Pictures Here She is...I'm going to need a lot of help.

xsuperjoex · July 25, 2006, 08:09:37 PM

Should I even bother?

xsuperjoex · July 25, 2006, 08:21:56 PM

Interior Floor Pans

xsuperjoex · July 25, 2006, 08:37:21 PM

Trunk and Motor...is that rust fixable???

Telvis · July 25, 2006, 08:47:07 PM

How are the frame rails?

xsuperjoex · July 25, 2006, 08:53:30 PM

I haven't been able to get a good look underneath. But they look pretty good from the angle I saw them.

RT DAVE · July 25, 2006, 09:38:02 PM

My personal opinion is no.

azraelck · July 25, 2006, 09:40:22 PM

I'd tear that motor open and take a look. That much rust in the heads make me leery, I'd probably junk at least the heads, if not the entire engine. But without opening it up, I would not make a judgement just yet. Once you see the crank, rods, pistons, ect... will you know whether it's worth it or not... and the block may be salvageable even if the rest is not. Good for a high HP stroker, with no stock internals...

The car itself looks in pretty decent shape, but I'd check the frame first. Much of the damage shown isn't so bad IMO, I've seen far worse that was fixed. Heck, there's a '73 near me that body and interior wise is in worse shape than that car... though the 318 is in better shape obviously, it's moved 20 miles to a different town when it didn't sell in the first one. They want $4k for it though.

hemi68charger · July 25, 2006, 10:34:41 PM

Quote from: xsuperjoex on July 25, 2006, 08:09:37 PM
Should I even bother?

Ahhhhhhh, Palm Beach County...... My ole' stomping grounds,,,,,,, Shot, that's worth saving.................

PocketThunder · July 25, 2006, 10:37:36 PM

Heck, thats rust free where i live!

Blakcharger440 · July 25, 2006, 10:41:42 PM

Looks like a good candidate for a buildup to me.

nitrometal · July 25, 2006, 10:46:25 PM

Quote from: hemi68charger on July 25, 2006, 10:34:41 PM
Quote from: xsuperjoex on July 25, 2006, 08:09:37 PM
Should I even bother?

Ahhhhhhh, Palm Beach County...... My ole' stomping grounds,,,,,,, Shot, that's worth saving.................

I was born & raised in Palm Beach also. I've been back recently and can't say that I miss it very much now.

xsuperjoex that car looks very "do-able" to me. Go for it!!!

bull · July 25, 2006, 11:56:31 PM

I've seen worse. I don't know about the engine though. Might be time for a transplant.

moparguy01 · July 26, 2006, 12:04:29 AM

If you think thats bad you dont want to see half the stuff I've done at work.......

Wakko · July 26, 2006, 12:21:11 AM

Hey, I live in Palm Beach County right now! Delray Beach to be exact. Where is the Charger located? It's the ultra rare '70's Mopar Green...I'd fix it.

Seriously, there ain't alot of old Mopars down here for much of a deal. If that's your car already and you don't mind going a little but of metal work, and the frame rails are solid, I'd do it to it. If the motors a numbers motor, see if you can sleeve the cylinders that are bad and keep it, or at least keep it in the garage in case you sell it.

Silver R/T · July 26, 2006, 01:33:33 AM

good project car, depending how much they want

Shakey · July 26, 2006, 05:14:58 AM

Quote from: xsuperjoex on July 25, 2006, 08:09:37 PM
Should I even bother?

That completely depends on you!

If this is the car of your dreams (year, make, model with options you prefer) then yes, by all means spend the time and money and go for it. Keep in mind, it will take a lot of time and money and only you can decide if it will be worth it in the end.

For me, a '69 R/T was what I was looking for. I almost settled for a '68 or a '70 but realized that if I was going to be pouring in countless hours of work and piles of hard earned money, I'd better be left with something I truly wanted when I was finished. I was patient and ended up with what I wanted and am really enjoying the restoration project because in the end, I will have the car of my dreams built to my standards. There are no regrets.

As far as the condition of the car - as mentioned, I've seen worse also. Almost anything can be saved. It just depends on how much you're willing to spend and whether or not you want to do the job properly.

tan top · July 26, 2006, 05:28:52 AM

does not look that bad from the pitcures, if it is what you really want - year / color options / engine etc , go to it , same as what (Shakey) says if it is the car of you dreams go for it .

