Please help my husband

[mchlharp]

Hello my name is Maxine Harp
      First off let me say that if my husband finds out I did this he would kill me but I would do anything I can for this man .
       We have been married for 13 yrs and all I have ever heard about was his dream car a 1969 dodge charger well last year he found one for little to nothing so I encouraged him to get it. He was the happiest person I have ever seen when it pulled into our yard I actually think he had tears in his eyes. For months he took this car apart piece by piece cataloging ever bolt and nut well after he stripped the car down we saw how bad the car really was.
      Shortly after we got the car my mother passed away which was as hard on him as it was on me so the car got put on the back burner so that we could take care of my father who we moved in with so now it's been six months since he has even walked out to even look at his car he has done every thing he can to help me and my family while putting his dreams on hold due to my fathers health I am unable to work and every penny we get is just enough to keep our heads above water now the car and his dreams just sit there it kills me to see him sit and stear at the car without being able to get it fixed he told me last night that he was going to sell the car because he would rather sell it then let it just sit and rot away , that I just can't let happen to him he has done everything for me and my family so I am asking from a greatful wife to everyone out there who knows what it's like to have a dream come true to please help me make this dream of his a reality

[Cooter]

So.......................What kind of help exactly? I surely will do what I can, bhut if it's money, then I'm afraid you might just be out of luck there.

[JB400]

Welcome to the group   What kind of condition is the car in?  Is it a rust bucket or is it fairly solid?  How complete was the car when you first got it?  What parts have been aquired?  What direction was you wanting to go with the car: resto, resto with custom touches, or full custom?  Is your husband a member here as well?  Pictures help out a bunch

[bull]

Well, the car is 44 years old so it's going to have some issues. Some are worse than others but the fact that yours cost little to nothing says it probably is on the bad end of the scale. That said, I'd say most of them have been neglected and are pretty bad off. There are tons of parts being reproduced, so many that it's unlikely his '69 cannot be restored. It's just a matter of time and money. Take a look at some of these that have been or will be restored: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,98387.0.html

If he would rather just drive one instead of restore one I'd encourage him to sell the one he's got (depending on how bad off it really is) and spend a little more money on the front end to get a driver. But we would really need pics and a more in-depth descrition.

[mchlharp]

This is his account the picture he has as his Avatar is the car it is in ruff shape to me but he says its in great condition but I don't see it I will post some pictures in a few I got to go take some be right back I ain't asking for money

[Dino]

Many of us have been in that same spot, many of us still are.  If he sells it as it sits now then chances are it'll sit just like that in someone else's garage.  It's not like he's letting it rot away in the back yard.

Condition is relative.  You may think it's a rust bucket but it may be okay for a 40+ year old car.  These cars started to rot before they were ten so they all have issues.

Why did he take the car apart?  It takes many thousands to restore a car but it doesn't take all that much to make it a driver.  Maybe he can put it back together and enjoy it for what it is. 

If all he needs is some incentive to work on it then let him read the resto threads here, that should give him a bit more courage to tackle the work.

Family comes first, it's hard to let a car sit but it's just a car.  Dream or not, it can wait until more important matters are dealt with.  That's just my opinion.

[Chargen69]

 

[hemi68charger]

Encourage him to just go out and sit in it once and awhile if it is at home. I understand where you're coming from. We recently put my Mom in a nursing home after living with us for nearly 7 years with stage 7 dementia. My wife baby-sat two babies to earn income so she could stay home with Mom and tend to her needs ( was really a whole lot for the most part ). Just a suggestion for the elder-care provider to earn some income. Your husband needs to understand he needs to take a "breather" once and a while, even if it means to just "hang out" with the car. Heck, put a TV in the garage and watch Sunday games/races next to the Charger.. 

I hope things work out for the best and God bless ya'll for taking care of your parent ( just as a culture should do ).......

