Gotta Start Somewhere (Saving a Demo Derby Refugee)

[daveco]

This is the beginning of my project car, the posts will be few and far between, but like the title says:
Ya Gotta Start Somewhere

This is actually the second time this tree has been removed.



I am getting the car in trade for some work for long time friend and DC.com member Allen Vasut.
Allens theory is that rabbits seeking refuge under the car deposit ..."fertilizer" resulting in rather spectacular
tree growth. A tree planted anywhere else in his yard would only be three feet tall in the same time period


I'll have to see if there is a code on the fender tag for "Fruited Mulberry Tree" (passenger side only)


I think it wants to turn left.

[daveco]

Well, at least the tree is gone.

[Mike DC]

That body looks quite solid, given the circumstances.

[daveco]

I've seen cars in far worse shape brought back from the dead by other members on this site.

[charger chris]

Nice car looks better then mine.  

[Kern Dog]

That car has the rare two shifter option.

[xs29j8Bullitt]

This is the beginning of my project car, the posts will be few and far between, but like the title says:
Ya Gotta Start Somewhere

This is actually the second time this tree has been removed.

I am getting the car in trade for some work for long time friend and DC.com member Allen Vasut.
Allens theory is that rabbits seeking refuge under the car deposit ..."fertilizer" resulting in rather spectacular
tree growth. A tree planted anywhere else in his yard would only be three feet tall in the same time period

I'll have to see if there is a code on the fender tag for "Fruited Mulberry Tree" (passenger side only)

I think it wants to turn left.

Here is the first time a short 5 years ago...  Compared to this time, it was a mere shrub...  

[Baldwinvette77]

That looks pretty good actually 

[xs29j8Bullitt]

https://youtu.be/kPlC6UKbfI0

[JR]

That looks like an easy body to bring back. It looks solid. Great starting point.

[RallyeMike]

Talk about a great anti-theft device! A tree growing though the floor and steering wheel. "The Club" has nothing on that.

[tan top]

      , looking good !  , whats the plan , stock type rebuild or .....  cant remember if ive asked before what the original color combo was /is  ....

[daveco]

Y2, black interior, black top, black transverse stripe.
Console automatic, pwr brakes, 3spd wipers, A/C.

Planning on a very stock look, with a modern drivetrain.

[tan top]

Y2, black interior, black top, black transverse stripe.
Console automatic, pwr brakes, 3spd wipers, A/C.

Planning on a very stock look, with a modern drivetrain.

Y2 & black      thanks for the info ! appreciated     ,


sounds like a interesting build , looking forward to seeing updates &  progress pictures & stuff , as & when  

[alfaitalia]

Would love to see a pic of the floor pan!....or what remains!

[Charger_Fan]

Talk about a great anti-theft device! A tree growing though the floor and steering wheel. "The Club" has nothing on that.

That's for sure!

[alfaitalia]

Talk about a great anti-theft device! A tree growing though the floor and steering wheel. "The Club" has nothing on that.

Around here someone would probably steal the tree! LOL!

[Alaskan_TA]

OK, so the R/T stands for Remove Tree ?

[redgum78]

Would love to see a pic of the floor pan!....or what remains!

Me too. Looks like a great start! Is there an engine in there?

[cdr]

OK, so the R/T stands for Remove Tree ?

   

[daveco]

OK, so the R/T stands for Remove Tree ?

I can not believe I missed that

I'll post more photos later in the week when we pull it out of the grass.

[Davtona]

Talk about a great anti-theft device! A tree growing though the floor and steering wheel. "The Club" has nothing on that.

Around here someone would probably steal the tree! LOL!

A couple of years ago a certain B7 Blue 70 that came out of the nearby building spent the night on a trailer beside this car. I didn't have a lock for the ball hitch so I was really hoping the car and trailer would be there the next morning. All turned out well and at 5 AM we backed up and hitched up the trailer and left. Kept waiting for the neighbor hood to wake up and dogs to start barking and lights to turn on. Good thing Allen lives in a good neighbor hood. As I recall I would consider the "Mulberry RT"   as being a restorable car. Looking forward to seeing your restoration of the car.  

[daveco]

...and it's outta the mud

[VegasCharger]

 

[daveco]

Would love to see a pic of the floor pan!....or what remains!

Me too. Looks like a great start! Is there an engine in there?

Allen rescued it from being converted into a demolition derby car, the 440 had been replaced with a 318.

I'll get it all cleaned out and post a good set of baseline photos soon.

[Lennard]

Another one saved. 

[daveco]

...and now it is home





Some photos I forgot to post initially, apparently the Chargers Parking spot of many years was a
pet cemetery of some sort



Some sort of domestic animal...or is it??? 

[TPR]

Looking forward to seeing the resurrection.
(the Charger, not the animal)

TPR

[nvrbdn]

Looking good. The fun begins.

[xs29j8Bullitt]

 

Loading, Lashing Down, Leaving... 

[71_Charger_R/T]

WHOA!  What's that I see on the door?  Is that two little holes?  What is the fifth letter on the VIN?
I think it's a VERY nice starting point! Especially for being bellied in like it was! If that was here in northern Minnesota, you'd have been pulling out a roof, fenders and doors. (or parts of them)
Looking forward to updates!

[daveco]

WHOA!  What's that I see on the door?  Is that two little holes? ...

WooHoo! We have a winner!

Just a little fun with a sharpie to see if anyone is paying attention  

[71_Charger_R/T]

You got me!  You dirty dog! 

[daveco]

I'm impressed you spotted 'em

Any time I see a '68 or '69, or even just a door, those holes are the first thing I look for.

[Charger-Bodie]

Except there would be three holes.

[daveco]

Except there would be three holes.

Did not know that.

[daveco]

Allen had about five different video cameras rolling for the big pull and has made a video of the useable views. I had expected to just pull the Charger right out using my truck in 4wd low range. Wouldn't you know it, for the first time ever, my truck failed to go into four wheel drive (need to rebuild the vacuum pump). The Charger finally released its grip in the dirt, but not until I had burned some largish black side slip wheel spin marks into the pristine concrete at Allens DodgeMahal. (Sorry Allen)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbSxey_4mD4&feature=youtu.be

[invincibleextremes]

Wow, great save.  Going to be a badass ride

[tan top]

 

[cbrestorations]

Way cool find, I spoke to you on Facebook one time about this car. Glad to see it went to a good home. The body looks pretty good