original or custom

[sparkybr74mr]

Here's a hell of a question for you. I don't know if this has been posted here before or not but, I have recently aquired a true 70 charger rt se 4spd. In the past I have done anything I wanted with cars due to the fact they were nice cars but not truly collectable cars with nice rare options. How do the members here feel about taking a car like the charger and modifying the paint, interior, hood, etc. from original to what an owner see's in his mind as altering to what he envisions as a kick ass ride. Recently I took a 70 challenger 318 and tranformed her into what I wanted in a car due to the fact it was close to as base of a model as they came. I have the opertunity now to restore to original or modify to what I would like to have. I will probably do what I want anyway but it never hurts to ask members opinions. I wil post pic's of the challenger before and after. Steven

[sparkybr74mr]

Redirected to general discussion board. Thanks, moderators

[69*F5*SE]

I like what you did with the Challenger but, I'm one of those guys that likes originality and if I aquired the Charger you have I'd do it original.  That's just me.  It's your car and you can do whatever you want.  Any good pics of the Charger? 

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Tough decision, on one hand I think your Charger deserves a correct restoration, but on the other hand its a lot more fun to do them the way you want.

[Ghoste]

I'm not a big fan of customs at all.  It makes it sound like I'm a purist and I suppose in that sense, I am but to me all of the Mopars are essentially the same under the skin.  It's the styling that sets certain models apart and I have always felt the Charger styling from 66 to 74 was about perfect as is.  Especially the 68-70 version.  Small changes or subtle ones don't bother me much but there are some real Charger abortions rolling around the streets. 
I guess I've just never seen too many custom cars of any stripe that I thought were all that attractive.

[Rustymuscle]

You pose a good question. I've always had the "Susie, the Little Blue Coupe" mentality...



You guys remember this old Disney cartoon? It's about a little blue coupe that goes through its life as a reliable, everyday driver. But as time progresses and she ages, her owner's interest in the plain Jane little coupe dwindles. Eventually, she's stolen, involved in a high speed getaway and a pretty bad pile up, which lands her in the county wrecking yard.

Years pass until the mid 1950s when a teenager purchases her for a paltry sum and pushes her into his garage. There, he and a bunch of his school pals chop, channel, shave, smooth, and 'supe her up into a true blue (pardon the pun) hot rod, giving her a new lease on life.



Why bring this up? Because, unlike your R/T Charger, a plain Jane Charger, Challenger, or Satellite never had the chance to be adored like its Hemi, 440 Six-Pack, and T/A brethren. Cars that "never where" (in my opinion) should be considered for cloning, modding, or otherwise. Real "numbers cars" should be restored, slightly modded (if at all) and preserved; they are living legends after all.

[Mike DC]

If you don't really wanna keep it original, then I'd sell it. 

Take the money and go buy another Chally with a 318 VIN.  Not only does it get you out of the originality quandry, but this car's sale price will also get you more car if you're shopping for a non-matching car.

[BROCK]

There were 1442 SE R/Ts in 1970 - that's all colors all drivelines.  There
were 1443 4sp 440 R/Ts in 1970.  We're talking like 15% of 15% here -
like maybe 210 cars built like that.  It deserves saving

I don't see where you did anything but fix the Challenger (well, I do like
the original color).  That interior looks more stock after you finished than
before.  What did you have in mind?  7 where are your pictures?

[mikesbbody]

I like what you did with your Challenger, (apart from the tinted windows) I say do what you want within reason.
As long as it can be changed back then go for it! Im not into keeping thing's 100% stock its just not my thing 

[jaak]

Go custom! 

Jason

[sparkybr74mr]

Here's some pic's of the charger

[Ghoste]

I think even more so after seeing the pics that it looks great the way it came from Dodge.

[sparkybr74mr]

Car was originally ff4 green with white tail stripe, black interior. Trunk needs replaced other than that car is solid as can be. Previous owner had her since 86 and he bought it Texas at that time.

[sparkybr74mr]

There were 1442 SE R/Ts in 1970 - that's all colors all drivelines.  There
were 1443 4sp 440 R/Ts in 1970.  We're talking like 15% of 15% here -
like maybe 210 cars built like that.  It deserves saving

I don't see where you did anything but fix the Challenger (well, I do like
the original color).  That interior looks more stock after you finished than
before.  What did you have in mind?  7 where are your pictures?

I always wanted a triple black car so the challenger got the makeover, I wanted the t/a hood because there are not too many of those around everyone puts an r/t hood on. I also wanted the matte black stripe kit to set off the gloss black. So as far as the challenger went the original paint was changed, interior color was changed as well, hood was replaced and a bunch of new trim and replacement interior parts redone I also redid te exhust system with the t/a mufflers and side pipes. As far as what I would like to do to the charger I have some ideas but nothing has really hit me yet. The engine is also not original to the car although it is a dated 70 440. Steve

[mikepmcs]

After seeing the Challenger up top, I say do what you want because it appears you make sound decisions and are not too radical with your final product.  Are you just altering paint and such or are you going four link, tubbed, etc...I guess that would help me make my decision.  In the end, it's yours, you own, and you are going to drive it so who really cares what anybody else thinks.  On the other hand Mike made a good point in his reply.  Sell it for all the money you can get, buy another charger(or 2) and then mod the hell out of it.