AKcharger · July 26, 2006, 05:58:26 AM

I'd pass, no offense but it's just a plain old 3rd Gen. Take it from me you had better LOVE AND ADORE the car you plan to restore because the money and the work you'll have to sink into it (or any project) will be ENORMOUS. If you are just so so about it I will Guarantee you will not finish it.

I say this from personal experience restoring two cars. I wanted to trash both of them at various points! FYI, I put over $16K in the '70 and about $10K in the '72...and that's with ME doing all the work, do not underestimate how much you'll have to sink into that thing! I do like them though and after it's over..it's a ball!

Good luck

xsuperjoex · July 26, 2006, 06:11:03 AM

Hey guys thanks for the comments...it's definetly a mixed review...

First let me say that I own this car I bought it for $1200. The reason why I liked it was because it was complete (missing: shift knob, passenger mirror and trunk jack).

Second I used to live in Boynton Beach FL....that's my old plate I had to put something on it for AAA to tow it. I live in Charlotte NC now.

To the car I really don't care about restoring it to stock. I wanted something to have fun with something I could turn into a muscle car...I hate that color green, I'm probably going to repaint it black with black interior.

I love Dodge Chargers of this era it's definetly one of my dream cars.

If you guys think I should get rid of it...how much should I sell it, the same $1200 price tag that I paid for it?

This is my first Car Restoration, I've restored 2 motorcycles that are awesome. I just don't want to get in over my head....now when I say that I don't mean money I mean I don't want a car that is going to be more work than I can handle.

So....now what do you guys think. I really appreciate everyones feedback and comments even if it's negative....

Thank you...

blackcharger · July 26, 2006, 08:21:11 AM

the body looks pretty solid, check out the fram rails. I'd pull both valve covers off and get a better look, and the intake as well. I wouldn't be so quick to junk the engine one what may be one area of rust. Especially if it is the origina. Looks like a great project.

73chgrSE · July 26, 2006, 09:08:28 AM

Quote from: xsuperjoex on July 25, 2006, 08:09:37 PM
Should I even bother?

Holy crap dude!!! I'm calling Chip Foose right now.

xsuperjoex · July 26, 2006, 09:09:53 AM

Quote from: 73chgrSE on July 26, 2006, 09:08:28 AM
Quote from: xsuperjoex on July 25, 2006, 08:09:37 PM
Should I even bother?

Holy crap dude!!! I'm calling Chip Foose right now.

HAHAHA LOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's a riot!!!!

hemi68charger · July 26, 2006, 10:17:32 AM

Quote from: nitrometal on July 25, 2006, 10:46:25 PM
Quote from: hemi68charger on July 25, 2006, 10:34:41 PM
Quote from: xsuperjoex on July 25, 2006, 08:09:37 PM
Should I even bother?

Ahhhhhhh, Palm Beach County...... My ole' stomping grounds,,,,,,, Shot, that's worth saving.................

I was born & raised in Palm Beach also. I've been back recently and can't say that I miss it very much now.

xsuperjoex that car looks very "do-able" to me. Go for it!!!

Nitro,,, when did you live there? I was born in Miami in '64 and moved to West Palm Beach when I was in the 4th grade......... Stayed in West Palm / Royal Palm Beach area till I was 23 when I joined the Air Force active duty.......... Ever hear of the South Florida Mopar Club / Florida Mopar Connection (Dade/Broward)?

Troy

MassCharger73 · July 26, 2006, 11:01:03 AM

Looks pretty solid to me except in the trunk. Definately inspect the under carriage before making your decision. I'd expect to spend a lot of extra money on the motor. As far as it being a plain third gen, I've seen more than a few images cross my screen of first and second gen cars I wouldn't spend my money on. It all depends on what you like. If you want to do a 100 point resto on a car and have it worth a fortune maybe you should look for a R/T. If you are going to modify and personalize a car, a plain car is probably the way to go. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of the management or it's employees.

73chgrSE · July 26, 2006, 11:34:37 AM

Save the body and build up a 440 block for it. It can be saved.

73 Charger 440 · July 26, 2006, 11:56:27 AM

The body is definetly saveable, unless the frame rails are totally gone. Just replace the floor and trunk pans. Engine Im not sure about, if you want to keep it maybe rebuild it, if not Id do a swap.

Another Palm Beacher here... Lived there for the past 13 years and just moved to Finland 8 months ago... Lived all over the place but mostly Lake Worth, Lantana, WPB and Loxahatchee.

73chgrSE · July 26, 2006, 12:31:01 PM

If you decide against restoring it, I would be interested in some parts from her.

