1971 Charger SE build thread

[Nacho-RT74]

I have been able to do it just by myself, but with column completelly removed along with the column bracket studs for clearence, still with console and buckets in place, but of course I put some cardboard and cushion around to don't damage the seats and console to hold the assembly for instants. That's because usually I never get help from anybody around.

thread:
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=11448.0

there are couple more around but saying pretty much the same.

[Nacho-RT74]

sure to remove the kick panels and A pillar panels you will need to remove also sill moldings and headliner moldings. But I think you have those already out

[CFMopar]

My interior is completely out now so no obstructions

[Nacho-RT74]

yes I know... you won't have any problem to make it by yourself with all clear around, but of course two guys better

once everything is loosen/unbolted you will be able to pull up just a bit to "disengage" from top of firewall provisions ( where is bolted on top close to dash vents ) and tilt down the complete dash being the weight hold yet by the 2 screws on kick areas... as mentioned those will remain installed but loosen

[CFMopar]

So its been a while since I posted but  that doesn't mean things aren't moving along. They were... Just slowly Between the car, work, 3 kids, and trying to get stuff on the utube channel to pay for the car, it was a juggling act to say the least.

I got just about everything off the car and its about ready for blasting. All that I have to do is the vapor separator and the glass. I've been waiting for a warmer day to attempt the glass in hopes I don't brake it.

Thursday will likely be that day. Fingers crossed. The shop I'm going to use to prime it and blast it suggested leaving the suspension on and that they will drop it themselves. So that saves me a bit of work. So hopefully I get it back mid to end of April primed and then I can see the full extent of metal work required.

I've encountered some real redneck repair work done by previous owner. Looking back, as a 18-19 year old I knew nothing about cars and probably would've skipped this car for something better. But here I am now. So just trying to keep slow progress.

[73chgrSE]

Great post. Very cool to see the teardown. I feel like my 73 may have been involved in an accident back in the mid 70's to early 80's before I bought it in 89. I know it has a replacement hood but I cant find any bondo anywhere though.

[CFMopar]

So I finally got a day nice enough to attempt the front and rear windshields!

I was a little nervous. With 50 year old glass I figured I'd break one if not both.

But I was able to get both out without incident. Front came out easy, I was able to do it pretty much myself. Rear I needed someone inside the car but we got it.  There was so much glue/sealer on the rear that it made it more difficult. Broke the wire several times but it came.

It was nice to get a warm day and work on the car in the driveway vs the cold garage. Found a bit more rust but the channels look good.

Got the bumper bracket off where the nut broke free on inside of frame rail, vapor canister,  door channel chrome and last bits of odds and ends today.

All I got left before I take it to get blasted is the 1/4 rear windows I think.  Anyone got tips on those?

[CFMopar]

Well got the car mostly blasted. Big step forward... Overall...... I'm pleasantly surprised I have to admit.  Discovered both 1/4s were worked on at some point.  But they look like they're done well. Even the cowl doesn't look as bad as I thought.  The sides of the firewall is where most the poor repairs were done. Bottom gets done today. And then it's primer and home. Lots of brazing as you can see.

I'm going to get a video up of the process on the youtube channel shortly.

So I'm looking at what I see here, maybe a floor pan, and drivers side frame rail.  After that though I might be ok.

[CFMopar]

Well got around to editing the video on the media blasting process if anyone is interest.

Hopefully I get this car back in a few days, weather has been shit delaying it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXhD5G8NK-g

[CFMopar]

So long delay getting it back from guy who was supposed to prime it. Dicked me around a bit and wasted a ton of time.

Either way. Got it back. So now the hard stuff starts. I made the detailed list of whats needed so now its time to start the hard stuff.  New trunk floor otw and a few other pieces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ0W2PC-mxI&lc=UgyGcY1jY_O3az300bJ4AaABAg

[CDN72SE]

Looking good, must be nice to see the metal and what you have to work with.