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Hello my name is Maxine Harp
      First off let me say that if my husband finds out I did this he would kill me but I would do anything I can for this man .
       We have been married for 13 yrs and all I have ever heard about was his dream car a 1969 dodge charger well last year he found one for little to nothing so I encouraged him to get it. He was the happiest person I have ever seen when it pulled into our yard I actually think he had tears in his eyes. For months he took this car apart piece by piece cataloging ever bolt and nut well after he stripped the car down we saw how bad the car really was.
      Shortly after we got the car my mother passed away which was as hard on him as it was on me so the car got put on the back burner so that we could take care of my father who we moved in with so now it's been six months since he has even walked out to even look at his car he has done every thing he can to help me and my family while putting his dreams on hold due to my fathers health I am unable to work and every penny we get is just enough to keep our heads above water now the car and his dreams just sit there it kills me to see him sit and stear at the car without being able to get it fixed he told me last night that he was going to sell the car because he would rather sell it then let it just sit and rot away , that I just can't let happen to him he has done everything for me and my family so I am asking from a greatful wife to everyone out there who knows what it's like to have a dream come true to please help me make this dream of his a reality

Sounds like y'all might want to consider selling the car and buying another one down the road, if the timing is better 

[areibel]

Where are you located?  I think the first thing you need to do is find another Mopar guy or two for moral support and maybe even a little hands on help.  Go to a car show, swap meet or cruise and check out the Mopars, we're almost everywhere!  Maybe it scared you husband a little getting it apart and seeing all that needs done at one can be a lot- been there, done that!  It looks like that thing will never run again, you start wondering if you know enough to do it all, and that's before you start thinking about prices!
Encourage him to look at these pages and pick one project to do.  If you can find a couple Mopar buddies then they can probably help him out too.  And a lot of nice cars aren't perfect, don' t think they have to be.  Can't afford a new quarter panel or fender?  If it's all you got you make do- weld some patches, use some filler, whatever it takes.  Can't afford to rebuild the 383 or 440? Drop in a 318 or 360 right now to get it running.  You can probably buy a running one for a couple hundred bucks to get it on the road.  And lots of the work is plain old elbow grease stuff- take it apart, clean it up and put it back together.  Stop the rust that's there, lots of sanding, scraping, wire wheels, whatever.  Get a couple rattle cans of good primer and cover it up.  Get it to where you can drive it and enjoy it, and save money for the big resto to make it perfect.  LOts of guys do it that way, we can't all lay out a couple thousand here or there every couple weeks.  Put the money away, buy the parts you'll need and store them out of the way, eventually you'll get there!

[JB400]

I think what needs to be done, is you need to get him excited again.  Is there a friend that has a muscle car that could come over and work on it, or just give your husband a ride?

Have you personally done anything to it?  A car is nothing more than a bunch of small projects put into one.  It isn't nothing to take a few small pieces, clean them up, and slap on a coat of paint.  Then, just put them together again.

When was the last time something was bought for the car?  Depending on how your planning on rebuilding the car, shiny stuff makes for a nice motivator.  It doesn't have to be expensive.  Just something like a chrome aircleaner or order something like an emblem. You can get reproduction emblems for around $45 or so.  Just seeing that word Charger written in cursive polished in chrome is enough to make any Charger owner  at least a little.  Plus, buying something for the car helps make a person want to put it on the car just to see how it looks.

Showing interest in the car will help motivate him.  Or, convince him to log on here.  Just seeing everyone else's ride will help.  If your looking for moral support from us, you have it as long as you log on.  Just seeing this thread shows how much you care about the car.

                                                                              Best of luck getting your car back on the road, and don't give up on it

                                                                                                                                   JB


Sorry, about Cooters' comment.   Some of us have been hit up for financial assistance and then burned enough times that at times, that a simple request for some moral support can be misinterpreted and misconstrued.

[CDN72SE]

Life has had my car on driveways, storage, in underground parking lots and in garages. I've not driven my car since 1992 (21yrs) so I can understand what it is like, the money I could have used to restore it has had to go to other places that in the big scheme of things is more important. So you are saying, "...and every penny we get is just enough to keep our heads above water...", sounds like the car should be sold if the money will make a difference or a dent in your finances.

So what kind of help does your husband need if it's not money? Is it parts or just words of encouragement. Hope things work out for your family.

