The HX 1976 Limited Edition Monaro

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.

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!

Hi Chris

Ken from Brisbane here -just been browsing your site, good stuff.

I’m 45 now and clearly recall in 1976 seeing one at Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. I turned to my dad an said, that’s what I want to own one day.

Well I’m getting closer to making that a reality, ebay helps, but also hinders. If ever you hear of one unmolested coming up, let me know, Its been in my blood since 1976.

My first car was a Maroon HJ Deville which I optioned over to a Caprice ( can you see it coming through in me?) but it had to go when the kids were born. THats in the photo

Thanks

Ken

I received this email this morning…

hi chris, rob and christine allen from nz here we have a fully restored le and an original ls id love to find out more regarding sourcing le bits as ours is missing a couple of them otherwise its like new-onlly 80k on the clock weve owned it 14yrs

kind regards rob and christine allen.

Rob, I’d recommend joining the following facebook Fan Page (if you haven’t already) and asking folks there about specific parts you’re sourcing.

Probably the hardest parts to find are the 14″ pontiac wheel trims.

These lovely units used in the LE Monaro seem to just keep popping up. Just when you think another one will never come along, someone digs one out of their shed!

Check it out here: It could be Andrew’s car which was featured here not so long ago – but I suspect it isn’t based on the listing photos.