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1972 Charger Restoration Project

Started by 1972Charger, May 19, 2009, 11:34:54 PM

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1972Charger

May 19, 2009, 11:34:54 PM
And so it begins. 

A friend gave me this car, and I intend on restoring it to it's original glory.  Or a little better.

400 V8.  Saw the car once, so I do not know the full info on it.  But I will post from time to time on progress.
The car is not in a horrible shape for being in a field for 10 years.

A main question I have is where can I find some informational sources on the techniques, parts list, ect to restore it?
I cannot wait to get started!

Also, a Hemi add is possible.

Thank you in advance!








69bronzeT5

#1
May 19, 2009, 11:44:22 PM
Welcome to the site!!! Awesome start for a project :cheers:


Quote
A main question I have is where can I find some informational sources on the techniques, parts list, ect to restore it?

You're already here. It's the best place for that kind of stuff :2thumbs:
Feature Editor for Mopar Connection Magazine
http://moparconnectionmagazine.com/



1969 Charger: T5 Copper 383 Automatic
1970 Challenger R/T: FC7 Plum Crazy 440 Automatic
1970 GTO: Black 400 Ram Air III 4-Speed
1971 Charger Super Bee: GY3 Citron Yella 440 4-Speed
1972 Charger: FE5 Red 360 Automatic
1973 Charger Rallye: FY1 Top Banana 440 Automatic
1973 Plymouth Road Runner: FE5 Red 440 Automatic
1973 Plymouth Duster: FC7 Plum Crazy 318 Automatic

FlatbackFanatic

#2
May 20, 2009, 01:54:07 AM
Welcome!! That body looks pretty good to start with. Good Luck on your resto. Any questions, just ask away.
Flatback Fanatic, Kurt  , MN

hs1973

#3
May 20, 2009, 02:32:43 AM
mine is just like it you are velcome to ask anything you need know. ive been over mine from bumper too bumper so i know not all but alot about 3erd gen chargers. plus im a certified body man by trade. so feel free to ask

mikesbbody

#4
May 20, 2009, 03:07:12 AM
Hi and Welcome  :cheers: is your Charger a SE? like the guy's said your in the right place
Also check out the 3rd gen site www.1971-1974dodgecharger.com   :2thumbs:

JPL

#5
May 20, 2009, 07:48:45 AM
Quote from: mikesbbody on May 20, 2009, 03:07:12 AM
Hi and Welcome  :cheers: is your Charger a SE? like the guy's said your in the right place
Also check out the 3rd gen site www.1971-1974dodgecharger.com   :2thumbs:

+1
& I like the rims already....

devilgear

#6
May 20, 2009, 09:03:06 AM
Man are those spider webs in the front? Yikes I would not want to get near it without a baseball bat...hhahha...Looks loke a great car to start with, just take her out and wash the grime off it and see what is left underneath...

69*F5*SE

#7
May 20, 2009, 10:22:30 AM
Welcome aboard.  You came to the right place.    :cheers:  Looks like a good car to start with.   :2thumbs:  California car.

mopar_nut_440_6

#8
May 20, 2009, 10:45:55 AM
Looks like a great project except for all the spiders! I hate spiders..

Lots of knowledge and helpful people here to help you out and a hemi would be awesome!!

Cheers,  :cheers:
1968 Charger R/T 440 
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 680 HP Cummins with attitude

PocketThunder

#9
May 20, 2009, 12:43:25 PM
Judging from the Pepsi can in the front floor the car couldnt have been sitting for too long.  That can must be from the mid 90s.   :shruggy:
"Liberalism is a disease that attacks one's ability to understand logic. Extreme manifestations include the willingness to continue down a path of self destruction, based solely on a delusional belief in a failed ideology."

