Finally had it out this year! New nickname - Black Cloud

[1970Moparmann]

Some of you know that I've been working on my sisters 70 Charger RT/SE.  My brother-in-law (best friend) died 8 1/2 years ago, leaving my sister and (3) sons.  My 16 year old nephew is the only one interested in the because he remembers going to the shows with Paul and I back in the early 2000's. 

The car is nicknamed Black Cloud, because it has had so much go wrong with it since Paul passed.  Have had one thing go wrong after another...

The car sat for about 3 years after Paul passed due to not being a priority for my sister.

In about 2009, started to work on it and understand the issues better.  Mice got into it also, and did some damage.  The engine came out, and had to be rebuilt.  The car was a 4 speed, originally a 727.  My sister tried to drive it, but you just can't learn to drive a stick with a 440...  I didn't feel comfortable her driving it either.  So, I convinced her to convert back to an auto.

2011, the car was converted back to an auto.  Plus, a bad frame rail was replaced and the floor boards.  My brother in law took a shortcut on some of the restoration, so we fixed it correctly.

2012, got the car going again in the August time frame.  Was driving to the CMC Belvidere show and the trans wound up dumping fluid all over.  Had to put a new yoke and seal in it.   Got this done at the end of last year.

2013, went to put some miles on it in June, and all was good.  Had my nephew grab his permit to drive it for the first time - fan went into the radiator - water pump, radiator, fan had to be replaced.  Finally got the radiator after back order beginning of September.  Got it in, the car wouldn't start....

Finally, on Sunday, got the beast running.  My nephew put on about 20 miles on it, and was happy as could be!

Hopefully, 2014 will bring some good memories for my sister and nephews....






Short video
http://s84.photobucket.com/user/1970Moparmann/media/9F27D6DE-AE1F-4CEE-A2E0-CADD29F5D40F-4805-000007C84FBB0694_zpsbb9f4823.mp4.html

[1974dodgecharger]

now thats a great story....the car body wise looks in great condition too.

[bill440rt]

Beautiful car!! 
Hope you make some new, good memories with it! 

[1970Moparmann]

I commented to my nephew yesterday about the paint.  The car was painted in 1997, and still looks awesome today.   Can't believe it was 16 years ago!

The car needs a good cleaning.  I wanted Steven (Nephew) to do the work, to learn.  This is what took some extra time.  

[1970Moparmann]

Beautiful car!! 
Hope you make some new, good memories with it! 

Bill, my nephew is really going to enjoy the car.  He had a huge smile on his face yesterday.   The first Chicagoland Mopar Club (CMC) event next year is going to be pretty emotional for my sister, Steven and myself.  Paul was very involved with the club and had a lot of friends.  No one has seen the car since he passed.

I'm really happy for Steven that he can enjoy the car now.

[Memphis Mopar]

Car looks great! Happy ending to such a sad story. I am sure your brother in law is happy as he can be looking down from above 

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Car looks great! Happy ending to such a sad story. I am sure your brother in law is happy as he can be looking down from above  

 Great looking charger and it's cool of you to help keep the car going Mike!   

[six-tee-nine]

Great story and how wrenching on a car can mean alot to people.....

You told your nephew to be easy on the go-fast pedal with one of these. You dont want him to go after his dad too soon, youl'll never forgive yourself....

[RIDELIKEHELL]

That is awesome Mike good on you! The smile on your nephews face says it all  It's a good looking car and the paint looks impressive for its age thats for sure.

[1970Moparmann]

Great story and how wrenching on a car can mean alot to people.....

You told your nephew to be easy on the go-fast pedal with one of these. You dont want him to go after his dad too soon, youl'll never forgive yourself....

He's a good kid.  I laid the law down to him already. 

[1970Moparmann]

That is awesome Mike good on you! The smile on your nephews face says it all  It's a good looking car and the paint looks impressive for its age thats for sure.

As you see it's like owning another car - even if it's not mine.   Between my 68 and this 70, it's been one freak'in thing after another. 

Steven is very happy!  It was worth it....

[projectanimal]

Sad story, but nice ending and beautiful car!  Wonderful you can help keep the car in the family and make some nice memories! 

[Cooter]

 

[tsmithae]

Great story and a great reason to keep working on it to get it running! 

[nvrbdn]

nice to have you involved with the project to keep it alive.

[polywideblock]

what a great story      looking at the car you might have to rename it "green envy"  cause that what ALL his mates are going to be    

[charge69]

Really, really nice of you to get the Charger up and running for your nephew. He's going to be the envy of his buddies for sure! You have definitely "paid it forward" for him and your sister-in-law. I am sure they will be eternally grateful for your hard work in getting that beautiful Charger up and running so they can enjoy it and the notoriety it will bring!

[Finn]

Great job! 

[Finn]

Also, if that 4 speed setup needs a new home....

[1970Moparmann]

Also, if that 4 speed setup needs a new home....

Finn, long gone - sorry.  I forked over a good amount of money on this car and sold as much as I could right away.

Thanks for the comments guys!

[ws23rt]

Great story. It shows how important something like a car can be to our lives. It can represent a time, a passion, and just enjoying life.
To grab what there was with that car I am sure helped every one get through a rough time.
The car lives and breathes which is good and the new caretakers have more than the charger

See this is more than just a hobby

[1970Moparmann]

Great story. It shows how important something like a car can be to our lives. It can represent a time, a passion, and just enjoying life.
To grab what there was with that car I am sure helped every one get through a rough time.
The car lives and breathes which is good and the new caretakers have more than the charger

See this is more than just a hobby

Well said!

[tsmithae]

Great story. It shows how important something like a car can be to our lives. It can represent a time, a passion, and just enjoying life.
To grab what there was with that car I am sure helped every one get through a rough time.
The car lives and breathes which is good and the new caretakers have more than the charger

See this is more than just a hobby

Muslce cars keep the memory of my late uncle alive and are a reminder to me of what a great person he was and how much he influenced me, even if he would give me hell for having a mopar.   

[69rtse4spd]

Nice  .

[Dave Kanofsky]

Can't wait to see it, thanks for all you do for Paul's family. I miss him, he always had a big smile and a bigger handshake.