Going to finish the car.

[peterro]

 

My wife and I have made a plan to finish the Challenger (it was actually her idea - I love her). It's been a long time coming and still has a long time (budget) to go but we've decided it needs to be done and on the road before my sons are too old and aren't around anymore. It's not the best financial decision, but it's one that we needed to make since our relationships are more important. Ultimately it's not really a horrible financial move since the money going into the car isn't really lost as if we went on vacation or something.

Anyway, now I'm on a mission to complete it. There will be concessions from the ultimate build, but those things (6.1 hemi, 4-wheel disks, AC, fancy wheels/tires) can always be done after it's on the road. I think it's a good stretch goal to get it on the road by next year.

Here's hoping!

[CUDA JAS]

Good luck..and enjoy the build process!

What are your plans now?

[Cuda Cody]

How about posting some photos!   

[peterro]

I've almost got all the parts together for the dash install. I finally got the heater/ac installed with all the vacuum lines tested. Once the last couple parts show up all get the dash assembled and put in. Next up is the steering column, headliner, e-brake and interior window trim. I just had my son out cleaning up the headliner bows.

Pictures, yeah. I need to take some more to document the stages. I'm balancing this with painting the house and managing the animals in the barn. Trying to get the summer projects done before summer ends. The exterior doesn't look much different than my avatar, most of the work has been on the interior. I'll update my build thread on the other board and link it here.

Thanks again Cody for your help. That dash frame (and other parts) look great.

[Road_Runner]

I couldn't agree with you & your wife's decision more.  I kept getting side-tracked on other cars while my kids were growing up and never got around to finishing the Roadrunner.  All they've ever known of it is a car that sits unfinished in the garage.  In spite of that I think its the one belonging of mine they might actually fight over when I'm gone!  Definitely finish your Challenger and make it an active member of your family, you'll be glad you did.

Later, Jim

[GranCuda1970]

Now all I have to do is get my wife onboard like you suceeeded in doing. Next is the motor for me, I have half of the 5000 dollars I need to have the block finished proffessionaly with ported heads for quench and today's pump gas. I want to get her back on the road building family relationships is very important.  Some times all it takes is a cruise into the countryside.

[Chryco Psycho]

I am glad you are going to finish the car , it can still be a lot of fun even with not putting in all the good parts the first time round , everything can be improved over time & you will appreciate it more that way as you will feel the difference as the better parts are added plus you have an ongoing challenge instead of just being done  .

[peterro]

Agreed. The goal now is to work with my boys on a project that they'll actually see completed (mostly) and not just something dad talks about but never finishes.