74' Dodge Charger

[Chad]

Hey everybody, i have been looking for a good car to buy and really invest some time and money into it, however im a college student, so time and money isnt something i have in abundance, which could make this option a mistake. At first i went after a jeep wrangler for off-roading fun, however i stand at 6'6'' and i was literally unable to drive a wrangler. After searching for cars for tall people i was delighted to see that Dodge Charger was on the list.
I do not know alot about cars, but im looking to learn, and my dad used to restore muscle cars before he started farming, and so its been 20 to 30 years and he cant remember all the specifics. Bascially what ive narrowed my car choices down to is this:

'74 Dodge Charger
440 Magnum
Slap Stick on the Floor
Supposedly factory edition racing package? (Rallye im guessing?)
Dual exhaust out the rear
Interior needs a floor, and runners, the seats need re-done, basically not much there, but interior is on the bottom of the list
Some rust damage in the usual spots, we were planning on re-fabricating the rusted out parts, at most there's dime size holes on the bottom of the panels near the tires.
Cant tell you to much else, we havent done a total evaluation of the car, but it runs, we drove it down the highway and no smoke blew out the tailpipes when started up, dad feels the engine is mechanically sound.

It's been nearly 2 months and they are still working on getting us a title for the car, they bought it from an Icelander who bought it from someone else, so we cant get a clear history on it.
Negotiated the price to $4,000 + usage of their paint room so we can re-paint it.

Also found a red charger that doesnt run, a 74 as well, for 2 grand, the body is in the same shape and the interior is slightly nicer, however seems much more of a project car, and no idea what could all be wrong with the engine

My question is this, Does 4 grand seem like a good deal, and judging by the pictures, what edition would you say it is? They claim its a racing package from the factory, and after googling for a while, i am guessing a Rallye package? however we arent sure if they are telling the truth or just throwing a hood and tail-light package on and calling it original, what are other little details to look for to see what the truth is?
It comes with a flat black hood scoop, with Magnum 440 decals, and a taillight package which i have not seen on most other chargers, also i recall reading something about mirrors being different, and these appear to resemble other package pictures.

My apologies if i appear ignorant.

Here are some pictures.

[jaak]

The car in the pics is a 71 not a 74. If its the one for 4 grand, sounds like a good deal to me.

Jason

[1970RT]

You mentioned your height and being able to fit into a car.  I'm 6-4 and I barely fit in my 70 charger.  My head just touches the headliner.  The 3rd generation chargers might have more headroom but I think anyone 6-6 would have a hard time in a 70 with stock seats.

[Chad]

Thanks Jason! We havent been able to get the title and so we were unsure the exact year of the car, we figured it was a 70s the people selling it were saying 74 or so. What gave it away that it was a 71?

Also the car has a half vinyl top to it, which would need re-done as it has completely fell apart.

I have driven the car and i found it to be a good fit, i sit in it as well as i do my current car, which is a 1988 Lincoln town car, talk about a boat. Getting in and out is a little tricky, but anything thats not a truck i have problems with, you get used to it.

[jaak]

Thanks Jason! We havent been able to get the title and so we were unsure the exact year of the car, we figured it was a 70s the people selling it were saying 74 or so. What gave it away that it was a 71?

Also the car has a half vinyl top to it, which would need re-done as it has completely fell apart.

I have driven the car and i found it to be a good fit, i sit in it as well as i do my current car, which is a 1988 Lincoln town car, talk about a boat. Getting in and out is a little tricky, but anything thats not a truck i have problems with, you get used to it.

71-2 Chargers have a different roof than 73-4, and the side markers that are on the car in the pics was only used in 71, 72-4 used different side markers (like on the ones in the pic of my 73 in my signature.)

Jason

[Dodgecharger74]

tail lights & grill inserts are 71

[Chad]

  Awesome, good eyes!

Does it appear to be standard stock 71 charger? And they just slapped on a different hood? Or is it Rallye? Also i was reading and if its a 71 does that mean its a R/T or is that pre-70s only? I read the R/T was replaced with the Rallye edition but i was unsure the exact year this took place.

Curious to know so that we can restore it as accurately as possible to the original condition.

Thanks for all the help!

[jaak]

If you get a chance, open the hood and look on the left inner fender, there is a tag with option codes...if you can write down those codes and post them on here, we will decode it and find out for sure what you got there.

Jason

[Chad]

Gotcha, the car is in town so we'll go get those codes after lunch, Also i forgot to add that it has AC/Power Steering and Power Brakes, would these 'luxury' options mean its an SE?

