Checklist 1970 - 1971 HOLDEN MONARO GTS 253 V8
BODY & CHASSIS
The horrors of a ‘quickie’ restoration could have been ignored back when these cars cost less than $10,000, but not where vendors are trying for $100K and more. Before even getting the car to a reputable body shop for on-hoist inspection, check for bulges, bubbles and paint flaws, especially in the rear quarter panels, turret edges and sills. Underneath look at the floors for rust or impact damage, sills and firewall for rust. Replacement panels will be mostly reproduction but it could be cheaper – not to mention better for the car’s long-term survival – to have the originals repaired. Reproduction bumpers can be found at around $600 each but again it may be preferable to have originals repaired and re-chromed.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
HGs with an engine number matching the car’s pedigree will generally bring more money than those running a replacement engine. Cars in the market at $100,000 and above should not display any mechanical flaws at all. That means no exhaust smoke (a puff at start up is OK), factory oil pressure and certainly no oil or fuel leaks under the bonnet. Four-speed gearboxes are heavy to use and can whine or send vibrations through the gear-lever. Clunks or clicking noises mean internal damage and be wary of a slipping clutch, especially in seldomused cars. A Trimatic auto that’s getting tired will clunk when downshifting and slur changes under acceleration.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Standard GTS suspension is basic with coils up front and leaves at the rear and the factory set-up is biased towards ride quality. Owners over the years may well have altered spring rates to dial out some body-roll but wrecked the ride. If you can find a bumpy bit of bitumen on the test route, accelerate hard to check for ‘tramp’ from the rear axle. Plenty of parts are available and there is no excuse for a GTS to be wobbling around on worn balljoints and cracked leaf springs. Even well-presented cars may need their agehardened suspension bushings replaced. Standard brakes are fine for recreational driving, just make sure after a drive that the rear drums are warm and working.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICAL
The interior is where a really exceptional GTS can stand apart from one that’s just ‘good for its age’. Seat frames need to be checked for cracks and twisting and easy movement on the runners. Correct seat vinyl, door cards, replacement consoles and dash trim are available as reproductions but not cheap. However a perfect interior is essential to justifying top money for a Monaro. Holden by 1969 had found space in the dash for the tachometer so make sure it and other gauges – especially for temperature – are working. Try to wind down the rear quarter glass on both sides, listening for crackling noises. Damage in this confined space due to water entry and rust is expensive to fix.