So, I've peeked in here from time to time, but recently decided it was time to really get going on my 71 Chally convertible, so I thought it was time to actually become a member.
A little about my story: Around 1981, when I was about 11 years old, I was riding my bike through our neighborhood in Indianapolis, when I saw a Challenger Convertible. Coming from a MOPAR family, I immediately went home and told my dad. He told me to ask if it was for sale the next time I rode by. I did and the owner told me that "No, it's not for sale. I'm going to put a battery and clutch in it and start driving it again". So, I left. a year later, and not having moved, I asked again. this time the car was showing signs of cancer, and the top had a tennis ball sized hole in it. Nevertheless, the answer was the same "I'm going to put a clutch in it and start driving it again". So, another year goes by, and now the rust is considerable, the top is practically gone, and I made one more run at the car. this time he old me he should probably sell it. I ran home and told dad, who went to the guys house and negotiated a $250.00 purchase. We loaded up the car and took it to Illinois and put it in a barn on our farm for later.
About this time I fell in love with a '57 Chevy and that became my project car. I worked on it all through high school and put it away when I went to college. About the time I was graduating, Dad was amassing parts to finish the Challenger. The drive train was restored, and dad finally drove the car to a body shop in Illinois. The body shop put in the floor and the trunk floor pans, and started disassembling the rest. Then, dad died unexpectedly at the age of 48. Mom wasn't sure what she was going to do for money, so the project was halted and I had the body shop spray it with a heavy coat of primer, before taking it back to the barn.
At this point I was starting my own family, and didn't really even want to look at the car because of the memories it brought back. However, time heals all wounds, and eventually I decided to try and finish the car for my dad. I went and got it, and brought it home. It has still taken me awhile to get around to it, as I've been busy with kids, but the time has finally come. Unfortunately the car is in pretty bad shape, and is going to need even more than I thought. That's where you guys will come in. I will post pictures soon, but I promise some of the images are graphic and disturbing. I really wish the guy would have sold the car the first time I asked.
