So we went looking for a family hot rod Saturday. I've been working on Camaros for the last couple years (84 SC and 89 RS). This last summer, we realized we needed something that could seat all 5 of us. We took the SC on a trip to Pigeon Forge and while we were there, Mom and Dad had to haul around one of our kids the whole time because there aren't enough seats. So, after we put it into cold storage for winter, I started looking, originally for a G-body wagon. After months, I broadened my search to include other G-bodies, as well as A-bodies.
Last month, a 71 Skylark caught my eye. I started talking to the owner some and we decided to get together so I could check it out. Since it is about a 5hr drive for us, we hooked up the trailer and arranged to see several cars while we were down there.
Fast forward to Saturday, we go see the Skylark and another 68 Skylark. Both basket cases and more (body) work than I wanted to deal with. Both needed two full quarters and trunk pans, one needed an A pillar and the other needed a whole top. Damn GM and their full vinyl tops!
Well, everyone else I had spoken with wouldn't answer their phones or e-mail Saturday, so we decided to head back home. However, being we were just between Johnson City and Elizabethton TN, we decided to go back on 11E though Bristol. I'm fairly vigilant when driving, always looking on the sides of the road for cars for sale, just a habit. Well, just as we were approaching Bristol Motor Speedway, a bright orange K5 on the left hand shoulder caught my eye. Sitting next to it, was this little 84 SS. I wheeled a quick u-turn (as quick as a Suburban and 18' trailer can) and we pulled up on the side of the road at it. Guy came out, we dickered a little, and I took her home for $2250 cash.
History: The guy I bought it from is the original owner. He bought it from his Grandpa, who worked at a local Chevy dealership. He told me he paid about 12K for it, payments were $330/mo and 13% interest. His three kids learned to drive it and it was their first car (as witnessed by the cut up radio harness and funky re-upholstery job.) 131k miles on it, with a new motor about 10k ago. 3spd floor shift, but I think the old 200M is about dead. It took a quart of fluid to load it on the trailer.
The lower passenger quarter panel behind the door has a rust spot in it and around all the windows is starting to rust a little. I figure I can pop out the windows and clean up all them this summer. Patch the quarter and start cleaning it all up. I've got the 350 from my 1984 Camaro to go in it, but I'm not sure how to do the transmission. The Monte Carlo is a 3spd, but I have a built 700R4 in my Camaro. I'm wanting to do a manual transmission swap next year, so I'm considering rebuilding the 200M to use this summer. My Dad was a transmission man in GM dealerships for several years in the late 70's and early 80's. Hoping to keep the A/C and cruise control working as I go.
Also, just I finished loading the car, there behind the car and on one knee, I proposed to the love of my life. The woman I've been with for 7 years now and have three beautiful kids with. She said yes! So Saturday was an AWESOME day in my life!
Beat the **** outta that car...and it loved/I loved it. 
