I am at the Frustrated Point with my 68 Project... vs the '69 500

[PocketThunder]

What Would You Do?

I have two Chargers, a '69 500 and a '68 318 auto.  The 500 i got from HLPAG and it needs a $30k resto.  The '68 i got from a dead relative that he had started.  So i thought, i'll do that one first and finish where he left off and drive the 68 while i work on the 69.  All is great right?  Well, 2 years later i have a 10 month old son, my wife also needs my time, and a house that also creates "projects".   I'm not 20 years old anymore with 10 hours a day to work on cars..

I've got half the 68 in epoxy primer and i just dont have anymore time for it.  I had a couple guys stop by to look at it and the response was $10,000 will get you close to paint, and why are you spending money on this 68 when the 500 is where you should be putting all your money??.  Those were good questions that i'm trying to answer to myself.

So, my situation is, call it quits on the 68 and let someone else buy it and finish it, then i can just worry about one car.  Like Bull said, he only has one set of hands at a time to drive one car.  Or... do i keep slugging away on the 68 and wait on the 500?  And that wait could be 2 years..... 3 years..... 5 years???  

Storage for both cars is not a problem, but its just coming home every day seeing two project cars in my garage instead of one finished car that gets to me.   So i guess i'm answering my own questions but i'd like to hear from the group.....

thanks

Paul
in St. Paul

[Blown70]

PT,

I would personally dump the $$ into the 500.  Now that being said I understand wanting to drive one too, I miss my charger and hate looking at the 70.  My question would be why not look at prep and pait the 68 your self, I think with the knowledge here on the board with Say CUDA ken  and Drop do it yourself.... I know paint would not be cheap but far less than $10,000  Heck if you want to travel about 100miles west on I-94  I know a shop that could do it a slight bit cheaper, maybe $5000

In fact I know a guy who does stuff on the side too.  Maybe even better.  He did most of the work on the car that  Charger4404spd has..... Trust me I won best paint with that at a local show.

[triple_green]

Welcome to the too many "irons in the fire" club. I have to agree with these other guys. Get the most valuable one done first. It would be nice to keep them both, but if I had to I would (even) sell the 68 to make sure I finished the 500. It is true what Bull said, I have a 68 and a 71 Chally Vert and I only need one hobby car to drive. BTW, I'm with you. I bought the vert 18 months ago and I'm still not even close to having it finished. I outsourced all of the interior work and that's about all that's gotten done in the last 6 months.

3X

[Old Moparz]

I shouldn't tell you what to do or offer suggestions because I have my head up my ass when it comes to the topic of too many projects.

But........if you're getting ticked off at yourself over this, it does dound like it's time to sell the '68. There's the chance you could buy another one in the future that might be less work.

[41husk]

I think doing your own work on the 70 is a great idea.  You will gain a wealth of experience, but it is still time consuming and you still have two projects.  Just keep your head up and work as you can.

[Shakey]

Focus on the 500 - hands down.

If you have space and money, tuck the '68 away.

If you need money, sell the '68.

My 

[694spdRT]

I know exactly how you feel Pocket. Until the '69 was completed I was in the same boat with my Mopars. Nothing was getting finished so I finally just focused my time and money on the '69 and let the others sit. If you don't have the time or money for both...I would part with the '68.

On the other hand, if you don't think you will have the time and 30K you estimated to put in the '69 500 you might be looking at an unfinished project 10 years from now also. If you think the '69 500 is a project you can realistically complete over the next 3-5 years that would be my 1st choice. 

[Todd Wilson]

Stay on target and finish the 68. Then go to the 69 500. While the 500 is worth more you probably are not going to drive it as much. In the end you will have a 318 68 that can be driven and the 500 on special occasions. The 500 isnt loosing any value the way it sits.



Todd

[472 R/T SE]

I hate having more than one car that needs work.  It seems you're never doing the right thing. 
Personally, there's no way I could let that rare of a car just sit and not want to tear into it.

[JimShine]

If you have the room, tuck one away and focus on the other. yeah, it sucks seeing one neglected, but its time will come. Make a list of parts you need for the stored car and maybe when you see a too good to be true deal, snap it up and you will have a great headstart when you have the time to work on it.

[tipopiola]

I'm dealing with the same thing right now.   I've got two 68's neither of which are on the road.   I've got a custom motorcycle in the works, I'm a full time student, various jobs, a wife, a mortgage, a bathroom remodel,etc.   About every other day I think I should sell the 383 car and focus on the R/T.   It would be less stress, I would have more money, and for the first time since we bought our house my wife might just be able to park in the garage this winter.   Okay who am I kidding, I won't ever let her park in the garage , but all the other stuff is still true.   I figure I'll get the R/T done and then and only then should I start looking for another car.     I'd really like to go full bore on the R/T and right now I'm excited to get it back on the road.   Anyhoo, thats just me     Tipopiola   Oh yeah, Paul, I PM'd ya.

