Cheap Restoration Car

[NaborsMopar]

Hey guys. I'm 16 and have always wanted to restore an old muscle car. Would I be able to find one for around $1000 that I only have to put a thousand or two into in order to make it a decent daily driver? If so what kind would you recommend and where should I look for these. I live in Central Florida and will be willing to travel an hour or two. It only needs to run. If the engine runs I can work on getting it in the condition I want over the summer. Thanks to everyone in advance.

[BananaDan]

Welcome to the site!  Muscle cars are getting more and more expensive these days as their popularity has been increasing a lot.  Mopars are more expensive than Ford/GMs typically, except for some rare and really nice Ford/GMs.  I wouldn't steer you away from Mopar, but for $1000 you're going to likely end up with a rusted shell that doesn't have an engine, or one that surely doesn't run.  I could be wrong or off a bit, I'm sure others will keep me honest here.  You'll probably have better luck at a bargain in a car that was made after 71.

Dan

[BigBlackDodge]

I'd look for an early 70's 318 Dart or Duster for a start. They look good and can still be had for not to much money.

'Cheap' and 'muscle car' are words that do not go together.


BBD

[Roger 68 charger]

I'd look for an early 70's 318 Dart or Duster for a start. They look good and can still be had for not to much money.

'Cheap' and 'muscle car' are words that do not go together.

[twodko]

What BBD said x2.

[Finn]

Personally Id try to find the car that requires less work, even if you have to put some of the "fixing up money" towards purchasing it. Its a lot more fun to drive your project while you work on it rather than work on getting it driving.
There's always deals out there, check craigslist daily, find out if there's a police impound lot nearby, and always keep an eye out. All of my cars Ive found within 30 minutes of my house, and 1 of them practically found me. Lastly, make sure not to ignore something just because it doesn't look like what you had in mind at first glance.

[Mike DC]

 


For the amounts you're talking, I wouldn't try to get into the musclecar hobby in any capacity.  Work on getting more income first.

[NaborsMopar]

Thanks guys. In reality, i have about $4000 in total I was planning on putting toward a car. From your recommendations I should put that toward a more steady base car and work on getting a part time job in order to have a steady income for my project. With this in mind, where all would you suggest I look? Thanks again.

[stripedelete]

Do you want to own a muscle car or do want to restore one?  If it's the former,  keep that part time job for a few years and stroke a check for a restored car.   You already have a good start.  It'll quicker and cheaper.   

[NaborsMopar]

Thanks. I think what I will do is get a truck and learn my way around a car with a cheaper project. After college when I am making plenty of money I will reinitialize my dream and restore one of these beauty's. If everything goes well then I may even install one of my own designed performance parts. Thanks for your help.

[BananaDan]

That's what I did.  I had a hand-me-down daily driver POS 91 Plymouth Sundance when I got out of school in 98.  After working for about 6 months I bought my first car ever bought with my own money, my Charger.  I continued to drive that Sundance until it would go no more.  Its all about priorities. 

Dan

[440]

Are you planning on keeping it long term or using it for a stepping stone into something you really want later on down the track ? Also what level of quality are you after ? You mentioned driver which is quite do-able...

It helps if you have buddies with some tools and things like a blasting cabinet, grab yourself a few cans of paint and go to town.

Just keep an eye out for things that need major expense to repair/replace..... Examples being drive line, rust repair etc... 

[jaak]

I not its not 'muscle car' per say, but I see alot of slant 6 a-bodies (dusters, darts, etc) all the time on local craigslist for $1500-$2000, usually decent lookin' running cars. You could always muscle it up later with a V8 conversion.

Jason

[Rolling_Thunder]

yep -  i'd go after a slant 6 or 318 powered A-body...     $4000 will go a long way towards one of those...