Joliet Bluesmobile
Feb 21, 2019 10:01:38 GMT -5
Post by scmods55 on Feb 21, 2019 10:01:38 GMT -5
I've owned my 1975 Royal Monaco since 2004, and I always wanted to get a '74 Monaco to complete the set. But I also love Cadillacs. I had a 76 Coupe deVille in great shape, but I reluctantly sold it as a newlywed in 2002. So in late 2016, early 2017, I was really looking at getting a 78 Eldorado, or something like that...but then it hit me...in 5 or 10 years, I'll still be able to find Caddys in good shape. What I won't be able to find is a Monaco. Somewhere here on the boards, I read an estimate that there are less than 500 '74 Monaco Sedans? So, I changed my focus, and finally bought that parts car from Ohio. Ran great, light colored interior (not Gold or Tan, but "Parchment"), but the metal was rusted...or simply wasn't there. It got delivered to my house at 9:30 on a weeknight, and I was just as excited as my kids.
Well, wouldn't you know it. A solid Monaco, minus a motor and trans, became available in West Virginia a day or two after my parts car was delivered. I bought it and looking back I'm sure I could have negotiated a better price, but I didn't want to risk upsetting the seller with a low offer. Anyway, I had that roller shipped to Chicago and it sat until early 2018. Then I hired my friend to clean up the engine and transplant it to the Monaco, changed the carb to a 4 barrel. A couple adjustments and some small issues to address, by August I was able to get it on the road. Put on a new set of 235/75R15s. The only mechanical issue on it now is the need for a new starter, but that'll be taken care of soon.
It got to the body shop on Monday for a fresh coat of Formal Black and Spinnaker White. Once done there, it'll go to the upholstery shop. Seats will be done according to the 1974 Dodge Police brochure, with a combo of Gold Vinyl and Cloth, new headliner, and hopefully a black rubber floor (I'll go with a black carpet if I have to). I'll paint the Bluesmobile details myself.
Thanks to Tony (cynot), Brian (Brian's Bluesmobile) and Spyphish for their help with my project. More pics to come.
.
Well, wouldn't you know it. A solid Monaco, minus a motor and trans, became available in West Virginia a day or two after my parts car was delivered. I bought it and looking back I'm sure I could have negotiated a better price, but I didn't want to risk upsetting the seller with a low offer. Anyway, I had that roller shipped to Chicago and it sat until early 2018. Then I hired my friend to clean up the engine and transplant it to the Monaco, changed the carb to a 4 barrel. A couple adjustments and some small issues to address, by August I was able to get it on the road. Put on a new set of 235/75R15s. The only mechanical issue on it now is the need for a new starter, but that'll be taken care of soon.
It got to the body shop on Monday for a fresh coat of Formal Black and Spinnaker White. Once done there, it'll go to the upholstery shop. Seats will be done according to the 1974 Dodge Police brochure, with a combo of Gold Vinyl and Cloth, new headliner, and hopefully a black rubber floor (I'll go with a black carpet if I have to). I'll paint the Bluesmobile details myself.
Thanks to Tony (cynot), Brian (Brian's Bluesmobile) and Spyphish for their help with my project. More pics to come.
.