[Vainglory, Esq.]

Focus on the 500 - hands down.

If you have space and money, tuck the '68 away.

If you need money, sell the '68.

My  

Yup.

[THE CHARGER PUNK]

i say flog off the 68 its only a 318 car not woth squat the 500 on the other hand is big $$$ if it were my choice id go ahead and make the 500 into fully restore daytona replica but again hats just me and u could change it back if u wanted 2 l8r-MATT

[Charger_Fan]

I know I can't really give a helping answer either...I hang onto things waaay too long.

However, your situation almost mirrors mine when I was younger. Having kids completely changed my world. I was constantly fighting for time & money to put toward my projects & it was making me a lunatic. So one day I just stopped cold.
I tried selling my Charger, but back then nobody would give me what I considered it was worth, so I stuffed it & my project truck into my garage & more or less forgot about them...that was about 16 years ago.

Now that my kids are grown & kinda self-supporting, I'm finally seeing the light faintly glowing at the end of the tunnel...it had better not be a freight train.   

[Old Moparz]

16 years isn't so bad unless your a dog.

[Charger_Fan]

16 years isn't so bad unless your a dog.

Yeah, at least I'm still young enough to be able to finish my projects.


Funny comic.

[Charger Aficionado]

   Don't hate me for this:   Sell the 500 since prices are at a peak, sit-back and let someone make your '68 MINTY, throw a HOT 440 in it (make it an R/T Clone), and call it DONE!   (That 500 deserves a HIGH DOLLAR resto).  

[BrianShaughnessy]

Pick the one you want the most and concentrate your energy on it.     Sell the other unless you have someplace to just let it sit for many years and be ignored.    I'd pick the 500 to work on myself.  If time is your problem, then outsource the work as necessary or as $ allows.   

[SanDiego70RTSE]

I'm speaking from personal experience. A quality restoration takes alot of money. Anywhere from 30K to 100K. I would suggest selling both of them, and using the proceeds along with future savings to buy a Charger that is finished. Otherwise you'll spend too much time and money in a partial restoration that will probably never be complete and you'll never get to enjoy either car.

Best of luck-
Mat

[Charger Aficionado]

I'm speaking from personal experience. A quality restoration takes alot of money. Anywhere from 30K to 100K. I would suggest selling both of them, and using the proceeds along with future savings to buy a Charger that is finished. Otherwise you'll spend too much time and money in a partial restoration that will probably never be complete and you'll never get to enjoy either car.
Best of luck-
Mat

So much TRUTH in that!  I'd rather be ENJOYING the DRIVE!  You still can find DEALS!

[Tom_440]

"i have a 10 month old son"

So...you need 2 Chargers.  Since storage is no problem, finish the one you can get on the road with the least hours invested, so you have something fun to drive.  Save the other to build with your son.

[SanDiego70RTSE]

I do not follow your logic on how having a 10 month old son justifies keeping both cars and restoring them. Anyone who has restored a car, knows how much money it  costs. It's crazy how much money it costs. When you have a 10 month old son, the car and the financial drain it causes, should be a second priority. The right thing to do is to get rid of both cars and get AS MUCH MONEY FOR THEM AS POSSIBLE. Take the money and either buy something that's finished or invest it for your son's college education.

[General_01]

I would say to relax a little. I think you have the "I need the car next summer" thought in your head. Step back for a little while, get other things done, save a little more and get back at it when you can. Do the '68 yourself and save what money you can for the 500. If you need a helping hand, you got my number. In the end though, it is up to you to decide how you want to spend your time. The car will take quite a bit of your time, but if you don't push yourself and step back once in a while, it will be done in a couple of years. If money is what's driving this, then sell the '68 and put all your money into the '69. My two cents.

Dean

[Charger Aficionado]

  Remember this:  Life is short Gents...  I know that I know, if you sell those both you can get a very nice driver.  I'm guessing you could sell for 20k+ on eBay, then buy one out of the paper (never buy at eBay prices). 

[Lowprofile]

"i have a 10 month old son"

So...you need 2 Chargers. Since storage is no problem, finish the one you can get on the road with the least hours invested, so you have something fun to drive. Save the other to build with your son.

I would say to relax a little. I think you have the "I need the car next summer" thought in your head. Step back for a little while, get other things done, save a little more and get back at it when you can. Do the '68 yourself and save what money you can for the 500. If you need a helping hand, you got my number. In the end though, it is up to you to decide how you want to spend your time. The car will take quite a bit of your time, but if you don't push yourself and step back once in a while, it will be done in a couple of years. If money is what's driving this, then sell the '68 and put all your money into the '69. My two cents.

