Looking for someone to restore my charger

[RUSTY CHIEFTAN]

Have a73 charger no engine or trans project car want to get restored not sure who i should have restore it.Was thinking about Gyc  but some of the things on the internet  are scaring me away. Looking for feed back . Thanks

[Daytona R/T SE]

Have a73 charger no engine or trans project car want to get restored not sure who i should have restore it.Was thinking about Gyc  but some of the things on the internet  are scaring me away. Looking for feed back . Thanks

And your location is....

[moparguy01]

If they have a TV show, you probably don't want to see their bill. Find someone local so you can check the progress in person.

[Ghoste]

I would probably want someone local too.

[2592 creston]

If they have a TV show, you probably don't want to see their bill. Find someone local so you can check the progress in person.

   And a three year wait!

[Homerr]

GYC probably won't want to even see your car unless there is some crazy interesting story behind it or you are a celebrity.

[hollywood1336]

Where are you located, what is your budget and what level of restoration are you wanting to do, factory stock or restomod.

[Daytona R/T SE]

I think we've lost him.

[RUSTY CHIEFTAN]

Sorry location is the Midwest not sure on the  route we want to go on the car. I inherited the car along with a good chunk of cash  to finish it.

[hemi-hampton]

How much are you thinking this will cost you?  LEON.

[charge69]

Well, "a good chunk of cash" is relative to what most people consider "a good chunk of cash".  A 1973 project Charger with no engine or transmission and farming out all the work can get "expensive" in a hurry. Depending on metal work needed, body panels that need to be replaced, paint, interior that needs to be replaced, the type of engine and build you want etc. , 50K would be a cheap rebuild and that model is not worth that, at least right now!

Basically, if you are going to farm all the work out to a professional shop, the Charger will never be worth what it costs you to rebuild it. Not even close right now. If that doesn't bother you, prepare to spend at least 50K and probably a lot more!

You mentioned GYC.  I have no idea what it would cost to have them restore your Charger but, whatever it costs, I would be very doubtful it would be worth anywhere near what it would cost to restore it!  Right now, that is just the way it is!

Welcome to the forum, sir but, reality is you have a particular Charger that would make a nice driver or even a show car but it is not a "collectible" model just now.

[RUSTY CHIEFTAN]

Right I get what you are all saying.The way this worked out is he passed away left me the car and the money he had saved up to do the car.I get to use that money for the car and the car only. It is well into the six figure range. What ever is not used is to go back to the  person in charge of his will.His daughter and gets put back into the estate to be distributed at a later date.Strange confusing story but I was just looking for feed back on GYC  Because it might be a neat thing if they did it.But iam open to suggestions. Iknow the car isnt worth whole lot but thats my story.

[charge69]

A strange story indeed !  You need to narrow down your location a little to get any recommendations about shops that can accomplish this for you. Also, how about a "clue" as to the condition of the Charger now.  Pictures would be best and welcomed.

[2592 creston]

Right I get what you are all saying.The way this worked out is he passed away left me the car and the money he had saved up to do the car.I get to use that money for the car and the car only. It is well into the six figure range. What ever is not used is to go back to the  person in charge of his will.His daughter and gets put back into the estate to be distributed at a later date.Strange confusing story but I was just looking for feed back on GYC  Because it might be a neat thing if they did it.But iam open to suggestions. Iknow the car isnt worth whole lot but thats my story.

   If you are serious about GYC email Mark at moparrevival@yahoo.com  ..gonna be a long wait though!!!

[Daytona R/T SE]

You might want to narrow down your location a bit.

You say you're in the "Midwest" 

I can recommend a shop in Missouri, if that'll help you. 

[Beav]

  With that budget, it should be one of the nicest '73's on the planet. 

You could also contact the Wellborn Musclecar Museum and ask their advice.  I believe they've used someone in Mississippi (?)

Best of luck with your search...

Beav

[Hard Charger]

Six figure budget!!  GYC it is. Stupid big Hemi and so on, don't' get me started. 

