83 replies to this topic

[Bagman]

Hey folks, I finally got my hands on (close to) the real deal. It's not a K-code and only has a 360 engine, but is everything else (VIN DH41K4Dxxxxxx). Very minor rust behind the wheels, one scratch in the paint near mirror. From 20 feet looks too good to repaint, but up close you can tell she could use some paint anyways.

It's even missing the D on the letter decals.

Here's me in it:

[Blueblood]

Nice wheels!!!

[Mr Mercer]

Yep , it sure looks good . Only a 360 = good on gas .

[FL-BLUESMOBILE]

Sweet ride bagman, you should be proud, and I am sure you are. Was that the one on Craigslist?

Congrats on the purchase and be sure and post some pics when you get her painted, that is if you plan to paint it like a Bluesmobile. Either way you go it will be sweet sweet sweet!

Let me know if you need a shop manual and I will set you up free of charge. Just PM me.


Later,

Huey

[Bagman]

Yeah, it was on KC craigslist back in February. I offered the guy a very generous price back then but he wanted a lot more. I don't know if he ever re-listed or what, but he called me back a couple weeks ago willing to sell at my price. I feel really lucky to get ahold of one locally in such good shape. I have a car expert across the street and he was pretty surprised and said the first thing I should do is get a 4 barrel carb for it

I'm not sure I'll actually paint it this year. Since it is in good shape, I may just start with learning about the engine and getting the interior reworked first. Paint may be off the future since I am partial to the color green.

[76Bluesmobile]

Looks awesome Bagman - congrats on the car!! I love those wheels. A 4-barrel is great, but here is a thought based upon what I did with my car - if it has a single exhaust, save up and put on a good double exhaust. You will notice a huge difference in power. My engine could not breath well, but once I put on that new exhaust, it took off!! I have a 360 with that 2-barrel on it and I have not had a huge need to switch it, though it has tempted me. The key is for the engine to breath well - a good air intake and a good exhaust.

There is a very steep hill behind my house that usually forces even new vehicles to climb at 35MPH tops, but my Bluesmobile? I had it up to 55 as was still gaining compared to the old single pipe which kept me down to 30.

No matter what you do - enjoy the heck out of that car. It looks sweet!!

[Steam McQueen]

Great pic! Great car!!



Paint that sucker! lol

[Ghostbluesman]

Sweet wheels, Bag...you oughtta be proud!
Rob

[Bagman]

So, the more I drive my green machine around town, the more I and others seem to appreciate the fact that this thing is in basically factory new condition. I'm having seconds thoughts about repainting the exterior and redoing the interior that is already in near perfect shape.

Maybe I'll just show up at the event this August and have the "reference" base model!

Thoughts?

[TI4438]

Get you another Monaco and Blumotize it!

[TK826]

That was my ultimate question as well, after bringing home my car:



I've mentioned it in the thread I started about this car, but again, that first question was the hardest to overcome and took months to decide.


It ultimately came down to asking myself these questions....

"Why did you get it in the first place?"

... Why did I spend years looking... travel thousands of miles... and spend many thousands of dollars, to bring this car to my driveway?

Was it so that I could drive a"Like New" '74 Dodge Monaco around?....
Or, was it so that I would have a nice Bluesmobile (with zero issues to deal with) ?

After answering those questions the direction became clear, and I realized that my apprehension came from the very thing I had sought out in the first place....
The nicest 1974 Monaco I could afford, for the purpose of converting into a Bluesmobile.

After that, I never looked back.

I'm glad I didn't, because as I had suspected, the car gets a lot more recognition and respect, in its new state.

While it was still in stock form, It did get the occasional respectable wave from other motorists, in the few times I drove it around that way.

But...
It got more car honking, waves and cheering, in my one trip to the Aykroyd signing at Binny's, than it did in the entire 6-8 times I drove it, while still original.

( It also was... and continues to be, a super fun project )

I say... Go for it.



Of course those are only my thoughts on the subject.



* Quite possibly the only 1974 Monaco Bluesmobile in existence with 8,518 original miles... ?



edit:
I did keep, and neatly store, each and every piece that was removed from the car, just in case I
(or someone else) ever decides to bring it back to stock.

[Bagman]

yea, that is also the main thing i realized...why i originally bought it....

the big difference for me is that all my interior is green and that is going to be a pain to change...even the seatbelts are green! not sure if everything can be color changed or just the upholstery. maybe i need a donor dash.

[TI4438]

My interior is green too.I'll get around to fixing that soon.It is a project car after all.It runs good and looks the way it should.I'm happy with it for the moment.

[Ghostbluesman]

TK826 said:

....because as I had suspected, the car gets a lot more recognition and respect, in its new state.

TK's right....as nice as it is, nobody really cares or notices a stock '74 Monaco....but, as a Blumo, it will garner the recognition it would never receive otherwise.

Go for it. http://www.bluesbrotherscentral.com/forum2/public/style_emoticons/default/icon_cool.gif

Rob

[TI4438]

Ghostbluesman said:

TK's right....as nice as it is, nobody really cares or notices a stock '74 Monaco....but, as a Blumo, it will garner the recognition it would never receive otherwise.

Go for it. http://www.bluesbrotherscentral.com/forum2/public/style_emoticons/default/icon_cool.gif

Rob

They are not kidding.Anywhere I go,somebody takes an interest in the car.We went out for burritos very late last night.(A 60 mile round trip.Damn good burritos!)As I parked across the street,people inside were staring out the windows of the place.While we were chowing down,people coming in were scoping the old girl out.

[ChiTownJohn]

Hey Bagman,

My car was green for a while too, I did enjoy that I goota say but the Bluesmobile is so much fun.
I wouldnt fault ya if you didnt do it.

Here's a link to see my car Green and my story I guess you'll say, I still never got the door to do the seats though, so I cover them up.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2354481 I make refernece to the green! Ha!

Cheers,

john

[Bagman]

Yeah, I'm working double-time now taking the trim off and getting it ready to paint. Should be ready in time for August.

[TI4438]

Awesome.Hoping to see you there.

[ChiTownJohn]

Hey TI, would you try and make a Bluesmobile cruise night? I'm up north right now but the show should be starting up soon, I'll let you know when I go, be good to meet ya there.

john

[TI4438]

I definately plan on attending in August.I'd love to hook up with you and TK at the bridge before that however.Fish and some suds would be mighty nice.