time for a change (WIW)

[471_Magnum]

One of the things the wife and I discussed during our long stints on the road during the Power Tour was "what's next?"

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I've done everything I want to do with this car, and gone where I wanted to go in it. Long Hauling on the Power Tour was pretty much the last item on my list to check off.

I'd like to do the Power Tour again, but I think I'd like to do it in a different car.

(Getting a sense of where I'm going with this?)

Maybe I'm just burned out after spending eight days straight in the car, but we've made the decision to sell the Charger and just step away from the hobby for a while. With the growing family, and an increasingly demanding career, I find myself having very little time to devote to the car. Frankly, my interest has waned significantly as well over the last year. I addition, proceeds from the sale greatly improve the financial position of my household.

This is not an easy decision. My wife was literally in tears as we discussed it last night. I've been giving myself an ulcer over the last couple weeks wrestling with the decision. Regardless, the decision has been made.

What I haven't decided is when and how much.

I've gone so far as to take all the pictures and write up the ad, but I haven't posted it anywhere yet. I wanted to give some local guys a crack at it before I go nation wide.

I guess this is sort of a WIW post, as I'm not sure what price to put on it. I do have a reserve in mind (which I will keep to myself). I'm sure I've got more in the car than what it's worth, but that's okay with me considering the enjoyment I've gotten from it over the last six years. At the same time, this is a heck of a car and I don't plan to give it away.

So here's the run down (an excerpt from the ad):

This particular '69 Charger car was originally restored in the late '80's. Some "liberties" were taken during the process that deviated from factory original. Most notably, the interior was changed from green to black, a black vinyl top was added, and the white paint is "whiter" than the original shade. Additionally, 11.75" front disc brakes and 11" rear drums were installed in place of the original disc/drum set-up and weld-in subframe connectors were installed.

I purchased the car in 2001. In 2003, I installed the new stroker motor which I personally assembled. In 2005, I converted it from an automatic to the Tremec 5 speed.

It is a bit of a road warrior. It is a veteran of two Hot Rod Power Tours ('05 and '07), with the last one being a Long Haul, covering over 2600 miles. I have also driven it to Mopar Nationals every year since 2001. I cover about 3000-4000 miles per year with it.

I don't believe in trailers. It's a car, not a lawn ornament. I got my enjoyment from driving it, not from sheltering it.

That being the case, the car is very well sorted out. It is very reliable and I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere.

If there is one drawback, the 17 year old restoration is showing it's age. It has some battle scars. There are rock chips here and there, and some rust bubbles have formed on the quarters and under the top trim. These are easy repairs. Other than that, the car is solid. The floors are original and rust free. All of the sheet metal is original.

Pretty much everything works, including the cruise control and A/C. Issues are minor: Speedometer works, but needs recalibration. The fuel gauge registers, but will not quite read full. Factory tach works, but not with the aftermarket ignition system currently installed.

By the way, it's pretty quick. I've only had it on the track a couple of times. First time out at Great Lakes Dragaway, it ran a 13.1 @ 109 with a horrible 2.1 60 ft in the quarter with a couple hundred pounds of luggage in the trunk. It has run 8.25 on the local 1/8th mile track. Get it to hook halfway decent and it will go deep into the 12s in the quarter. It can more than hold it's own at the stoplight.

It will return up to 17 mpg on the highway.

All the technical specs are listed below.

Original numbers matching 383HP short block and transmission are included. I also have numerous other parts original to the car that will be included. I have the broadcast sheet as well.

You will be hard pressed to find another '69 Charger that runs and drives as well as this one does. It's ready to go for Hot Rod Power Tour 2008, Bull Run, Cannonball Run, or whatever highway adventure you might have in mind.

Factory Options:
SE Package (includes: light pkg. woodgrain dash, woodgrain steering wheel, leather seating surfaces, 3-speed wipers, pedal dress-up), Center console, Air-Temp air conditioning, Rear defogger, Chrome door edge guards, AM Radio, Rear seat speaker, Styled steel road wheels, Automatic transmission, 383 cu. in. 4 bbl. engine, Power steering, Front disc brakes (w/power assist)
Added Options:
Cruise control, Remote trunk release, Vinyl top, RH outside mirror, R/T stripe, Locking gas cap
Other Accessories:
Autometer Sport-Comp Tachometer, Autometer Shift Light, Kenwood Stereo/Cassette/CD Changer w/ sub woofer