[Ghoste]

It sounds like at least there is an "angle" to it all which for GYC is what they need in order to attract viewers.  I don't know whether the story here qualifies in their eyes of course but its more than the average Joe just knocking on their door.

[1RareBird]

If you spend $100,000 + on restoring a 73 charger it better have a 572 hemi, 5-speed, Dana rear with about every cool restomod goodie you can imagine. I also would not to go into any shop with "I can only spend X", because the estimate will come back X-$50.  Spend a little time and do more research.

[RUSTY CHIEFTAN]

If you spend $100,000 + on restoring a 73 charger it better have a 572 hemi, 5-speed, Dana rear with about every cool restomod goodie you can imagine. I also would not to go into any shop with "I can only spend X", because the estimate will come back X-$50.  Spend a little time and do more research.

I agree I'm not going to say how much I have when I go into it .I am located in Illinois .I am open to all suggestion's.

[hemi-hampton]

Post a pic of the car. Is it Rusty?  LEON.

[JR]

I'd feel guilty about blowing 100k on the restoration if the balance of the cash is going to the daughter? You mean its going to her college fund on something? Or is she grown?

But anyways, I would find a reputable small time shop. Why pay out the ass for an average quality restoration just because the gyc guys are on TV? That's silly. There are hundreds of shops out there besides them, you know.

[lukedukem]

I'd feel guilty about blowing 100k on the restoration if the balance of the cash is going to the daughter? You mean its going to her college fund on something? Or is she grown?

But anyways, I would find a reputable small time shop. Why pay out the ass for an average quality restoration just because the gyc guys are on TV? That's silly. There are hundreds of shops out there besides them, you know.

reading is fun. lol   

Right I get what you are all saying.The way this worked out is he passed away left me the car and the money he had saved up to do the car.I get to use that money for the car and the car only. It is well into the six figure range. What ever is not used is to go back to the  person in charge of his will.His daughter and gets put back into the estate to be distributed at a later date.Strange confusing story but I was just looking for feed back on GYC  Because it might be a neat thing if they did it.But iam open to suggestions. Iknow the car isnt worth whole lot but thats my story.

luke

[JR]

I did read it. It wasn't worded properly.

I assumed the period was a mistyped comma, not that the daughter was overseeing the estate and the sentence was started there.

Either way I maintain that blowing a six figure part of the man's estate by taking it to GYC to get an overpriced average quality restoration (that he could get at many other shops) just because "they're on TV" is ridiculous. Especially since the car will be worth 30-50k tops once completed.

The OP should do more research and find reputable restoration shops near him.

[charge69]

Amen JR !  I guess its' pretty easy to spend someone else's money!   How quickly would he consider GYC if it was HIS money he would be wasting ?

RUSTY CHIEFTAN, you certainly have a strange situation there and we still have no idea how much work your Charger needs except, apparently, a new engine and transmission. If you cannot do any of the body/paint work or mechanical work yourself, paying someone to do it is going to cost you wayyyyy more than that car is worth. Every little thing you have to replace, and there will be a lot of it on a typical restoration, will cost you real money and the labor to do it will add up quickly.

Do you have any idea how ridiculous spending large amounts of money on a 1973 Charger sounds ?  Yeah, I know, you inherited the car and that, in itself, sounds generous but free reign on a six figure budget to restore it is ludicrous, at best.

Can you not give us, at least, a picture or two so we can give you a little better idea as to what direction you should go with it ?

[EccentricMagpies]

Wow.  That's a nice predicament to be in!!

[2592 creston]

I did read it. It wasn't worded properly.

I assumed the period was a mistyped comma, not that the daughter was overseeing the estate and the sentence was started there.

Either way I maintain that blowing a six figure part of the man's estate by taking it to GYC to get an overpriced average quality restoration (that he could get at many other shops) just because "they're on TV" is ridiculous. Especially since the car will be worth 30-50k tops once completed.

The OP should do more research and find reputable restoration shops near him.

