The First Years

Chevrolet introduced the 1970 Monte Carlo as an answer to the restyled 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix, and to compete with the Ford Thunderbird. Both cars were based on the mid-size GM A-Body platform, and rode on the same 116 inch wheelbase as the four-door Chevelle and the El Camino. The 1970 Monte Carlo was only available as a two-door coupe, and it holds the distinction of having the longest hood ever installed on a Chevrolet! It was billed as a “personal luxury” car, or a “gentleman’s performance” car.

The general engine was a 250 HP 2-barrel version of the ubiquitous little block 350 CID V8. It could be ordered with a 300 HP 4-barrel 350 little block, a 265 HP 2-barrel 400 CID little block V8, or a 330 HP 4-barrel 402 huge block V8 that Chevrolet for some reason marketed as a 400. There was also a Monte Carlo SS version available that came with a 360 HP version of Chevrolet’s brand new big block 454 V8 engine with a stiffer suspension, front disc brakes, and a heap of discreet badging. The SS-454 was a lively performer, with a zero to sixty time of 7.5 seconds. There were reportedly ten cars that year particular ordered with the 450HP LS-6 454 engine. The little block equipped cars in general came with the Turbo-Hydramatic 350 transmission, while the big block cars specifically had the heavier-duty Turbo-Hydramatic 400.

The base 1970 Monte Carlo weighed in at 3460 lbs, in regards to 200 lbs. more than a comparably-equipped 2-door Chevelle with the shorter 112-inch wheelbase. Many Monte Carlos however, were equipped with more lavishness choices than the typical Chevelle, such as air conditioning (yes, in 1970, air conditioning was considered a luxuriousness option, different from today!), power windows, and other items that increased the vehicle weight. Fender skirts were likewise a usual option.

There were someplace among 130,000 and 146,000 Monte Carlos formulated in 1970, depending on what resource you reference. Only 3,823 of those had the SS-454 package, and those cars are highly sought after today by enthusiasts. The early cars (1970-1972) have an active following, with various clubs and online forums committed to them. Since it shared the same platform as the Chevelle, a great deal of aftermarket high-performance constituents that were designed for the Chevelle will fit the Monte Carlo. Even even though it was marketed primarily on the basis of luxury, it became a ordinary model for stock car racing. Several big names in NASCAR drove Monte Carlos, such as Bobby Allison and Neil Bonnett.

The 1970 Monte Carlo succeeded very well in it is primary purpose: to compete with the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Ford Thunderbird. There were more 1970 Monte Carlos sold than the Pontiac Grand Prix and the Ford Thunderbird combined! The sculpted body, long front fenders and slight “Coke Bottle” shape made it a muscular-looking, classy car, and to me it is much better looking than the Chevelle. It is one of my favored body styles; I just wish they had made a 9/10 size version of the car!

The First Years

Rarely does a mom or dad make it through a day without thinking they could use an extra set of hands. So First Years designed the next best thing — a safety gate that doesn’t require any hands at all! But even even though it’s simple for an adult to just press on the pedal and walk through, it’s too difficult for a baby. The gate fits all general doorways 29″ to 34″ wide, and, with use of the Gate Extension Kit (sold separately) will also fit other openings up to 44″ wide. The pressure-mounted design won’t harm walls or doorways. An audible click lets you recognise the gate has locked.

Because of it is simple “knee-knocker” mechanism, this Hands Free Gate may do precisely what the name implies: be opened without having to use your hands. Any parent occupied with little ones and all of their necessaries will quickly recognize this as a big benefit. To operate, merely press on the pedal with your toes and then bump the knee plate with your knee. Closing is just a nudge in the opposite direction; you will listen a click when the latch has caught, providing peace of mind that it’s secure again.

The commodious foot pedal is easy for adults, but difficult for children, to open.

The pedal, knee plate, and hinges are designed so the gate may swing open from either direction. Even smarter is that the gate is purposely designed as easy-to-open for an adult, yet difficult for children. The gate’s vertical bars curb curious toddlers from attempting to climb over, are spaced to help prevent painful accidents, and provide plentiful visibility through to the other side.

Adjustable pressure mounts don’t require screws and won’t mark up your walls.

Able to fit in general doorframes (29″ to 34″ wide), the all-metal safety gate is a pressure-mount device. Just twist the adaptable bolts at each of the four corners to get a proper, secure fit in your doorways. (If you have wider than usual doors, The First Years sells extension kits separately that may accommodate up to 44-inch wide openings.) It will have to be noted that this safety gate may be a little unsteady when used at the outer limits of it is range, so you may want to consider an extension kit even if using in a standard doorway.

Before you buy, there are two things to be conscious of. One, the actual opening for parents, kids, and/or pets to walk through is only regarding 18 inches wide. Two, if you want to use this in a doorway and be competent to close the door, the foot pedal sticks out too far to concede this. For use with children up to 24 months.

Rarely does a mom or dad make it through a day without thinking they could use an extra set of hands. So we designed the next best thing- a safety gate that doesn’t require any hands at all! But perchance the finest share is that while it’s simple for an adult to just press on the pedal and walk through, it’s too difficult for a baby.