I suppose the easiest route would be to just get the code and find out all the information from that, however it would be nice to have the knowledge to be able to pick out small details and be able to know what it exactly would be.

Thanks! 

[rav440]

get the VIN TAG # also . just in case the fender tag is missing . it wont tell you a whole lot as the fender tag but still it will tell what motor and such it has 

[mikesbbody]

Chad, Jason is right for the price its a steal! Im looking at it thinking it might be a Charger 500 since it has the RT style Tailights. However, the 500's biggest motor was the 383 not that it matters (better off with a 440 imo) the Rallye did replace the RT but not until 72. 71 was the last year for the RT Charger. 

[Chad]

I went into town to take more pictures, and feel like an idiot for not noticing CHARGER SE on the console 

Yeah we just arent to knowledgeable on the charger specifics, and the tail light style, along with the hood and the 440 and the fact that the guys selling it are claiming it to be a racing package deal sorta just confused us.
The motor is a 440 but we dont think it was stock, and since they suped it up, they had to put a different hood on to make room, from what i've gotten from reading, SE editions seem to be sort of a wussy version of the Chargers not 'luxury' however hopefully the guys before us did us a favor by dropping in the 440.

Any tips/info would be helpful!

Thanks! 

[69bronzeT5]

Here's the fender tag decoded....

Code     Description
E44   318-2 Barrel
D31   Light Duty 904 Automatic Transmission TorqueFlite
WH23   
W = Dodge Coronet / Charger
H = High
23 = 2 Door Hardtop
G1G   
G = 318 230HP 1-2BBL 8 CYL
1 = 1971
G = St. Louis, MO, USA
173813   Sequence Number '173813'
GY9   
Paint Code: Dark Gold Metallic
C2X9   
Trim Grade/Style/Color
C = Charger
2 = Vinyl Bench
X9 = Black
TX9   Upper Door Frame: Black / Black Velvet
204   Date Built: 2 / 04 / 1971
049866   Order Number: 049866
V4X   Roof Type OR Color:  Black Canopy Vinyl Roof
U   Built to Specifications for USA Order
A85   Charger Topper Package
G11   Tinted Glass All
G33   Left Hand Outside Mirror - Manual / Chrome
H51   Single Air /w Heater
L31   Hood / Fender Mount Turn Signal
M21   Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M25   Wide Sill Molding
M31   Belt & Hood Molding
M44   Hood & Fender Molding
R11   Music Master Radio AM
26   26 in. Radiator
END   End of Codes

[jaak]

Even though it is not an RT, its a nice 71 for a nice price... not to mention its already got a running 440 plus that bulge hood (those things are worth $$$$$). You need to get this car before someone else does, 4k for a running charger in that shape is a steal.

Jason

[Chad]

I live in a town of 700 and they havent posted that they wanted to sell it, been sitting for a month or two, so im not worried about competition 
That is Awesome that you decoded that for me, i really appreciate it! We are curious that since the Tranny is Light-duty and that a 440 was thrown in, that we will have to upgrade the tranny.

Also found the color to be more of baby puke than "Gold Metallic" 

Here are some pictures of the Interior and Motor: 440 w/650 duel pumper holly

[Chad]

More Pix

Only thing i dont overly like is the color, and repainting is a bitch with door jams, i was looking to do sorta metallic/dark green, black half vinyl top and interior.

[mikesbbody]

Chad, I would go buy that car a.s.a.p   the bulge hood is worth some bucks (its off a 73 Rallye) you have a 440, with console if it were mine I wouldnt put the vinyl roof back on I'd probably put a 750 D.P Holley on there you also have RT Tailights (worth some $) you cant go wrong for the price! I'm not too good with decoding Cody has done that for you my 72 SE has "wp29" maybe it was different in 71? I would really love to know if it is  SE, or a 500, or something else you say it has the SE badges? yup, you need to go buy it!

[mikesbbody]

One other thing Chad, if it were a SE it would have the hideaway lights which it doesnt. This does not mean it never had them if I knew the codes better I could tell you for sure what model it is someone here will know and will chime in.

[jaak]

I live in a town of 700 and they havent posted that they wanted to sell it, been sitting for a month or two, so im not worried about competition 
That is Awesome that you decoded that for me, i really appreciate it! We are curious that since the Tranny is Light-duty and that a 440 was thrown in, that we will have to upgrade the tranny.

Also found the color to be more of baby puke than "Gold Metallic" 

Here are some pictures of the Interior and Motor: 440 w/650 duel pumper holly

The tranny had to be upgraded, because the 904 that was bolted to the 318 will not bolt up to a 440, the tranny in it now is a 727 TorqueFlite.

