Hi ya'll, I am here in Houston,TX. Just picked me a 1978 MC, as it was the year I was born in. Making a list of things it need and I want... this is gonna be my weekend car or a car to just cruise sometimes, my question is:

Where do I start first.. engine, interior, body ?

The body is in good shape few dings here and their but the paint seems to be faiding.. car runs good (305 V8 5.0L) but a/c is out and the fuel gauge doesn't work. Interior (trim, seats, carpet and dash.. ) needs replacing..

Where do I start... I wanna keep everything original except exterior paint..seats and carpet.. Lets get some advice folks.. Thank you

 

Welcome to the Monte Carlo Family.
How many miles on your 305 ?
Below are a few suggestion

First, made it safe 4 U & family/friend to ride in : )
Tires/Brakes/Suspension etc.lights

Prioritize
Owning and maintaining a older ride is to ensure safety is all about prioritizing your scarce (or tightly held) resources. We've grouped maintenance issues into three areas:
Priority No. 1: Maintain things that could cause your Monte to lose control and possibly cause an accident. This includes your car's braking system, tires, steering system and what we'll call "the driver vision system." Spend your money here first.
Priority No. 2: This will include maintenance on things that will leave you stranded or cause other components — such as the engine — to fail. This includes radiator hoses, fuel lines, constant velocity (CV) joints and fan, accessory and timing belts.
Priority No. 3: The third priority will be simply to keep your Monte alive. This includes changing the engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant.

 

Thanks.. it has about 106,000 miles .. 2nd owner car.. 1st owner was his boss. Engine runs strong..brakes work good but will try to get them checked out.. are these stuff hard to do on this yr MC .. comparing to the current year model cars. Hoping to do some of the stuff on my own... except the electrical stuff. Thanks for the advice.. keep it comming.

 

I have the 1978 body manual by fisher.. my service manual is in the mail..

 

Welcome!

 

Below are a few links to check `out + Keep checking back on your thread to see what our member's with your model posts .

1978 Chevrolet Camaro - Reviews - CarGurus

Haven't had a single problem with it reliability wise... More. “ Camaro2 ” ... 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo picture, exterior. 4.9 out of 5 stars. 13 reviews ...
www.cargurus.com › Research › Chevrolet › Camaro - Cached


1978 Monte Carlo | Automotive FAQ

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Sub-Category (1978 Monte Carlo) ... Any comments on reliablity, etc? Answer: The 305 block can be rodded to [...] ... we've also been through 2 stereos (not sure if that would be related to this problem). Before [. ...
faq.automotiveaddicts.com/chevrolet-monte-carlo/1978-monte-carlo - Cached


Chevrolet Specifications - How To Information | eHow.com

Some of the most common causes of cooling problems in the third generation Camaro are. .... high-output 5.0-liter L69 to eliminate some reliability and performance issues. ..... It incorporated a smaller platform and a V6 engine in 1978. .... Chevrolet first introduced the Monte Carlo in 1970 to compete with muscle ...
www.ehow.com › Cars - Cached

 

Welcome to the forum man. When I got my Monte I didnt know where to start either. After I found my frame was rotten I decided Id start with a good bare frame. Yours dont sound as bad as mine was tho. Since yours runs and drives Id start with safety issues first like brakes and steering components.

 

Welcome to the site! I too would address any parts that effect safety first.

 

Welcome & Congrats love those body styles my pops bought a 79 brand new when I growing up !

 

Welcome to the MCF!