My 73 FINALLY COMING HOME!

[Als73charger]

  Today is the day I am FINALLY getting my 73 Charger towed to my garage, after waiting over a year to be able to pay for it. It has been sitting in a garage for over 12 years, so when I get it home I will have LOTS to do before I fire it up.
   It has a 400 in it, which I hear around these parts is a bit of a dog. I too, will be on a very limited budget to try and get the HP up on this.
 I am taking my camera for pics, so I can savour the memories and share with everyone!  GOTTA GO and pump up some tires!  Al

[charger_cody]

Pics Pics Pics!!!! Lots of em too!!

Cody

[Als73charger]

OK, I finally got the car towed to my garage and it is home safe and sound. I am having a bear of a time posting Pics as they are to large. I think I got it now. Enjoy!  Al

[skip68]

        Sweet !    Welcome to the site Al.   
Looks like a good car.   

[mikesbbody]

Welcome Al  sweet 73 

[charger_cody]

Can I use those for my website? 

Nice car bro? Plans?

Cody

[Als73charger]

  This is what I have in mind:
  First, see if I can get the motor started. I am currently beating my head against a brickwall figuring out
  how to remove the #3,5,7 plugs.
     Hopefully, once that is done I want to get some penetrating oil in the cylinders and try to hand crank the motor
  and fire her up.
  Then, Body work
- Replace the front fenders(anyone have any leads?) I have been looking at the fiberglass ones. I have seen some
   metal aftermarket, but they do not look correct
- Fix rust on both rear quarter panels behind wheels(suggestions?)
- Rust on lower edge of trunk lid(replace trunk lid? or is it repairable?)
Of course, rob a bank to pay for all of this!   Al

[70charginglizard]

Cool. Must be a very exciting time for you. Congrads.

[Beer]

 
Of course, rob a bank to pay for all of this!   Al

Welcome to the site!  I am in the assembly phase w/ my 73 and your right, it aint cheap!  I coulda paid cash for a new Challenger with what I got tied up in mine, but its a labor of love.

Great site here with helpful people post your issues and the crowd here will steer ya from their expierences 

Jim

[RCKSTR]

Its a beauty of a project,more pics! 

[charger_cody]

I wouldnt suggest fiberglass knowing that they can damage easy and it's just not worth it unless your going to be racing the car. But, if i were you I would google AMD. Never bought anything from them but ALOT of members on this forum have and I hear its a good aftermarket place.

Cody

[71383bee]

  This is what I have in mind:
  First, see if I can get the motor started. I am currently beating my head against a brickwall figuring out
  how to remove the #3,5,7 plugs.
     Hopefully, once that is done I want to get some penetrating oil in the cylinders and try to hand crank the motor
  and fire her up.
  Then, Body work
- Replace the front fenders(anyone have any leads?) I have been looking at the fiberglass ones. I have seen some
   metal aftermarket, but they do not look correct
- Fix rust on both rear quarter panels behind wheels(suggestions?)
- Rust on lower edge of trunk lid(replace trunk lid? or is it repairable?)
Of course, rob a bank to pay for all of this!   Al

Whoa there man...DO NOT try and fire that car up unless you are running fresh gas from a spare gas tank with new fuel lines.  If that car has been sitting for any long amount of time your gonna make a bad problem much much worse. 

And another point...if you need penetrating oil in the cylinders to turn it over than you're already in trouble.  Drain ALL of the fluids and check.  Pull all  of the plugs and with a ratchet and socket try and turn her over using the crankshaft bolt.  If anything hangs up then just plan on pulling her out. 

How long has she been sitting?

The fenders and trunk lid look salvageable.  Just need a decent body man. 

[69bronzeT5]

The fenders and trunk lid look salvageable.  Just need a decent body man. 

[dpm68]

Yes, if the engine has been sitting for too long you will want to make sure to crank it over by hand. Another must is to pop the distributor and use an adapter tool to prime the oil system (this is done with a drill) to make sure it gets up. Oh, and I hate like hell to call anyone on typos - except my students, but you might want to look at your header. Coming along nicely, I'm sure, and good luck!

[charger_cody]

The fenders and trunk lid look salvageable.  Just need a decent body man. 

Me three!!

[Als73charger]

 Yes, I did forget to mention a couple of other details that need to get done before I turn her over. Engine has not turned over in 12 years. I was going to remove the gas tank to drain it first, but maybe you guys have a better idea on that. Still have to get the spark plugs out, but its too cold to work in the shop. I was going to use penetrating oil as a per caution and let it sit for a day or two in the cylinders before I hand crank it. Of course, I will need to change the oil and coolant before that happens.
   Tell me more about removing the distributor and this "adapter" tool for a drill to get oil in the top of the motor. I was hoping to do my own body repairs and avoid a body shop.
I will try to post a couple of more pics, as I go.  Al

[71383bee]

You just need a priming rod.  Its about 14" long piece of hex rod that fits into the oil pump.  To get to it you need to pull the dizzy.  and the intermediate shaft beneath it.  Prime CCW (for BB's) and have a buddy slowly crank the motor over with a ratchet. 

For the tank if you have the $$ I would just replace it...its cheap insurance IMHO.  Or you could drop it and take it to a local radiator shop to have it boiled out and cleaned.  Most time though the varnished gas and condensation turns the insides of the tanks to mush. 

She should turn over easier once you pull the plugs unless its been sitting somewhere where alot of moisture got to it. 

If that car has been sitting for a long time I would just pull the carb and give it a rebuild it now.  the seals in it now are probably shot. 

[Als73charger]

Well,its been a while since I last posted cause I have been working on the car. I have it together and have been trying to start it up, but with problems. I replaced the fuel filter and added 1/2 tank of premium gas and primed the carb. I seems to like to fire up with the gas in the carb, but then dies. I took the gas line connection off at the carb and I do have gas coming out when turning it over.
  I guess I need to rebuild the carb? I am so close, yet so far away from driving her around.

[Wicked72]

Welcome! Im a noob here to and just got my 72 from Arizona.. cant wait to see your build!

[41husk]

Your car has a lot of potential.  Welcome aboard!!

[mopar73]

Keep at it

[Als73charger]

 Finally got her fired up. Only problem is she bogs when you hit the gas, not sure what to do about this. I will be getting insurance and plates, hopefully this week. Should be fun to be able to drive around

[Dads73Charger]

 Here are pics of work done so far....

[Dads73Charger]

and another