So, due to many circumstances I am forced to sell my beloved 1985 SS. I have had this car for 11 years and put a TON into it. Unfortunately I need a daily and can only keep one car where I live, so this must go I simply cannot afford to store it somewhere. This has been my daily for nearly a year and it just isn't practical for so many reasons.
I am the second owner of this car, it has never been hit, never had bodywork and is rust free and straight. It was a California car when I bought it and until this past year has lived in a garage and never seen winter. So, it has only seen winter roads once in it's entire life and that was this past winter. I have put well over $25K into this car in the last decade, I do not expect to get that back of course, so my price is $4k, this is NOT NEGOTIABLE. It is sold as is, it is running and driveable. It has some moinor issues I will outline below. It is great car, period.
The car is unchanged from the pics that I have, however it is NOT this clean anymore. It hasn't been cleaned in a very long time, but it is just dirty, otherwise in the same condition. Best would be to come see the car, it is worth a look I promise.
OK, the good (very good!):
ZZ4 355 crate motor, just around 30K miles on it, runs great, strong and lots of torque. Custom built Quadrajet carb (yes, electronic) built by Allstate and custom tuned on the motor, edelbrock TES headers, ti-tech coating, still look new. Flowmaster Super 40 mufflers and exhaust system done by Hotpipes. CK tranny with around 20K miles, yes it a 4 speed OD 2004r and it was built by CK for 600/600, more than adequate, it has a tranny cooler as well. Shifts hard and strong, GN torque converter. B&M Megashifter. Full Hotchkis TVS suspension, springs, upper/lower adjustable arms in rear and front rear sway bars. Bilstein shocks. All urethane bushings front and rear. When this went in I also rebuilt the entire front end, tie rods, idler, upper and lower ball joints, control arms struts. All of this was done when the tranny went in about 20K miles ago. Car drives and handles amazing. 16" ZQ8 wheels with new Firehawk Indy 500 tires, 245-50-16. Tires have 3K miles on them, been on about 5 months. I rebuilt the steering column a few years back, so the tilt "wobble" is gone forever, ALL 4 screws were torqued with loctite. SSBC aluminum calipers with ceramic pads, drilled cryo rotors up front and stainless steel lines. Aluminum drums in rear. I mounted 2001 Monte bucket seats, so way more comfortable than the original bucket seats (seats NOT in pics, taken before seat swap). Harwood 2-1/2 cowl hood. All door seals, trunk seal and window sweeps were replaced a few years ago.
The bad, mostly minor:
Needs new radiator. Upper hose neck cracked, it is patched and held together, but still leaks slightly, only fix is a new unit. Needs pitman arm seal on the power steering box, cheap and quick to fix. The passenger side header gasket needs replacement. The rear bolt loosened up and the gasket cooked, so it is leaking. Cheap part but a nightmare to change. Window regulators are loose and sloppy, but both windows still operate, sweeps were changed. That is all the work it realy needs. The rest is cosmetic. Needs paint, paint is not so good anymore, again, it is rust free and straight. Hood was never painted and the gel coat is essentially gone. So she is not quite as pretty anymore. It has a dealer installed (when car was new) GM astro roof. This is a power moonroof, it is leaking badly however, so it is duct taped. The roof is fully operational, but in heavy rain you would get wet.
Car is completely running, drive it away. I am aware of all it needs, but 4K is quite reasonable for what it is. Actually, likely worth more, but it is what it is. If I were to fix all of this first, the proice would be much higher. I normally would fix all of this myself, but no longer have tools or a place to work on it and I just can't see paying someone for the work, the labor costs would be very high.
So, there you have it. I am NOT in a hurry, so please, no lowball insults. many folks on here know this car very well. Pics, again, it is not this clean right now, but the condition is essentially the same, it just needs a real cleaning in and out and under the hood. Interior pic is before the seat swap.
Thanks for reading! If interested, do not message here, please email me - Rocknss1985@gmail.com
damn man if I had the $4000 right now I'd take it immediatly. Money is a huge issue right now, my partner would kill me if I bought another car right now! It sucks when you have to let something so nice go...