Jason

[Chad]

I know a guy selling a 3rd generation Dodger if you guys are interested, its in Denver Colorado, and its exterior/interior is better than this one, however motor problems, and we dont know whats all wrong with it, he wants 2k for it, and if you could fix it and get it running for what he says is wrong, it'd be the deal of the century, however we dont feel like taking that gamble

Yeah, the dash says SE on it, and it has certain features that are luxury items, i am not sure if i want to put on SE taillight covers and a different hood, try to make it more original, or just roll with it.

Also i was looking on the forum and someone's charger had a two tone paint job, a silvery color on the top half and then a strip of black in the middle and the bottom was red, it was gorgeous, and im going to try to do something similar to that hopefully.

Sweet! Thanks Jason, we were worried that we had a tranny re-build ahead of us.

[jaak]

I'd consider green for color......Here's a pic of Mike's car for inspiration!

Jason

[Chad]

That is a purty car!

We were going to do the paint job ourselves, and so dad refuses to paint it far from the origional, so we dont have to tackle the major problem of door jams/hood, trunk, etc. So that kinda limits me, however i still think it'd be worth it. .

I yanked this picture from some guy on the forums   and then did a poor quick job of changing it to something that looks like what i want to do, black interior, think it would look good?

Edit: I also did a shitty job doing another rendering with a white stripe, and black playing a larger role so it plays off the interior better.

[mikesbbody]

Chad, thanks for the kind words about my Charger  if I were you I would keep the Bulge hood and the RT tailights both are expensive and sought after items (and they look better) I'm still hanging out to put my bulge hood on my Charger I have RT Tailights which may go on someday. Also, check out the 3rd gen Charger website
                                     www.1971-1974dodgecharger.com    great score btw! 

[Nitrox]

That hood is off a '73.

[Chad]

We are contemplating lining the inside and outside of the floor with Rhino liner, to help stave off the rust that i'll possibly get moving to Missouri, hope this idea doesn't mortify anybody. 

[rav440]

We are contemplating lining the inside and outside of the floor with Rhino liner, to help stave off the rust that i'll possibly get moving to Missouri, hope this idea doesn't mortify anybody. 

why ? are you going to drive it in the winter on salt covered roads ? from what i undestand that stuff is BIG $$$ and thick as hell plus bullet proff and heavy .

[Chad]

We are contemplating lining the inside and outside of the floor with Rhino liner, to help stave off the rust that i'll possibly get moving to Missouri, hope this idea doesn't mortify anybody. 

why ? are you going to drive it in the winter on salt covered roads ? from what i undestand that stuff is BIG $$$ and thick as hell plus bullet proff and heavy .

I live in Colorado but go to school in Missouri in the Winter which means alot of ice and alot of salt and alot of dumb moisture, which is cruel to put any car through, but i think you should enjoy a car, not necessarily let it sit in a garage nice and warm, that and i dont have two cars

The guys we are buying it from do the bed of trucks with that stuff, and since we are getting to use their paint room for free we might slap a coat of that on then too, and yeah they are heavy duty, on TV they showed it surviving an explosion when the rest of the truck was in pieces, its just an idea we had, the floor in it now is a little rusty and there is no carpet, and then i wouldnt have to worry about muddy shoes quite so much.

edit: Also not sure if it is necessary, but it will be some added weight to help gain some traction, etc.

[rav440]

We are contemplating lining the inside and outside of the floor with Rhino liner, to help stave off the rust that i'll possibly get moving to Missouri, hope this idea doesn't mortify anybody. 

why ? are you going to drive it in the winter on salt covered roads ? from what i undestand that stuff is BIG $$$ and thick as hell plus bullet proff and heavy .

I live in Colorado but go to school in Missouri in the Winter which means alot of ice and alot of salt and alot of dumb moisture, which is cruel to put any car through, but i think you should enjoy a car, not necessarily let it sit in a garage nice and warm, that and i dont have two cars

The guys we are buying it from do the bed of trucks with that stuff, and since we are getting to use their paint room for free we might slap a coat of that on then too, and yeah they are heavy duty, on TV they showed it surviving an explosion when the rest of the truck was in pieces, its just an idea we had, the floor in it now is a little rusty and there is no carpet, and then i wouldnt have to worry about muddy shoes quite so much.

edit: Also not sure if it is necessary, but it will be some added weight to help gain some traction, etc.

well it your car and your $ . but just a thought , in the money your going to spend in fuel and rhino liner you could get a cheap car for the winter and enjoy the CHARGER during the rest of the year . 

[Nacho-RT74]

car is a mixing of parts.

