It CAN'T be this bad

[Brian in GA]

Well, just got back from a huge swap meet here in Georgia.  Just got my project car in June, and had been looking forward to this for a while, as I am now prepped and ready for some parts.  Everyone had told me how big this meet was, and how much stuff was there.  Well, they were right, there was a ton of stuff.  It took all day to get through all the vendors, and I didn't even get to the car corral in the same day.

My thinking was to buy used parts a little cheaper where I could, and save on the sales tax and shipping costs for the stuff I needed.  I had the opportunity to ride with some buddies, but I took my truck because I intended to fill it up.  Well, what I bought didn't even fill up my pocket.  I ended up buying a spot weld cutter, and that's it.  The only merchandise I found for my 68 Charger was a set of new bumpers and a set of taillights, neither of which I needed. 

I couldn't believe it!  Acres and acres of parts, and no mopar stuff to be found!  Is this normal?  What have I gotten myself into?  Maybe I should do like everybody else and just work on a mustang, camaro, or a 55-57 chevy.  Damn.   

Any of you guys have experiences like this?  I was amazed I couldn't find ANYTHING for a mopar.   

[mikepmcs]

Dang Brian, that stinks to have your hopes up and get sorely disappointed when you find nothing.  I feel your frustration in not being able to find parts for mopars.  Up here in Maine they are not too plentiful or someone wants outrageous money for the part.  Guess we'll all have to go to Carlisle.

[is_it_EVER_done?]

Brian: It only gets worse! wait till you go to a Chrysler only swap meet and can't find anything you need, either because it is priced like the holy grail, or just isn't available.

If you don't absolutely LOVE these cars as much as life itself, you are far better off getting a Ford or Chevy as the cost and time of restoration is a fraction of the Mopars.

For me (and many others), There is no substitute regardless of how much hassle, money, and time is required, but if you just want a piece of 60's muscle era iron, you will be much happier (and richer) by going with another brand.

[Mean 318]

There isnt a damn thing for MoPars at "Back to the 50s"

[moparjohn]

Find it (with lots of money) at Carlisle!

[Recharger]

If you don't absolutely LOVE these cars as much as life itself, you are far better off getting a Ford or Chevy as the cost and time of restoration is a fraction of the Mopars.

That is, if you don't have any self respect..   j/k

One bit of advice that holds true with a mopar project is:  "All it takes is time and money: the more you have of one, the less you need of the other."

If you're in no rush, take your time surfing ebay, there are still deals to be found occasionally.  Check all the parts dealers (online) that you can find, sometimes you'd be surprised by the parts that are in reproduction in one form or another.  I've often found parts sold by catalog shops or online sites that are 20-50% cheaper than the gougers on ebay.  Sometimes the opposite is true.  The more time you have to search, the better deals you'll find.

If you're in a rush and just want a muscle car on the road ASAP, swallow your pride and buy a brand X.   

And I have never found a decent mopar part at an all-brand car show/swap.  The only stuff I've ever found has been at mopar shows. (I have a 68 too)  And like is it ever done said, a lot of the parts are priced like gold, so it's still no guarantee.

Good luck with it   

[Charger1973]

A parts car can be your best friend...  the bad thing is, all the 68-70 parts car have become project cars.   

[Brian in GA]

Don't worry, I won't give up.  I have no intention of building what everybody else does.  It just goes to show how rare a mopar is at these shows. 

It's definitely an act of love to restore a Charger.  It sure ain't the most convenient thing to do.  But it's my dream car, and it's what I'm passionate about building and driving. 

Thanks to a lot of you guys for your inspiration and tech support along the way.

MOPAR!!   

[BigBlackDodge]

Well, just got back from a huge swap meet here in Georgia.  Just got my project car in June, and had been looking forward to this for a while, as I am now prepped and ready for some parts.  Everyone had told me how big this meet was, and how much stuff was there.  Well, they were right, there was a ton of stuff.  It took all day to get through all the vendors, and I didn't even get to the car corral in the same day.

My thinking was to buy used parts a little cheaper where I could, and save on the sales tax and shipping costs for the stuff I needed.  I had the opportunity to ride with some buddies, but I took my truck because I intended to fill it up.  Well, what I bought didn't even fill up my pocket.  I ended up buying a spot weld cutter, and that's it.  The only merchandise I found for my 68 Charger was a set of new bumpers and a set of taillights, neither of which I needed. 

I couldn't believe it!  Acres and acres of parts, and no mopar stuff to be found!  Is this normal?  What have I gotten myself into?  Maybe I should do like everybody else and just work on a mustang, camaro, or a 55-57 chevy.  Damn.   


Any of you guys have experiences like this?  I was amazed I couldn't find ANYTHING for a mopar.   

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh......you must have went to Moultrie? I almost went but decided against freezing my butt off looking at Camaro/Mustang parts.

If so, they rarely have mopar stuff there. Usually there is one outfit out of Stark Florida selling over priced rusted crap.......you may not know it but their parts are gold plated...under the rust...

They have a larger show the weekend before Thanksgiving, buts its the same stuff being sold.

Mopar stuff is more rare which makes them harder and more expensive to restore........but they stand out amoung the crowd of brand x'ers.

BBD

[Brian in GA]

BigBlackDodge,
  Yeah, it was Moultrie.  The guys I went with told me the November show was a little bigger, and yeah it was C-O-L-D (at least by Georgia standards).

  I doubt I'll go back.  My best guess it, a bigger show just means more Camaro and Mustang parts.   

 

[smasherofall]

we have a swap meet here that happens about 3 or 4 times a year, you might find 1 booth that has mopar stuff in it. luckilly there is one the 1st w/e of march that is mopar only. there is some good deals there, but you gotta look real hard.

[tkkruzer]

well this is how it works for me,,,dont throw the charger to the wolves yet. high priced parts make the car more valueable right? who knows, but it seems like if you change cars then thoughs parts will not be available, so buy one of every kind of car and go swap meeting. thats what i did, i have a 66 mustang,a 52 chevy sedan , and a 74 R/R , I always find some thing to buy LOL let us know of your success. TK

[Wheels of Terror]

It seems as if all that I find is parts for Chevelles, Bel Airs and Ffirst Gen camaros.