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:
·   400 Block (.035" overbored), Forged RB crank (offset ground to 3.915" stroke), Eagle H-beam rods, Ross Racing Pistons. 471 cu in, 10.7:1 CR
·   Edelbrock Performer cylinder heads
·   Harland-Sharp roller rockers
·   Holley Street Dominator intake manifold (port matched)
·   Holley Street Avenger 870 carburetor (w/modifactions)
·   Hughes HEH3746BL cam shaft (237/246 duration @ .050")
·   Mallory Hyfire VI AL ignition
·   Mallory Unilite distributor
Exhaust:
·   TTi 1 7/8" headers. Ceramic Coated.
·   TTi 3" X-pipe exhaust w/Dynomax SuperTurbo mufflers
Transmission:
·   Keisler/Tremec TKO 600 5-Speed
Axle:
·   8 3/4 inch - 489 case
·   4.10:1 ratio
·   Suregrip limited slip differential
·   Pinion snubber
Suspension / Chassis:
·   XHD leaf springs
·   Heavy duty torsion bars
·   1-inch front anti-sway bar
·   11.75-inch front disc brakes
·   11x3-inch rear drum brakes
·   Sub-frame connectors
·   Slide-a-Link traction bars
·   Driveshaft safety loop
Wheels & Tires:
·   America Racing Torq Thrust Originals (15x7 front / 15x8.5 rear)
·   Firestone Firehawk PV41 225-70-15 (front)
·   Nitto 555R Extreme Drag 275-60-15 (rear)

So whaddaya think? ...other than I'm nuts for selling it 

[Daytona R/T SE]

I thought you were nuts for selling the first one you had! 

[471_Magnum]

I thought you were nuts for selling the first one you had!

The first one? The one I sold back in '98 so I could buy a '70 Satellite convertible (a very cool car)? Which I then in turn sold so I could buy this car?

Yeah. I'm nuts.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Say it aint so Jim

I have no comment on WIW....I refuse to tell you.  Maybe you will reconsider?

[Charger1973]

Yeah. I'm nuts.

"He no nuts, he's crazy!"   

[69DodgeCharger]

You'll regret it (I think).....Once their gone, their gone forever. I would encourage you to listen to the Dave Ramsey radio show, and or read some of his books to get a clearer perspective on personal finances (if you need to that is). Perhaps you can work your way back into a better financial situation over the next 2-4 years.  If you have no interest in the hobby anymore then maybe  you should cash out, but if you are just going to get a new project and start over then I would say don't do it. By the way that is one of my favorite cars on this board and Moparts....but I am a little bit biased........I just wish I had the money to buy it!

[69charger2002]

i agree. you get bored with a car sometimes and first thought is to sell...either because of their value, or what you could do with that money.. BUT it is so true, once it's gone that's it. some cars you never miss.. others the second they leave you know you shouldn't have sold... if you're bored with the car, chargers in general, or the car hobby, then you are probably making the right decision. but if you are doing it ONLY to get your family a little more ahead in life.. please rethink it. there are plenty of other ways to get more financially stable. by the way i love your car.
my $.02
trav

[The70RT]

  .......................

[Mass_Mopar]

If I were you, I'd put it away for 6-12 months and just not think about it.  Then pull it out, paint it, drop some alter-K stuff in it, maybe look into some XV stuff, and get out and beat on it!  Change it up.  As far as a price, I think I'd start at 25k and go from there.

[69DodgeCharger]

"As far as a price, I think I'd start at 25k and go from there"

I thought the asking price last time around was $28,500 if I remember correctly? But I could be wrong.....It certainly wouldn't be the first (or the last) time!

[69bronzeT5]

Well Id say, if you want a change...then maybe repaint it a different colour?

[471_Magnum]

Guys,

It will be sold. It will be replaced (eventually). The time is right.

There is a reason I didn't consult this forum during the process of making the decision. Frankly, this isn't the placed to get an unbiased opinion.

I don't want to get into the personal stuff, but there are very good reasons for selling. It's not just a matter of burn-out. I've been toying with the notion for quite some time. Let's just say I had a bit of an epiphany a few weeks back that confirmed it is the right thing to do.

[69DodgeCharger]

Guys,

It will be sold. It will be replaced (eventually). The time is right.

There is a reason I didn't consult this forum during the process of making the decision. Frankly, this isn't the placed to get an unbiased opinion.

I don't want to get into the personal stuff, but there are very good reasons for selling. It's not just a matter of burn-out. I've been toying with the notion for quite some time. Let's just say I had a bit of an epiphany a few weeks back that confirmed it is the right thing to do.