Ps, I believe you passed me yesterday on rt 25 in front of stopnshop.
damn man if I had the $4000 right now I'd take it immediatly. Money is a huge issue right now, my partner would kill me if I bought another car right now! It sucks when you have to let something so nice go...
Ps, I believe you passed me yesterday on rt 25 in front of stopnshop.
Probably, I pass there once or twice a day almost every single day of every single week of.....etc! It absolutley breaks my heart to let her go, but I have no choice. If I keep it as a daily it will just be destroyed. I spent a decade on this car. I need a daily and there is only room to park one, already street only parking as it is. So, hopefully it can go to someone who can do the right thing. Wish I didn't have to, feels like I'm selling a body part, like a leg or something.......
I would also consider a trade or trade/cash deal for a good daily with a clean title. Not looking for junk but a reasonable car in or around the same price range. Please also let anyone you know that may have interest. Thanks!
Aye ... sorry you are having to sell, too, Tim. Sold 3 of mine, July 2012, and it STILL hurts, though I know ... they're "just cars". *rolls eyes*
Cort | 39.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 2 MCs + '79 & '89 Caprice Classics CHD.cars + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort OLD CARS, STRONG HEARTS = https://www.facebook.com/OldCarsStrongHearts "It's a door that never closes" __ Keith Anderson __ 'I Still Miss You'
Aye ... sorry you are having to sell, too, Tim. Sold 3 of mine, July 2012, and it STILL hurts, though I know ... they're "just cars". *rolls eyes*
Cort | 39.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 2 MCs + '79 & '89 Caprice Classics CHD.cars + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort OLD CARS, STRONG HEARTS = https://www.facebook.com/OldCarsStrongHearts "It's a door that never closes" __ Keith Anderson __ 'I Still Miss You'
Cort! How are you? I know these are not "just cars" especially when it's my baby! I know..........Hey, one of the pics above was from the nationals where we met, and that is where we talked in that spot! Anyway......if I had a place to keep it, work on it I would, but to get a daily I need to get rid of it. And even making it very reasonable for someone, couldn't even get the motor new for that, let alone everything else. I just want it to go to good home. Thanks for stopping in......I almost sent emails for yours when they were up, glad I didn't, it would be one more in a bad situation now....... take care my friend. Sure we will meet again........
Timmy sorry to hear you are selling the Monte, good luck with the sale, I know you will miss it. Hopefully your situation changes soon and you end up keeping it.
Timmy sorry to hear you are selling the Monte, good luck with the sale, I know you will miss it. Hopefully your situation changes soon and you end up keeping it.
Thanks Ang. Only a small miracle will allow me to keep it. Either hitting Lotto OR finding a free safe place to keep it.
i might just go to the bank and see if I can get it....they might say I have to wait until I pay off the loan. If I did ever get it I'll let you drive it around a bit ;)
-- Edited by RedNightmare on Friday 10th of May 2013 06:34:09 PM
You know...I got bad ideas in my head right now each time I look at this thread...in two months my loan from the bank is paid off.......i can always take out another to build credit.... No no no!
Do it Jenn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the pitch Scott! lol
Many people here know, this is well worth the money, even in current condition. I'll give it a week or so for Monte only folks, then it opens to Craigslist (gasp!) And then even Ebay if needed. Would really like to see a Monte loyal (fanatic?) have first chance though. Although......if I see it on the road after selling......I'm sure I'll cry. Even now.....driving.....I do love this car! Life is not fair!!!
i might just go to the bank and see if I can get it....they might say I have to wait until I pay off the loan. If I did ever get it I'll let you drive it around a bit ;)
-- Edited by RedNightmare on Friday 10th of May 2013 06:34:09 PM
Thanks for that....but been driving this Monte for 11 years.....including so many memorable road trips with the NYMCC! And a few "Joe" GTO encounters I will NEVER forget! LOL! It is a driver, a road car, just not suited to everyday like it has for the last 12 months, especially without a garage and the ability to keep up with her needs. But solid, reliable road warrior. All our trips she never ever let me down!
what you really need to think is it really worth to sell it? What if you buy another car and its got more problems that you didn't know at the time of purchase?
what you really need to think is it really worth to sell it? What if you buy another car and its got more problems that you didn't know at the time of purchase?
