Author Topic: Serious work finally underway!  (Read 1278 times)

Offline DPChall

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Serious work finally underway!
« on: September 21, 2016 - 08:57:23 PM »
I have been a member for a while but just really got going on my car last year so I might as well post some info here.  This is a 318 72 Challenger I have had since 1995.  I finally got the house with a big garage I needed, although they needed a couple of years to sort out.  The car has a .30 over blueprinted 318 to go back in, plus a 4-speed to replace the original A230 3-speed floor shift.  The 3:23 open rear needs to be rebuilt probably with a true-trac. 

The main "challenge" was the rotted out firewall - I now have it almost fully replaced and welded in - learning to plug weld on the go.  The sidewall flanges were badly damaged but I have pieced in new metal - some ugliness but this will not be seen and it is not to be a show car.  I have the roof off too and that I will replace with a new panel.  I plan to do the trunk floor as well soon.  The outer panels I plan to have a local body shop with Mopar experience handle. 

Question for the restoration veterans out there - is buying or welding up a rotisserie worth it for one car?  I really want to build one but my time is very limited and I want to get her running after all this time - preferably by next fall.  I am afraid the rotisserie process will take forever and I have a lot to do to replace the suspension, wiring harness, and all the details.  Is the cost to have body shop flip the car over and blast/paint the bottom more expensive than the rotisserie approach?  Thanks!




Offline Topcat

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Re: Serious work finally underway!
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2016 - 10:01:36 PM »
I made the choice to buy one from http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/auto-rotisseries-s/420.htm

It worked very well.
Afterwards, I sold it for almost what I had paid for it.

I even sand blasted the car myself.
Mostly just the underside since it was a CA. garaged car with a 100% family history.
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline DPChall

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Re: Serious work finally underway!
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2016 - 07:22:19 PM »
I take it you did not have any problem selling it?  Having quite the discussion with my wife who thinks we will be stuck with it forever!  I have a sandblasting system and everything so doing it myself makes a lot of sense.

Offline Topcat

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Re: Serious work finally underway!
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2016 - 11:36:21 PM »
I take it you did not have any problem selling it?  Having quite the discussion with my wife who thinks we will be stuck with it forever!  I have a sandblasting system and everything so doing it myself makes a lot of sense.

Well it depends on what type of population and car enthusiasts are in your area.

If you live for example; near Saskatchewan, you're gonna have a ***** of time selling it there.   :lol:

We have a 4 million plus population here in the bay area.
I sold it on Craigslist and a member here was even interested in buying it.

The first kickers came out to take measurements.   >:(
It took me about a month and a half before it sold.
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline DPChall

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Re: Serious work finally underway!
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2016 - 05:25:53 PM »
LOL - luckily I am in a populated area - Frederick, Maryland.  I am leaning toward getting one but need to make progress and finish the firewall and cowl asap.  Then the roof and trunk floors, all of which can be done with the car level.  We have a huge parts show every October in Carlisle PA, about an hour and a half from here, so maybe I will get lucky and find one there.    With the weather finally getting cooler I can make progress at night as well as a the few hours available on weekends.  I have real incentive too - my teenage daughter keeps borrowing my commuter car.

BTW I like your cat behind the wheel - we have a house full of them.

Offline Topcat

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Re: Serious work finally underway!
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2016 - 04:01:53 PM »


BTW I like your cat behind the wheel - we have a house full of them.

That would be Toonces the Driving Cat from SNL
Mike, Fremont, CA.