Brock Samson · July 26, 2006, 12:41:54 PM

not a bad start for a third gen if ya' wanna make it your own.
but not what I'd choose for thet level of work required to bring it up to snuff...

simply put it's too pedestrian for my taste.

unless i were gonna build a King Richard or similar clone...

I'd look for a better example to lavish such attention on...
nice price on a decent charger though...

Orange_Crush · July 26, 2006, 01:40:03 PM

Hey xsuper.

You gonna be around this weekend?

I can head up to your place and take a good look under the car.

lemme know

xsuperjoex · July 26, 2006, 02:25:33 PM

Orange,

That would be great man!!!...This board is awesome!!! Thanks everyone! Yeah I think Saturday would be perfect! PM me your cell.

doctorpimp · July 26, 2006, 03:00:01 PM

Quote from: 73chgrSE on July 26, 2006, 11:34:37 AM
Save the body and build up a 440 block for it. It can be saved.

I agree...
As for the "plain old 3rd gen" comment, yeah we all know that 73-74 Chargers will (probably) never get the kind of money that 2nd gens will get blah-blah-blah We all thought that 10 years ago. I drove a nice rust-free 4 door Dart through College in the salt and snow of Canada, just because it was "only a 4 door slant Dart" now the same cars are getting $$ (well not Hemi $$

) on eBay...
If it is the car that you really want, then 3rd gens can be made into really nice custom Muscle. You can do what ever you want to them and not worry about "correctness".

resq302 · July 26, 2006, 03:33:38 PM

To be honest, I have not seen that many chargers with that side stripe like that. I did see one like that out at Carlisle this year and it had a silver paint and the stripe looked awesome on it.

Heck, I would say save it and restore it. Chances are from what I have seen on the pics, if you like the car, it can be saved.

TruckDriver · July 26, 2006, 03:54:32 PM

Quote from: 73chgrSE on July 26, 2006, 11:34:37 AM
Save the body and build up a 440 block for it. It can be saved.

I would redo it. Because if it was a 68-70 Charger, these guys would be all over you to redo it.

dodgecharger-fan · July 27, 2006, 08:41:25 AM

I vote for checking the frame rails and if they're good, you've got yourself a good solid start on your project.

Get the body done. The trunk is the only spot that we know is truly rotted through. The floors may be okay without having to put new pans in - you won't know for sure until you clean them up.
Once you get that far, you've got all kinds of choices.

Check out the engine. See what can be saved and what needs to be replaced.
If a lot, it probably makes sense to look for a replacement mill. Another opportunity to make a choice and make the car your own.

Do the rest of the mechanicals - which you'd likely want to do anyway.

Now you've got something to drive. Then take it where you want to in terms of cosmetics. Paint if you didn't do that in the step above; interior if it needs work; details to get to the look that you want; etc. etc. etc.

If the frame rails are bad, You might just have enough parts to get your money out of it.
OR
frame rails can be had at okay prices - it's the labour that'll kill ya.
then there's always Autorust Technicians patch parts that'll get your frame safe and solid (but ugly) if you can weld them in yourself or get a friend to do it for beer. (after the welding's done.

)

There's lots of ways to get you to a good solid driver. A lot depends on what you can do yourself or what it'll cost to have it done.

On a 3rd gen (no offense guys, I had a 73 and loved it), it's a very fine line between fixing and parting. That's really the market talking, though. Unfortunately..

Here's hoping those frame rails are in good shape.

xsuperjoex · July 27, 2006, 01:00:53 PM

Quote from: dodgecharger-fan on July 27, 2006, 08:41:25 AM
I vote for checking the frame rails and if they're good, you've got yourself a good solid start on your project.

Get the body done. The trunk is the only spot that we know is truly rotted through. The floors may be okay without having to put new pans in - you won't know for sure until you clean them up.
Once you get that far, you've got all kinds of choices.

Check out the engine. See what can be saved and what needs to be replaced.
If a lot, it probably makes sense to look for a replacement mill. Another opportunity to make a choice and make the car your own.

Do the rest of the mechanicals - which you'd likely want to do anyway.

Now you've got something to drive. Then take it where you want to in terms of cosmetics. Paint if you didn't do that in the step above; interior if it needs work; details to get to the look that you want; etc. etc. etc.

If the frame rails are bad, You might just have enough parts to get your money out of it.
OR
frame rails can be had at okay prices - it's the labour that'll kill ya.
then there's always Autorust Technicians patch parts that'll get your frame safe and solid (but ugly) if you can weld them in yourself or get a friend to do it for beer. (after the welding's done. )

There's lots of ways to get you to a good solid driver. A lot depends on what you can do yourself or what it'll cost to have it done.

