66 charger poly 318 good first project

[infernocloud]

OK.  So I'm about to buy a 1966 Dodge Charger.  Stock 318 poly rebuilt about 5 years ago. Rusted lower quaterpannel rear section, passenger floor pan rusted,  interior 90% perfect.  drives around but needs brakes completely replaced. 
i have loved mopar since i was able to walk.  and I'm wondering if this sounds like a good first project car. i need something to tinker with while i go to college for automotive and body. I would go 68, 69 or 70 if i could but have a starting budget of $5000. i want to get it road worthy and tinker around


Anny advice? (break conversion or new drum brakes, poly engine ideas or parts on a budget, better car for the price)

[bbjones]

For what it's worth for comparison...

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/1966-Dodge-Charger_15967692

1966 Charger asking $6500
Engine:
383 - Bored 1 tho over
9:1 Compression Ratio
- edelbrock 4 barrel car & intake
- Powder coated hemi orange

Body - all rust removed by hand. professionally bondo'd and primered - needs to be painted - minimal sanding left. All chrome comes with vehicle

Interior - All re-vynld and installed. Black vynl with dark purple stitch. New carpets and all parts accounted for.

[ODZKing]

Whatever needs to be replaced, parts for Mopars are sometimes pricey.
First gen's have many unique features from the electroluminecent instruments panel to the full console.
They are a fun car and fun to drive.  But people love 'em or hate 'em.
More parts are availabe everyday.
I think you will enjoy it.   

[Ghoste]

It sounds like it might also be an excellent choice to jump in and get your hands dirty too.  A learning platform.

[67440chrg]

It sounds like a great starter to me but I am partial to 1st gens. The poly is a good motor not a power house but a strong reliable one. I would say go for it.

[infernocloud]

my biggest worry is the poly 318.  i had a 85 ram with a la 318 and i loved it(beat my buddys 351 windsor ford).   all ive heard is horror stories about getting parts for the poly and it only has like 7 or 8 interchangeable parts with the la 318.

[ITSA426]

Not much interchanges with the LA 318 but parts are readily available and it isn't hard to swap to a big block if you wanted to do so later.  Speed parts aren't easy to find but they are out there.  I sure wouldn't let the 318 stop me.  They are about as reliable as an anvil.  We've taken them on road trips and they perform well.

[41husk]

  Good luck! I am on the love side of that love them or hate them.  If you can get it a complete 1st gen that you can drive and restore at the same time, for under 5k.  I wouldn't let the poly 318 stop you

[Paul G]

The 66 is a great body. 1st gens only ran for two years I believe, 66 and 67. Don't see very many. They are just cool! The interior is very unique. 68, 69, and 70 are the most popular, and the most pricey. I prefer the long slender 3rd gen body. We all have our preferences. If you can get it road worthy and drivable do it. It deserves to be back on the road.   

[bobs66440]

It sounds a bit pricey to me. Especially now, there are many good deals to be had. 1st gens are VERY expensive to restore.  Whatever rust you can see, there is likely MUCH more lurking where you can't. I think if you are patient, you can get a nearly rust free, mostly complete big block car for not much more.

[ITSA426]

In fact, I have a mostly complete, pretty rust free big block car that I'd sell for not much more; but it is outside the budget.  It would take about a day to be roadworthy and it would be a lot more fun to drive it as you restore it. 

I would encourage anyone to get as much car as they can afford.  I don't encourage anyone to go outside of their budget because that takes the fun out of the hobby in a big hurry.

A 318 car that drives around with a nearly perfect interior could be a lot of fun but you have to decide if it's worth the money.  Rust is not your friend but it can sure be dealt with.  Do the headlight motors work and do the dash lights work?  Big points on a first gen Charger. 

I haven't bought a car for awhile so I'm not sure how soft the market is on them.  Parts prices don't seem to have gone down much. 

[infernocloud]

how much, what year, what engine and, collor

[ITSA426]

PM sent

[41husk]

 

[67440chrg]

Hook him up. The man needs a MOPAR.

[ITSA426]

...and it should be a first generation Charger!

[FlatbackFanatic]

 

[infernocloud]

I would prefer a second gen. but being 25 and in the air force, i cant aford it.

[41husk]

Well are you a Charger owner yet?

[infernocloud]

no this will be my first one

[GPULLER]

So did ITSA426 offer up his Hemi car??

I agree with the others, go with a 1st gen!

[moparstuart]

So did ITSA426 offer up his Hemi car??

I agree with the others, go with a 1st gen!

lee already gave it to me   

[GPULLER]

So did ITSA426 offer up his Hemi car??

I agree with the others, go with a 1st gen!

lee already gave it to me   

Son of a....

[Topher]

DANGIT! I wanted it! If you go with cash in hand you should be able to negotiate to a better price. Cash talks, BS walks. Even with the "lowly" Polly in there, it'll be a fun car to drive. It'll be like drag racing a Prius, you won't win much. As for the quirky items, there's a few of us that kinda specialize in them and can help you get them sorted out.