The HX 1976 Limited Edition Monaro

Hi Chris,

Um please help! I have been the proud owner of a LE Coupe now for 18 months, it is in excellent condition throughout, my dilemma is the identification plates have been stolen sometime in its history, I know, your thinking silly me but i bought the car on the understanding that i could call Holden and state the engine and chasis numbers to obtain some sort of plate or paper stating the cars aurthantisity as i have a friend who said it is a common problem with the Mustangs as well and Ford can help (knowing of an occasion).

Well i have called Holden on two occasions and both times have been told that they require the vin number to start the search but obviously this plate is missing, their only advise is to contact the clubs and ask if they have any records but sounds like I’m getting the run around, I don’t see why they couldn’t search by the chasis and/or engine numbers. It is a real shame as the car is very clearly a genuine LE, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks Kel.

I’m pretty sure my LE has had the original radiator in it since 1976! The Engine had been getting very hot on long trips and I wasn’t sure if it was a head gasket or the radiator that was the problem.

I thought I’d start with a new Radiator, so I hit ebay and made an offer to this group in Sydney of $300 (listed price was $325) which he accepted.

Here’s a picture of what I took out yesterday.

Old Le Monaro Radiator

I think I’ve solved the problem!

The old one pictured had so much grass and rubbish between all the vanes that there was no way any air could have been flowing through the thing.

The new Radiator went in without any problems, aside from having to drill out the mounting holes just a little so the new bolts I bought would fit through OK.

In retrospect, I should have also bought a new Radiator Shroud and done the whole lot in one go. I’ll do all that later when I finally get around to having the engine reconditioned as well as the auto (it’s not 100% either)! Anyone know any good Engine reconditioners in Melbourne? I’d like it to be as original as possible, but still go. So I guess some head work and maybe a mild cam is not out of the question. The Quadrajet carb and the standard exhaust will have to stay.

Happy New Year!