1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Convertible
In 1976 there was a mass exodus of auto manufacturers to rid themselves of the convertible as an offering in their lineups. Due to life moving at a faster pace, speed limits up, most cars coming through with an A/C option, and the litigious nature of the American Public it was essentially a forgotten option for a time period between 1976, and 1983. Enter creative teams like Chapel Hill Conversions, ASC, Car Craft, Classic Group Of Companies, Hess & Eisenhardt Matrix3, and Steas Industries who actually are responsible for Monte Carlo Convertibles from the 1983 to 1985 model lineup, and the resurgence became a grassroots movement that eventually led to convertible being a viable option in other models from the General.
For consignment, a custom convertible conversion performed by one of the accredited builders of the day. Unfortunately, the manufacturer's door sticker that denoted their name has been partially removed, leaving us wondering which of the customizers handled this car back when it was new. With its droppable top as the only changed exterior aesthetic, we have the standard Monte Carlo Model from 1983, and ready to turn the key and enjoy the airflow!
Exterior
From 1983 square and rectangle design from GM for this Monte. The panels are straight, the paint is good with a few scrapes and chips in the Carmine Red finish. No rust is noted on the body and a neoprene integrated body matching front bumper adds a touch of class along with the chrome eggcrate grille and dual outboard headlights. A red flourish hood ornament leads the way for the long slightly bumped up hood which stretches back to the stainless trimmed raked back windshield. Gold pinstriping graces the sides of this skate and highlights the bumped out bodylines that have been a part of the Monte Carlo lineup since the beginning. Wide mirror finish trimming follows the entire bottom of the car and accentuated the midbody rub strip perfectly. Up top is where the magic occurs, a manually actuated tan canvas convertible top gives you the option of letting the sun shine in. Out back is another neoprene body matching bumper and just above is a 2-bedroom apartment sized trunk flanked by wide cathedral style taillights. 14-inch chrome wire wheel covers grace the black steel wheels and are wrapped by thin whitewall tires on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see molded vinyl panels, some tuck and roll and lower Carmine, (burgundy for the common man), carpeting peppered with shiny toggles for windows, power locks and a mirror joystick, as well as the lock golf tee on the sill. Inside more Carmine for the wide tuck and roll front buckets, (more like a bench really), and smooth vinyl is on the bolsters and an adjustable headrest is atop each seatback. A rear bench is present and accounted for and also looking good. These chairs are all floating in a sea of faded Carmine carpeting in good condition. A burgundy molded plastic dash with a wood burl applique instrument cluster surround which houses the rally style gauge package gauges is fronted by a tilt steering column and factory installed 2 spoke steering wheel. The heat and A/C slides are within the confines of a center panel in square format, as well as an AM/FM/Cassette radio. More faux wood races across the front of the dash and gives the passenger a lovely view. A sagging black liner is above on the underside of the top.
Drivetrain
Under the hood within the confines of an unrestored and lightly patinaed engine bay sits a 305ci V8 topped with a single 4-barrel carburetor and backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. The rear axle gladly accepts this mill and transmissions combo of power and is a 10-bolt axle.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust on the frame can be seen as well as patina and some road dirt throughout but the flooring remains strong and solid. We note the addition of extra stiffeners to the center of the frame to make up for the lack of a steel roof. Power disc brakes for the front and power drums for the back and from this engine single exhaust snake rearward through a newer exhaust system. Giving us the plush comfy ride is an independent coil spring front suspension and a 4 link and coil spring rear suspension. All looking good in the neighborhood.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good acceleration with the 4bbl topper this car handled the test track and all its paces with ease. Snappy braking and smooth cornering with little roll even with the structural mods that took place from the conversion. It was nice to have the wind in my hair and the sun on my bald spot! I did notice the A/C was not working but all else functioned swimmingly.
From 1983, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo convertible ...and that's a term not often heard or seen. Looks are good on the paint front, and the interior is clean and original from 1983. Why fit into the confines of mediocrity when you can stand out from the crowd and be the envy of your neighborhood with a custom conversion done on a future collectible.
VIN DECODE
1G1AZ37H5DB125733
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
A-Manual Belts
Z-Monte Carlo
37-2 Door Coupe
H-305ci V8 4bbl 160hp
5-Check Digit
D-1983
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
125733-Sequential Unit Number
