What would you do?

[Harlow]

I'm stuck on what I should do. I know this is a charger forum so I know what most everyone will say but try to be as un-biased as possible. I've been searching around for a new mopar project for a while. I'm trying to find a 68-70 B body. I wouldn't  mind a base model 318 car. I'm out of school right now so I have a lot of time to go looking/following up on leads. I can't seem to find a decent mopar project to save my life. I've been knocking on doors, leaving notes, talking with local mopar guys and can't seem to find anything. Most cars aren't for sale and the ones that are end up being either over priced or too much of a project/money pit.

I'm looking to spend about 7-8K on the initial price of a car. And for that it would need to be street ready or a rare car. That would leave me with a pretty good chunk of change left for other things (cell phone bill, insurance, gas and entertainment) and I'm already squared away with a good daily driver and a part time job to hopefully keep me at a positive income. I'll also be going to college this fall.

I'm seriously considering just going for a 65-67 Pontiac tempest/lemans or maybe even a Chevelle. I'm really itching to get a project car. I need something to work on. I'm thinking maybe even some kind of a hot rod/rat rod project. Found a original '31 Model A (been off the road since '70!) that might be for sale in the next few weeks if a relative doesn't want it, '39 Chevy Gasser (straight axle, with a 350/auto) or a 55 chevy 2 door gasser (straight axle with a 454).

I'm completely torn on what route to take. In your opinion what should I do?   

[Blown70]

Well I can see where you are. YOU essentally want a toy, and a muscle car/hot rod.   Personally I would suggest waiting.  Believe it or not just when you look the other way something will "pop" up and you will hate it.

now if you can purchase another car, will you be happy, will you be able to sell it later make some $$ and get what you want?

MY VOTE:  WAIT some some more $$ and WAIT.....

Tom

[Drache]

I picked up the '76 Dodge Aspen that you see in the picture before for $1200 Canadian and drove it the 6 hours home. I was driving it as my daily driver until the gas prices and loss of work made me park it. No rust at all and with the 360 it's got some get up and go power. If you like mopar try to stay mopar, all I did was shift my views off the Chargers to darts and this popped up (Aspens replaced the Dart in 1976). Keep looking something is out there! 

[1BAD68]

what he said.
also consider the C-bodies, they're not considered muscle cars to the public but in my opinion a nice 2 door 70 Newport painted black with a 440  with some chrome mags screams muscle and wont cost much up front.
I saw a really nice 69 new yorker for sale just the other day for $1500 bucks, just jump in and drive condition.

[craigandlynda]

wait for something good- don't let the cash burn a hole in your pocket....if you buy one of those "also rans," just as youu get into it really deep, something nice will be available and you will be kicking yourself...hold onto the cash, keep looking...

[69bronzeT5]

I'd wait for a Charger. Unless you want something right now, maybe try looking at 71 Satellites or something like that?

[mikepmcs]

Consider an A body.  Those make a nice hot rod as well.

The problem with going different manufacturers and years/models the availability of parts for that model car(when you buy one on the cheap and it's not a very popular model  $$$)

Decide what you want and do the research on the cost it will take to build that car.

If you have a street ready big body pontiac in the mid 60's range for cheap than I say go for it(i'm not a fan)   Careful trying to get parts for those cars as your bank account could dwindle rapidly if it's a rare model, etc....

I myself would go for an A body Mopar.  You can still find one reasonably priced, they look good and you can juice em anyway you like and still find parts.

Only other solution is find an old Mustang, maybe a first gen Camaro(ate up, but rebuildable) for a decent price cause you can build them pretty cheap.

Here are some offerings in Maine right now

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135748113&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d1%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135777636&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d2%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135731275&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d2%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135731275&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d2%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135733592&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d2%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135778371&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d5%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135744544&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d5%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135766500&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d5%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

http://www.unclehenrys.com/CLASSIFIEDS/Search/ExhibitDetail.aspx?ExhibitID=-2135743513&ishistoricsearch=N&ReturnPage=%2fClassifieds%2fSearch%2fResults.aspx%3fSearchID%3d34691162%26SearchResultIndex%3d5%26ishistoricsearch%3dN%23

I'll stop now but basically all I'm saying is there are decent cars out there for reasonable money.

Good luck Scott

v/r
Mike

[jaak]

Harlow,

It sounds like you really want a mopar, in perticular a 68-70 b-body. The LeMans and Chevelle sound Like a second choice to me, and I will tell you from experence, if you settle for your second choice, you won't be 100% satisfied with it. I love mopars, but have always had a soft spot for 67-72 Chevy Pickups, when I was younger I followed Charger leads until I was fed-up, then found a nice canidate only to have it sold out from under me while I was on my way with the cash. After that I gave up and bought a 1970 C-10. shortwheel base. It was a nice solid truck, but like I said, I wasn't 100% happy with it. Well low and behold, 6 months later I found me a charger, and sold the Chevy, so it sorta worked out for me in the long run. If what you are really wanting is a 68-70, then I say you should hold out and wait on one. (Even though I think 66-67, b-body would be a good choice too, you can still find them in good shape lower than the cost of a 68-70). Good luck in your search, and good luck on your project, when you find it.