71 regular grill with SE insert at dash ( being SE should it be concealed lights )
Brougham door panels came out to float since 72 not 71.
Seats are 72 pattern
73 hood ( bulged... nice )

My theory... probably an original 500 with 72 SE interior parts from a donor ? ( including dash, since brougham package is very common on SEs )

Or a regular piece with the 72 stuff, and R/T-500 tail lights, and of course the hood

[Chad]

car is a mixing of parts.

71 regular grill with SE insert at dash ( being SE should it be concealed lights )
Brougham door panels came out to float since 72 not 71.
Seats are 72 pattern
73 hood ( bulged... nice )

My theory... probably an original 500 with 72 SE interior parts from a donor ? ( including dash, since brougham package is very common on SEs )

Or a regular piece with the 72 stuff, and R/T-500 tail lights, and of course the hood

Hmmm, this is helpful, thanks! The AC/Power Steering and power brakes made us think SE and 'luxury' and then the SE dash insert def made us think that it was an SE, dad thought it would've been a little ridiculous for someone to insert a completely different dash.

69bronzeT5  was kind enough to translate the fender tags for us, and looking over it again i dont see it say SE or 500 or RT anywhere, so im guessing that means standard? It appears to be a standard 318 Charger, with an upgraded Motor/Tranny to support a 440 + RT/Rallye attachments on the exterior (Hood/Taillight covers) and now, SE replacement parts on the inside?
Also the passenger front fender is not an origional, that or they painted just that fender a diffrent color We are figuring that it got in a wreck and all these hodge-podge parts was an attempt to restore it?

Also, you say that the lack of hide-away headlights could mean its not an SE, could they have just replaced the front, and the front lights now also be a remodeled effect?

We are calling this call the Dodge Charger: Hybrid 

[lisiecki1]

if you do decide to replace the hood i have a flat 73 se hood and cash for your bulge hood

[Chad]

if you do decide to replace the hood i have a flat 73 se hood and cash for your bulge hood

Haha Well, nice try, but if we put a regular hood on it wouldnt be able to close unless we tuned down the motor. Sorry.

The tags on the fender/door/dash all say it was made in 2/71  so unless they found a same month dash and door, i have a feeling that it was SE from the factory? I would think this would have shown up when decoding the tags, this seems to be quite the mystery car. 

Also dad is pushing me to put in side exhaust kit as seen below.

[lisiecki1]

if you do decide to replace the hood i have a flat 73 se hood and cash for your bulge hood

Haha Well, nice try, but if we put a regular hood on it wouldnt be able to close unless we tuned down the motor. Sorry.

The tags on the fender/door/dash all say it was made in 2/71  so unless they found a same month dash and door, i have a feeling that it was SE from the factory? I would think this would have shown up when decoding the tags, this seems to be quite the mystery car. 

Also dad is pushing me to put in side exhaust kit as seen below.

it's cool.... a bulge hood won't clear my build.....at one point i considered lake pipes myself, but rode in a vette that had some and they were too noisy with the windows down at speed

[Chad]

if you do decide to replace the hood i have a flat 73 se hood and cash for your bulge hood

Haha Well, nice try, but if we put a regular hood on it wouldnt be able to close unless we tuned down the motor. Sorry.

The tags on the fender/door/dash all say it was made in 2/71  so unless they found a same month dash and door, i have a feeling that it was SE from the factory? I would think this would have shown up when decoding the tags, this seems to be quite the mystery car. 

Also dad is pushing me to put in side exhaust kit as seen below.

it's cool.... a bulge hood won't clear my build.....at one point i considered lake pipes myself, but rode in a vette that had some and they were too noisy with the windows down at speed

Ah, good to know, while they look pretty sweet and unique they looked like they could burn you pretty good if you got your legs caught on em, i have a tricky time getting out of cars as it is.

[Nacho-RT74]

is not an SE or RT simply beacuse SE is WP29 and R/T is WS23 on VIN... so either is Regular or 500. BUT mostly a regular, being 500 should have drip rail molds, and front and real bumper reveal moldings ( unless removed )

[Chad]

is not an SE or RT simply beacuse SE is WP29 and R/T is WS23 on VIN... so either is Regular or 500. BUT mostly a regular, being 500 should have drip rail molds, and front and real bumper reveal moldings ( unless removed )

Thank you, it most defiantly is a hybrid. 

[mikesbbody]

car is a mixing of parts.

