OriginsChevy Monza: even the name screams "quality automobile". Brought about as a follow on the the Vega, the 1975 edition of the Chevy Monza came with a 262 V8 stock; except in California, where the 262 wouldn't pass the ever stricter emissions standards. Chevy's solution? Replace the 262 with thier already compliant 350 V8. A star is born. Their particular Monza came to Sean by way of his mom, who bought the car in (), got in two rear-end collisions (neither very damaging, to her or the car), and eventually gave the car to Sean in 1990. The car then served as a semi-daily driver unitl 1996, when Hurricane Fran decided to drop a brick chimney on it. Over the next few years, it because the "vehicle of last resort" in Sean's stable of conveyances. When the challenge was announced; the Monza's unique combination of light weight, high power, low value, and immediate availability made it the perfect car to start with. Challenge ModificationsThis quick list of parts and associated labor covers all the modifications done to the Monza. It would have been nice to do some engine performance improvements, but I can't think of a single thing I'd have given up in return for more power. Work Completed Parts Est Labor (hrs) ------------------------------------------------------- Rear shocks 33.90 1 Grease Seals 3.78 1 Brake Hoses 62.33 1 Bushings 48.55 3 Sway bar end links 9.99 1 Paint 21.22 5 Brake Parts 2.49 Lower Ball Joints 57.98 1 Upper Ball Joints 25.98 1 Tie Rod Ends 39.98 2 Brake Fluid 6.99 2 Front shocks 39.98 2 ******************** 342.06 tax total ************* 362.58 Tires 360.00 (wholesale) Tire Mount/Balence 60.00 1(leaked) Rotors 79.98 2 Calipers 59.98 2 Hdwr 12.99 Semi Metalic shoes 29.99 2 Bearings 47.96 2 Rear Shoes 13.99 2 Rear Hdwr 8.99 Rear adjusters 17.98 Master Cylinder 21.19 2 Sway Bars 100.00 3 Diet Coke 1.39 2 Rust evil 3.99 1 Plate Steel 18.00 12 Car value (before) 250.00 Total Parts 1449.01 Total Labor ($20/hr) 51 Claim Value 2469.01 |