$$?? 70 RT 383

[challenger_affair]

I'm looking at an original 1970 383 plum crazy RT this weekend and wondering what sort of upper price limit I should consider.  The car is generally in good shape, nice paint, no rust, but still needs some help with the interior.  This would be a driver as opposed to a show car.  As far as I can tell the body numbers match but I'm not sure yet about the engine, for now I'm assuming its not the original 383 block anymore.  There's a sentimental aspect to this specific car I've posted about elsewhere on this site recently and I do want to buy it, but the rational side of my brain wants to know what its getting itself into and doesn't want to simply throw good money after bad on this. 

If anyone can give me a sense of the general value or even an upper limit on a car like this I would really appreciate it.  I really respect all the great knowlege on this site!  Thanks

[challengermaniac]

I'm trying to remember if we had pictures from your other posts, but might be a good idea to repost them here in order to get as accurate a value range as possible.  Thanks

[ragtopdodge]

Need some pics and some more info.

four-speed?  ANy rare options?  Rust?

[challenger_affair]

Thanks guys, I can't re-post the pics from here, but they are included in this one http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=85480.0

No options that I would call rare, perhaps the plum crazy?  It has 727 trans.  No rust.  It has about 10k mi on rebuilt drivetrain, headers, new seat upholstery and headliner.  Dash and gagues are in poor shape.  Probably needs some front end work and shocks.  The paint is generally good but has some local scratches that would need repainted... 

Thanks again!

[ragtopdodge]

That car looks nice.

If  seriously no rust, than I think $15k is well worth if.  And just get a new fender tag made since you have the info.

[challenger_affair]

Thanks ragtopchally.  So do I understand your general perspective that having matching engine block #s really only affects value if a car has some rare options like convertable, 440 6 pack, hemi, 4 sp, etc?  (other things being equal)

[ragtopdodge]

383 and 340 (except t/a and aars), I don't think matching #s is all that crucial.  Heck, even 440 cars too.

Mopars, it's easy to tell what engine the car is in it b/c it's in the VIN, unlike GM and Ford cars, so #s matching isn't all that critical.

Rare options, color, trans, all help make a car more valuable, but they have to be verified.

Four-speed, N96, etc. options need multiple items to verify.  Fender tag AND buildsheet!  The latter more important than the former.  For four-speed cars, #s matching on the trans helps w/that.  But even THOSE can get stamped.

383-auto car, you're ok w/a re-popped tag w/the info you got. 

[challenger_affair]

ragtopchally- thanks for your advice here and in a couple other posts.  It really helped me with my decision and I did wind up getting the car over the weekend.  I'm working on getting the reg and insurance together this week so I can get out on the road! 

I did wind up identifying some rust in the trunk floor and it looks like someone did a quick and dirty patch but I figured it wasn't irreversible considering the rest of the underside looks clean. 

Anyhow, thanks for all the insight.  There are a few issues I need address so I'll post those in the appropriate sections...