1971 Charger SE build thread

[CFMopar]

Very easy. Tilt the motor with transmission up and away you go.  2 people works best.  

Since I've never done a transmission before, for driveshaft removal, can I just unbolt the 4 bolts holding it to the flange on the rear diff. Then I assume I can just slide it out from the transmission extension housing?

After that I assume its removing the transmission cross member supporting it so it can come out attached to the motor?

This is basicly my check list... Am I forgetting anything? Haven't done this in a looooooooong time!

Drain Transmission
Remove Drive shaft
Remove  Transmission cross member
Disconnect exhaust
Unbolt motor mounts
Remove Hood
Drain and remove rad and disconnect power steering
Remove Fan
Disconnect fuel and remove carb
Mark all wiring
Lift away


Do I have to remove alternator and power steering pump or is it alright to just leave them on?

[70 sublime]

Um un hook gear shifter
un hook speedometer cable
un hook NSS
un hook gas pedal
If it is an automatic un hook transmission lines

Just un bolt power steering pump and leave it in the car

[CFMopar]

Might be a stupid question but wanted to make sure. Curious if it's ok to completely remove the rear mount and cross member while it's bolted to the motor or do I need to support it until I'm lifting them both out ?

Figured it should be fine but wanted to make sure since I'm prepping everything today and lifting it out tomorrow.

Also was wondering, does anyone know what size bolts are used to bolt my leveler to the heads?  And does it matter that I have aluminum heads on? Just curious with weight and aluminum threads.

[CFMopar]

Welp figured it out and got it out without to many issues. Hardest part was running to Lowe's for bolts for my engine stand. Of course my phone died as I was filming the motor and trans coming out for my YouTube channel. But all in all a good day.

Great Success 👍

[RallyeMike]

Now you've gone and done it 

Have fun and good luck. I'll be watching.

[ACUDANUT]

 
Having fun I see. I would have pulled the engine and transmission out together   .

[CFMopar]

I did. That was after separating it on the ground. Should've done the photo with the transmission lol

[CFMopar]

Was hoping a few of you wouldn't mind watching this "How To" video I made on the process to help others.

I haven't finished editing it yet but I got all the steps and stuff in it. Anything I missed, or should change? If I could get some input I'd appreciate it.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e53ubcn23g6d19d/episode4.mp4?dl=0

[CFMopar]

Two questions.

Started disassembly of the front body panels and stuff.

Removed valance, chin spoiler and was working on front fender. I got all the bolts on the top, wheel well and where it joins the valance and stuff. But she doesn't seem to want to come off.

I was wondering if the headlight brackets are all part of the fender? Anyone know?

Also in the picture. The areas in the red circle. Just wondering what that square spot was for on the left and if that hole on the right was from factory, and what purpose it served? Seems like a pretty big hole for a brake line to run through.

[70 sublime]

Red circles
To get at the bolts on the upper control arm to set front end alignment
Front circle is a metal plate
Back circle is a rubber flap

[CFMopar]

Merry Christmas all.

Got a few mins of downtime at what will hopefully be a quiet day at work on Christmas so figured I'd post a progress update.

Been slowly taking apart front end. Got both fenders, doors, and bumper off now.

Bit more to disassemble and then maybe build a tip over jig so I can try and save a bit of money on body work

[ACUDANUT]

Great work. I would have unbolted the the frame connections to the bumpers. Much easier way to take the whole assembly off together. .

[CFMopar]

Yeah hindsight on that one was 20/20 lol

[CFMopar]

So I got on this video some of the major issues I've found so far.

Nothing that looks like it can't be saved. But I'm guessing the carr was hit near drivers door at some point in it's life.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UIh-zk88i8c&t=29s

[70 sublime]

So I got on this video some of the major issues I've found so far.

Nothing that looks like it can't be saved. But I'm guessing the carr was hit near drivers door at some point in it's life.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UIh-zk88i8c&t=29s

My buddy did his 72 Charger at my place and had to fix all the same stuff
That is just where the Canadian cars rot out

[CFMopar]

Maybe, but nothing on passenger side.

[Nacho-RT74]

Wiper arms are 74

What an horrible patch jobs!

Interesting Radio antenna location and job.

[CFMopar]

Wiper arms are 74

What an horrible patch jobs!

Interesting Radio antenna location and job.

Lol It definitely seems like its a 74 donor car after everything we've found doesn't it?

The antenna relocation I think is called Frenching. It's the one thing that looks like it was done right.

[CFMopar]

So didn't plan to get much done today give it was the day after new years eve.

I wanted to just get the latch assembly off and the bumper brackets.

Well what seems to be an ongoing trend is nut welds braking off makes a simple job into a difficult one.

I'm assuming the nuts are welded on the inside of the frame rails? Cause I don't see how to reach it otherwise. Well the nut on the front bolt drivers side came lose so it just spins. (left bolt photo 1) Any idea how to tackle that?

I'm assuming the previous owner had an issue with that before on the passenger side because it looks like a threaded rod was put right through with a nut and a washer. (Photos 3 & 4)

[CFMopar]

So dropped the gas tank and likely found out why I was having hard start issues.

Anyone here use POR15 tank sealer? Well mine failed in epic fashion. Glad I had an inline filter!

Spoke to POR about it. I'm sure that I followed application instructions for applying it to a new gas tank. They of course said its likely an error in process. But also said the sump may of had a role in it failing.

I think I'm going to eventually cut the thank open and get a good look inside.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boEXgeUu48w

[CFMopar]

Anyone remove a dash in a 71 before? Does windshield need to be out to pull whole dash frame and all?

[JB400]

Windshield does need to come out first, before the dash can be removed.  There are a line of screws along the windshield, and a couple bolts on each side of a pillar visible under the dash.

[Nacho-RT74]

Windshield does need to come out first, before the dash can be removed.  There are a line of screws along the windshield, and a couple bolts on each side of a pillar visible under the dash.

Not on 3rd gens. Dash can come out with windshield in place.

Need to remove pillar panels, kick panels, and speaker grill. Removing the speaker grill will find out 4 more bolts needing to be removed. Two bolts on kick panel area which need to be loosen but not removed, to tilt out the dash.

Of course also drop the column, or even better remove it completelly. I can get you a step by step procedure on this ( it should be already posted somewhere as I already posted the procedure ), but on a quick overview is basically that.

[CFMopar]

Windshield does need to come out first, before the dash can be removed.  There are a line of screws along the windshield, and a couple bolts on each side of a pillar visible under the dash.

Not on 3rd gens. Dash can come out with windshield in place.

Need to remove pillar panels, kick panels, and speaker grill. Removing the speaker grill will find out 4 more bolts needing to be removed. Two bolts on kick panel area which need to be loosen but not removed, to tilt out the dash.

Of course also drop the column, or even better remove it completelly. I can get you a step by step procedure on this ( it should be already posted somewhere as I already posted the procedure ), but on a quick overview is basically that.

Please if u have it. Tomorrow's project maybe.

[ACUDANUT]

 I have done this at least a dozen times.  You will need 1/4 drive sockets and a 12 inch extension.  Ain't fun, but doable. 2 people are needed.