72chargerSE

#10
May 20, 2009, 12:54:32 PM
Quote from: PocketThunder on May 20, 2009, 12:43:25 PM
Judging from the Pepsi can in the front floor the car couldnt have been sitting for too long.  That can must be from the mid 90s.   :shruggy:

He said the car was sitting in the field for 10 years.... 2009-10=1999

TUFCAT

#11
May 20, 2009, 01:50:25 PM
Its unusual to see the bucket seats, console, and non-rallye cluster. Most Charger Topper pkg cars were 318's and built with bench seats.  Very few with buckets and a big block.

devilgear

#13
May 20, 2009, 02:43:17 PM
Hmm...My car has buckets and a non rallyee dash, but no console and it is a 400...I have both the rallyee and the console now though...

bk72

#14
May 20, 2009, 03:52:20 PM
nice charger. and it has some nice rims.  :popcrn:  :popcrn:  :popcrn:  :popcrn:

Foreman72

#15
May 20, 2009, 05:15:52 PM
Quote from: TUFCAT on May 20, 2009, 01:50:25 PM
Its unusual to see the bucket seats, console, and non-rallye cluster. Most Charger Topper pkg cars were 318's and built with bench seats.  Very few with buckets and a big block.

thats exactly what i got...welcome to the site 72  :cheers: my car was the same price as yours  :lol: great place to learn absolutely everything...so any plans for it so far? i think i read something about you wanting to put a hemi in... :shruggy: i would keep the 400 for sure...especially since it is (most likely) on the rarer side... :Twocents:
Eric "Foreman"

Previous: 1972 Dodge Charger
Current: 2002 Volvo S60

"The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
=Psalm 37:23-24=
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."
=Matthew 6:19-21=
:pat

mopar_nut_440_6

#16
May 20, 2009, 05:43:27 PM
Quote from: Foreman72 on May 20, 2009, 05:15:52 PM
Quote from: TUFCAT on May 20, 2009, 01:50:25 PM
Its unusual to see the bucket seats, console, and non-rallye cluster. Most Charger Topper pkg cars were 318's and built with bench seats.  Very few with buckets and a big block.

thats exactly what i got...welcome to the site 72  :cheers: my car was the same price as yours  :lol: great place to learn absolutely everything...so any plans for it so far? i think i read something about you wanting to put a hemi in... :shruggy: i would keep the 400 for sure...especially since it is (most likely) on the rarer side... :Twocents:

Stupid question but what is a "topper" car? Is it the half hardtop?
1968 Charger R/T 440 
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 680 HP Cummins with attitude

Foreman72

#17
May 20, 2009, 06:23:57 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv0vYc1x6po&feature=PlayList&p=6FDED8A51A153CD5&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6

thats a commercial for it...its was a special dealer offer...if you bought this dealer stock charger it came with certain options like hideaways, ralley gauges and such and they threw in a vinyl roof for free...i'm not totally sure...i'd love to hear what others have to say about it :2thumbs:
Eric "Foreman"

Previous: 1972 Dodge Charger
Current: 2002 Volvo S60

"The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
=Psalm 37:23-24=
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."
=Matthew 6:19-21=
:pat

1972Charger

#18
May 20, 2009, 11:18:07 PM
Quote from: TUFCAT on May 20, 2009, 01:50:25 PM
Its unusual to see the bucket seats, console, and non-rallye cluster. Most Charger Topper pkg cars were 318's and built with bench seats.  Very few with buckets and a big block.

I really do not know all that much about it.  I intend on looking more into it this weekend.  A few questions...

Rallye cluster?  Where can I find out the build numbers/options for that year?  It has been tough tracking down certain options.  Like the front end looks familiar, but then the taillights are different.  I suppose that that comes down to build options.

Rarer side?  I always wanted a Hemi, but I DO like the original car feel.  I do know that the 400 was the 255 hp version.  Or so that I can find.

What I need are the different models and options for that year.  To kind nail down what exactly I have.

Thanks for all the help already!  I have been a member of a few car forums over the years for various vehicles, and this is the fastest and most responded to first post I have had.  I can tell that this will be a great experience.  Kudos for all your obvious love for your cars!   :cheers:

Foreman72

#19
May 21, 2009, 07:02:42 PM
Eric "Foreman"

Previous: 1972 Dodge Charger
Current: 2002 Volvo S60

"The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
=Psalm 37:23-24=
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."
=Matthew 6:19-21=
:pat

1972Charger

#20
May 21, 2009, 08:17:29 PM
You guys are good. 