           GYC is probably half what another shop would cost. Because " they're on TV" is why they can do it cheaper, he gets his parts and services at a discount. But if you just don't like the quality of work ,that's a different story.

[JR]

           GYC is probably half what another shop would cost. Because " they're on TV" is why they can do it cheaper, he gets his parts and services at a discount.

You're telling me that gyc will restore a stripped shell of a 73 charger for 50 bucks or so an hour? The TV show part of the business would likely never be involved. I'll believe that labor rate when I see it.

[2592 creston]

           GYC is probably half what another shop would cost. Because " they're on TV" is why they can do it cheaper, he gets his parts and services at a discount.

You're telling me that gyc will restore a stripped shell of a 73 charger for 50 bucks or so an hour? The TV show part of the business would likely never be involved. I'll believe that labor rate when I see it.

     Im not telling you anything..i am giving you information.  Mark gives you a not to exceed price for your restoration,not by the hour.(Find another restoration shop that will do that) when you get in contact with him he will go over your car and give you a price and it doesn't go over that. As far as being on the show it doesn't make a difference in the price. So if the guy with the 73 Charger likes the way GYC restores cars he should drop Mark an e-mail.

[polywideblock]

sounds like there's going to be another nice 3rd gen out there       not all of us have a hate on them  

your starting with a blank canvas so to speak    

      don't know wether there's a three figure resto in one unless its a rare combo or something  

        keep us posted   pics , pics and more pics we love pics    

  here's a link to a wrecked 74 that didn't look to bad before the fire /curb kiss shows what can be done with a 3rd gen    

                             http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,116595.0/all.html

   again just for some ideas  check out some of the nice third gens owned by members here

 and  here's some pics of the charger KWS had before it was stolen     just for ideas  , yeah I know its a 72 .
 
   

                                           


                           

                                   


                          find a shop  where your paying for  the "name "(reputation)    

                 either way it costs money  

                                good luck whatever you do    
           

[JR]

          GYC is probably half what another shop would cost. Because " they're on TV" is why they can do it cheaper, he gets his parts and services at a discount.

You're telling me that gyc will restore a stripped shell of a 73 charger for 50 bucks or so an hour? The TV show part of the business would likely never be involved. I'll believe that labor rate when I see it.

    Im not telling you anything..i am giving you information.  Mark gives you a not to exceed price for your restoration,not by the hour.(Find another restoration shop that will do that) when you get in contact with him he will go over your car and give you a price and it doesn't go over that. As far as being on the show it doesn't make a difference in the price. So if the guy with the 73 Charger likes the way GYC restores cars he should drop Mark an e-mail.

100 bucks or so an hour is what an average restoration costs. Any less and the shop goes in the hole. It doesn't make a difference if mark is counting the number of hours he thinks he can do it for  and then gives him a total price, the outcome is the same.

I'm assuming there's some kind of markup in his prices due to the "I'm on TV" tax, but even so, there's no way he's restoring anything for half the costs of any competitor.

If OP comes back with a written estimate from them I'll eat my words, but I don't see that happening. Seems like a huge waste of a late man's estate to blow 100k+ on a 50k car.

But its their money, not mine. (And I even like 3rd gens.)

[1974dodgecharger]

hi

[2592 creston]

          GYC is probably half what another shop would cost. Because " they're on TV" is why they can do it cheaper, he gets his parts and services at a discount.

You're telling me that gyc will restore a stripped shell of a 73 charger for 50 bucks or so an hour? The TV show part of the business would likely never be involved. I'll believe that labor rate when I see it.

    Im not telling you anything..i am giving you information.  Mark gives you a not to exceed price for your restoration,not by the hour.(Find another restoration shop that will do that) when you get in contact with him he will go over your car and give you a price and it doesn't go over that. As far as being on the show it doesn't make a difference in the price. So if the guy with the 73 Charger likes the way GYC restores cars he should drop Mark an e-mail.