On a 3rd gen (no offense guys, I had a 73 and loved it), it's a very fine line between fixing and parting. That's really the market talking, though. Unfortunately..

Here's hoping those frame rails are in good shape.

Thanks for the reply

We'll find out this Saturday and let you guys know. Thanks!!!

71ChargerRT · July 27, 2006, 02:59:42 PM

Looks good to me, but then check out mine...my family thinks I need to be commited...

chrisII · July 27, 2006, 03:53:39 PM

Quote from: 71ChargerRT on July 27, 2006, 02:59:42 PM
Looks good to me, but then check out mine...my family thinks I need to be commited...

yes but a 71 is the koolest charger ever buildt so its worth doing if you have the money ,time , and place to work on it. its a shame that most here still havn't realised that mopar did get the charger right on the 3rd try..after 71 however they did slide down hill IMO

NHCharger · July 27, 2006, 06:25:34 PM

My opinion might be slightly biased since I consider 3rd Gen Charger's the best looking cars ever made.
If the frame rails are good it's definitely worth saving.
If this is your first Mopar restoration you are about to learn the joy of hunting for non-existing new parts and trying to buy used parts that the owner thinks is worth it's weight in gold.

xsuperjoex · July 28, 2006, 05:53:57 AM

Quote from: 71ChargerRT on July 27, 2006, 02:59:42 PM
Looks good to me, but then check out mine...my family thinks I need to be commited...

Is your car running?

mikepmcs · July 28, 2006, 07:04:21 AM

find a running engine and tranny, stuff it in there, fix the pans and the trunk, do a little brake and exhaust work, and drive the heck out of it while you work on it.
boom!... done!..., on the road for about another $1200. that's assuming, of course, the underside is solid. I wouldn't be so quick to scrap that car considering what you paid for it.

v/r
Mike

Goldfinger71 · July 28, 2006, 09:34:43 AM

To me $1200.00 was a good price especially with the console/bucket seats and the "laser stripe" which you don't see that often as the one's that are usually seen are the solid black ones..........

Now,it's all up to you.....
GOOD LUCK!

xsuperjoex · July 28, 2006, 09:51:46 AM

As soon as Orange-Crush comes over on Saturday I will update you with his finds on the frame rails. I really hope it's solid and I'll make sure to keep everyone updated with the buildup if I do it.

Thanks everybody! I can't wait for tomorrow.

MassCharger73 · July 28, 2006, 05:27:43 PM

71ChargerRT · July 28, 2006, 08:53:56 PM

No, not running, no interior to speak of, but solid frame rails, all the glass except the windshield is in good shape, most of the exterior trim is intact, and the grilles are in great shape as are the tail lights. What it does need are all floor pans, hood, deck lid, lower quarters, "dog leg" part of front fenders. I got it for scrap value (about $200) when I bought my '73 Challenger, also rough.

Like I said my family thinks I should be commited... Check them out @ http://www.cardomain.com/id/71ChargerRT let me know what you think...

MassCharger73 · July 29, 2006, 08:51:20 AM

Quote from: 71ChargerRT on July 28, 2006, 08:53:56 PM
No, not running, no interior to speak of, but solid frame rails, all the glass except the windshield is in good shape, most of the exterior trim is intact, and the grilles are in great shape as are the tail lights. What it does need are all floor pans, hood, deck lid, lower quarters, "dog leg" part of front fenders. I got it for scrap value (about $200) when I bought my '73 Challenger, also rough. Like I said my family thinks I should be commited... Check them out @ http://www.cardomain.com/id/71ChargerRT let me know what you think...

Those aren't the most flattering pictures. Hopefully it's better than it looks. On the bright side, that looks like a killer spot for a picnic table.

CFMopar · July 30, 2006, 02:21:49 PM

I've seen alot worse projects.. The floors dont look to bad. Id bet once you clean them up they will be fine. The trunk your going ot need to cut it out and weld ne pannels in not to bad overall....

If the rails are good and your interested in that year then go with it.

I own a 71 Se and i think it was the best year charger every. I love the body lines on 3rd gens more sporty in my opinion...

xsuperjoex · July 30, 2006, 06:40:16 PM

The frame rails are rotted. Passenger side was worse than the drivers side.

News:

Pictures Here She is...I'm going to need a lot of help.