Should I be afraid of Frame rust?

[RecklessYouth]

Hello, Im new to the site mainly cause I dont have a Charger yet. I used to have a 68 Charger and now am searching for another second gen. Anyways, while Im on my quest for the project charger of my dreams, I have passed on a few because rusty frames particularly in the rear. Am I being overly cautious by passing on these cars or is a rusted frame not as big of a deal as I used to think? I know rusted trunk, floors, and 1/4s can be expected but about how much am I lookin at to fix a rusted out frame anyways? Any help or insight is appreciated! 

[Ghoste]

It depends on how bad it is really.  Anything can be fixed if you're willing to pour enough money all over it but there are certainly some that are easier than others.

[mopar73]

Look for the cleanest thing you can find.  you'll be money ahead in the long run

[r_biccum]

Look for the cleanest thing you can find.  you'll be money ahead in the long run

however, with the amount of avalible replacement parts, its hard to turn down a good deal on a car because of rust.. you can buy almost any part new..

[Mike DC]

Asking what is technically fixable is one thing.  Asking what is realistically worthwhile to fix is something else. 

There isn't much that can't be fixed/replaced.  But the question usually is not "can the _______ be replaced?"  What you really need to be asking yourself is this: "If the ______ is that bad, then how bad is everything else on this thing besides what I already know of?" 


So the answer to the frame question is yes, it's fixable.  You can spend some money and buy a rust-free rear clip from another B-body (the floor & rails from the backseat to the taillights, all one piece.  Usually hacked out of a 4dr because it's cheap and it's the same stuff.)  You take that huge chunk and replace it into the car as if the factory did it.  Often the trunkfloor sheemetal is toasted but the passenger & axle-hump sheetmetal is decent. 

------------------------------------------

But what's worthwhile? 

Save your money and spend at least $10K or $15K on the initial car.  It'll need work, but it's all there and it's mostly workable. 


(You just read this and you probably think I'm advising you to buy an already restored car.  Well, unfortunately no.  These days, just the "builder" that needs major work all over it is STILL gonna cost you $10K or more.  When it comes to 68/69 Chargers, $10,000-15,000 is the new $3000.)

[69bronzeT5]

The weird thing is...my '69's left rear frame rail has some pretty extensive rust on it but the right one is good and so is the trunk floor

[Ghoste]

Because salt piles up in the center of the roadways (during winter obviously) and flings a higher concentration of it up into your laft frame.

[r_biccum]

or maybe the rust gremlins in your area are left handed 

[PocketThunder]

These days, just the "builder" that needs major work all over it is STILL gonna cost you $10K or more.  When it comes to 68/69 Chargers, $10,000-15,000 is the new $3000.)

If only my Dad would have loaned me $4000 back in the early 1990's to buy a 69 R/T that was in very good condition in the local shopper...    

[Landonsrt]

Dont be affraid. Look what im working with! Any car guy knows, Its worth it in the end!

[69*F5*SE]

If you're looking for a resto project then find something within reasonable condition otherwise it's just going to cost you good money and time.  If you're looking to get out and enjoy yourself then look for something that's already in good condition.  Not everybody is equiped with the desire to get tied up in a lengthy and expensive resto project.   Nevertheless, get an R/T car if you can. 

[Hemidog]

Dont be affraid. Look what im working with! Any car guy knows, Its worth it in the end!

That thing reminds me of AirborneSilva's car, wonder what he is up to now?