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MOTRS

HK-HG Monaro / GTS

1968-1971 / Coupe / Australia

All HK-HG Monaro / GTS problems All workshop issues
Critical Body, Structural Rust

Inner Guard Rot

Symptoms

Rust visible (or hidden) on the inner front guards, particularly where they meet the firewall and chassis rails.

Cause

The inner guard area traps road spray, mud, and moisture. The complex shapes create pockets where water sits against the metal. This is arguably the worst rust zone on the entire car, it's structural, it's hidden, and it's expensive to repair.

Fix

Cut out the rusted metal and fabricate or weld in new sections.

Reproduction inner guard panels are available from some specialists.

Budget $2,000-5,000 per side for a proper repair.

This is a job for an experienced panel beater with Monaro-specific knowledge.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $2,000-5,000 per side

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Other known issues

Critical Body, Structural Rust

A-Pillar Rust (Coupe)

Rust at the base of the A-pillars, around the windscreen area, and in the lower A-pillar structure behind the door hinges.
Critical Body, Structural Rust

Floor Pan and Sill Rust

Perforated floor pans, crumbling sills, soft metal when prodded from underneath.
Common Body, Structural Rust

Boot Floor and Rear Drop Panel

Rust in the boot floor, spare tyre well, and the panel below the rear window (the "drop panel").
Critical Engine, Chevrolet V8 (327ci / 350ci)

Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks

Coolant leak at the front or rear of the intake manifold. Coolant may drip externally or, worse, leak internally into the engine oil. May also cause a vacuum leak, resulting in rough idle and poor fuel economy.
Common Engine, Chevrolet V8 (327ci / 350ci)

Rochester Quadrajet Carburettor Issues

Hesitation on acceleration (bog), flooding, fuel smell, hard starting when hot, black smoke, erratic idle.
Critical Engine, Chevrolet V8 (327ci / 350ci)

Overheating Under Load

Temperature gauge climbs on highway drives, particularly towing or climbing hills. May push coolant out the overflow. Engine pings (detonation) under load.
View all 18 HK-HG Monaro / GTS problems