Do you ever think you will ever get your Charger done?

[pipeliner]

I cant believe its been 4 years since I last drove my Charger.I can remember the last day I drove it very well and why I decided to tear it down.It all happened short and sweet lol.I pulled into a gas station to fill it up and as I was filling it up Gas started pouring out of where the filler tube goes into the gas tank.After I got back in the car I looked down at the temp gauge and its sitting on 230.Before I got it back home the tranny locked up in the drive way.I thought for sure that the Charger Gods were telling me something.Its slowly but surely coming together but its so disheartening when another summer rolls up and its still not on the road.Maybe one day....

[Ghoste]

Even when it is done, it is never finished.

[Rolling_Thunder]

dude...    its been 6 years for me...     and i started with a running car.   

[doctor4766]

Even when it is done, it is never finished.

Yeah, so true.
There's always somewhere else you can dump more cash.


So to the OP's question "Do you ever think you will ever get your Charger done?"
Not a chance.

[Roger 68 charger]

    Last time I drove my car was 1996    

[Chargermoneypit]

I just brought my 68 Charger RT back home after being apart for 5 and a half years from the bodyshop after completing an unbelievable rotesserie restoration that turned out amazing. I am already starting the assembly and have many of the parts done after working on them for a year and a half. If anyone is interested in seeing what I am up to, where would be the best place to post pictures and component restorations? I am highly motivated and hope to have it runnning by mid summer, but I agree that it will likely never be done.

[moparheater]

Fired my 66 up today, replaced the valve cover gaskets. Tooled around a bit. Then my driver's side window went bye bye down the door.  
Already fixed the window once last summer.  Seems like it's one step forward, two steps back with these old cars.  

[Charger-Bodie]

I just brought my 68 Charger RT back home after being apart for 5 and a half years from the bodyshop after completing an unbelievable rotesserie restoration that turned out amazing. I am already starting the assembly and have many of the parts done after working on them for a year and a half. If anyone is interested in seeing what I am up to, where would be the best place to post pictures and component restorations? I am highly motivated and hope to have it runnning by mid summer, but I agree that it will likely never be done.

Start a resto thread.

[lexxman]

Its been working on mine for 2 1/2 years I got in in boxes,doesn't look like I have done much.But come hell or high water its being painted this summer.

[jb666]

Even when it is done, it is never finished.

You nailed it!

[FlatbackFanatic]

I've had mine for 10 years, it started as a driver and still is. But I really would like to be done with it.

[Vainglory, Esq.]

It's been roughly 9 years for me.  But I'm pretty much done.  It's running, driving, and a blast.  But there are always a few things here and there.

[Mopurr]

you guys have not been waiting long.....my first 69 Charger is still waiting bought it in Dec. 1982, drove it home started to work on it the next summer, then built a house, and the other cars keep getting done instead.

[DustinSimmonds]

It helps to have motivation. I have a uncle who has a '73 Charger that he has had for 20 years and has done nothing with. So whenever I am able to work on my Charger I get right on it.

[Kern Dog]

Maybe when we own our cars long enough, its sorta like the Golden gate bridge. By the time you get done, you have to start over again?
My car was finished years ago, but as I drive it, I find ways to improve things, stuff wears out, and then theres the standard maintenance.

[tsmithae]

Well, Some day... However, I need to stop traveling around the world for work and actually settle down someplace for a bit.

[bull]

I'm on year seven now as of January. Never thought it would take this long. I only drove my car once and it was less than a mile around my little neighborhood at about 6 mph. It had next to nothing for brakes and a bad vibration in the engine so I decided to shelve it and start the restoration. Hard to believe my 11-year-old daughter was 4-years-old when I got it.  

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,67850.0.html

[Daytona R/T SE]

16 years and counting...

Apparently... I'm not very good at this shit.

Otherwise, I'd have had it done by now...

I've been strongly considering giving up and selling all of my junk...

...And buying a place in Montana.

[bull]

16 years and counting...

Apparently... I'm not very good at this shit.

Otherwise, I'd have had it done by now...

I've been strongly considering giving up and selling all of my junk...

