<VV> My Own Barn Find

[Ken Pepke]

My own barn find?  Well, it was actually a garage find!  A 1965 Monza 2 door hardtop sedan, 110hp. and a 4 speed transmission, that had stood in this garage since sometime in 1976.  Not too bad overall condition. Good front valance, good trunk and trunk floor, good front fender 'heels', all good floor pans but missing the long center pan, good quarter panels even below the bumper corners.  Both doors have a small amount of rust in the front corners but the hems are good all around, The left 'A' pillar is good but some rust on the right side.  There is a small hole in the quarter panel above the left rear tire and the lower part of the windshield frame is starting to go.  The interior is very good except a bit of a stain on the front carpet.  A wrench on the crankshaft bolt easily turned the engine.

I was told there were no tires on it but they were under the car.  Actually, there was one tire on it and two under the car ... no spare.  Nooo problem, I have extra wheels.  OK, loosen up one stuck brake drum, tires on, down off the jack stands and turn it around in the garage, hook up the tow bar ... down the driveway and into the street; it followed me home like a puppy on a leash!

The plan; drain the oil, pull the pan and clean out the sludge, reinstall the pan and add a new oil filter and modern oil.  Disconnect the gas line and hook up a remote gas can.  Install a battery then crank the engine till the oil pressure comes up.  Add gas to the can and snort some down the carbs, key on and start.

The odometer is reading 19828 miles and the pedal wear makes me want to add a 1 in front of that number.  Well, maybe.  The car came with lots of extra parts [all wrapped in 1976 newspaper] and included was an instrument cluster that was missing the speedometer.  Mileage is now anybody's guess.  Still, I predict the engine will start right off and run like I had used it yesterday ... even if it takes some time to pump up the lifters.

All those that know me will realize there are two VERY BAD things WRONG with this car ... 1.  It is NOT a convertible, and 2. it is not a Powerglide!  After all, coupes are for chickens and any car that cannot shift for itself can't be worth much.  Oh well, pictures to follow ... someday ...


Ken P
Wyandotte, MI
Worry looks around; Sorry looks back, Faith looks up.