My First Restoration

[Kodiackbear151]

Hi, new to the forum, and I guess the mopar scene as well.
I'm 23 and starting my first restoration project on a 73 charger se.
Not that I have a basis comparison from experience, but the body seemed pretty stable. There was a decent amount of rust spots: Bottom of left and right quarter panels, one small gash in the trunk, the entire support bracket for the rear bumper, few rust holes near the bottom passenger rocker, and around the wheel well on both fenders. It was also missing most of the rear bumper and its components, passenger side mirror, and a few bolts here and there. The interior was actually pretty great. Damaged seats and a cracked dash, but all the panels were there and still feel fresh. I ripped a few pieces of the decaying vinyl and did not find rust holes (yet). The driver side fender has a pretty big dent that travels down to the corner of the rocker area.
When I got it, it did not run and had a 383 short block stuffed in there. Motor and trans not original.
This was my dream car within my target year. I always thought about a 2008 charger when I was 20, but 4 doors wasn't cutting it..
With that said, I wanted it the way I'd like. Plans consist of (though some may seem absurd) memory foam seats, added power locks and windows (found a website that makes them), modern sound system, custom dash addon for higher end equipment, and a few others I cant think of.
I have a 440 that I bought from the guy who is also going to teach me how to rebuild. The 440 will have the parts to achieve a 10:1 ratio. I also planned on having a custom interior, with mostly red.
Thats pretty much it. I really would like some advice/input for my project. Im not entirely concerned about money, I plan on doing most of the work myself. Including panel patching. Thanks!

[skip68]

Welcome to the show.     

[polywideblock]

welcome to the site         can't see pics     

[VegasCharger]

Welcome to the site

I've been through three 1973/74 Chargers in my lifetime and they can be pretty cool looking cars when done up right. My favorite is a triple black 73 SE Charger with a sunroof, 440, auto slapstick, A/C and PW. There are some members including myself that know a bit about these 73/74 Chargers. I currently do not have one now as I'm rebuilding my 68 Charger. But I do have some lingering parts laying around from the previous ones I had.

Good luck on your adventure

[daytona71]

Welcome Kodiackbear151
I also am restoring my 73 Charger SE. Have owned it since new, 100,000 hard miles. Never garage kept until last 10 years. Floors, rails and trunk were good. Quarters were replaced with new. Front fenders were rebuilt using donor parts from 2 other fenders purchased over the years. The 400 engine and trans have been rebuilt, ready to go back in once the rest of the engine bay is completed. Plan is to keep it as stock as possible. One upgrade that I will do is a modified stock am radio. Once the mods are done, it still looks stock, but also has FM capability. I know the company that does the mods, and have seen and heard the great sound from the unit. (has inputs for ipod or Sirius radio too)
Any questions about your SE, feel free to ask.

[RallyeMike]

Hello and welcome.

[tan top]

 hello & welcome