Way too long a story....the short is, this is NOT built to be a daily, I know, I built it. Gas mileage very bad and 93 octane only, slippery roads, hold on and pray! And many other reasons why it is not suited to everyday all the time driving, especially without a place to keep up the maintenance it needs. If I could park two cars where I live, selling would not be an option, but I have street parking for one. Just no option.
Also, every winter will slowly rot a rust free 28 year old car. How many of those you find on Long Island? Not worth destroying somehting rare, oh, and believe me, even among 4th gen SS, 85 is a unique one year only model. This has only seen winter once just now. I could keep going why just keeping it as my daily is a very bad idea.
I did some thinking.. & I decided to not go with it.. It would be awesome to have another monte right now, especially rwd. The only downside to it is if I do, my current car will be just the way it is..I won't be able to do any performance work, won't be able to lower the ride height... It won't be what I want because all my money will go into the 85. I know I'm probably passing up one of the best deals I'll ever get, but every time I look at my own and what I could do with that $4000 to it I tell myself I just can't. I'd rather have one finished project than two unfinished. ):
Just found out last night from my landlady, her permit for this apartment is not being renewed by the town, so.....I have 30 days to move! Been here 11 months...... Anyway, I have no choice but to fix the car as I need to start looking for a place to live fast! I need the car fixed and I need it now......the hits just keep coming, it never ends. So it will remain for sale, but the price will increase. Parts will be almost $400 but the labor will be $800-$1000. God I wish I still had my garage and my tools.......still paying for the house, just can't use it! Not one shop of the 5 I contacted will replace just the seals on the PS box, all will only replace the entire box. At least one is OK with me providing the parts which is saving me several hundred, small victory. So I will update this soon with the new price, but it will go up. PS, radiator and header gasket will all be fixed
Rob! How are you? Thanks for the thoughts..... As things go from bad to worse, I really need another car and I will sell this one regardless. I need the money to get another car. Even if I had a place I simply cannot keep it. Even with the work I already did, I will still sell as is for 4K firm. PS box is replaced, header gasket repaired. Have new radiator but it is not yet installed. Car must go as is, for the price listed. She needs a good home and some TLC, not the daily abuse she is getting now, she deserves better. Too good a car to see it run into the ground.
Last chance for the Monte faithful. I will list on Craigslist this weekend, and if still not sold after a week I will also go to Ebay. Spread the word, anyone looking for a Monte......
timmy doing well. being super busy. seen you a few times in the monte.
Good, glad all is well with you! I haven't seen you......keeping a low profile? LOL
Until I sell, the Monte is the only car you'll see me in, it has been my only car for 14 months now. Neither of us is happy with that arrangement either! But, it is what it is.....
Next time you see me, beep, wave, do something will ya?
me keeping a low profile.. well maybe for me yes.. I dislike that arrangement too! let me know what you are thinking for a daily. I got some ideas that are still reliable and fun!
__________________
87 GN- in the process of being taken apart for a very long resto.
2011 Jeep Liberty
For a daily I'm thinking a car that gets me from here to there. Reliable, well of course, fun, doesn't matter to me. Just transportation, I don't have fun anymore And, I can't even think of another car until this one goes. I need the money first, and can only park, register and insure one. So, sale first, then see what I can find
well I put the word out to my friend.. I think he's listing his SS forsale and sounded interested in yours. but its a money thing. and then the daily. I know someone that has a 97 ( ? ) TDI jetta. sure as hell reliable.. mid 50's mpg...
important thing is the word is out.
__________________
87 GN- in the process of being taken apart for a very long resto.
2011 Jeep Liberty
well I put the word out to my friend.. I think he's listing his SS forsale and sounded interested in yours. but its a money thing. and then the daily. I know someone that has a 97 ( ? ) TDI jetta. sure as hell reliable.. mid 50's mpg...
important thing is the word is out.
Thanks Rob, much appreciated!
She is not quite as pretty as she used to be, but still a good solid, straight, no rust or rot Monte, never hit, with lots of nice goodies already there. A few minor things, some paint and she is a show winner AND tons of fun! I am so heart broken to let her go, over 11 years.......
Please email at Rocknss1985@gmail and I'll give my number.