71 regular grill with SE insert at dash ( being SE should it be concealed lights )
Brougham door panels came out to float since 72 not 71.
Seats are 72 pattern
73 hood ( bulged... nice )

My theory... probably an original 500 with 72 SE interior parts from a donor ? ( including dash, since brougham package is very common on SEs )

Or a regular piece with the 72 stuff, and R/T-500 tail lights, and of course the hood

Hey Chad, as usual Nacho nailed it right on  a mixture of parts from different 3rd gen Chargers and I agree with him, probably a Regular model or a 500 (do the rear windows roll down?) nothing wrong with a "Hybrid" you have some cool parts i there! 

[Chad]

Yes you have the regular door windows and idk what you call the back windows that roll down, but they roll down into the body, which is one of the things i like most 

With the Original paint color being "Dark Gold Mettalic" I think what will probably happen is that we will paint it a more modern gold, so it appears gold and not brown, and then leave the buldge in the hood a glossy black, and replace the black vynyl top. Then for some added flair my dad is a good at pin striping, and i think some accents in black to match the hood buldge and vynyl top would make the car really look good.

Also im leaning towards making a more 'modern' interior, i have yet to see the new chargers, but perhaps an interior out of one of those, i saw one guy on the form who made his own console/gauge covers and it looked very nice with racing seats and wheel.

[mikesbbody]

Chad, it sounds to me your going for personal custom touches on your Charger you already have a plan, I cant wait to see how it looks when its finished 

[Chad]

This is sorta what i have in my head right now, no doubt it'll change five more times before i get time to paint it over xmas break, but this is more likely than the other renditions, Im not sure how far to the original gold metallic i can get without it being to easy to notice.

[Nacho-RT74]

nothing wrong with a "Hybrid" you have some cool parts i there! 

I'm agree, nothing wrong with it, and from the distance you would get a nice base to start a good custom job. All the parts does look in good conditions.

[73TXRallye440]

keep us updated.

[Finn]

Great project you have there, but personally I wouldn't limit myself color wise. Most people aren't going too see the areas with original paint. Even if you stick close to the original color you'll still see a difference once you open the door so as long as that's there you might as well have the body the color you like.

[jaak]

Hey Chad, did you buy the car?

Jason

[Chad]

The title should be here this week, they had to jump through alot of hoops with all these new regulations on cars i guess, the government is really trying to keep old cars off the road. 

Should have it in the shop by this weekend, then two weeks of work in between farm work and i head off to school, hope to have it road ready by then, but doubtful if we have to order any parts. 

[mikesbbody]

That's great news Chad  be sure to post more pics when you have it 

[Chad]

Wow, so the title for the car, just now came in. Apparently Nevada title company and Arizona do not work anymore so they had to try some other company, got charged 500$ and should be headed to the post office any day now. Ive been chomping at the bit to get this car in my hands and start working on it, i have been looking up interior parts on the car, let me shoot some prices at you guys and see what you think

Carpet Kit for a '71  - $125
+ Mass Backing (Good idea or not?)  - $60

Headliner - $70

It also could use new seats, the front two bucket seats are in questionable condition, large cracks and some foam missing, a easy cheap solution could be rigged with some foam and new seat covers. The back seat appears to be in great shape, however when i press down on it you can hear internal cracking almost, like it hasnt been sat on for ten years and would quickly show damage if it were to be used much. I have been searching for replacement seats, and having a hard time finding the actual seats, Dante's Mopar parts and others just sell seat covers and foam is this because it is simple/easier to just do it yourself?

Also i am not sure what body it is, A/B/C/E?

And also i am looking for vinyl top replacement for the charger, as seen in the pictures it is that half-top type, i forget what we had decided the official name for those types are, but could anyone throw out a price range for that, or suggestions?

Thanks, i hope to start the process this week, what a xmas gift 

-Chad

[Nacho-RT74]

B body

prices you posted are just right on market

seat covers changes between 71 and 72/74 ( seats/foams itself too ), 74 covers are diff with 72/73 just by the vinyl grain

half top is usually called CANOPY roof

[Chad]

Anyone have any tips for a nice sound system? Read someone was trying to hide it behind the ashtray cover, which does sound pretty clever, however im not sure of any small enough to fit behind that, atleast none with a CD player. With the speakers it looks like just two in front and two in back, has anyone tried to put some in the doors, or anywhere else?  Trunk is big enough you could throw some good ones in there. Im not wanting to shatter windows, but right now it has JC penny speakers in it, and something like Infinity would be more desirable

[SG1022]

Anyone have any tips for a nice sound system? Read someone was trying to hide it behind the ashtray cover, which does sound pretty clever, however im not sure of any small enough to fit behind that, atleast none with a CD player. With the speakers it looks like just two in front and two in back, has anyone tried to put some in the doors, or anywhere else?  Trunk is big enough you could throw some good ones in there. Im not wanting to shatter windows, but right now it has JC penny speakers in it, and something like Infinity would be more desirable

Keep us posted, I am trying to figure out which way to go for my 73, I will probably make a custom holder for the radio ledge under the rear windshield, and a custom box in the trunk.

