoy working on it, then sounds like you have a project to keep you busy for a while.
And if you enjoy working on it, then sounds like you have a project to keep you busy for a while.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 46
From: Charlotte, NC
No I didn't even think the car would be worth $20,000 in a few years. But I do have my hands full with this one it definitely needs a lot of work. First thing it needs is tires that I'll be getting first thing I come back home from driving. Then struts and hopefully the tranny will hold up until then to get it rebuilt.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,605
From: Mentor, Ohio
If I might offer a recommendation.... Buy quick struts (they are all pre-assembled and have the strut, coil, strut plate all set). Swap them out. Then get new tires and then get an alignment. Handle as much stuff that impacts alignment that you can afford ahead of time. This way you are not altering the alignment.
Granted, truth be told, the struts do not have anything to affect alignment BUT new struts vs worn out struts might affect how the car sits and as a result how the mechanic doing the alignment has to adjust it. Just a thought.
Granted, truth be told, the struts do not have anything to affect alignment BUT new struts vs worn out struts might affect how the car sits and as a result how the mechanic doing the alignment has to adjust it. Just a thought.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 46
From: Charlotte, NC
I've heard bad things about those preloaded struts from my friend on you tube Scotty Kilmer Why not to buy cheap quick struct assembly for your car.
No he's not my friend but an excellent mechanic and great videos on auto repair.
Do you or anyone you know have any experience with preloaded struts?
No he's not my friend but an excellent mechanic and great videos on auto repair.
Do you or anyone you know have any experience with preloaded struts?
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 494
monte
what do you think this is worth..
2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for sale near you - Microsoft Start Autos (msn.com)
2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for sale near you - Microsoft Start Autos (msn.com)
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 46
From: Charlotte, NC
It looks to be in really good condition compared to the one I picked up. What it's worth depends on who you're asking but, in that condition and with just under 56,000 miles I would pay that after getting it checked out and everything came back okay. I would haggle with him but that's practically a new car with that mileage.
The dash cover isn't cracked like mine, the radio and wiring hasn't been gutted out like mine, pretty sure the transmission doesn't make a rumbling noise when it's in reverse like mine, also pretty much guarantee it doesn't have a rusted out 4 inch hole on the passenger floor board where you can lift up the carpet from underneath the car like mine does, the driver and passenger seat aren't torn, probably doesn't need all the struts replaced like mine and doesn't have Codes PO420 and PO128 that mine popped up with yesterday while running a couple of errands. Oh, can't forget the oil leak and the transmission leak from the pan gasket.
But I still enjoy it 
The dash cover isn't cracked like mine, the radio and wiring hasn't been gutted out like mine, pretty sure the transmission doesn't make a rumbling noise when it's in reverse like mine, also pretty much guarantee it doesn't have a rusted out 4 inch hole on the passenger floor board where you can lift up the carpet from underneath the car like mine does, the driver and passenger seat aren't torn, probably doesn't need all the struts replaced like mine and doesn't have Codes PO420 and PO128 that mine popped up with yesterday while running a couple of errands. Oh, can't forget the oil leak and the transmission leak from the pan gasket.
But I still enjoy it 
