66 charger project ( brought it) (Update)

[Mikesmoparperformance]

What can be a problem with the  electroluminecent dash and headlamp?

The dash lighting is electroluminescent, not normal incandescent bulbs. The system is run by an AC power pack that puts out about 280V AC and is prone to failure as it comes from the factory. The basic design of the gauges is vulnerable also because there's a points style voltage limiter that tends to fail and send too much voltage to the gauges and burn them out. The good news is there's a friend of ours, Gibber - The Gauge Doc (http://thegaugedoc.com/) that knows everything there is to know about this and can get any set of gauges to work better than new. He also updates the system with a solid state voltage limiter so there's no danger of power surges.

The headlight system consists of 2 headlight motors, 4 limit switches, 3 relays, one override switch, one headlight switch and a circuit breaker. Any or all of these can cause the lights to not work and tracking down the problem can be a challenge for non-electrically inclined people like me   The motors and relays are the most common causes of failure but all are available.

Thanks for that info! I know what you mean that can be a problem! Maybe i can make them with  normal incandescent bulbs? So i have no problems ad all?  280V is very high by the way! I must redo it better so it would not make that over power . Thanks for the site i would look in to that.

About the Headlights that to is a thing that must be beter than what it was form the factory . It can be good but it can fail also that can happen! But nice that the Motors and replays are still available

It sounds like a big challenge to make the electrical work better again!

[Ghoste]

If the car is speaking to you then follow your heart.

[69RTSE]

I owned two 66 Chargers in the past.  One was a nice 383 fully loaded car with A/C and the other was a 318 Car with minimal options.  Both were California Cars, so I did not deal with any rust.  I too love 69 Chargers and bought a 69 RT/SE that I have been restoring for about 10 years.  Its a story like many others...a project that got away from me and before I knew it, I had a rolling shell.  Anyway, flash forward 10 years and I have a nice restoration that's about 80% complete....a story for another day.  Anyway, I too love the first generation cars and have been thinking about getting one again.  I have been looking lately and here is what I have found.  There are a lot of them for sale and you either love them or hate them.  I also think they can come in about 4 conditions.  First, a rusty hull, not worth restoring (parts car) and should sell for about $600-$1300.  Second, a car that is mainly complete, but needs a lot of work and probably doesn't run; $1500-$3000.  Third, a good running daily driver.  The paint is usually tired and the interior needs a complete overhall, but the car is complete and most of the componets work; $4500-$8,000.  Forth, A turn-key car; there are many different categories, but this car is generally restored to a good-excellent level and the paint is good to excellent, the interior has been redone with varying level of trim restoration; $10,000-$13,000 ($15,000 tops).  There are a lot of cars that are advertised for higher prices, but if you look at the completed sales on Ebay or follow up on sales, they generally sell for the $10,000-$13,000 level (if they sell at all). Many folks just don't/can't sell their car, because they have $20,000+ in the restoration and can't get their money back.  There are exceptions and this does not include Hemi Cars.  The point of all this description and as stated in the above posts, is there is no way to take a number 1,2 or 3 category car and turn it into a turn-key car for $10,000-$13,000.  The componets and restoration effort will cost much much more. Remember it takes as much money to restore a 66 Charger as it does a 71 Hemi Cuda Convertable.  Bottom line, if you can afford it, buy a completed car or as close to completed as you can afford.

[gibber]

Other than the rotating headlights and the electroluminescent dash lighting, it is just a Mopar. If you can get it for a good price, there are several first gen forums (66-67charger.com) and For B Bodies Only (separate 66-67 Charger forum) that will give you lots of help when it comes to getting the car back in running condition. It will not be any scarier than buying any other put in back together Mopar "kit" car. Good luck!

Mark

[gibber]

After reading the preceding post, I can't argue the fact that no matter what the Mopar, it is much more cost effective to buy one already done up than spend the big bucks to do it up yourself. Case in point, I have a 67 that will be over 40K when I get done, and unless I drive it over to Scottsdale next year and try to sell it at Barrett Jackson, it is maybe a low 20's car if I could find a buyer. But it is a labor of love for me and I don't plan on selling it. Just depends on your budget and how much work you can do yourself. Bodywork and paint is the biggest $$$$ item for sure....good luck...

Mark

[Mikesmoparperformance]

I owned two 66 Chargers in the past.  One was a nice 383 fully loaded car with A/C and the other was a 318 Car with minimal options.  Both were California Cars, so I did not deal with any rust.  I too love 69 Chargers and bought a 69 RT/SE that I have been restoring for about 10 years.  Its a story like many others...a project that got away from me and before I knew it, I had a rolling shell.  Anyway, flash forward 10 years and I have a nice restoration that's about 80% complete....a story for another day.  Anyway, I too love the first generation cars and have been thinking about getting one again.  I have been looking lately and here is what I have found.  There are a lot of them for sale and you either love them or hate them.  I also think they can come in about 4 conditions.  First, a rusty hull, not worth restoring (parts car) and should sell for about $600-$1300.  Second, a car that is mainly complete, but needs a lot of work and probably doesn't run; $1500-$3000.  Third, a good running daily driver.  The paint is usually tired and the interior needs a complete overhall, but the car is complete and most of the componets work; $4500-$8,000.  Forth, A turn-key car; there are many different categories, but this car is generally restored to a good-excellent level and the paint is good to excellent, the interior has been redone with varying level of trim restoration; $10,000-$13,000 ($15,000 tops).  There are a lot of cars that are advertised for higher prices, but if you look at the completed sales on Ebay or follow up on sales, they generally sell for the $10,000-$13,000 level (if they sell at all). Many folks just don't/can't sell their car, because they have $20,000+ in the restoration and can't get their money back.  There are exceptions and this does not include Hemi Cars.  The point of all this description and as stated in the above posts, is there is no way to take a number 1,2 or 3 category car and turn it into a turn-key car for $10,000-$13,000.  The componets and restoration effort will cost much much more. Remember it takes as much money to restore a 66 Charger as it does a 71 Hemi Cuda Convertable.  Bottom line, if you can afford it, buy a completed car or as close to completed as you can afford.