100 bucks or so an hour is what an average restoration costs. Any less and the shop goes in the hole. It doesn't make a difference if mark is counting the number of hours he thinks he can do it for  and then gives him a total price, the outcome is the same.

I'm assuming there's some kind of markup in his prices due to the "I'm on TV" tax, but even so, there's no way he's restoring anything for half the costs of any competitor.

If OP comes back with a written estimate from them I'll eat my words, but I don't see that happening. Seems like a huge waste of a late man's estate to blow 100k+ on a 50k car.

But its their money, not mine. (And I even like 3rd gens.)

     How do you know what GYC charges? Have you ever spoke to them? I have ,my car is being restored there as we speak! All I am trying to do is tell people who think they can't afford to have their cars restored that they may have an option. If a person likes the work GYC does and doesn't mind waiting( there are probably 10-15 cars ahead of them) give Mark a call..you may get a good deal,I did!

[73rallye440magnum]

          GYC is probably half what another shop would cost. Because " they're on TV" is why they can do it cheaper, he gets his parts and services at a discount.

You're telling me that gyc will restore a stripped shell of a 73 charger for 50 bucks or so an hour? The TV show part of the business would likely never be involved. I'll believe that labor rate when I see it.

    Im not telling you anything..i am giving you information.  Mark gives you a not to exceed price for your restoration,not by the hour.(Find another restoration shop that will do that) when you get in contact with him he will go over your car and give you a price and it doesn't go over that. As far as being on the show it doesn't make a difference in the price. So if the guy with the 73 Charger likes the way GYC restores cars he should drop Mark an e-mail.

100 bucks or so an hour is what an average restoration costs. Any less and the shop goes in the hole. It doesn't make a difference if mark is counting the number of hours he thinks he can do it for  and then gives him a total price, the outcome is the same.

I'm assuming there's some kind of markup in his prices due to the "I'm on TV" tax, but even so, there's no way he's restoring anything for half the costs of any competitor.

If OP comes back with a written estimate from them I'll eat my words, but I don't see that happening. Seems like a huge waste of a late man's estate to blow 100k+ on a 50k car.

But its their money, not mine. (And I even like 3rd gens.)

$100 an hour or belly up is a pretty bold claim. I know of several succesful and long-standing shops charging around $60 for world class work.

[JR]

This is getting long winded, I'll just sum up my thoughts on them this way:

Theres no way are they restoring any car for half the cost of any other shop. Ain't gonna happen.

No shop is rebuilding a non running shell of a 73 Charger from scratch for 20-30k.

[Cncguy]

I'd sell it and buy one already restored.

[charge69]

Now, there is a great answer !!

[Ghoste]

Tough crowd man.  I don't know what to think myself, if the car was left to you then obviously there must be some attachment to it in that regard, if GYC is your shop of choice then by all means at least give them a call. 

[hemi-hampton]

  " Im not telling you anything..i am giving you information.  Mark gives you a not to exceed price for your restoration,not by the hour.(Find another restoration shop that will do that) when you get in contact with him he will go over your car and give you a price and it doesn't go over that."


And now I know why that Rear Ended Charger came out looking so screwed up

[RUSTY CHIEFTAN]

Thanks for the feed back much appreciated.It will be awhile before it all happens.Dont worry I am not spending  anyone's  college money I am fully aware of what a quality restoration  costs. So if you want to send suggestions  on shops i am open to ideas.   Thanks again.

[Chargerguy74]

Amen JR !  I guess its' pretty easy to spend someone else's money!   How quickly would he consider GYC if it was HIS money he would be wasting ?

RUSTY CHIEFTAN, you certainly have a strange situation there and we still have no idea how much work your Charger needs except, apparently, a new engine and transmission. If you cannot do any of the body/paint work or mechanical work yourself, paying someone to do it is going to cost you wayyyyy more than that car is worth. Every little thing you have to replace, and there will be a lot of it on a typical restoration, will cost you real money and the labor to do it will add up quickly.