So much in this Monte worth way more than $3200. No rust, no rot, never hit, never had body work, ever. I'm the second owner and everything that went in was done by me or reputable shop, quality parts, no cut corners. Email me, get my number, don't let this fine platform go to waste. 12 years of my sweat, blood, money and love went in. Give a good home, give her the attention she deserves.
For those paying attention, this is a 1985 car, no rust, no rot, never been hit, no bodywork ever! No rust of any kind. It was a California car until me, then garaged until this past winter when it saw salt for the first time in over a quarter decade.
The mechanical upgrades and improvements listed above, but no rust, no rot, no bodywork ever? This is the northeast. And I've sunk tens of thousand into this. Does it need things? Yes. But a clean,straight platform and so much put in already, gm crate, ck tranny, carb, Hotchkiss bilstein suspension, please, give her a home and what she needs. You won't find a better starter or monte in the northeast period for twice this much money, please, look, take the step. I've given 12+ years, took care of her. I've invested $25k plus, you won't find a better starting point, just for body and frame alone. Buy her, give her a home, I'm already devastated letting go, take care of this one. 1985 SS needing someone that cares.Let'ss go monte lovers, this is a find, please get her, take care of her
Barring difficulties or complications the car is sold. Thank you all, I'm sure details will follow later, but you'll see this Monte again....-just not with me.
While I'm glad it's going to a new home that we may all know, i am sorry you had to whined up selling. I'm also sorry I couldn't pick it up myself but timing is everything, and haveing 3 to take care of now is not an option. Good Luck to whoever the new owner is! Glad it sold, and hopefully you get back into a monte soon Tim!
While I'm glad it's going to a new home that we may all know, i am sorry you had to whined up selling. I'm also sorry I couldn't pick it up myself but timing is everything, and haveing 3 to take care of now is not an option. Good Luck to whoever the new owner is! Glad it sold, and hopefully you get back into a monte soon Tim!
Joe
Joe! I told the new owner to talk to you to see if my girl had any balls......miss those road trip hole shots while rolling at...ummmm.....only the proper posted speed limits of course....lol as the buyer found, all you need to do is drive my 85 to appreciate my old friend, I'll miss her....very much, great car, great memories
And, another monte ss may still be a good possibility, just not my old 85 beast, but one more suited to daily use....we'll see......and maybe see you and everyone soon. Ya never know......things happen.
Sorry Tim for current events having you get rid of your pride and joy.
I know it will be well cared for.
We are happy we were able to help out with the purchase.
Cat has wanted her own Monte for some time and now she will be able to get her wish. We will take good care of your Monte and bring it back to its luster.
__________________
CiscoSS - 87 Monte SS, 99 Trans AM, 2010 Camaro 2LT
Sorry Tim for current events having you get rid of your pride and joy. I know it will be well cared for. We are happy we were able to help out with the purchase. Cat has wanted her own Monte for some time and now she will be able to get her wish. We will take good care of your Monte and bring it back to its luster.
Cisco, I am glad she is going to a good home and Cat will love this monte! It is heartbreaking to have to let it go, but it has been even more heartbreaking to see the decline and deterioration due to being a daily for over a year and half now, no garage, not able to keep maintenance etc, etc. The abuse has not been kind.
I'm glad she will now once again get the tlc and attention and just be for pure enjoymeny once again.
That car was my road warrior for so many trips, so many fun times, but also my everyday everything for the recent times, I also could not have survived this long without that monte getting me everywhere I needed to be. Now she gets a much needed vacation and back to being pamperd!
Thanks and I know this Monte couldn't be in better hands.
I know its hard to part with a loved one, but knowing that its going to a good home does help a little.
I knew Cat was looking ever since the white one moved away. Just like with Tim's, it went to a good home..... mine!!!
Cant wait to see it back in its glory.
Now, what does Tim have in mind for RocknSS v.3.0?????
yes, going to a good home does help. I always planned midnight blue metallic with a dark gray interior.......just saying Cat..... lol.....
As for the next, well, we'll see. Had five different montes, haven't owned or driven anything but for 16 years, we'll just have to see what happens now........right now, reliable practical transportaion is top priority, doesn't mean it can't be a monte though, maybe even an ss, ya never know.......