1984 Monte Carlo SS by Greg Zyla

Q: Greg, we own a 1984 Monte Carlo SS that is all original, except for tinted windows. It has a 305-V8 HO, posi rear end, power windows and locks, air, tilt, cruise, cloth bench seat, and white leather headrest with the embossed SS emblems. The paint is white and very thin in places. As far as we can tell, there has been no recall on the paint. This car is very clean, never wrecked and has 72,000 original miles. If we drive it 2,000 miles year, that's pushing it. In the future, we may sell. Can you give me an idea what it's worth before and after a new paint job? Thanks.
J & C, email from Kansas

A: J & C, your 1984 Monte Carlo SS in its current condition is called a "20-footer" by collectors, in that we mean it looks great from 20 feet away but when you get closer, you notice the paint thin in a few places and some wear in other places. However, your SS will still fetch an easy $2,800 as it sits now, and with new paint, perhaps $4,500. Too bad these Monte Carlos were stuck with 305 engines that year. As for painting it, there are those out there who feel the return on investment won't be there if you contract for a quality job. Some collectors I know will have the cheaper, less than $1,000 paint jobs applied for "quick sales," but long term, they don't hold up like the 2,500 and up paint jobs do. Good luck.

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