Do you have any idea how ridiculous spending large amounts of money on a 1973 Charger sounds ? Yeah, I know, you inherited the car and that, in itself, sounds generous but free reign on a six figure budget to restore it is ludicrous, at best.

Can you not give us, at least, a picture or two so we can give you a little better idea as to what direction you should go with it ?

Hey, come on now.

[fizz]

Call Danny @ straight line customs in Savage, mn. Very happy from experience.

[1970Moparmann]

Lane Nostalgia Inc
1115 Turret Drive
Machesney Park, IL 61115
Phone: (815) 636-2784

Can't find the website, but they have completed some great Mopar restorations.   I believe, Roger is the owner (co-owner).

[charge69]

No offense to you intended, Chargerguy74. You know what you have and know what it will cost to restore it with YOUR money.  Really don't think you will be putting "six figure" money that is really someone else's in your Charger just because you can!

[ACUDANUT]

IMO , spending crazy money on 73-74 Charger, is like throwing money out the window.
71-72 is a Different story. imo

[MxRacer855]

If you spend $100,000 + on restoring a 73 charger it better have a 572 hemi, 5-speed, Dana rear with about every cool restomod goodie you can imagine. I also would not to go into any shop with "I can only spend X", because the estimate will come back X-$50.  Spend a little time and do more research.

I agree I'm not going to say how much I have when I go into it .I am located in Illinois .I am open to all suggestion's.

Where at in IL?

I'm NOT the guy you're looking for, but just curious. I'm in Aurora (40 miles South of Chicago).

Jeff

[Chargerguy74]

No offense to you intended, Chargerguy74. You know what you have and know what it will cost to restore it with YOUR money.  Really don't think you will be putting "six figure" money that is really someone else's in your Charger just because you can!

True.

[Chargerguy74]

IMO , spending crazy money on 73-74 Charger, is like throwing money out the window.
71-72 is a Different story. imo

In my opinion, there are plenty of 71-72 cars that spending money on would be like throwing it out the window. It's the same reason I sold off most of my 72s. I'm curious ACUDANUT, in your "opinion" what makes a 72 charger so much better than a 73/74? Cuz it looks like a 71? I see you always group the 72 in with the 71. I'm dying to hear your expert opinion on this. It sounds to me like you just have 71 Charger envy

[ACUDANUT]

 Well, 71/72 Chargers have completely different roof/pillars/bodylines.  The 72 (as you know)  were the last year with hide-a-way headlights, louvered taillights, louvered doors and I believe the 150 speedo.
I Am not saying I would not own a 73/74 Charger, I just would not invest 50-100k into one.  
  Just my worthless opinion, but you asked.

[472 R/T SE]

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone better in just the next state over.  Isn't Mr. Moderator Brian, (Charger-Bodie) in Iowa?


He's your man.  Not local, no problem.  I don't think anyone here can disagree that you'll most definitely get your monies worth & have the world class ride when he's done.  



If not Brian be prepared to give whoever a price.  Every time I've used body/paint guys they want to know your budget?
9 times out of 10 if the resto didn't go over budget, it comes in conveniently about $50-$100 under stated priced from beginning,    Also, absolutely do not tell the car was handed down to you.  That can be used against you at a later time.  

Make sure they know you're just an average Joe working paycheck to paycheck like most.  

If the finished product is similar to KWS's ride, I don't think the differences between '71-'72 & '72-'73 are gonna show.

By no means am I painting all bodymen with the same brush, just like any other trade bad & good.

[Chargerguy74]

Well, 71/72 Chargers have completely different roof/pillars/bodylines.  The 72 (as you know)  were the last year with hide-a-way headlights, louvered taillights, louvered doors and I believe the 150 speedo.
I Am not saying I would not own a 73/74 Charger, I just would not invest 50-100k into one.  
  Just my worthless opinion, but you asked.

The 150 speedo was available in 73/74 too. I was just curious if there were any performance reasons, but it appears your opinion is just based on looks like I suspected, and that's fine by me 

[Charger-Bodie]

You'd be hard pressed to find anyone better in just the next state over.  Isn't Mr. Moderator Brian, (Charger-Bodie) in Iowa?