[F8-4life]

Maybe he could use a perspective change? A torn-apart charger is better then a running Camaro

[mchlharp]

I can't seem to get my computer to upload the pictures of the car sorry I will see if I can get them to load on my desk top

[mchlharp]

I have seen him sit in front of the computer for hours looking at this site and just looking at other chargers or he will call me to the computer room and ask me about the color of others cars and ask if I like that one or this one . I don't really know what I am asking for because I really don't know what he needs. I know that the floor to the trunk is rusted out and the rear fenders on the bottoms are rusted too I pick on him by saying he can fuel the car by opening the truck lol but he don't find that funny lol if any one has a extra part for sale kinda cheap or just some moral support we live in laurel ms and there really aren't any good body shops I know he doesn't know how to weld or replace the body metal I know he took the engine to a machine shop and had something to it but its back now and looks shinny but I don't know what was done I will talk with him tonight and see what info I can squeez out of him thank you all for all your comments and your support

[TUFCAT]

Sounds like the project should stay on the back burner until funds are available for the really big stuff.  

Luckilly, right now is a great time to tackle "all those little things" that don't cost much to fix ....such as degreasing, de-rusting, polishing, and detailing many small components on the car.

I've found my cleaning and detailing jobs to be rewarding, and it usually just costs time instead of money.  

[tan top]

  
  likes been mentioned  , love to see more pictures    , what was the plan stock type resto or  

[CDN72SE]

Agreed, working on the little components will keep his head in the game and will show some progress. Do a little at a time, so he won't feel the disconnect.

[RallyeMike]

First off let me say that if my husband finds out I did this he would kill me

I have seen him sit in front of the computer for hours looking at this site 

I suppose someone should call the sheriff.

[74Rallye]

Light him up up verbally. Tell him you want to go for a ride in it and he better get it on the road. It doesn't have to be restored to drive it and your words may go a long way. Then put a 6 pack of beer in the car and lock him out of the house!

[skip68]

I'd say let the car sit for a bit.   Getting the car is the hard part and he's lucky to already have one.       It may take several years (4-5 years) before he can have it on the road but that's normal.     Far as needing help, there may be a member here that's close to you to give him a hand.   Glad you posted because guys sometimes won't ask for help.................or directions.          

Chuck.............

[mchlharp]

First of all let me say thank y'all for all the comments
Second no need to call the law I am not going I kill her , I can't believe she got on here and asked for help I can't be mad at her for that I am actually very moved by my beautiful wife for even thinking about doing something like this I do love this woman with all my heart
Third I am glad to see that there are still real people in this world again thank all of y'all
And ur right guys don't ask for help its the pride thing in us
Please don't think that I have givin up I just don't have the money or time to work it the car now and yes it does get to me that I can't work on it right now I would just rather sell it than watch it sit and maybe with any luck buy another down the road
Thanks again for all the positive and motivational comments makes me want to be driving her down the road even more than before y'all really are kind people and thanks for talking to my wife like a person

[mchlharp]

Here's some info on my charger
1969 dodge charger rt all numbers matching
440 bb bored 60 over shaved .030 off the heads with new springs and valves
Was going to go back all stock except for the motor and tranny
Original color was ivy green was going back with triple black
4 link suspension in rear

[skip68]

   No problem.       Since pictures of the car seems hard to get, any chance we could have a few pictures of the wife?       Come on guys, you were all thinking it.  I just said it.       Hang in there mchlharp.   Sounds like you've got a great project.  Hope you can keep it. 

[areibel]

No Problem Michael!
You kow your situation better than us, but unless you really need the money from selling hang onto it!  My current 69 has been sitting for about 5 years.  I bought it thinking I could get it going in a year or two, but it didn't happen.  No big reason, just a lot of little ones- kids going to college is the biggest.  I sold my 70 Coronet vert to buy it, I wanted a convertible too but it was one or the other.  
If you have it, it's in your name, sitting a little longer won't hurt it.  You've started on it, you know what it will take to get it running if not completely restored, let that help you decide.  This is about the time someone will come on and say "they're going up in value every day", well bargains will be found but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!   Give it a lot of thought before you sell, I sold my first 69 (in 1981) and I've regretted it ever since.  If you don't know how to do everything, that's not a huge problem either.  There's a lot of help here, and 99% of what I used to be afraid of I can do now because I tried.  OK, I'm still afraid to to the finish coats of paint but that's almost an art compared to a skill.  I know a couple painters that I can call on for that.  
Find a few Mopar buds, stop the rust, preserve now and fix later - It'll be worth it!

[Patronus]

Where is the car?

