The next step. Need some wisdom

[NCtrueconservative]

Well guys its been a mild winter so far in the mountains of NC and after christmas and not focusing on the chally for a while, I'm itchin to get back at it.  I have quite a few tidying up things that need to be done before I get to drive it (hopefully) for the first time this spring. I was wondering for those of you who have completed projects before, in what order should I do these things?  What should I focus on first? Sometimes I just need direction because all I see is a lot of crap that needs to be done And along with direction, I'll prob need some help on the best way to complete the tasks as well (73 challenger rallye, automatic)

-the back tail lights, parking lights, and reverse lights need to be troubleshot and got working
-carpet needs to be installed
-some of the gauges in the dash need to be looked at, which I really don't know much about. My oil gauge is working, and maybe my water I can't remember but I KNOW my speedo and tach are not working
-the passenger side glass needs to be installed along with the regulator mechanism back in the door


I'm sure I'll think of something else later, but those are the big things right now....what to focus on first? hmmm. Thanks in advance

[Killer_Mopar]

I always found it best to first concentrate on whatever gets the car running or driving and is affordable - once you start making progress and can hear/drive it, the rest of the stuff will come soon after. With that said, my vote is to fix the tail lights - it shouldn't be too difficult, should be relatively cheap, and its something that needs to be done before driving. After that, the dash and window. The window will be relatively quick and easy. The dash will require a little planning, most likely a bit of cash, and a good amount of time compared to the others.  That's just my

[67vertman]

I agree with Killer, get it running first.  That way you can enjoy it while you drive it.  Then start with the next thing you can afford to do, such as body work, tires, suspension, and such.


Most people who tear thier cars completly apart never finish them, as they lose intrest.

[BS CUDA]

Agreed - I save all winter for the next set of upgrades etc. From spring to fall I drive it every chance I get including hammering it at the track. Wouldn't do it any other way. Someday I will heat the garage so that it sees less downtime in the spring 

[Jesus H Chrysler]

I got a new taillight harness for around $150 this past year at Carlisle.  I used to do auto electric for a living and it was still easier and cheaper to get a premade harness.  It was plug and play, I had it working in under a half hour.  I second the notion of getting it running first.  Once it's running, you become far more motivated to work on it because it's so close.  My car sat for years because it was a hopeless case.  Not running, missing parts and needing soooo much work.  Just putting an engine and tranny in it fired me up to work on it.

The speedo can probably be fixed with just a new speedo cable, or even just peek under the car and see if it's connected.  The other gauges require a little more troubleshooting.  The glass can be put in by copying the other side that is still in.  Breaking the project down into manageable segments is the key to success.

[Jamiez]

I picked up a used rear wiring harness off moparts for around $50.  I see them from time to time.  It takes around an hour to swap with most of that time being spent threading the wires and dealing with the fuel tank wire.  You should be able to complete it in an afternoon, easily.

To swap the carpet is a lot more work than you might think.  You have to remove pretty much all of the interior to do it correctly.  That means the front seats, rear seat, console, sill panels, kick panels, rear quarters.  Make sure you bag and tag the screws.  Laying the carpet is pretty simple but taking everything out and putting it back together is pretty time consuming...especially if you've never done it before.

For the temp gauge, it's possible that a previous owner removed the thermostat.  It's not uncommon, unfortunately to check you'd need to drain the coolant.  It's not difficult or time consuming, but it's something you should consider while planning these things.

[NCtrueconservative]

really appreciate all the help guys....guess I'll get my taillights working first....and I already have all the interior and old carpet stripped (thank God!!). had to do some floor pan work. And I second that about getting a heated garage  maybe one day

[Gumby]

Good luck! I have a heated garage - in the summer! lol. There are lot's of things I want to do, and even have many of the parts, but I'm allergic to cold. lol.

[BS CUDA]

Probably best I don't have a heated garage - might have to sell the wife and kits to finance another 6 months of upgrades.