General Information
Went to check the CL Monaco, in a real sketchy part of Hartford, and was impressed with the low mileage (32,000) and immaculate condition of the body and interior...Always garaged and had been undercoated. Unfortunately, the guy couldn't produced ANY paperwork and my "spidey sense" went on high alert... so I told him "thanks but no thanks". I was really bummed, but didn't want to be buying a stolen car. No title requirements on older cars in Connecticut so anyone could theoretically sell some old person’s car without them knowing it. So flash-forward 3 years later, he calls and tells me he found all the paperwork and really needs to sell asap. Wow! price was right, paperwork all lined up, so I Jumped on it.
The major mechanical problem was the brake system. Towed it to my mechanic and he and I worked together to replace the entire system. That's when I really relied on help and suggestions from this site, FCBO (I had never dealt with a bad vacuum booster before) Usually I would have done the work myself at my house, but it was the middle of winter and too cold with no lift/garage...was also scheduled to have hernia surgery. I ain't got time for that sh*t anymore unless it's an emergency! In addition to the bumper/grill and support swap, We also had to replace the heater core, water pump, alternator, idler arm, fuel filters, balance tires and alignment. The radio even works! I added a vintage FM converter that my brother gave me, and put it in the glove box.
She runs so sweet now and polished up lovely! Pictures are kind of out of order. Don’t know how to fix pic order... will work on it later.