NEW RIDE FOOLS!!! Nothing will stop me from buying W-bodies!!!

[Fish]

This one is not for me though. I happened across a 98 Monte Carlo that needed a home, and I have a 15 year old that is in drivers ed that will need a car in March when she gets her license.

78K miles on the engine and tranny. Exterior has typical w body rust in all the right places. The rocker panels didn’t look too terrible at first sight but will need to inspect more. Battery is dead so will need a new battery. Suspension didn’t have obscene or even much bounce so that’s a plus. Drivers side seat is torn up and the passenger dash needs some love.

Did notice the brake lights worked when they wanted to. Was following the car and one side would work. Then both. Then none. Then both. Hoping it’s just a power and or connection issue.

For $800, it’s a good first car, and hopefully we will have a house by late fall so I can live out my dream of showing her how to do basic maintenance while she gets more hours and wheel time in a car she will be driving.

Click to read more...

 

[boostedguy05]

Brake lights could be the turn signal stalk. That's how mine started.

Is the center council lid still connected or just sitting there for show like the rest of them. ?

 

[Fish]

Brake lights could be the turn signal stalk. That's how mine started.

Is the center council lid still connected or just sitting there for show like the rest of them. ?

Turn signal stalk? Sounds........like I have no idea what to expect. LOL. How was that repaired?

Its still connected.

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

The turn signal stalk if it's an earlier one will require removal of the steering wheel later cars you can carefully replace the multi-function switch assembly without removing the steering wheel but you have to be careful about the horn contact

 

[Fish]

The turn signal stalk if it's an earlier one will require removal of the steering wheel later cars you can carefully replace the multi-function switch assembly without removing the steering wheel but you have to be careful about the horn contact

I will say, when I popped the hood and saw this

I immediately thought of this.

 

[boostedguy05]

Yeah, you had yo get a z34 to get the 3800.

Turn signal stalk = multi function switch. Steering wheel has to come off. But was an easy job.

 

[boostedguy05]

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

 

[Mook]

Why do you hate your child?

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

L32 swap coming soon?

 

[Fish]

Why do you hate your child?

Hey, I appreciated the hell out of my 1990 Grand Prix that was given to me when I was in HS. Right now she is appreciating the 98 Monte Carlo that is being given to her while in HS. Character building.

Plus you cant deny W-bodies are pretty damn safe and tanks in snow with good all seasons.

L32 swap coming soon?

Nah, 160HP of fury will be plenty for her.

 

[PANDA]

My first car was a 95 Monte Carlo LS. I had it a few years before I bought my first 98 GTP.

 

[CMNTMXR57]

Yeah, you had yo get a z34 to get the 3800.

Turn signal stalk = multi function switch. Steering wheel has to come off. But was an easy job.

Or an "X" motor before the 3800 replaced it.

 

[boostedguy05]

Or an "X" motor before the 3800 replaced it.

Yeas, 3800 was only 98 and 99, before that is was a 3400 in the z cars.

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

She's 15 ?
Christ.... I've been @ FRC too long

 

[Lead Pipe]

Hits me right in the feels. I had the 3800 Z34 though.

I also had the same issue with the turn signals. I had to chance the clock spring in the column. It's a very common issue. Like a $50 part if I recall but you have to pull the wheel off.

 

[Fish]

She's 15 ?
Christ.... I've been @ FRC too long

You still there? I’m pretty sure she was there with her mom a few times when she worked there

Hits me right in the feels. I had the 3800 Z34 though.

I also had the same issue with the turn signals. I had to chance the clock spring in the column. It's a very common issue. Like a $50 part if I recall but you have to pull the wheel off.

Do you have to change the clock spring as well as the switch? Or is it something I should just do anyway if I have the steering wheel off?

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

The clock spring is typically only for the airbag.
I do not believe you have any steering wheel controls on that vehicle so if the airbag light is not on I would not replace the clock spring. just make sure when you remove it to run a zip tie around and through it so that it can not unwind

 

[Fish]

The clock spring is typically only for the airbag.
I do not believe you have any steering wheel controls on that vehicle so if the airbag light is not on I would not replace the clock spring. just make sure when you remove it to run a zip tie around and through it so that it can not unwind

It has steering wheel controls.

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

You still there? I’m pretty sure she was there with her mom a few times when she worked there



Do you have to change the clock spring as well as the switch? Or is it something I should just do anyway if I have the steering wheel off?

Yep, still there

 

[Lead Pipe]

Do you have to change the clock spring as well as the switch? Or is it something I should just do anyway if I have the steering wheel off?

I only changed the clock spring. My 3rd brake light would come on but my tail light brake lights would not.

 

[Fish]

Yep, still there

Nice. I still roll past when picking her up.

Was gonna ask your opinion on the clear coat on the trunk. Lol. Already looked at a couple videos regarding repairing it.

 

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

Rattle can respray plus some light wet sanding and polishing would be sufficient.
Automotive touch up . Com sells OEM paint in spray cans. Their color match is really good

 

[Fish]

So I’ve gotten as far as replacing the battery.

That and I had to put the drivers side door back together since her drunk grandfather took it apart to replace the window motor but now I see the window isn’t on track and won’t roll up. Still need to address the rear brake lights as well. Thinking about just paying someone to do it since time is pretty short and I just want to get it on the road. To see what other issues pop up.

Anyone know a place that won’t gape me?

 

[The Beast]

Congrats the car looks great

 

[10sec]

You could have figured out the brake lights in the time it took you to write that post, don't pay someone to fix an $800 car.