[Foreman72]

Anyone have any tips for a nice sound system? Read someone was trying to hide it behind the ashtray cover, which does sound pretty clever, however im not sure of any small enough to fit behind that, atleast none with a CD player. With the speakers it looks like just two in front and two in back, has anyone tried to put some in the doors, or anywhere else?  Trunk is big enough you could throw some good ones in there. Im not wanting to shatter windows, but right now it has JC penny speakers in it, and something like Infinity would be more desirable

hey man, just came across this thread...glad to see you got the car...i'm in a similar situation...being in college and all...however  your car is in much nicer shape than mine   (the pic in my sig is what she will look like...someday)

anyways, as far as audio...i would suggest that you make the next sound system a last priority for now but when you do get to it...check out this thread

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,51861.0.html

here's another

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,32285.0.html


i'd recommend mounting the head unit in the glove box with a control cable running to the box in the console to connect your ipod to...
then i'd get kick panels from paddock with 6in openings for front speakers...
then i'd get 6x9s in the package tray...the holes are already there for them so thats easy
as far as subs...2 12s are gonna be quite heavy...
i think a single 12 even a 10 DVC would do great...you could push about 400w of pure low end with that...
as far as brands...alpine or pioneer deck,
infinity kappa speakers are great, also polk makes nice stuff, alpine again...
for subs...infinity, jl, alpine...

hope this helps...there are lots of great threads on this topic...

so (sorry if you've already addressed this) hows the rust? floors alright? trunk?

good luck with your project man...its slow going when your in the situation we are...hey, when looking at the car isn't inspiration enough, check this out...http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,21376.0.html...don't forget to post pics...

[daytona71]

Hey Chad
One option for you for sound to look at is  http://www.woodradios.com/.  Ive seen and heard their conversions. The stock radio looks the same, but offers both am and fm from the same radio. I know they also have a lead to allow external feeds(i-pods, cd etc)
Yous stock radio isnt changed on the outside, but all new electronics are inside. Nice sound and good volume too

[Chad]

Bastards finally got the charger title in after 6 months and they are trying to low ball me and ask for 500$ more, total of 4500. They bought it for 3500 with a shit ton of parts and body parts to it. i cant afford to keep upping the price, even if you all still think its a deal, im going to try tell em i cant do anything less than 4 grand with the parts. Hopefully they agree but who knows, they've had it sitting in the back lot for 3 years now, and the floor has some pretty good rust and they seem iffy on the tranny which isnt good, they're kinda crooked we've delt with them before.

Anyways hopefully i can find another charger, at the very least another muscle car.

[lisiecki1]

Sounds like you had a verbal agreement for 4000....I would make them stick to it or walk away....

[SG1022]

Sounds like you had a verbal agreement for 4000....I would make them stick to it or walk away....

Yep

[Akron_Charger]

 

[Chad]

Yup, its pretty hard to abandon the charger i've  over for the last 6 months, but im surfing craig's list and found a '72 dodge charger that looks to be in better shape body wise, however i have no idea what the interior is like, or much about it at all, the guy lives a few hours away and wants 4500 for it, hoping it will turn out to be a better deal. I called and it sounded like a high school kid was selling it, so it will be interesting to see how that works out, and i should be getting some ##s for you geniuses to decode for me so i know what im exactly dealing with.

[71383bee]

I almost hate to tell you this, but upon looking at the photos I would go for the first charger over this recent one.  The other car is still in it's original paint, ugly as it may be, but it looks to me that the recent yellow car is a quickie paint job with a cheapo scoop riveted to a stock hood.  

71 chargers will always be worth more than 72's and up ( assuming similar condition options).  The 71 you were looking at was a 71 charger topper package which had the upgraded interior and rallye dash.  SE's had WP in the Vin (as Nacho pointed out) and the easiest identifier is the nearly vertical 1/4 windows.  This was done back in the day when an SE meant something more than decals and leather interior.  As a bonus someone yanked the stock 318 and tranny and slipped in a Big Block (Until you see the engine pad there is no guarantee that is' a 440, it could be a 361, 383, 400, 413, or a 440!) 727 tranny, R/T taillights (big $$$$), bulge hood (more big $$$$), power disc brakes, A/C, and bucket seats.  If the bozos who converted it had a brain they hopefully swapped the rear end to an 8 3/4 too.  The condition was what i would consider rough, but very doable.  There is NO WAY that I would plan on just driving the thing around town as its shown.  With how that engine compartment looks there was some serious shadetree mechanic work that after years of working on these cars it is a clear and present warning sign.  Definitely have a backup plan because I can almost guarantee that something is not assembled, tuned, or working right on that thing.    However, that is not to say that it is not worth it.  As for the paint that is tawny gold i think which when buffed up is actually kind of a neat color.  Not common now a days for sure.  The engine bay looks dirty, but mostly there. 

