where to start?

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    Author Topic: where to start?  (Read 1881 times)

    Offline Mr. 6pak2go

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    where to start?
    « on: December 20, 2005 - 08:07:00 PM »
    hey I guess im gonna keep the cuda since noone has bought it yet and sence i got it I may as well work on it right!?  :bigsmile: Im gonna start by collecting parts that i need where should i start brakes body parts suspention? you people that have done this stuff know so fill me in!! the dart wasnt near this difficult of a project it need no aftermarket parts! it was complete and drivable when i got it so everything that was there i used everything on the dart is original! i just fixed it up little by little! but the cuda is a different story the body needs redone the suspention is shot the brakes are crappy old drums it needs disks! anyways what should i buy first?? thanks kev
    « Last Edit: December 20, 2005 - 08:16:42 PM by 6pak2go »
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    Offline BIGSHCLUNK

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #1 on: December 20, 2005 - 09:24:08 PM »
    Start wil a whole lotta$$$$$$$$ lol :22yikes:
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    Offline BIG MIKE

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #2 on: December 20, 2005 - 09:54:34 PM »
    sit down and decide if you really love the car...it may sound strange but if you don't you'll never finish it....don't take it on cause somebody said so/ or it's a rare car. if you don't love the car find something you do then......



    start first by looking over the whole car inch by inch...and write down whats wrong,bad ect...that's your main need list...then think what you would like numbers matching trailer queen ect..more mods to fit your style rear disks brakes,BIG ENGINE, newer style radio ect(word of advice try to keep the extra's where you can change it back to stock)...then look and buy parts that you can get a deal on working on the list
    « Last Edit: December 20, 2005 - 09:59:39 PM by BIG MIKE »
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    Offline VPOINTCUDA

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #3 on: December 21, 2005 - 10:46:28 AM »
    When buying parts , just a word of advice , shop around. I saw disc brake rotors on E-Bay recently with a bid of $175.00 on them. Not to say anything derrogatory about E-Bay, or its many wonderful customers and sellers, but I bought the same exact disc brake rotors at NAPA for $50.oo And they came complete with bearings and wheel studs , new, not remanurfactured !
    Just make sure you look around before you buy. There is still a lot of parts available for these cars at reasonable prices. I did all four brakes ( front disc and rear "11 inch" drums) on my cuda for less than $300.oo.
     :working:
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    Offline AprilsPink72Cuda

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #4 on: December 21, 2005 - 05:46:43 PM »
    I am happy for you that you are going to keep the car.  Like other have said, shop around for sure and always post here before you buy incase of of the members knows where you can get stuff cheaper. 
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    Offline RusTy/SE

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #5 on: December 21, 2005 - 06:45:51 PM »
      Make a list of pieces needed that are NOT in production. Haunt the swap meets as well as the established Mopar websites that have Classified or Parts For Sale areas for those items NOT being reproduced or remanufactured. Even ebay. First have a feel for what these items are selling for in the condition you want, then when found - pounce on it as long as it fits within your budget.
      Make a list of pieces needed that ARE in production. Anything that can be bought new such as sheetmetal, weatherstripping, wiring harnesses, gas tanks and such should be. Our cars are approaching forty years old and more and time waits for no Mopar so go new - as long as it fits within your budget.
      Have an idea which individual(s) or company(s) will handle which particular task - paint and body, engine, trans, rebuilding the suspension, etc. Write these resources down along with what you'll be asking to be done. Have patience and move forward - as long as it fits within your budget.
      Anyways here's my plan for a shiny, better than new, Mopar:

    1. gather the parts and have patience grasshopper
    2. disasseble - lots of pics and baggies and patience  :picture:  :picture:  :picture:
    3. paint and body - and lots of patience
    4. suspension, brakes, fuel system
    5. electrical
    6. interior (and vinyl top)
    7. exterior

      Of course scale things back if you're going for a driver as opposed to OE Gold at the Nats :thumbsup:

    Russ
    « Last Edit: December 21, 2005 - 06:49:22 PM by RusTy/SE »
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    Russ
    2001 Durango     1B4HS
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    Offline Mr. 6pak2go

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #6 on: December 21, 2005 - 07:31:38 PM »
    yes I do love the car big mike it has been my dream car since I was about 5 years old and i finally got it! the only reason i was gonna sell it is because my wife is pregnaut and we really need the money! but it doesnt look like anyone is gonna bite so im gonna keep her!! i think im gonna start with buying the body panels! its is already striped (execpt the suspention) so iv got that done!! i need quarters truck pan and inner fenders and possible fenders im gonna get them striped down to bear metal and see how bad they are before i buy fenders!! i think il start there and go from there thanks guys keep your opinions coming!!
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    Oldschool

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #7 on: December 21, 2005 - 07:36:22 PM »
    6Pak'