[Lord Warlock]

The most important thing to do, is to bite the bullet and force yourself to go out and work on it a little each day, or each weekend.  Some parts of it don't need a lot of money to get done.  Like many here, i've owned my 69 charger r/t now for 37 years, and it sat in storage forever with nothing getting done to it.  There was always other things to spend money on, in my case it has been my kids, or fixing the house, dental work, being unemployed for long periods of time, etc etc.  This last summer i decided since i was out of work (again) I'd spend a few hours a day working on the charger, and this involved cutting the rust out of the lower rear quarters (a dremel tool, and a few cutting wheels and i was able to cut out the bad parts of the quarter panel, then I grinded out the rust on the inner panel, bought a patch panel, borrowed a welder from my dad, and managed to weld in a new panel, all without anyone telling me how to do it, just trial and error, if you mess it up, do it again, a little research will show you how to weld a panel in place.  Removing the trunk floor is a future project for me, but after the fender, i'm no longer worried about welding anymore.  By September, i had the cars exterior done, and had repainted the car myself, again something i trained myself to do over a few years, practicing on other cars before i did the charger. 

This site is a wealth of information on restorations, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you have, direct you to sources of replacement panels, what parts are what, and where to get them.  Check your local area and see if there is a mopar enthusiast collector group around, if so, they could be a source of additional help, i know my local club is more than happy to come over and help out on some projects, beer and hamburgers are a cheap price for a weekend help session.  I've held car gatherings at my house where we pulled someone's transmission out replaced a clutch and put it back together in a single afternoon and evening, i provided the tools, they did most of the labor.  (this was on an import turbo car where i would normally hesitate to do more than a plug change myself).  Even today i'm willing to help out with something similar if someone needs help to do something locally,  not an expert, but also have some experience doing engine swaps and tuning of older cars, and not afraid to try things i've never done before.  More than likely there somebody nearby you can get to help you out, i'm sure there are quite a few that'd like to work on an old charger for a change. 

Post your questions, we'll be happy to answer, even if it means digging thru our photos, or going out and taking photos of our own cars to help you put it back together.  Just don't use the excuse that there is never enough time, it won't fix itself, you have to step up and start on it, set a goal of what you want to get done, then work on that section till you finish it, then move on to the next goal.  I set weekly goals on my car projects, sometimes i miss the goal, most of the time i meet the goal, just be sure to set a realistic goal of what you want to get done in each phase, and you'll be surprised how much you can get done.  At the current time, i wouldn't be embarrassed to open the garage door and show off the project charger, as i would have been a year ago.  And i've been doing this while i've been unemployed and have no money to spend on it.  Anything that costs more than a token amount gets backburnered till i can scrape the funds to move on it.  When a job comes, then i won't have the time to spend, but i'll have the money to buy a few parts.  Which i will do, the kids will just have to earn their own college money.  (already prepaid their tuition and fees for 4 years each)

[mchlharp]

trying to upload some picts but it says file is too large idk

[jessejames]

Hang on to that car brother! Half the battle is finding one! Took me years to find a decent 69 rt

[Supercharged Riot]

Yep
Keep it if you got the time and money.
or get another one if you dont have time to put in the work for it.
It took me 6 years to catch one.
I'll admit mine wasnt the most perfect catch, it had its shares of good parts and bad body work.
You might catch a good deal now a days, but be prepared to compete with other people about buying

Sometimes I look online and see better deals than what I got mine for 

[mchlharp]

i cant seem to get any of them to load but if anyone wants to they are on my fb page its facebook.com/michael.harp.104

[Lord Warlock]

instead of loading them here, link them instead,  go to your facebook page, put cursor on the picture, right click, then select properties, then in the pop up window, select the url/address line, highlight it, then right click mouse select copy, then click the ok button to make the pop up disappear, then in the text box to post here, click the image button, (2nd icon, 2nd row paste the link in between the image tags like so:  



threw this in because i have a challenger also:

[Lord Warlock]

lol, sometimes its easier to just do it, than to explain it, first attempt didn't work with the small photos, i had to go to each main photo, by clicking the picture, then when it showed the full picture, then i used the right mouse button and select properties, copy the url, close the popup, then click the img button, put mouse in between the img and /img tags that appear in the text window, right click and select paste, just got to make sure the [] are still surrounding the img tag or it won't work.  