[CFMopar]

So for an update,

Basically at a stand still now. Just about everything is on backorder with AMD and can't get much When I ordered trunk pan and extension from Eastwood the extension were out of stock and the trunk was in. But they didn't ship anything. Now the Extension are in stock and the pan is out

I at least got them to ship the extension now. So hopefully the pan will be sooner than later. But AMD seems to think Oct

[CFMopar]

Hey everyone,

I know its been quiet a while. Been slowly grabbing parts. Things are really hard to come by these days unless you have an unlimited budget. Which I do not. But I'm almost there.

Scored a new used cowl that is virtually rust free https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe9Eewj2OoY So that's good.

Have a new AMD trunk pan, extensions, and several inner quarter panel reinforcement pieces which have been recently discontinued by AMD. If anyone has those lying around and wants to unload them let me know, or I'll just have to repair the ones I have that I haven't been able to find. Friend of mine in NJ has the door pillers and rear tail cross member for me. So I'll be going down to grab those in January likely. Just going to order some inner wheel wells and that's it.

But I want to show you guys is the rear frame rails I just secured and picked up the other day. Got them from Mopar Mark on the for b bodies forum. Should clean up real nice!

What I wanted to get was peoples opinion on whether I should blast and epoxy prime these rails or get them dipped and epoxy primed? I have a small blaster and my compressor will be wired in soon so I can do that at home. But I also have a place 10 min from me that dips as well. What do you guys think?

[CFMopar]

So update!

Sorry its been a while. Hit a lull but up and running again. Behind on posting updates and on my youtube channel.

Working with 68 Charger Freak. It's nice to have someone who knows what they're doing.

Since the last post

• Built a Jig
• Sent those rails out to get blasted and primed
• Removed rear frame rails
• Dropped the front end (the drivers rail wasn't even attached to the floor it was so bad on that side)
• Braced it up Started getting the floor pan out

Now people are mostly caught up lol

[CFMopar]

Nacho,

do you know if this inner fender brace is the same as on a Ebody?

[Nacho-RT74]

I was checked this before but didn't notice you called me LOL... sorry, I have no idea!

MAYBE moparmarks will know. He use to part out 70-74 B/E bodies and will know way better than me these kind of details

[ACUDANUT]

It is. !!

[CFMopar]

Bit behind posting updates. Got floors, rails out, Rockers cleaned up and new cross member and floor supports in. Test fit the floor pan. Seems like the goodmark piece isn't bad at all. Have a video review on it coming soon.

Started a bit of work on the firewall. Just ordered new Dynacorn front frame rails and rad supports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYssyZJn-OA&t=149s

[ACUDANUT]

Dang, that is one expensive rebuild. My hat is off to you.

[CFMopar]

Dang, that is one expensive rebuild. My hat is off to you.

Thanks man.

If I knew before, I probably would've tried to find a good shell in the USA and bring it up.  But I'm knee deep now.  So I'll just take my time.


Just got the inner cowl panels done. 

1971 Dodge Charger Build - Episode 19 More Rust Repair / Inner Cowl  Repair
https://youtu.be/SUg7Cq728rg

[CFMopar]

Long time coming but got some updates..

Firewall, cowl and in! It's starting to look like a car again....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLSbJ4ZPmZM&t=3s

Floor is mostly in. Just got to do some editing on that one.

[CFMopar]

Got a floor pan now! Fit well after all said and done. Also welded the firewall to floor seam solid.


https://youtu.be/swRfoB2RboI

[CFMopar]

Got my used rear seat pan and AMD footwells installed. Few issues with the footwells, but a full floor now! Another big step done!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFpbKO4rVYo&t

[AKcharger]

That is THE most extensive 3rd Gen resto I've ever seen...keep up the good work!

[CFMopar]

That is THE most extensive 3rd Gen resto I've ever seen...keep up the good work!

Thanks man! Probably the longest also lol... But I figured do it once and do it right....