I'm inspired by the thought of someday punishing my car as much as it has punished me over the past 7 years.

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I'm on year seven now as of January. Never thought it would take this long. I only drove my car once and it was less than a mile around my little neighborhood at about 6 mph. It had next to nothing for brakes and a bad vibration in the engine so I decided to shelve it and start the restoration. Hard to believe my 11-year-old daughter was 4-years-old when I got it.  

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,67850.0.html

About 9 years ago, I bought mine, pulled it off the trailer that delivered it to me, hotwired it (the ignition was non-functional, despite the assurances of the redneck seller), and "drove" it home.  It got about a half-mile at best, then crapped out.  I pushed it the other half-mile, at least, and until a month ago, it had never again driven under its own power.  Now, we're roaring around town.

Keep the faith everyone.  It may take a decade or more - or hopefully less - but they can get done.  It'll be worth it in the end.

[six-tee-nine]

Gee and I was thinking it was long for me....

Bought my car as a rolling project in 2006 (never drove it) an all thats happened so far is I stripped it an put it onto the rotisserie. All of this is due to the fact of buying a house without a garage. I'm building a new shop as we speak but I guess the resto wont really start before end of this year. And since i set some expensive goals for the car (Hemi 4 speed /dana 60 conversion) I dont even want to think how long the restoration will take.
But I'm already waiting 5 years nailbiting because I can't get started with it so that makes me pretty determened about getting the car done some day. You got to ask yourself : are these cars ever finished?
Even spot on resto's never are there is always room for improvement.

[69bronzeT5]

I've had mine for over 12 years now and have yet to drive it. It's still a project and sometimes I do wonder if it ever will be finished and sometimes I have had thoughts of selling it however its my dream car and I'm in it for the long run.

[HOTROD]

Bought mine to as project 4 years not running no motor or trans -and this garage is small two car my ass ,work on it when I can or not helping friends out with there cars ,money is issue with me right now had to by a new Welder so another set back but a step up if you know what I mean and then u have life that gets in the way work your weekens away to get the money and then shit hapens  I feel it will never be done !!

[AKcharger]

Yes

[CB]

Mine is driveable now, thanks to my buddies overhere who helped me out when I was tackling the front end rebuild and ignition problems.

Since my roommate found a new place to stay and I was in rehab of my knee surgery there is only a little €uro left for some gas and insurance to keep her on the street.

At some point I was really close to sell the car but I managed to hold on to it.

I have plans for the car but I know it can take forever.

[tan top]

Even when it is done, it is never finished.

You nailed it!

 
   

[kokxville]

Life is to short to restore a charger 

[Tilar]

you guys have not been waiting long.....my first 69 Charger is still waiting bought it in Dec. 1982, drove it home started to work on it the next summer, then built a house, and the other cars keep getting done instead.

Almost the same here, I bought mine in 86. The only time I ever saw it running under its own power is when the kid next door (who I bought it from) was running the piss out of it and knowing that little 318 wasn't going to survive.  Everytime I get to a point that I think I'm about ready to start on it someting else comes up. I was going to start on it this spring but bought a house in February and have been getting it ready to rent out. Hopefully I'll still get everything done where I can at least get a good start on it this year.

[daves68]

I hope not . I enjoy messing around with it too much, Always will be something to change, improve, upgrade, etc. It's my relaxation therapy!

[NHCharger]

That's why I own three. Usually there is one that is drivable.
My 71 was off the road for five years in many pieces for many reasons. Just got it on the road last September. I have owned it since 95.
My 72 has been on the road since June 01, although it's a 318 perfumed pig it's still fun to drive.
I'm hoping to have the 68 on the road by May/June of next year. That's a pretty ambitious schedule but I'm building a driver, not a show queen. I look at these posts of 7-10 years and knowing that I'll be pushing 60 at that point scares me. I'm thinking will I still be around at that point, or will I need to take out a bank loan to fill the tank.

[1969chargerrtse]

Even though mine is turn key ready and a great daily driver, I don't think I would ever get all the little things I'd like to get done, done. 

[1969chargerrtse]

Life is to short to restore a charger 

Ha, well said. 

[70charginglizard]

Even when it is done, it is never finished.