So is the challenger a v6, or v8? doesn't have the r/t emblem in grill or the srt8 badge, so assuming its a six.  could be an srt8 though, it has a black spoiler.  I have a Detonator yellow 2010 RT classic.  There is a good challenger forum for info on those, can go to either http://www.challengerforumz.com/index.php or http://www.challengertalk.com/

Charger looks like it wouldn't be too hard to get fixed up, just have to sand out the rust spots in the hood and fenders, prime and paint it, course many showing some rust likely are rusting around the back window also, really need to pull the back glass to get to the channel and see how bad the rust is there,  you can buy replacement sail panels if the piece between window and decklid is rusted bad, mine just had minor rust in the corners, i had to grind out part of the window lip, and weld in a small piece of metal to replace the rusted out piece, grind it smooth then prime and paint it.   rear wheel quarter panels usually rust as well, depends on how bad its rusted there, as to how much metal needs to be removed, you can get skins, or patch panels, depending on how much is bad.  Pics don't show that area so can't really tell, just expect there would be some there since there is minor rust on hood and front fender.

removing the front fenders isn't that hard either, if you decided to take them off to do the work, getting the grill out is more involved than getting a fender off.  Either way, looks like a perfectly good starter to work on, all that you need is to break out the tools and get started on it. 

[TUFCAT]

Actually your Charger doesn't look that bad at all ...we've seen a lot worse around here! 

[mchlharp]

C:\Users\sabine\Pictures\2012-05-02 ca

[hawkeye]

put the motor in it and drive!!!  if everyone waited until their cars were perfect to drive them, there would be damn few on the road.  as you have the time and money you can gradually fix it up.

[mchlharp]

wished i could drive it when i got it the man i bought the car from said it had ben sitting for 20yrs so instead of trying to crank the beast of a motor and messing some thing up i just decided to start tearing it down and getting the resto started had the car tore down in a week the block stripped and on the way to the mechine


there aint a day that goes by i wished i would have tried to drive it before i disassembled it lol

[Dino]

wished i could drive it when i got it the man i bought the car from said it had ben sitting for 20yrs so instead of trying to crank the beast of a motor and messing some thing up i just decided to start tearing it down and getting the resto started had the car tore down in a week the block stripped and on the way to the mechine


there aint a day that goes by i wished i would have tried to drive it before i disassembled it lol

It's reversible.  Put it back together, it doesn't have to look pretty.  Focus on function.  Once you're driving it, you will care a lot less about the looks of it.  Besides, spray cans of flat black are cheap.

[Skyview69]

wished i could drive it when i got it the man i bought the car from said it had ben sitting for 20yrs so instead of trying to crank the beast of a motor and messing some thing up i just decided to start tearing it down and getting the resto started had the car tore down in a week the block stripped and on the way to the mechine


there aint a day that goes by i wished i would have tried to drive it before i disassembled it lol

See if you can put it back together and get it running...then do the real stuff later....finally gort mine on the road after 7 years...only cost me $800 to do so...wish i would have done it sooner...good luck 

[mauve66]

one year waiting is nothing in this hobby, you did right bagging everything though, it'll take some thinking to get it all back together after awhile (i'm not to 21 yrs yet like some)

[mchlharp]

Even if I were to put it all back together there is no floor in the car I would have to flintstone it lol

[Dino]

Even if I were to put it all back together there is no floor in the car I would have to flintstone it lol

No floor at all or trunk only?  Assuming all floors need work, focus on getting all structural components fixed but neglect the skin for now.  Holes in the bottoms of the quarters don't do all that much as long as the frame is alright.

[Patronus]

I prefer to resto a car from the inside out. Since you have the motor pulled, do the engine bay. This is a great part of the process since it involves small projects that get you working on a painted finish quite quickly. Plus it's a great start for one guy, and a great place to learn. Get it covered and get a thread going in "Paint and Body" to help us help you.

[mchlharp]

The floor in the cab has a bunch of holes and is completely rusted the drive shaft hump is fine but both sides are pretty bad

I have started pulling things off the fire wall just haven't taken them completely off yet

[lukedukem]

Here's some info on my charger
1969 dodge charger rt all numbers matching
440 bb bored 60 over shaved .030 off the heads with new springs and valves
Was going to go back all stock except for the motor and tranny
Original color was ivy green was going back with triple black
4 link suspension in rear

#'s matching. yeah, don't sell. just read and listen. 

luke

[duanesterrr]

No way I would sell that car.  Put it back together and drive it.  Having the coolest unrestored car at the local car show is something to be proud of.