I would stick to $4,000 and make them realize that a title was THEIR responsibility if they ever intended to legally sell a car.  There is NO WAY that you are responsible for their error.  

Now for the second car...there's no way to say this nicely, but I would have some serious doubts on this one.  That is a non original non offered color on there that was quickly applied.  Probably to hide some hideous body work if I might add.  An obvious warning sign is black paint in the engine bay.  Huge giveaway!  Mopars have painted engine bays...they are not chevy's!  I see black paint and almost always walk away. Unless the VIN says its a rallye (It won't and it isn't) or something I would steer clear of that 72.

Not to sound too much like a gruff old dude here but I gotta tell you that it will help you in so many ways for you to take some time and research the car your into.  Site like this, moparts, 71superbee.com, allpar, etc.  can arm you with some valuable info that can help you loads.  For example for me the differences between a 71 and a 74 are like an apple to an orange.  Not only are the bodies not the same, but the suspension, trim, and other mechanical items are vastly different.  Another example is how right away people pointed out important details that belie true value like the taillights and hood.

Just my   I am not trying to   you here.  I do know that knowing what I do now versus what I knew when I bought my first classic mopar (also a beat up 72 318 charger) would have helped me alot...but sometimes you gotta learn the hard way.  I also bought my first car right out of college...    

BTW a great fender tag decoder is on stockmopar.com's site... http://www.stockmopar.com/mopar-fender-tag-decoder.php

[Chad]

Yet again, i have found another charger to pursue, it is much closer to college, which makes it possible to go see, however more difficult to get home to the shop. The 71 olive green charger is apparently still sitting in the back lot, and no doubt will be for another half year, just shows it was a bluff saying they have people lined up to buy it.  

Didnt bother looking more into the yellow charger, after some photos i received it looks to be about 80% bondo

So this new one is a '67 Dodge Charger, just got into contact with them so i will post any additional info i find out, have any questions that i should ask i'd appreciate it!  They are asking for $1,900

"1967 Dodge Charger with no motor and no trans. The previous owner took the car apart to restore it and he like so many, lost interest. We don't have the room right now to keep it so we are offering it up for sale. We do have most of the parts to put it back together except the gas tank and the radiator. This car was out of Texas and has NO RUST!!! It would be a easy restoration project. We do have some extra parts that will also go with the car."

Emailed them and. .

"Hi Chad,
We do still have the car.  We are being totally honest when we say no rust.  The trunk and floor plan are in great shape, no rust.  The car was originally a Texas car.  As for the interior, the front seats are missing, no headliner, the back seats are in great shape, no carpet, the door panels are ok.  I don't have a picture of the tags, but we do have a clear title.  The car was taken apart by the previous owner who was going to restore it but he had some serious health issues and unfortunately passed away.  We bought the car as a favor to his father.  This is the original color, it has never been totally repainted.  Has had the front left fender painted but otherwise its original. We do have most of the parts to put it back except the  gas tank, radiator, and a few pieces of  chrome.  we also have some extra parts, a extra hood, extra door, and extra right fender, extra set of headlights. If you have any other questions, feel free to give us a call.  Thanks."

[lisiecki1]

Send the first place a letter offering them the $3500 that they have in it since they were obivously jerking you around.  Yes, word it just like that.

[Chad]

Thinking if i end up getting this one, we would drop a 500 engine in it, we have one laying around, it'd save some $$

[Chad]

Interior Shots, about same condition as the first charger.

[Chad]

The Trunk.

[lisiecki1]

that last picture is the drivers side floor board.

what do the frame rails look like?

and do you have an actual picture of the trunk floor?

[Chad]

that last picture is the drivers side floor board.

what do the frame rails look like?

and do you have an actual picture of the trunk floor?

Hah good catch, i was renaming the thumbnails and didnt have a good view of the thing, i see it clearly now. D'oh.

And these are all the pictures i was able to get at the time, not sure when they would be able to send more, or when i will have some time to look at it, but i will take some more pictures when i get to go see. If we have a motor, and i could get it home for 2 grand, my initial impression is that its a much better deal than the '71 charger was, tags would be nice to see. .