Bad idea to start on it then if it cost as much as a 71 hemi cuda! Damn that cost alot of money! I have the  Second one, a car that is mainly complete, but needs a lot of work and probably doesn't run; $1500-$3000.
I was thinking about 10.000 to make the car turn key. But the engine alone is 5.000 i think? Will do this meself but for the paint and body work i can't.  I will think it over.. 40k is alot and get 20K for it back damn! Thanks for all the info i got a lot of thinking to do!

[Ghoste]

It can cost the same to restore a 318 Scamp as it might a Hemi Cuda convertible too though.  It's the specialty parts that make the big difference and if you had to restore all of the convertible parts and Hemi stuff in the Cuda there is no way the fastback Chargers are going to reach that level.  Yes, some of the specialty parts in the 66-67 are harder to find but if you are paying enough to equal Hemi parts, you are getting hosed.  If not, then I want one Hell of a lot more money for my 67.
First question is, do you want to restore a car or not?  Some people love that part and some hate it.  If the actual restoring part appeals to you then this car isn't the worst thing you could do.  But buying a project or buying a car that is roadworthy, in both cases always get the most complete car you can.

[Mikesmoparperformance]

It can cost the same to restore a 318 Scamp as it might a Hemi Cuda convertible too though.  It's the specialty parts that make the big difference and if you had to restore all of the convertible parts and Hemi stuff in the Cuda there is no way the fastback Chargers are going to reach that level.  Yes, some of the specialty parts in the 66-67 are harder to find but if you are paying enough to equal Hemi parts, you are getting hosed.  If not, then I want one Hell of a lot more money for my 67.
First question is, do you want to restore a car or not?  Some people love that part and some hate it.  If the actual restoring part appeals to you then this car isn't the worst thing you could do.  But buying a project or buying a car that is roadworthy, in both cases always get the most complete car you can.

Thank you for that That the fastback chargers is not the same as a Hemi cuda convertible to restore.
Yes i want to restore a car. If this is a 66 or 69 both are fun. But if i must choose between to 2 cars i will go for the 69 Well he is got a engine for it now . He had brought the car with out it! If there was no engine for it. I would not even consider it to go and buy the car.

[Ghoste]

Which one has your heart the most though, the 66 or a 69?

[Mikesmoparperformance]

Which one has your heart the most though, the 66 or a 69?

69! I'am a dukes fan and always wantend a General! The 66 i would make turn key agian and have fun with it. But i will always look out for that 69 charger!

[Cooter]

I guess one COULD paint that '66 Orange and add "01"s to the doors?

[Ghoste]

I think it has been before so sure, why not?

[Mikesmoparperformance]

I guess one COULD paint that '66 Orange and add "01"s to the doors?

Noway! That would look strange funny do! 

[Mikesmoparperformance]

I think it has been before so sure, why not?

No! A general must only be a 69 charger! Not a 66. That car i will paint zilver or black. Orange is not a good color for a 66.

[Mikesmoparperformance]

O my i found a picture

[Mikesmoparperformance]

       

I have thought it over and brought the car. 23Feb I will bring it home
It will be siliver agian or black

Someting like this with out the trim on the fenders

[A383Wing]

leave the trim on the fenders

Bryan

[Mikesmoparperformance]

leave the trim on the fenders

Bryan

I can't they are shaved off! And the trim is not there sorry.  



Gonne be like this:  But then 1 color zilver or black and no airscoop offcourse.

[bobs66440]

Sweeeet!    

Welcome to the club!!  

Also, you might want to join this forum too. Lots of good info and people.  
http://www.66-67charger.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm

[71green go]

Awesome Purchase..I would love to own a First Gen!.......keep posting pics of the project Please

[CornDogsCharger]

Congrats on your "new" Charger.  I love both generation Chargers, but as mentioned before... first-gens are expensive to restore.  If you chip away a little here and a little there then it won't seem too bad!  haha.  Black or Silver are my favorites on the 66 and 67s.  Here's my '66

Justin
"CornDog"

[Inspector71]

That "project" car is in excellent shape. What are the chances of finding or obtaining a 69 Charger in the Netherlands? The price is good especially if finding a 69 will be very difficult. What is the market for these cars like in the Netherlands? If it is really good for the one your friend has, it might be worth restoring this car and, if you find the 69 later, selling this car. Or, you might it grows on you. The 1st generation Chargers are really unique and cool.

[mauve66]

leave the trim on the fenders

Bryan

no don't, its a pain in ### to put on correctly, assuming the person before you took it off without bending it, and it costs more to polish and plate it correctly than its worht

[Big Sugar]

Good luck woth your Charger ! It is definatly a labour of love, and it's heavier on the LABOUR side of the equasion.
  Because the charger was previously stripped by somone else your gonna need a few freinds online to help get things back in order.       Luckly.       Your gonna have plenty ! Nice Charger.   

Where about in Holland are you ?   My mother and father are from rotterdam and volendam, still have lots of family there.

Ron

[JB400]

Congratulations on the Charger purchase

As far as the trim debacle, trim can make or break a car.  If your going to put trim on, do it right and get it polished or replaced.  But, since its been shaved and you don't feel the need to put it on, I wouldn't bother.  1st gens look great both ways.  Trim isn't going to make it faster though.