    I undestand your problem.  Ihad a very nice '68  numbers matching Hemi Roadrunner when my 1st was born.  We decided that we needed the money and sold the car.  I wish a million times that I had tried to figure out a way to keep it.  Probably could have if I have worked it out.  If you can find a way without putting too much strain on you situation, try and keep her.  Years down the road, you will be glad you did.  Just my  :2cents:  .............................Oldschool
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    Offline Mr. 6pak2go

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    • Restore it dont crush it!
    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #8 on: December 22, 2005 - 04:28:12 PM »
    thanks old school!! im gonna try to!! hopefully this spring/summer il get to working on her again!  :working:
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    Offline FY1443433

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #9 on: December 22, 2005 - 06:04:34 PM »
    6pak,

      I bought a 71 Dodge Superbee in 1985, my wife was pregnant with our first child and I was at a very young age of 23.  Yes, many times i thought about selling my car and I was also told by my family to sell it.  I was in the Navy and I had to put it in storage.  I know most of you won't believe this but I kept it in storage for 17 years.  I kept it for all these years and I don't regret it.  I am now 44 and
    I can enjoy it anytime I want and to think that the bee sets in the garage waiting to be driven anytime I feel like it.  Work hard for your family, and try and do small things on the Cuda.  It won't be done tomorrow or next week, so pace yourself.  Don't over extend yourself, dont' buy with items you don't need right this minute.  I plan on putting some pictures up but for right now go to 71superbee.com and click the images button on the bottom left, then click on my name Rick Stump, you'll then see my 71Bee before it was painted.

    Good Luck,

    FY1443433

    PS:  Here's my next project:  70 Challenger R/T 383 4spd, with Air  :burnout:
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    Offline cutting torch

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #10 on: December 23, 2005 - 10:01:01 PM »
    Get her rolling! Doing everything is a daunting task when all there is to do is work. If you get her rolling and driving, that will help motivate you on the rest of the details.

    My Barracuda is ugly, but it's on the road, the way I want it. Now, I need to make it pretty.

    My Dart is close to hitting the road, and when it does, it will be ugly too.

    Get it running and rolling, plate it, insure it, and drive the crap out of it! When it comes to the rest of the work, nothing gets your blood boiling like driving it!

    torch
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    Offline Super Blue 72

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #11 on: December 24, 2005 - 01:38:24 AM »
    I think cutting torch has a great point.  The body work is important of course but get the car running and driving is a great inspiration as you get to have some fun with the car while restoring it/fixing it up.  If $$$ is a consideration, a full blown resto may not be a good idea right now. 

    How is the drive train?  Is it running?  How bad is the body?  If $$$ is an issue (It will be, diapers are expensive!), you might have to "cut corners" here and there and prioritize a little.  I'm not saying do a hack job, but see what do you envision as your final destination for your car?  Do you want a show car?  That's lots of $$$.  There's lot's of sweet looking cars on this site but I know I can't afford to plunk $10-$20K to restore a car.  Do you want something that looks presenatable and is a fun driver?  That may be the way to go if you want to "have your cake and eat it too".

    I have 3 little ones and not much time.  Although I would love to work on my car more, I know that I don't have much money and time.  But you know what?  The car isn't going anywhere.  Like FY1443433 said, his car was in storage 17 years!  Talk about patience!

    Don't forget like VPOINTCUDA  stated, there's still parts available from the local parts store or online places like rockauto.com.  You don't have to look for stuff only at swap meets, ebay, resto sites, and such, depending on the part.  My carb rebuild kit was bought locally at Autozone for $18.  All the tuneup stuff was there too, etc.  I didn't know of VHT dyes when I was redoing the interior panels (how much is thier stuff anyway?) but VIP auto (a local store here) sold Plasticote interior vinyl paint (don't foget to use the plastic primer!!!!) that matches the B5B6 blue interior real well for $4.99 a can.  MoPaint is $25 a can.

    I know you need the $$$ but it's nice you got to keep your car.  When I went back to school, I had to sell a nicely optioned out '69 LeMans convertible that I still regret.  Keep the dream alive.  That's what gets you through some of the hard times in life!
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    1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340, AT, Code TB3=Super Blue, SBD=8/17/1971.  Yes, a Rallye without the fender louvers from the factory because of the body side molding option.

    Pic #2 and 3 of my ARII 1/24 scale model car 

    Phil in New England-Massachusetts  Always thank God for what you have!

    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/456046/1972-dodge-challenger

    Offline torredcuda

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    Re: where to start?
    « Reply #12 on: December 24, 2005 - 04:08:59 AM »
    As far as collecting parts Rusty has good advice,start looking for the parts that are not reproduced and may be somewhat hard to find.They will keep getting more expensive and rarer over the years with more cars getting restored.
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    Jeff
    72 Barracuda 340/4spd  Torred
    70 roadrunner 383/auto  In-Violet
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