Looking for tips on finding a solid project

[SEMPERFIDELIS]

Hey guys, Thanks again for the kind welcome. I would like to begin searching for a project as soon as possible so I can make a better decision when the time comes and i have cash in hand. First Ill give you some background on my knowledge so you have a better idea of who I am and what Im capable of so you can hopefully help me a little better.
*I have helped rebuild engines, but never rebuilt one myself
*Installing bolt on parts is something i can do with ease, from oil pans to head swaps/headgasket jobs. I have the tools and capabilities.
*Short of a lift I am fully capable of swapping major drivetrain components such as engine, transmission and rear, though Im a beginner at suspension work.
*I have some welding experience, though mostly oxy-acetyline, mu uncle is restoring a 50's chrysler and does have some tools, including a welder and welding knowledge at my disposal.
*I know very little about carb's, except how they opperate. I couldnt tune one if I had to, but im sure I could figure out how to rebuild one through reverse engineering.

Now on to the questions: ( I know I asked some in my intro thread but I would appreciate answers here for better collective information)

1. What are the typical rust spots to look for on a 68-70 Charger?

2. What areas are most difficult to find parts for, or require extensive work to repair?

3. What are some things I should look for in an ideal project? My end goal is a blown 427 at 600hp.

4. What is the average price range for a rolling project car, lets say, non #'s matching, with moderate work needed such as some rust repair, and possibly engine/trans and or interior pieces?


I greatly appreciate your input especially as a noob to the scene. Thank you in advance to all who answer!

[Hud]

Hey Semper Fi, I am not answering any of your questions lol, 

Are you still in? and if so in the Actionville area?  I know where to find several mopars in the area depending on how much work you want to put into them and price range.  I only have a few more weeks before I deploy though.  If you are on the west coast there are several members on here that can help out, but if local let me know.

[Brock Samson]

Hey guys, Thanks again for the kind welcome. I would like to begin searching for a project as soon as possible so I can make a better decision when the time comes and i have cash in hand. First Ill give you some background on my knowledge so you have a better idea of who I am and what Im capable of so you can hopefully help me a little better.
*I have helped rebuild engines, but never rebuilt one myself
*Installing bolt on parts is something i can do with ease, from oil pans to head swaps/headgasket jobs. I have the tools and capabilities.
*Short of a lift I am fully capable of swapping major drivetrain components such as engine, transmission and rear, though Im a beginner at suspension work.
*I have some welding experience, though mostly oxy-acetyline, mu uncle is restoring a 50's chrysler and does have some tools, including a welder and welding knowledge at my disposal.
*I know very little about carb's, except how they opperate. I couldnt tune one if I had to, but im sure I could figure out how to rebuild one through reverse engineering.

Now on to the questions: ( I know I asked some in my intro thread but I would appreciate answers here for better collective information)

1. What are the typical rust spots to look for on a 68-70 Charger?
This was covered in your other thread, and many, many others avail. via the search function.
 "Problem Areas" in quotes will probably give you approx. 100-200 threads..  

2. What areas are most difficult to find parts for, or require extensive work to repair?
"70s are a bit harder to find details for being as less parts are re-bopped, '68s and '9s have a larger number of parts and parts cars, corners are problematic as they tend to have a lot of rust and bondo issues, but it's gonna be details like trim, grills dash and A/C fire wall stuff, best start with a car that doesn't need practially everything.

3. What are some things I should look for in an ideal project? My end goal is a blown 426 at 600hp.
That's one mistake you don't wanna make. Ideal Project?.. A blown Hemi?.. maybe if you have money to burn through,.. a well built 440 six-pack is far more cost effective,.. Of course if you want to pay nearly double for some wide valve covers, that's fine too.

4. What is the average price range for a rolling project car, lets say, non #'s matching, with moderate work needed such as some rust repair, and possibly engine/trans and or interior pieces?
Look at the latest "barn find thread", that's filled with useful info just the type your asking about. Your looking generallee at $15-20K depending on originality, options, colors and such, a four speed R/T is gonna add 30 - 50% over an auto 318. a black red or B-5 Blue car is gonna be worth a lot more than a bronze or green one. you could quickly double that 15-20K No Problem to get it "Right".

These are all ball park estimates and I'm hardly the expert some of these guys are, bottom line is reading of your plans for a second Gen. Supercharged HEMI?..  a clone would probably be in the realm of $30-40K - give or take 15K for drive train and more or less for the rest of it. depending on what you start with, and what you do yourself.
I'd say wait until you know a lot more about these Hi-end (read Expensive) Charger muscle cars. your talkin' '68-'70 Hemi Charger 'n this isn't Camaro/Mustang land.  
 Meanwhile - read every thread here and save your cash. Lots of good folks here will help and we'd would love to see you achive your dream!  

[440]

You should be able to get 600 horse out of a Hemi fairly easily without a huffer on it...

[Dans 68]

A good primer on what to look for in a 2nd Gen Charger is in this thread. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,52323.msg574221.html#msg574221

Dan

[SEMPERFIDELIS]

Thank you for the link, very helpfull information everyone thanks! Im located in South Central PA. There are actually quite a few projects around here in the semi-complete range going for betweek $3000-$10,000. I was just hoping for some insight on what might be considered a ripoff vs was might be a steal, or fairly priced. Alot of the cars Ive seen are in primer, and either do not have, or need the engine and transmission installed, along with assembly. Here is an example of some of what Im finding locally.

http://york.craigslist.org/cto/2266144772.html

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2235947535.html

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2230063911.html

Thats just a general idea and the average price range. Ive seen incomplete projects with no engine/trans or front end for 20k in primer.

[Brock Samson]

 None of those are second Gens.   

[SEMPERFIDELIS]

I guess maybe I should clarify, I would LIKE a 68-70, that doesnt mean I will wind up with one :-P I would be proud to own any of the early Chargers to be honest.

[resq302]

Honestly, if you have your heart set on a 68-70 dont give in and get something else because when you do, you might find that perfect year charger that you really wanted and now don't have the money for.  I almost made that mistake for a 71 burnt orange charger with a 440 6 pack air grabber hood car.  my dream car is a 69 Charger which  you see as my sig pic that I have owned now for the past 10 years.

[Hud]

I have to agree with resq.  I want a 68 but settled for a my 73.  About a month later a found a 68 that I could have been able to afford. By the time I got the money together to get it, it was long gone.  I really enjoy the 73 but if I had it to do over again I would have waited instead settling, the truth of the matter is that no matter how much you can enjoy something, If you dont get what you really wanted in the first place you may find yourself unsatisfied in the end.  Just for the record I cant find a 68 in my price range now that isnt a total rust bucket.

[SEMPERFIDELIS]

Thanks for the help guys.

[bakerhillpins]

Grew up in central PA, miss that area. 

Hit up a mashup site like www.autotempest.com and just search craigslist. There are several 2nd gens for sale in the SC to Philli area. Like this one:
http://pennstate.craigslist.org/cto/2264866300.html

The "stock" changes frequently and I suspect if the next few days start to warm up like they say the spring sale season will open up full. It seems to be getting a slow start this year. Don't rush either, Im going on 1.5 yrs of looking. I suspect I am just being picky though. 


This one seems like its game over.. 
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/cto/2289319712.html