Jason

[charger490]

how about a 73 charger for 3000.00 charger490

[chargerman68]

check ebay

[Harlow]

I'm trying to find something in Arizona so I can at least inspect the car before buying it. After hearing some of the advice I'm definitely going to hold out for something I really want. I need to find a deal like I got on my H code Sport Satellite. I sold that car way too cheap.

[chargerman68]

might know where there is a 68 charger no price yet

and a 69 coronet shell 

la area

[Harlow]

might know where there is a 68 charger no price yet

and a 69 coronet shell 

la area

Thanks man. I'll leave it for you or another member on the board. I'm definetely going to want to be able to inspect the car in person and shipping rates are a pain.

[PocketThunder]

I'm trying to find something in Arizona so I can at least inspect the car before buying it. After hearing some of the advice I'm definitely going to hold out for something I really want. I need to find a deal like I got on my H code Sport Satellite. I sold that car way too cheap.

Thats for sure.  I never understood why you sold that car in the first place.

[General_01]

I would just keep saving money and concentrate on paying for college. If something pops up that is a good deal, then get it. But I wouldn't go "looking" for something to buy. Trust me. College is going to keep you busy enough.

[Harlow]

I sold it cause I was running low on money and was sick of not being able to enjoy the car. I finally got the car running and then found the roof was rotted to hell. I swapped the new roof on hoping I would now be able to drive the car, but then I couldn't get it through emissions because the previous owner put a huge cam in at some point (engine build was pretty bad...sure sounded cool though). I then took the engine apart and installed hydraulic lifters and adjustable rocker arms to try to bring the duration down a bit. It worked and got the thing through emissions, but by then I was so sick of the car.

I think the reason I got sick of the car is because I was rushing trying to get it finished. It was going to be my daily driver. I don't think I ever had a hassle free drive with that car. I over heated a few times, ran out of gas...there was always something. Wish I had it back though when I had a daily driver and could just take my time. Now its in Canada.

I was also really inexperienced. I've learned a lot through that car and the '67 cougar and the '65 mustang fastback I had after that car. I got those as kind of flipper projects. I did drive the cougar daily for a few months though.

[terrible one]

Get what you want, or you won't want what you get. Wait it out man, in my opinion.

I forget where you're at but I just found an entirely rust free 1970 Coronet in my arear for $5,000. No idea on condition/running gear/anything else as I haven't followed up on it besides talking to the guy right before work, but I can sure get you in contact. . .

[Charger74]

He's in Tucson.  Harlow, have you check out any of the surrounding areas, like Sierra Vista, Green Valley, Douglas, Winslow and such.  You may have to dig some but I know that they are there.  Also, check out Benson.  If you take the first exit, there used to be a little junk yard right at the bottom of the hill.  He used to have some pretty decent stuff in there.  Not sure now, but possible.

[Harlow]

He's in Tucson.  Harlow, have you check out any of the surrounding areas, like Sierra Vista, Green Valley, Douglas, Winslow and such.  You may have to dig some but I know that they are there.  Also, check out Benson.  If you take the first exit, there used to be a little junk yard right at the bottom of the hill.  He used to have some pretty decent stuff in there.  Not sure now, but possible.

Thats a good idea. I've been thinking about trying my luck else where. I've been just searching within Tucson.

[Mike DC]

 
If you've got a '68-70 Charger in mind for the LONG TERM and not only for fun right now, here's what I would do:

Buy the most reliable 4dr 68-70 B-body you can find.  Cruise it right now.  You can also start spending drivetrain money on it.  It doesn't have to be gorgeous but get a solid frame that looks like it'll run for a while without breaking all the time.  This shouldn't cost you a ton of money anywhere, but in the Southwest you're doing way better than most places.



Later, when you have the money (or the deal) on a 2nd-gen Charger, then whatever you spent on the mechanicals in the 4dr will entirely swap over to it.  Not just the motor but also tranny & axle, suspension, brakes, etc.

You end up with something to drive now and something to spend money messing with now.  And when you eventually get what you want, most of the money you put into this thing won't have been wasted. 

[The70RT]

Save your money for the Charger you want. If you get something now you may tie up too much money for when the right Charger does come along 

[69*F5*SE]

Hold out for the right Charger.  You'll find it sooner or later.

[73ChargerSE]

Junkyard in Benson is gone.  Haven't really found anything in Benson besides the '64.  If you're looking for a 3rd gen I know where the twin to my car is.

[Harlow]

Junkyard in Benson is gone.  Haven't really found anything in Benson besides the '64.  If you're looking for a 3rd gen I know where the twin to my car is.

Thanks man but I'm going to keep looking for a 2nd Gen. or a 68-70 Plymouth or coronet.

[73ChargerSE]

What about that '69 Coronet in Yuma?  $5,500 doesn't seem too too bad if that car doesn't have rust.