I have the opportunity to purchase a 77 Monte Carlo auto. I would like to know if the front end & rear will work in my 46 Chevy? What would I need to check on as far as measuring?? The car is complete and drivable but the body is shot. Did I mention the car is only $50.00? Also would anyone know what size engine came in the monte?

I would love to use the parts since the price is right!
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Kelly--In Evansville, IN
Home of the Frog Follies

Do you still have the frame for the '46? I would take measurements from both at several places(ie: behind the wheels) and compare them. As far as the engine, it is most likely a 305, could be a 350 though.

Yes, I still have the 46 under the original frame. I just didn't have any idea what or where to measure. I'm still very new to all of this. Is there any other places I need to measure?
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Kelly--In Evansville, IN
Home of the Frog Follies

Kelly, because you are fairly new in the streetrod fun, I would stay away from trying to graft a front end onto the 48. There are a lot of streetrod shops that sell the MII conversion, and they are much easier to install than the graft. When I started my first rod project, I tried using persay junkyard parts, and ended up with a lot of headachs and problems I didn't need. Sometimes cheaper is not better. If you run into problem after problem, it might discourage you from completing your project. I know, I almost lost complete interest in my first project, but luckly, a good friend came along and gave me the motivation and help to finish it. But the bottom line, it's your project and you can do anything you wish. Just my two cents worth. Good luck. I beleive the Monte rear end is to wide for your application. Measure outside hub to hub and compare with the 48.
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Lynn Stallbaumer

The measuring process gets involved. I assume that you are considering swapping frames and not grafting them? I would measure overall length, and get at least 6 places across the frame, then you need to measure from the ground to the bottom of the frame at various places along the length to determine any arches etc. Do this to both frames and compare. ( I usually make a sketch and then fill in the measurements.) For the price it would be worth the parts, tilt steering, etc. Hope this helps.

A buddy of mine has a Monte frame and I noticed that the frame swings outward after the front suspension assembly nearly 12 inches per side.That in itself will put the frame underneath the running boards of most fat fendered cars.If you want to start street rodding on a budget (why not).I would consider the purchase just for the parts.You could use brake booster and master,some people reuse the harness,you have a smallblock with starter,alternator,pulleys and brackets.(some people pull their hair out figuring proper belt alignment) I think that gas tank may fit between the rear rails also.

Maybe talk to some local rodders and see if anybody around your area could help with the suspension graft.I know a buddy that used a cutlas front end,that should be the same as a Monte. I would measure the inside of the rear drums too.If its the same or really close as your stock rear you may be able to use it as well.

Hope this helps,welcome to the world of street rods.
Woody

Thanks to all for the comments!

I may purchase the car for the engine and tranny. I figured the battery, alternator, and engine were worth every bit of $50. If the engine and tranny will work fine, I may use the current front end & rear end. Would this work?? A friend said it should providing The drive shaft is correct. I most likely won't be going to any shows more than an hour from home.
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Kelly--In Evansville, IN
Home of the Frog Follies

Judging by the photo in your BIO the Chevy has stock driveline.It has a closed driveshaft.Common to cars of that era. Our 40 Ford is like that.You would have to change the rear end to a open rear end( like the Monte Carlo ).If the width is correct, weld pads on the MC rear after you set it on your stock leaf springs.Then cut the drive shaft to size. The Chevy motor should have a code stamped on the front pad at the front of the engine where the head meets the block on the passenger side just above the water pump. This code will tell you if it is a 305 or 350. the last 3 letters in the code are what you are concerned with.To rid yourself of the 6 lug rims on the front end...... find early 50's Chevy front brake droms and install.Brake drum and hub with bearings simply interchange. Now you will have the same bolt pattern on the front and rear 5 on 4 3/4 bolt circle. Common Chevy GM wheels. Randy
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Same WIFE, Same job, Same ROADSTER for over 20 years. Must be in a rut. AIN'T LIFE GRAND !!

Thanks for the replies! I purchased the car today. We are going to just mount the V8 engine in the 46 for now. It is a good sounding engine that had no oil smoke when started or running. I even foun a guy at work that wants the body for a race car at the local dirt track. Will find out more when we pick it up on Wednesday.
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Kelly--In Evansville, IN
Home of the Frog Follies