It took several months of hunting but I finally have my H project. Funny thing is, within a week of finding the first, I found another. So now I have two 80 model Monza Town Coupes. One was once well loved and from local lore was a fast car. The other a parts car that has been sitting for over 20 years, last tagged in 91. The first has a 305 in it but the guy that owned it was young and maybe not as sharp as he needed to be to tackle a project like this. After getting the engine in, he filled water and oil and when he checked the oil, it was full of water. Either the intake gaskets slipped, or it has frozen and cracked. No matter either way as my intentions do not involve a 305. The good parts is that the body is sound, it has a full MSD ignition including distributor, it has a new Weiand Street Warrior intake and 3310 Holley (also not part of final plans but good trading pieces), it has a 700R4, 5 lug axles, and a full set of Sun gauges. The parts car is straight as it can be in original paint so there's no place to hide repairs. I also got a perfect straight and rust free PS fender. The interior in the maroon car is kind of ratty, a mix of firethorn red and spray dyed black but the interior in the parts car is buckskin and unmolested. The guy stripped it all out and stored it in a closet in his house 10 years ago to keep it from getting sun damaged. I also got extra taillights, trim pieces, etc. All in all, I believe there's enough top quality parts and pieces to put a really good car together. The powertrain will be the old school standard of 350 4spd. I'm planning a mini-tub with an 8.8 frord or an 8.5 10 bolt depending on what I run across first. Progress will be a little slow until I can get past property tax season and get the fixer into my much crowded but clearing it out drive under. Another plus of these compact hot rods, they fit where full size cars won't.
Here's the project;
Beefy radiator, just a tad tall but I plan to lower the support instead of notch out the hood like has been done.
Here's the parts car;
4 banger with PS and AC
This is what makes it a parts car to me. Maybe someone else will buy the leftovers and fix this car.
Here's the "prototype" I love the look and stance of this car. I have no idea who owns it, found it on a Bing image search.
If anyone has any objections to my posting it here or know who owns it so I can get permission, let me know.
Next step, getting it inside and taken apart.