[70moparman]

Maybe he could use a perspective change? A torn-apart charger is better then a running Camaro

[cdr]

Maybe he could use a perspective change? A torn-apart charger is better then a running Camaro

thats what i have ,soooo true

[Ghoste]

F8, that should be on a t-shirt or motivational poster or something.

[Inspector71]

I am in the same boat with my 68 Charger. Got most of it torn apart and was blind sided by my X coming out of the woodwork after more money. Short version is she skipped going to court but filed with social services in Texas who filed with Missouri up here. She admitted I owe nothing, it all ended when the girls turned 18, but wants more anyway. Long story short, social services treats all these cases like dead beat dad cases. What's that got to do with you? Even before the hearing, the state garnished my wages at $1250.00 a month and I am not exactly keeping my head above water. The car sits and waits. It is driving me nuts. But, I know if I sell it, I may never get another one. This is my second one and I regretted selling the first one so won't do it again. I'd keep it and hold on for better days. Again, I know how tough it is. I've lost my phone service and other "items" but will hold on to my car. Don't let the dream die.

[mauve66]

F8, that should be on a t-shirt or motivational poster or something.

i couldn't think of a proper title, and my kid hates me right now.............

[jessejames]

F8, that should be on a t-shirt or motivational poster or something.

i couldn't think of a proper title, and my kid hates me right now.............


Lmao!!! I love it!!

[super77se]

sign me up. id rather be walking with a broke down charger than driving a comode

[mchlharp]

I like the motivational poster that's cool how did u make that

[mchlharp]

Does anyone know about the project charger book ?

[Dino]

Does anyone know about the project charger book ?

The one with the plum 70?  Yeah, nice book. 

[mchlharp]

Yeah how much of a help is it

[Dino]

Yeah how much of a help is it

Quite a bit I would say.  It basically goes over the whole prep of doing a resto and gives tiups on how to mark items and lay out the whole process.  Restorations can be done in many ways and I've tried just about all of them but some things neer change and I think the book is pretty good at explaining that. 

It's not a real how to in the sense that it doesn't really go into detail on how to do a certain job but it covers the basics real well and it probably helps motivation as well.

Consider it a coffee table book with some helpful hints.


What are you hoping to get out of a book like this?  There may be others that are more helpful.

Also, besides time which none of us seem to have, what is the one thing about this project that is the most troublesome to you?  I did restos for a living and didn't always feel like doing the job but one thing always gave me a lot of interest in starting a project and that happened once all the old paint was removed.  I can't stand working on a car that has 7 layers of paint half sanded off.  Yet once the car is blasted, I don't care how rot it is, I always feel full of energy and am ready to rock 'n' roll.

[mauve66]

I like the motivational poster that's cool how did u make that

there may be others but i did mine here, it was a pain to save to my computer for some reason but i finally got it

http://bighugelabs.com/motivator.php

[Wicked72]

im in the same boat, no money, no time. ive got some parts just need some time. going to make it at least a nice driver for the end of the summer. hopefully going to be breaking it at the OC MD Endless summer cruise this fall!! maybe a goal set to high but we will see. good luck!!

[mchlharp]

I think what I need is another mopar guy around my neck of the woods all my friends are ford and Chevy guys and no one has a project they are working on except me and none of us have a clue on how to weld or use a torch

[mchlharp]

thanks to everyone that has posted on here but things have changed i am selling the car
i am asking $8000.00 for everything if anyone is interested please email me at mchlharp@yahoo.com
i will send all info and all pictures

[67_Dodge_Charger]

Wow that is too bad   Be sure to stick around on this site and others to keep an eye out for a driver quality Charger.  There are plenty out there you could drive today and only spend $15k.  I wish you the best of luck and hope you get your asking price. Robert

[1974dodgecharger]

 

[Fitz73Chrgr]

I'm not too far away in Pensacola.  Wish this car was in one piece, I'd be very interested if it were.

[lukedukem]

i sent an email and haven't gotten a reply, anyone know if its sold?

luke