[lisiecki1]

2 grand seems like a decent price based on what you've posted.  I still think you'd be better off with the first one, but I don't know what kind of shape the body on it was in.  It was complete and has some high-dollar parts on it though.  At any rate, with the 67 if the trunk floor looks good it is of the utmost importance that you see the frame rails in the rear of the car.  If you go to look at it, scrutinize the area under the rear quarter trim, every 1st gen I've seen before restoration was rusting across the top of the quarters, right where all that trim is mounted.

[Chad]

"Hey Chad,
I do think we are 1-1 1/2 hours from you.  I understand your not wanting to believe the no rust issue,  but I would not ask anyone to drive out to look at it and not tell them everything I know about the car.  I sent you all the pics I have.  The car is in a storage building at the moment to keep it out of the weather.  We bought the car from someone local, I don't know  when it was brought here from Texas.  The front drivers quarter was damaged when our friend's son tried to roll it out of the garage and it got away from him.  The engine and transmission are not with the car.  We do have a 318 (no trans) that we are letting go with the car.  We did buy a 389 with a trans (which is what this car originally was), to put in when we thought we were going to restore it.  We will sell this for an additional $1,000.  All the other extra parts we have will go with the car for the $1900.  The vin# off the Title is XP29G72376722.  We do need the room but if you are serious about the car, we could work something out.  We could tell you much more about the car if you would give us a call."

Kinda laughed picturing the kid pushing the car then running after it, but at the same time i cringe a little. .

Any sort of information that can be derived from the vin #?? 

Thanks guys!

[tan top]

Thinking if i end up getting this one, we would drop a 500 engine in it, we have one laying around, it'd save some $$

..... .... that looks soo straight from the pictures , nice first generation project

[lisiecki1]

XP29G72376722

X - Charger
P - Premium Price Class
29 - Two Door Fastback
G - 383 2bbl 265hp
7 - 1967 model year
2 - Built at the Hamtramck Plant
376722 = 276,722th car off the line at that plant for that build year


389?  is that a typo?  389 is a chevy motor.....or a bored over 383......

[BIRD67]

XP29G72376722

X - Charger
P - Premium Price Class
29 - Two Door Fastback
G - 383 2bbl 265hp
7 - 1967 model year
2 - Built at the Hamtramck Plant
376722 = 276,722th car off the line at that plant for that build year


389?  is that a typo?  389 is a chevy motor.....or a bored over 383......

Probably a typo, and a 389 is a Pontiac Motor.. The car looks pretty solid, tough choice.. does the other one run?

[lisiecki1]

XP29G72376722

X - Charger
P - Premium Price Class
29 - Two Door Fastback
G - 383 2bbl 265hp
7 - 1967 model year
2 - Built at the Hamtramck Plant
376722 = 276,722th car off the line at that plant for that build year


389?  is that a typo?  389 is a chevy motor.....or a bored over 383......

Probably a typo, and a 389 is a Pontiac Motor.. The car looks pretty solid, tough choice.. does the other one run?

right, pontiac....it was a typo 

[71383bee]

Yeah that 67 looks like a good deal.  The pictures look VERY good. 

383 first gens are badass.  The only hard thing is the grill/headlights, taillights and interior pieces are extremely rare and are always CRAZY expensive.  Other than that I would definitely move on it.  I liked that 71, but those pictures with it sitting in the weeds made me think that there probably was some significant body issues.  Not the case with this one so far.   

[Chad]

The 71 we unleashed on the highway and it did 0-100 in a quarter mile, so i was pleased with it for not having done any motor work in a few years on the thing, maybe we shouldn't've (double contraction  ) done that but i wanted to blow out the cob webs. .

The 71 also had some body issues, rusty floor and there were maybe dime-nickel size rust holes down on the panels next to the tires, interior was about in the same shape. . more body work where the 67 will be more engine work i figure.

We just got hit with about a foot of snow so i wont be going to look at this 67 til later in the month, with college and rugby i dont have to much free time, and strangely enough as it is with any car, they dont seem to excited to go take more pictures. .  The 67 they say they have most of the parts to put it back together, so im hoping more of the dash, headlight, grill, and tail light issues come with it, as for the interior i was wanting to sort of modernize it anyways, racing seats and maybe a bench in the back instead of the buckets, so no worries with the $$ to restore that.

I'll keep you all posted, hopefully around march when i get to head home again, i'll swing through and pick it up to put it in the shop on the farm. If not it seems like if you look hard enough you'll find a deal, so im bound to get a charger eventually.