I guess I lucked out that the body is in good condition.  Engine work I can do myself.  The replacement parts will be a problem, since money is scarce.  I guess Ebay or something like that would be a resource.

I appreciate the help! 

And your car is freaking nice.

teamroth

#21
May 21, 2009, 08:32:09 PM
Nice car to start. Don't know about rust, but I would get it running and see what some elbow grease will do first, and get that vinyl top off! Panels don't look bad, and interior looks like some things could be slavaged. Welcome!
I'd rather die than go to heaven.

mikesbbody

#22
May 22, 2009, 12:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikesbbody on May 20, 2009, 03:07:12 AM
Hi and Welcome  :cheers: is your Charger a SE? like the guy's said your in the right place
Also check out the 3rd gen site www.1971-1974dodgecharger.com   :2thumbs:

Sorry, I didnt look at all the pics before I posted. I had another look and can see it definitly is not a SE

C_stripes

#23
May 22, 2009, 12:51:04 AM
Welcome to the forum. This is a great place. 

Looks like a nice car. I bet there are some black widows around that car, I also just got a car that had spiders in it. Mine were brown recluses though.

Good luck on the build.

Jeremy
I'm smarter than I act, But I don't act smarter than I am.

1972Charger

#24
May 22, 2009, 02:29:54 AM
Quote from: mikesbbody on May 22, 2009, 12:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikesbbody on May 20, 2009, 03:07:12 AM
Hi and Welcome  :cheers: is your Charger a SE? like the guy's said your in the right place
Also check out the 3rd gen site www.1971-1974dodgecharger.com   :2thumbs:

Sorry, I didnt look at all the pics before I posted. I had another look and can see it definitly is not a SE

How can you tell that it is not an SE?  I am horribly new to this, so I do not know what the signs are. 

And Teamroth, take the vinyl top off to replace it? 

There are a surprising number of people on here expressing a fear of Arachnids, for some reason!  :icon_smile_big:

C_stripes

#25
May 22, 2009, 10:25:45 AM
I personally like spiders and am not afraid of them,  but when your reaching into tight dark spaces that you can't see. You never know what may find you.  :icon_smile_big:
I'm smarter than I act, But I don't act smarter than I am.

mopar73

#26
May 22, 2009, 10:34:47 AM
Welcome to the site!  There's a wealth of information to be had here.  Thats a pretty nice 72 you aquired and it looks like a great prodject down the road.  Any idea why it was parked in the first place? :shruggy:  It wouldn't have something to do with that 2 inch receiver in the rear being used to tow something huge and frying the tranny would it?  Good luck on bringing her back to life.

mikesbbody

#27
May 22, 2009, 09:07:03 PM
Quote from: 1972Charger on May 22, 2009, 02:29:54 AM
Quote from: mikesbbody on May 22, 2009, 12:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikesbbody on May 20, 2009, 03:07:12 AM
Hi and Welcome  :cheers: is your Charger a SE? like the guy's said your in the right place
Also check out the 3rd gen site www.1971-1974dodgecharger.com   :2thumbs:

Sorry, I didnt look at all the pics before I posted. I had another look and can see it definitly is not a SE

How can you tell that it is not an SE?  I am horribly new to this, so I do not know what the signs are. 

And Teamroth, take the vinyl top off to replace it? 

There are a surprising number of people on here expressing a fear of Arachnids, for some reason!  :icon_smile_big:

The difference is, the quarter window/roofline see how your's "kicks back" look at the banner pic of member "foreman" (green 72 charger) he posted in the first page you will see the difference I prefer the look of your car IMO.