Ive been continually working on my ever since 1999. Never did a complete tear down but I have done a LOT of things and I still find myself pouring money and time into it.

You definately have to have a pasion to be able to have a classic car these days.

Dont worry. Your get there eventually

[troutstreamnm]

I've finished my Charger twice now and it's still not done! 

[rrob]

I spent 9 years on my 69 dart swinger 340/4 speed project, that was to long in my opinion. I started on this charger last may and I hope to have it done by the end of May. I'm getting old enough that I want to drive it as much as possible. Of course, there is another the wifes project car next.

[bull]

Life is to short to restore a charger 

Ha, well said. 

Right. It's too short to do anything, really. We should all just sit around and do nothing... get paid with Obama funny money.

[Tilar]

  

[freddyd02]

Bought mine in 2002 from a guy in Washington and have never driven it to this day.. Hoping to have it done by the end of the year   

[Long Island RT]

Took what felt like forever and yes on the road but still lots to do.

You need two things to complete a project:

Money
Time

Problem is you never have both at the same time!

[pipeliner]

Took what felt like forever and yes on the road but still lots to do.

You need two things to complete a project:

Money
Time

Problem is you never have both at the same time!

Now your speaking the Gospel.I know a person will always be sinking money in them but I honestly feel whem Im done with Ill be done with it.Im doing everything I want to the car the first time.My brother is on to me all of the time saying if I keep doing what Im doing to it Ill never get it done but Im doing it my way,the way i want it the first time.Im hoping to have it ready by 2013 lol.Hey long Island Im interested in your engine and tranny build,very similiar the way Im going.512 stroker with a new keisler 5-speed.

[SFRT]

It was hard, and expensive, but I took mine from POS to finished in a total of 13 months spread over 2 years. I knew that if I ever lost momentum I would be screwed so I just went at it.

[nvrbdn]

by my name in here, nope it wont, but it will start this weekend with the new cam in it cuz it has to be at a car show on the 7th of may. guess i better hurry. but it will NVRBDN

[moparguy01]

I'll be happy if I can make mine freaking run again. lol damn car.

[Brock Samson]

 I don't belive I've seen any Pics of your HEMI finished Vain, you need to post up man... last pic i saw it was freshly painted but still need reassembly.  

Years before a lot of you'ze were even born i bought mine stripped from a junkyard and within two days i bought a '70 500 parts car and had my R/T up and running in two weeks, it wasn't repainted and "Safe" before '89, and as I collected the proper Big Block parts i continued driving it with the small block - intill '99 when I finally transfered all the Hi-Po stuff over. since then it's only got a new Carb, Wheels/Tires and Trans.
Letting it sit in a garage or spending for a multi million dollar Resto. never even occurred to me.  

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I don't belive I've seen any Pics of your HEMI finished Vain, you need to post up man... last pic i saw it was freshly painted but still need reassembly.  

I pulled it out the other day.  I like showing pictures from the back since my headlight motor doesn't work, and you can't get the full effect of the grille. 

[ChgrSteve67]

Just when I thought I was done I'm already planning the next piece of work to be done.

So No.

Not unless Bryan gets off his ass and gets down here to finish it for me.

-Steve (Crappy mechanic)

[twodko]

We bought ours in 2008 and had it finished in December 2010. Its always been a Ca. car and the drive train was already done plus there was no rot, panel replacement etc. It was about as perfect a starting platform as one could ask for. I was also heavily motivated to get it done for my wife so we can enjoy it together.

[tsmithae]

Well, mine won't be done until I quit traveling all over the world for work.. So, for the next month at least, no progress on mine!  However, I can enjoy tequila in Mexico, Moose in Canada, and the Northwestern U.S.

[charger01]

I have no idea...Bought it in 04, took me till 07 to get it to move under it's own power.  Then took it immediately to the body shop.  He's still got it.  Been gone so long now, have almost lost any desire to even finish it.

[Charger-Bodie]

Im actually blessed in the fact that I can do the resto myself. I also am blessed in the fact that I get them done fairly quickly. The thing that amazies me is that I have the car that I do. Never did I think that I would end up owning a wing car (clone OR not) let alone that it would have a Hemi in it too. Sometimes just out of the blue it pops into my head and I just smile knowing that I really do have that car. 

