GM Restoration Package

[87 Monte LS]

Here are some random cool Monte tidbits:
Call 800-222-1020 (GM) and ask for a "restoration packet" for your car. Have your VIN number and mailing address ready and then wait anxiously by the mailbox (actually, both of mine came via UPS) Unfortunately, for most of Canada, this service is NOT free... it is free in the US. EST hours are: 8am - 5:30pm M-F

All the car's original options can be determined by the codes listed on the trunk lid sticker. Make sure the VIN on the sticker and the VIN on your car match, as someone could have changed the trunk lid if you are not the original owner.

In '87 when GM cancelled the Buick Grand National, they kept the plant running until December, and all of the GNs built after August were still labeled as '87 models. We who owned them called them '87.5s to distinguish them from the regular '87s. It is interesting to note that Monte Carlo SS's were also built in the Flint plant alongside the GNs, and those built after August were indeed labelled as '88s! It would be possible to have an '87 GN that was actually built later than an '88 Monte Carlo!

The steering unit on SS's is one of the most desirable units on the market as far as G body's go.

[twomanymontes]

I got my resto pack! Keith was the one that helped me get it. It has lots of cool info and good reading too.

[hetman]

The restoration pack is a great idea, and extremely useful! I highly recommend everyone get one for their car, and even for every year Monte you've ever owned. GM will need a VIN number, so I think you can get a pack for every VIN you have. The resto packs consist of a lot of factory sales materials and specifications, option codes, etc.

I had a lot of success talking with Jenny Miller after calling the number Doug gave. I also talked with a guy named Bill. Both were consummate professionals, and very eager to help. I had to call a few times because they didn't have the packs ready for each year Monte I own. During the course of my interactions with the folks there, I got the direct number for Jenny, and I believe you can use it to contact her directly: 1-866-790-5700, ext. 42928. Though Jenny said my packs would come within a month, they came in 2 days, via FedEx. There is one problem with the 74 pack, however; half of it comes with both sides of each page showing an odd number page, ie 7, 9, 11, 13, etc, instead of 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, etc. In other words, they made a mistake mimeographing the packs and left out all the even numbered pages for that year.

Doug, first and second generation Montes didn't have the option codes on the underside of the trunk; the only definitive way you can find out how your car came equipped is to find the build sheet. Of course, some of the options are listed on the trim tag, and the VIN plate gives other info.

[tri5ss]

I've gotten the packets for each of the Montes that I've had. And yes the people are very friendly and helpful. The latter packets only took a few days to arrive. The first one years ago took a few weeks.

[rj]

Simple stuff like one of the restoration packets is easy for them. Just don't ask something hard like............... "Say, I bought a 2003 Monte Pace car replica and I'd like to find out the production number of the car."

I know for a fact I called Chevy 25 times trying to get help with this. Cause the Certificate of Authenticity for our car was lost somewhere along the line? I finally located the company who originally printed the Cof A for the Pace & Signature Series Montes and a wonderful woman there was able to search their data to find out our car is number 476 of 1,401 Pace car replicas made in 2003.

Back to the restoration packets. Chevy did come up with one for our 2003 Monte Pace car. This one came Fedup-X. The others I've asked for before came UPS or USPS.



The steering unit on SS's is one of the most desirable units on the market as far as G body's go

How so?

[twomanymontes]

The SS & GN had a close ratio steering box compared to the regular ones on the other G-bodies. If you could find one off a IROC Z28, it will be the same or close. But if your looking for a rebuilt, BE SURE to check it first! Keith knows, the turns lock to lock. Lots of rebuilders will though the regualr boxes into the same listing as the close ratio.

[tri5ss]

Your right 2many. Back when I was looking to repl. mine no distinction between the models was listed. i went with an AGR box and darn glad that I did.

[85t5mcss]

A liitle off subject, but the gear boxes in a parts store r the same for any of the G Bodies and the same era F Bodies. They're good, but not true to O.E. SSs, GNs, and IROC boxes r better if u can reapir an original or find someone local to rebuild your original.

[twomanymontes]

thats not off topic. Oh wait, it is, LOL! oh well, we never did stay on track much!

[87 Monte LS]

okay so its official ?? this is the offtopic thread ?

sure is windy out tonight

[twomanymontes]

LOL! We'll keep it on track

[95gts]

just ordered mine..

[rj]

A liitle off subject, but the gear boxes in a parts store r the same for any of the G Bodies and the same era F Bodies. They're good, but not true to O.E. SSs, GNs, and IROC boxes r better if u can reapir an original or find someone local to rebuild your original.

makes me glad i found an original on a salvage yard ss.
;D