Fair enough but you most likely already know pretty much what it's worth.......... I am guessing you didn't just jump off the dock with this decision. You probably won't have much of a problem selling it for a "fair" price. Best of luck with it.....I just wish it was mine!

[firefighter3931]

Man, that's a tough decision....but it sounds like your mind is made up. Looking at your description, the car sounds pretty attractive from a buyers standpoint. The one thing that will hurt it are the older resto and blemishes that were described. The fact that it's not an R/T will also hurt it's desirability. This car will appeal more to an enthusiast than a collector so despite all the upgrades it might be worth less on the open market....than say a stock type resto. 

I'm not sure what it's worth as i don't follow the market that closely but i'd have to guess that it's got to be in the 30K range or more. I hope you get at least that for it because whoever buys the car will only have cosmetic issues to deal with....assuming the current (body/paint) condition is of concern to them. 


Best of luck Jim.....i hope you won't regret this in the future.



Ron

[Mean 318]

if you are board I will trade you a 70 coronet       
My advice is to park it for a month and then go start it and drive her once to be sure! TRUST ME ON THIS! if you don't Drive or look at it and then in exactly 31 days go out ad start her up you will know fer sher if it is the right thing to do! Good luck tho!

[471_Magnum]

I thought the asking price last time around was $28,500 if I remember correctly? But I could be wrong.....It certainly wouldn't be the first (or the last) time!

Your memory is correct. The last time around was in late 2004, before I installed the five speed.

At that time, I was hunting for a four speed car.

[69DodgeCharger]

I am guessing there are personal matters involved (as already stated) that have helped form this decision. And they are none of our business but I agree with the 30K neighborhood for a price. I just hope whoever gets it does right by it. I sure would like to see some more pics of it though. Just to add to my personal collection.

[471_Magnum]

I know I will regret the decision. I can live with regret.

Every nice sunny day, I regret selling the convertible. I regret buying a white car when I see mine parked next to a flashier color on the show field. I regret installing 3" exhaust when I'm blasting down the highway at 80. I regret not buying the '70 V-code Road Runner I had a crack at in '98.

Regret serves as good inspiration for the next project.

Ron,

Thanks for the feedback. You and I think along the same lines. I don't consider it to be a "collector car". That's what makes it a challenge. I really haven't seen anything like it on the market to compare.

It would be a bargain at $30K. It certainly couldn't be duplicated for that price. First, find a '69 Charger this solid. Then, invest the dollars in the motor and transmission. Forget it.

[PocketThunder]

So you must have something in mind for your next car?  1950's Mopar?  Christine?  Early 30's street rod?  Or are you gonna stay in the muscle car era?

     

[471_Magnum]

So you must have something in mind for your next car? 1950's Mopar? Christine? Early 30's street rod? Or are you gonna stay in the muscle car era?

I've got a few ideas. Definitely something from the muscle era, but something lower budget. Maybe a mildly hopped-up wagon.

I'm not going to rush into anything.

I just need something to wrench on occasionally. Fortunately, I have friends with cars that need work. 

[Daytona R/T SE]

I thought you were nuts for selling the first one you had!

The first one? The one I sold back in '98

That's the one

Damn! Has that been NINE years ago? 

I'm getting old...

If you think back you might remember some character that had a Challenger hood on a green '72 Charger... 

That was me... 

Good luck on what ever you do, Jim.

I've been trying to convince myself for years to sell off at least half of my projects/junkers/rust piles and just work on my Daytona clone...it's tough to do...

Chris...

[Ghoste]

Now you know why I haven't responded to your e-mail.  My comments would be similar to what you've read here and at the same time Iunderstand completely.  You're pretty familiar with my little saga so you know why I'll tell you it's a hell of a lot easier to get out of than get back in to.
We'll talk.
You folks aren't expecting again at your place are you? 

[471_Magnum]

You folks aren't expecting again at your place are you?

Not that I'm aware of!

[NYCMille]

You have a PM.

[41husk]

Best of luck!  I wish i had that kinda cash.

[Nacho-RT74]

$5K shipped to Venezuela ? ...............................

[69DodgeCharger]

C'mon Jim....How about some pics for us "dreamers"

[471_Magnum]

C'mon Jim....How about some pics for us "dreamers"

[471_Magnum]

more...

[471_Magnum]

Finally, a couple of vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXy8FhoIhqs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beU-oPyKqbM

[69DodgeCharger]

Someday...................But not today.