Dean

Some Good Advice Here.


Take your time with this decision. You have 2 great cars there. The 500 is ,without a doubt, 1 of the most desireable Chargers around. And the 68', well, wouldn't that be a nice gift to hand off to your son when he gets his license?  Look, its very easy to get overwhelmed with so much to do & no time to do it. It happens to all of us. My 70' R/T has been sitting the better part of 12 years now. I will be finally starting on her this winter/spring.
If the cars are bought & paid for [not owing anyone $$$$$] and you are not in any kind of financial trouble....keep them. Store them for awhile. Take a 6 month sabbatical from Chargers. Look at them again in the Spring. Its obvious to most of us you really love these cars. You worked damn hard to get them. Why throw that away when the going gets rough?
If you are in a bind financially, well, thats a different story.......we've all been there. Decisions like those is what separates the men from the boys.


Remember the old saying  "Don't pet the sweaty things" or something like that.   LOL!
Good Luck with your decision

[Chargerguy74]

Stay on target and finish the 68. Then go to the 69 500. While the 500 is worth more you probably are not going to drive it as much. In the end you will have a 318 68 that can be driven and the 500 on special occasions. The 500 isnt loosing any value the way it sits.



Todd

[Blakcharger440]

i say flog off the 68 its only a 318 car not woth squat the 500 on the other hand is big $$$ if it were my choice id go ahead and make the 500 into fully restore daytona replica but again hats just me and u could change it back if u wanted 2 l8r-MATT

Well,....That is one of the more ridiculous posts that I have seen. The 68 318 car is not worth squat??? The second gen chargers started in 68! I dont have a 68,but I own a 70RT Charger but still would not call the 68 squat car! 

[Troy]

i say flog off the 68 its only a 318 car not woth squat the 500 on the other hand is big $$$ if it were my choice id go ahead and make the 500 into fully restore daytona replica but again hats just me and u could change it back if u wanted 2 l8r-MATT

Well,....That is one of the more ridiculous posts that I have seen. The 68 318 car is not worth squat??? The second gen chargers started in 68! I dont have a 68,but I own a 70RT Charger but still would not call the 68 squat car!

He's 15 (or 16) and doesn't even own a car. If 318 cars were so cheap then everyone who's looking for a Charger would have no problem finding one. Most people with any sense already know that though which is why that post went ignored for so long.

Troy

[suburbanfireman]

Just an idea - take the 68 and do whatever is needed for bodywork and spray it with black primer-sealer yourself.  Make sure it is safe mechanically, but go for the "rat rod" look.  Then you can just drive it and enjoy it while you take as long as you need to restore the 500.  After you get the 500 done, you can decide what you want to do with the 68.  You could fix it up with your son (I helped my Dad restore a 78 camaro when I was 12 yrs old), or sell it to put towards his college fund.  You never know, he might decide to be a fireman - I did not need college and I make more than my sister does (she has a masters degree + loans out the wazoo).  Just my opinion. - Tim

[PocketThunder]

Thanks for all the replies.  After a day to think about it and a night to sleep on it.  I'm keeping the 68.  Both cars are paid for and i have a little slush fund for playing with the cars.  So money is not a problem.  I do have a college savings plan already set up for my son.  So the cars are not a burden on me, only that they sit and go nowhere lately.

I think i will finish the mud work on the 68 and get a macco paint job.  Then drop the drive train back in and have a driver for a couple years.  I will not sell the 500, because i sold my "first car" to buy the 500.  And i'll never find another 500 that i can afford. 

Yes i do have the "gotta have a car for next summer" crisis on my mind right now.  So the Chargers are going on the back burner and i'm going to get my house projects done.  (if thats ever possible)  Then i'll get back to the 68.

thanks

Paul
in St. Paul

[hemi68charger]

Paul...
Man, I'm with ya.. I know what you mean....... The reason I sold the '71 was the fact I wasn't going to enjoy it as much as someone else and I wanted to be able to finish my '68... Man, it's a tough problem.. If you don't need the money and storage isn't an issue, I would stash the '68 and start on the C500...... I mean, that's what you really like.. If the money is something and you don't have too much of a sentimental value on the '68, turn it and put the dinero into the C500... Don't let time slip away and you never are able to enjoy the thing.. If it wasn't for the fact I have some rare Chargers, I'd turn them loose to finish up the '68.....

Troy

[Old Moparz]

Yes i do have the "gotta have a car for next summer" crisis on my mind right now.

Don't worry, I've had that same feeling every year, & every year it eventually goes away.   