He's your man.  Not local, no problem.  I don't think anyone here can disagree that you'll most definitely get your monies worth & have the world class ride when he's done.  



If not Brian be prepared to give whoever a price.  Every time I've used body/paint guys they want to know your budget?
9 times out of 10 if the resto didn't go over budget, it comes in conveniently about $50-$100 under stated priced from beginning,    Also, absolutely do not tell the car was handed down to you.  That can be used against you at a later time.  

Make sure they know you're just an average Joe working paycheck to paycheck like most.  

If the finished product is similar to KWS's ride, I don't think the differences between '71-'72 & '72-'73 are gonna show.

By no means am I painting all bodymen with the same brush, just like any other trade bad & good.

It does seem like an interesting project.

[gtx6970]

Without reading this entire thread.
I am going to ask.
A - whats your budget. As it will  real easy to get WAAAAAAAAAY upside down in a 1973 when your paying someone else money to do it .(Edit ,,, I guess I should have read this entire thread THEN posted this question. ..Either way have some kind of a budget going in ,,DO NOT give ANYONE opens reigns on your cash flow. I don't care WHO it is )

Me as an example . My shop rate is $55 hour for classic car work. My rate is no different whether its a hemi car or a six cylinder .

B - Have an idea going in what you want in a finished product and convey that with who ever you allow to do it. I try to talk long and hard with my customers to make 100% sure we are on the same page and with the same goals for the finished project . I personally shy away from customs or hot rods ( not saying I wouldn't do one sometime )  Stock or close to stock is more my style and my specialty .

C - Be very aware ,, when it comes to old cars, Issues WILL pop up along the way that neither part knew were there in the beginning . This I guarantee. So IMO makes it nearly impossible to make a 100% rock solid estimate

[ACUDANUT]

GTX where are you located ?  I noticed you did not list your city and state ?  

[472 R/T SE]

gtx (Bill) used to own A & M Hightech Auto.

The 859 area code listed in his signature shows north, central Kentucky.

[hemi-hampton]

gtx (Bill) used to own A & M Hightech Auto.

The 859 area code listed in his signature shows north, central Kentucky.

You say Used too, Does that mean A&M Hightech no longer exist? LEON.

[bull]

Does your six figure budget include transportation of the car to and from? If so you can probably take it anywhere you want.

That said, if I had your budget I'd probably take it to Charger-Bodie. "Midwest" is pretty vague but he's in Iowa.

[72Charger-SE]

Does your six figure budget include transportation of the car to and from? If so you can probably take it anywhere you want.

That said, if I had your budget I'd probably take it to Charger-Bodie. "Midwest" is pretty vague but he's in Iowa.

I Agree!   

[Ghoste]

And we would get to follow along with the build if Brian did it.

[cdr]

Charger-Bodie aka Brian, is who i also recommend .

[RUSTY CHIEFTAN]

Thanks guy for the in put this project has some delays and bumps in the road  . But like anything else one step at a time.

[gtx6970]

gtx (Bill) used to own A & M Hightech Auto.

The 859 area code listed in his signature shows north, central Kentucky.

You say Used too, Does that mean A&M Hightech no longer exist? LEON.

That would be true

A+M is no longer.

I sold out of the parts sales a little over a year ago.
Still plugging along do shop work on both old and modern rides .

Currently doing a ground up on a 1968 Charger RT. EE1 dark blue with white inteior . 440 4 spd 4.10 Dana . If it all goes right ,,we start finessing body panels in prep for paint the end of this month .
I also have a 1970 Dart 340 for an exterior strip and repaint in process. If all goes well ( does it ever ?)  It wil be in color the end of the month.

I am in northern Ky . In a small shop with room for 2 maybe 3 cars inside .
This is the bottom side of the charger. Its all cut in where color will be visible , the rest will be undercoating. After the frame ties go in.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/AM-High-Tech-Automotive/408528952539495