Silver R/T

#28
May 22, 2009, 09:57:07 PM
Looks like a decent, restorable Charger.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/mitmaks

1968 silver/black/red striped R/T
My Charger is hybrid, it runs on gas and on tears of ricers
2001 Ram 2500 CTD
1993 Mazda MX-3 GS SE
1995 Ford Cobra SVT#2722

teamroth

#29
May 22, 2009, 10:18:43 PM
Quote from: 1972Charger on May 22, 2009, 02:29:54 AM
Quote from: mikesbbody on May 22, 2009, 12:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikesbbody on May 20, 2009, 03:07:12 AM
Hi and Welcome  :cheers: is your Charger a SE? like the guy's said your in the right place
Also check out the 3rd gen site www.1971-1974dodgecharger.com   :2thumbs:

Sorry, I didnt look at all the pics before I posted. I had another look and can see it definitly is not a SE

How can you tell that it is not an SE?  I am horribly new to this, so I do not know what the signs are. 

And Teamroth, take the vinyl top off to replace it? 

There are a surprising number of people on here expressing a fear of Arachnids, for some reason!  :icon_smile_big:

Well you could replace it if you like, but why I said it was, rust likes to hide under them.
I'd rather die than go to heaven.

mikesbbody

#30
May 23, 2009, 04:03:14 PM
I agree with Roth, remove the vinyl roof fix any rust hiding underneath if you really like it that much, replace it after its painted (personally Id leave it off)  :Twocents:

1972Charger

#31
May 23, 2009, 05:39:04 PM
A good point. 

As to why it was parked for 10 years, the guy who gave it to me retired and liked to golf more.  Cannot blame him.  But if he wants to give that car away, I wont bite the hand that feeds me.  Especially if the food is Chargers.

Foreman72

#32
May 23, 2009, 06:14:04 PM
Quote from: 1972Charger on May 23, 2009, 05:39:04 PM
A good point. 

As to why it was parked for 10 years, the guy who gave it to me retired and liked to golf more.  Cannot blame him.  But if he wants to give that car away, I wont bite the hand that feeds me.  Especially if the food is Chargers.

thats one awesome quote :lol:
Eric "Foreman"

Previous: 1972 Dodge Charger
Current: 2002 Volvo S60

"The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
=Psalm 37:23-24=
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."
=Matthew 6:19-21=
:pat

1972Charger

#33
May 23, 2009, 11:39:49 PM
Why thank you!  How true it is, though.

I am passing familiar with the 318, but not really so with the 400 V8.  Does it bear resemblance to the Chevy 400 or the Ford 400? 

BROCK

#34
May 24, 2009, 01:09:29 AM
Quote from: 1972Charger on May 23, 2009, 11:39:49 PM
.......the 400 V8.  Does it bear resemblance to the Chevy 400 or the Ford 400? 

Well only in that it has a low performance image.  It's a bored out 383, so all the parts to
make it scream are there + the stroker crowd loves em.  Chevy 400 = stroked 350 blah
Ford 400 is a raised deck 351 stroked also.  I love a good Cleveland - but all the right parts
are rare.  Nah.  Give me a 400 MoPar anyday.  The heads will do with larger valves (just like
a 440)  Compression needs to come way up - but pistons are needed anyway right.  Its all
basic stuff with the MoPar :2thumbs:

=============================================
Let your music be in transit to the world

1972Charger

#35
May 26, 2009, 08:44:13 PM
What would be on the parts list to improve performance on the 400?  Larger valves, pistons, ect?

mopar_nut_440_6

#36
May 26, 2009, 09:29:45 PM
Quote from: 1972Charger on May 26, 2009, 08:44:13 PM
What would be on the parts list to improve performance on the 400?  Larger valves, pistons, ect?

Stroker kit!
1968 Charger R/T 440 
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 680 HP Cummins with attitude

1972Charger

#37
May 27, 2009, 05:29:23 PM
So I came up with the VIN# of WH23M2A149392

Told me nothing that I do not really know already.  My next step will be to find the fender tag and decode that.  Anyone know where that might be?

FLG

#38
May 27, 2009, 05:44:33 PM
On the fender  :icon_smile_big:

Pop the hood, should be along the inner driver side fender  :2thumbs:

CDN72SE

#39
July 30, 2009, 01:25:55 PM
Hey 1972Charger, any updtaes on your restoration? Any pics of the car all cleaned up? Have you moved the car to a different resting place? I think I'm about to start a restoration thread with my 72 SE shortly.  :scratchchin:
1972 Charger SE
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