Seriously though, you have to keep in mind that as your kid gets older, things get a little easier. When my daughter was born I assumed it would be simple & there would be lots of free time.      I soon learned it was very different, but no big deal, they're only infants for a short time, they're only toddlers for a short time, & before you know it they're in school. She's 6 now & I can't believe it. There are new problems as they get older, but it still seems easier than taking care of a little one. Actually, taking care of the little ones are like taking care of drunks. They can't walk, they can't talk, they puke all over, & don't make any sense.

Hang in there & don't rush anything.

[472 R/T SE]

Actually, taking care of the little ones are like taking care of drunks. They can't walk, they can't talk, they puke all over, & don't make any sense.

That's some funny s....

[69charger2002]

paul, i think that's a wise decision. i think you should keep both as well. both paid for, you have a son now. so what? that shouldn't matter until finances become a PROBLEM. i have a 5 month old daughter now, that didn't mean i had to go start selling off chargers.. neither will ever go down in value, and like others said, the 69 can sit and wait it's turn, while you never lose a dime on it. finish the 68, even if maaco paint job, you will be able to hop in and drive it(which is what they were meant for) without fear of hurting the car(since it's a 318 car) and enjoy one. even if the 69 500 doesn't get started for 5-10 years. i also agree, you never know, that son may hate chargers with a passion(God help him), but then again, he may LOVE them. when he's 15.. hmm 2020.. how many chargers will be around in decent shape for the picking?? that 68 may need resto again by then, and he may be willing to help you do it all over again. how much fun would that be??
KEEP THE CARS!
trav

[General_01]

Good decision Paul. Now get busy fixing that bathroom.

[694spdRT]

Actually, taking care of the little ones are like taking care of drunks. They can't walk, they can't talk, they puke all over, & don't make any sense.

That's some funny s....

Isn't that why you have kids in the first place...so when you can no longer walk, talk, or makes sense they can pick your nursing home for you. 

[69_500]

I say work on the 500 first but then I'm a bit biased. However if you do continue to work on the 68 and get frustrated and decide to part ways with the 500 let me know. I'd love to add another one to the garage.

[PocketThunder]

I called Maaco this moring and they are slow right now and he said he's got guys waiting for work to come in.  He said they do muscle cars all the time and have a 70 GS in the shop right now.  They did my neighbors old Land Rover a couple years ago and it still looks good.  So i just need to get it over there for and estimate.

And maybe i can drop in a 318 from a crashed Dakota pickup and save myself $2000 on and engine rebuild..

[694spdRT]

Are you planning to use the A500 or A518 automatic from the Dakota? That will require a little surgery to the floor tunnel and mounting changes.. Also, in 1996 the tranny went to computer controlled shifts so those are a little more complicated.

Sounds like a good idea using a Magnum engine though.

[blackcharger]

PT,

I would personally dump the $$ into the 500.   Now that being said I understand wanting to drive one too, I miss my charger and hate looking at the 70.   My question would be why not look at prep and pait the 68 your self, I think with the knowledge here on the board with Say CUDA ken   and Drop do it yourself.... I know paint would not be cheap but far less than $10,000   Heck if you want to travel about 100miles west on I-94   I know a shop that could do it a slight bit cheaper, maybe $5000

In fact I know a guy who does stuff on the side too.   Maybe even better.   He did most of the work on the car that   Charger4404spd has..... Trust me I won best paint with that at a local show.

after you put all the money into your 500, will you drive it and enjoy it? If not, sell it,have more than enough to fix the '68 and some leftover. OR, do the '68 yourself, and do the 500 as $ allows. Personally, I wouldn't and couldn't put the big bucks out for a paint job, no matter how nice it looks.Be too afraid to drive it. And I'd rather keep RIDING around in primer than not diving a shiney car.

Dave

[Charger Aficionado]

And maybe i can drop in a 318 from a crashed Dakota pickup and save myself $2000 on and engine rebuild..

I had a 318 B body and enjoyed the hell outta it!  Great gas mileage and could still break 'em loose!   

[PocketThunder]

after you put all the money into your 500, will you drive it and enjoy it?
Dave

Thats a good question.  Thats where the 68 will come on for driving to a show rain or shine.  The 500 will get driven on sunny days only!

And maybe i can drop in a 318 from a crashed Dakota pickup and save myself $2000 on and engine rebuild..

I had a 318 B body and enjoyed the hell outta it!   Great gas mileage and could still break 'em loose!    

I talked to my Dad yesterday who runs a mechanic shop back in my hometown.  He has a Ram Van with a 360 in it that i could have if i pull it out.  So it looks like my power plant is taken care of after a Saturday of work.