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G'Day, I have a GTS HQ 2 door Monaro that I am rebuilding and I have just had the bodywork completed (bare shell) on a frame and in primer. My issue is what to do now, it was a genuine 308 but I dont have a motor, the suspension is shot, I have the 10 bolt but needs rebuilding, it was originally white, a 1972 model and I have bought a new muncie 4 speed. Thought I would put it out there to see what people would do in this situation, would you bring it back to as close to original as possible, would you modify the driveline to make it drive better, would you change the colour or add stripes even though it didn't come out with stripes etc. I am interested in what people would do as it might give me some inspiration, I must admit that I am enjoying contemplating how to proceed.
Thanks
DR
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My opinion:
As a 308 it will never be a super valuable car again without its original driveline. I think it is pointless trying to do the whole "matching datecode" resto without the original engine. If it was me I'd restore it to look basically original inside and out (in whatever original colour and trim combo that takes your fancy) and put a SBC and the Muncie in it. Greg Thackray can sell you the whole shifter mechanism to make the shifter look right, and you'll need a small hump in the floor (as per original MC7 cars) plus a small piece on the console to clear it. I wouln't even try to replicate the clutch setup though, just get a CRS 308TH to Muncie bellhouisng to suit a Commodore or WB cable clutch and run a WB V8 clutch pedal - much easier!
I reckon what it'll cost you (especially as you have the Muncie) will be less than trying to make it very original and it'll probably be worth more anyway with the Chev and Muncie.
Also, spend the extra money and buy quality balljoints and tierods. Ask the guys at gmh-torana what they buy in the US. I think it is Moog. |
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If we all had the same (good) taste, who would buy all the Fords? |
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Thanks for the advice HK1837, much appreciated mate.
Your post actually reminded me of the Mal Wood underdash hydraulic clutch setup, has anyone used one of these?
Thanks
DR
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G'Day
Thought I would try and post a pic but couldn't work out how to post the link?
DR
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The upside of buying a monaro without the matching motor (besides not paying a small fortune)is that you can do whatever you like without needing to worry about the car losing its providence. My car started life as a base model coupe with 202 / trimatic in poo brown, I brought it as an orange 308 / powerglide and can make it MY car without worrying that I'll lose money or upset the purists because I've "butchered" an original GTS.
It's your car make what you want it to be, not what someone you don't know wanted 40 years ago.
Cheers, Jason
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^^Well said. Same applies to SLR's, Sandmans etc. |
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