[Road Dog]

My car is a driver and always will be. It will never be "restored" only gets fixed when things break.

[PocketThunder]

My car is a driver and always will be. It will never be "restored" only gets fixed when things break.

[klutch]

Does daydreaming that it's finished count?

[68blue]

Shooting at getting mine done this year, but it feels like time is slipping away.

[lexxman]

It drives me crazy that mine isn't move as fast as I would like,but its not a far drive.

[russg]

First time back in this forum in months!  From experience.. you never want to get it finished, I was lucky to get mine done enough to enjoy it, the problem is someone else wanted it so I sold it   Anyway, here is a pic of what it looked like shortly after body and paint was finished

By russg at 2010-09-08

[el dub]

I'll finish mine this summer if I can find a cheaper paint job. The man who painted my column and dash wants 6k to do the rest of the car. A friend says I can get it done for 3500 in this economy. I'll find out.

[elacruze]

Mine's on year 3 +30...

Body shops seem to be the major hangup.

Ok gotta go now so I can make the power tour.

[ChgrSteve67]

I just finished cleaning the paint, polishing and applying two coats of wax on my Charger.
Does that count?

Ok gotta go now so I can make the power tour.

Are you going to make it to MI and the Chrysler Museum?

[elacruze]

I just finished cleaning the paint, polishing and applying two coats of wax on my Charger.
Does that count?

Ok gotta go now so I can make the power tour.

Are you going to make it to MI and the Chrysler Museum?

I grew up about 45 minutes west of Detroit and still have family there. I had a trip planned up anyway, and the Power Tour just serendipitously fell onto my route, so yes I'll be making the long hauler's ceremony and hanging around for a while afterwards too. Too bad the Woodward Dream Cruise isn't close enough to stay for.

[RIDELIKEHELL]

I will have had my car 5 years this May

[ChgrSteve67]

I just finished cleaning the paint, polishing and applying two coats of wax on my Charger.
Does that count?

Ok gotta go now so I can make the power tour.

Are you going to make it to MI and the Chrysler Museum?

I grew up about 45 minutes west of Detroit and still have family there. I had a trip planned up anyway, and the Power Tour just serendipitously fell onto my route, so yes I'll be making the long hauler's ceremony and hanging around for a while afterwards too. Too bad the Woodward Dream Cruise isn't close enough to stay for.

Look me up.
I will be at the CEMA Show with Big Red and the TT. Will be a 2,700 mile trip for me to get there comming from CA.

Woodward or Carlile would be cool.
I'm fighting to get three weeks off to make this trip to MI and back home via Route 66.

I got some guys over on the 66-67 board that are going to get together for Dinner Friday and Saturday night. Let me know if you interested in joining and I will include you in on the details as we figure things out.

-Steve

[Wicked72]

I just want to get enough done to just drive the damn thing....problem is my funds do not exist so its at a stand still. I got a new job but I havent started yet so when that starts ill be good to go!! my build page hasnt changed in about a year.. sad. But I still have some stuff to strip off the car along with finish breaking down the engine and its just fun to work on it too. But gas will be $20 a gal by the time I get it on the road..

[freddyd02]

The red 73? is gorgeous! 

[sixty8charger]

I don't think mine will ever get done.. I have either been involved in the build/restoration/modification.. with hardly any miles driven ( less than 1000) since 1993.  The car is at its most progressive state right now, and that is because I tore it down!  save money here, save money there. Hopefully I'll have the car finally media blasted this week, and then next is patching up all the swiss cheese!
then paint! (and fortunately, that shouldn't cost me a whole lot)..
then save for vinyl top, wiring, torque converter, disc brake set up, new poly-urethane bushings, insulation & upholstery, new rims & tires, sub-woofers and crazy stereo (Just kidding!)

[SRT-68]

dude...    its been 6 years for me...     and i started with a running car.   

Yea, but it is bad a$$ now. You could have had it "finished" 3 years ago but it would have just been another blue big block Charger with fair body and paint.

Now get to work slacker