Restomod 69 Charger

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I like the thought of modernizing an old car, but the work and money you have into them just isn't worth it. For example, this guy's got 85 large in receipts, which don't include paint & bodywork....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-Restomod-1969-charger-restomod-5-7-hemi-re-engineered-car-from-ground-up-1968-1970-/171348767148?forcerrptr=true&hash=item27e52eb1ac&item=171348767148&pt=US_Cars_Trucks


Looks like a nice car, but one has to wonder why he's selling it. Personally, I don't see it going for over 50 large.

[bill440rt]

Looks like it did not meet the previous reserve & been relisted. 

[chargerperson]

Generally agree with OP in that restomod is very $$$.  That being said, I have 67 at the restoration shop now where the plans are to upgrade to a 6.1 or 6.4 hemi, new transmission, disc brakes, vintage air, etc. More than likely the car I will be challenged to realize the investment should I sell but after owning the car for years with a challenging bit of a "friend of a friend" repair job plus some sentimental value, I figured I may was well go with a restomod.  Car did not have original motor or period correct motor so it was easier to upgrade.  

[Mike DC]

Is there any work a person can do to one of these cars, that isn't a money-loser?

 

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Is there any work a person can do to one of these cars, that isn't a money-loser?

 

For the hobbyist, 9 out of 10 times, the car will be a financial loser.

[Troy]

Is there any work a person can do to one of these cars, that isn't a money-loser?

Not that I've found! The closest I would guess would be a decent suspension. If you have to replace every single piece the after market stuff isn't really that much more expensive than say, the basic Firm Feel or Hotchkis kit. Getting into trick shocks will blow that budget pretty quick though! The next *might* be wiring. Stock harnesses (even new ones) aren't nearly as good as some of the new stuff that's out there. Especially if you upgrade anything (add a stereo, better lighting, etc.). Good tires maybe - but not if you have to buy large, expensive rims to get them on the car. Otherwise you're down to detailing - but that's not technically spending money (more like time). Most of this other stuff seems like it's good for about 50 cents on the dollar (if you're lucky!)

Biggest losers seem to be paint (unless it's absolutely stunning), interior, and engine performance.

Troy

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Heres the original thread when it was listed the first time


http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,110245.0.html

[Dino]

In the sense of turning a profit, it is near unobtainable with a resto mod or a restoration.  The cost is almost always more than the value.  Restoration profits are only for a few cars, Chargers are not one of them.

You do the work because you want to keep the car, there's much easier ways to make money.

[Patronus]

I love the headers

[Stevearino]

Even if you look at cars that get big money say rolling across the stage at Barrett-Jackson. If  you have any sense of the enormous amount of time involved you know that even the big dogs loose money. Even at the high end they are just hobbying. The only people who make money are the shops that do the upgrades. If they are smart they never do a spec car or a flip.

[Mike DC]

 
Jay Leno said, "If you are restoring cars, and making a profit at it, then you're not doing it right." 

[Bowers]

My Uncle finished a Mustang Boss that just went to auction and got $300k. When the owner was telling the purchaser about bleeding the brakes or something the guy said he didn't care as it was never going to be driven and going straight to his museum. That is crazy!

[chargerperson]

This car is for sale again on eBay.  Retailer in TN selling for $52,900 after it sold for $37,100 on eBay. 

[hollywood1336]

I'm finishing a 68 Charger restomod with a 2001 Viper V10 / 6 speed Tremec. I have the Bill Reilly front suspension and Firm Feel rear and a bunch of other goodies in it. It's the Green Charger under the post "Almost There". If you don't count the labor, which is always considered the hobby part of the job, I will have 47K into this when it's complete, including original price of the car, Paint and bodywork. Except for paint I have done all the work myself. This was a 318 car with the numbers matching motor but it was never going to be worth anything in that configuration. I was offered 65k for it last week in it's present state, I have everything I need to complete the project which would be provided in the event of a sale but it's not going to happen. Even my wife said she'd divorce me if I sold it, she has been very supportive of the build, which should see completion in the next couple months.
I live in the Southern California region and I'm telling you, I never see Charger's at any car shows or ralley events or even out for a Sunday drive. The Mopar club will be having their annual show coming up and I'll bet there will only be 2 or 3 Chargers there. These cars are a dying breed my friends, if you have one, and can afford to restore, restomod or even if it's a survivor, KEEP IT. I drained a good portion of the bank account restomoding mine but when I stand back and take a look, it was well worth it. And when that guy offered me 65k cash to roll it away I know it's going to be worth the effort to finish it. The hobby is always going to be in the build and your labor, what else are you going to do with your time. There isn't a car on the road that has the beautiful lines of the 68 thru 70 Charger.

[hollywood1336]

One other point guys, I could have easily been 85k into my project if I hadn't done most of the work. I talked to a shop in Vegas about motor installation, they wanted 20k just to install the motor, not including the sheet metal work. At $105 an hour shop rate while they are paying their mechanics $15 an hour it's easy to see where the money is going, the owners new Ferrari. You get a nice car, sometimes, they get the mansion.

[BrianShaughnessy]

A friend of mine has a 69 coming close to getting done after 10 years.   She has more in it than I have into both of mine so far.   It's black,  looks pretty good and has a 600+hp stroker.   
But being a hot rod 318 car don't count for squat when you go to sell it.   Even if they throw badges on it.     

I have more into Sinnamon so far than all of what Black Betty cost to get on the road.   And it's not even close.

[lasvegas69charg]

I see the winning bid was $37k. He got a good deal.

[Ghoste]

Its nearly always very tough to sell any kind of custom.  Its an individual statement and a personal vision and you have to find that buyer who shares your vision and is willing to pay you for it.

[Dino]

Its nearly always very tough to sell any kind of custom.  Its an individual statement and a personal vision and you have to find that buyer who shares your vision and is willing to pay you for it.

Unless it was on TV, then you can sell it for stupid money.

[Ghoste]

Especially if you can add celebrity ownership. 

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I see the winning bid was $37k. He got a good deal.

It's baaa-aaaack......


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-1969-dodge-charger-pro-touring-july-sale-5-7-hemi-4-wpdb-ps-ac-must-see-/131244164287?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1e8ec304bf&item=131244164287&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

[Ghoste]

They just aren't that desirable to next guy are they?

[tan top]

       


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UedotBFGh0c

[Mike DC]

  

Maybe the buyers have been choosing the car based on the text info.  


Then it arrives, and they finally see the color . . .    

[6spd68]

Now that it's being sold through a broker; I wonder what the reserve is? 

[chargerperson]

The price per the broker's website is $52,900 which might shed some light on the reserve - perhaps $50kish?