Feedback Appreciated

[rboschee]

My last post was Nov 05. in the Newbie forum.  Love this site.  Been doing lots of reading, but very little posting.  After months of searching for a 70 Challenger Convertable I have come to the conclusion that my limited funds (10K max) will not get me a project convertable car that I can restore to the car of my dreams.  Therefore I have changed plans.  I am looking for a 70 maybe 71 (JH23) Challenger to restore myself, sell, and then use the proceeds to purchase a convertable project car.  Alot of work I know, but I am beginning to believe that this is my best option.  I simply can afford the initial cost of the convertable projects I see online. And the benefit is I get more restoration experience.

Any ideas/suggestions on what car (Challenger) to purchase as a restoration project/next step towards the convertable would be appreciated. My thoughts are to focus on finding a big block VIN and match #'s as much as possible.  I have been watching ebay as well as other websites listing project cars.  Most of  what I see is 318 cars.  Question, Is it worth it to buy a 318 VIN and build a 383 or 440 Clone, or should I hold out for a particular big block? 

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.  Also if you know where there is a project car that is worth considering let me know.

rboschee 

[carcrazyguy]

If its really what you want, hold out for a convert.   

[pink panther]

Lots of cars started out as 318's nothing wrong with building a car and sticking in a big block, good experience, just remeber when selling it you advertise as such.

[whitesatinmopar]

  Everyone has to start somewhere, and you'll find (at least on this forum) no one is going to attempt to "put down" whatever it is that you decide to do. BTW, they all turn out expensive, some just a lot more than others. But I would think the experience and knowledge you'll get by restoring one is well worth every effort you put into the project. Keep us posted as to what direction you choose. Good luck   

[rboschee]

Thanks for your input. Re: building a clone: I have seen lots of 318 cars for sale on ebay and on other websites. Have considered that building a clone may be the way to go, but don't want to build a car no one wants or that I lose my shirt on.  Other than a Hemi, any ideas on what clone car would have the best chance of turning over?   This car is only a stepping stone towards the 383 RT Convertable. Also anyone know of a place(other than ebay) I can go to get an idea of what clone cars go for?

Thanks,

Randy

[whitesatinmopar]

From what I have heard and been told,: NEVER expect to get on resale what is invested on top quality restoration projects, especially Hemi clones. If you can do most of the work yoursef, maybe....but throw out your records on your personal time invested and any hourly figure you may want for that time. I'd say build the car the way you want it because you may have it for some time and you may as well be happy with it. Then someone someday may just ask how much?  Then you can start over. It is rare I'd think that a project with the idea of a quick flip after it is done will result in any major profit.

[ChallengerHK]

   I know of very few projects that ever resulted in a profit, or for that matter in breaking even. If you're doing it for the fun of it, to get a car you want to drive and/or own, or to learn so you'll know more the next time, then jump on it.

[rboschee]

Thanks, your posts make a lot of sense.  You've pretty much convinced me.  Now for the hard part. Finding a car I can afford.  I have been browsing ebay as well as a lot of websites that advertise project cars.  Problem is they all seem to want a lot for a car that is barely a roller with misc. parts in a box.  I've looked at NADA as well the Old Car Price Guide to get an idea on how Challengers are valued, and am still bewildered.  Ebay does not help the matter any as I have seen total restoration projects listed for what "Old Cars" lists as a #2. Seems like they want to make the restored price without doing the work?  Any help or resources you can give on how to evaluate/price a car would be appreciated.

Thanks for passing on your knowledge.

Randy

[moparnut]

The only way to get a good deal these days is word of mouth or from someone not advertising the car and doesn't watch the prices they are grabbing today.Thats how I found both of mine,although I am not interested in owning a Vert.My numbers matching 1973 340-4 speed chally i bought 2 years ago for 2k and my 1970 Gran coupe 383hp numbers matching I paid 2600 2 years ago as well.Both cars were in the local paper from people that had no idea of the worth.I always make sure I am the first one to look at them and paid cash on the spot and a tow truck was there in 30 minutes to take it home(gotta love AAA Plus towing).There are deals out there if you look intensly,but I would look in local newspapers first.Search Google for newpapers in your given area as far as you want to travel and watch the classifieds EVERY day online.If I am in a rural area I stop at the local auto parts store and ask if they know of any mopars for sale.

[rboschee]

 
Found a few of Challengers in my price range.  Now maybe some of you who have walked down the path I am about to can offer some restoration wisdom.

What I know is what I have seen in pictures

1. A texas car partially stripped, no fenders, hood, doors, trunk lid etc.  It is a 70/383 RT.  Solid body, very little visable rust. Cheapest of the 3.
2.  Lousiana car near Monroe.  71 More to the car but has a lot more rust requires lots of cutting and patching. Has crate engine, unsure if it matches.
3.  Illinois Car - 70 383 RT - Probably the most complete car but is also the has the most visible of the three. Also has a 440 non matching engine. Most exp. of the three.

My thought is that I am better off with the car with the less rust and purchasing NOS parts rather than pay for the time and effort of the body work.  What do you think is the best option.  More car or less rust?

Thanks,
Randy

 

[torredcuda]

Normally the most rust free car is the best to start with but the way e-body parts prices are,ecspecially NOS,I`m not sure you would be better off. 

[js27]

Good Luck finding a affordable 70 or 71 hardtop or conv. They are out there but very hard to fine unless you just happen to be a lucky kind of guy. Don't give up but try not to get to discussted either. I found mine 2 miles from my house but took 6 years to get the owner to sell it to me.  Chances are small finding a deal on e bay or hemmings because the shear volume of people looking will drive the prices up. Try looking at Auto traders or newspaper adds on line in some small towns buy where you live.
Don't give up on your dream !!!
JS27

[falcon50flier]

Therefore I have changed plans.  I am looking for a 70 maybe 71 (JH23) Challenger to restore myself, sell, and then use the proceeds to purchase a convertable project car. 

Having spent the last several years locating a 70 Chall convertible and doing a nut and bolt restoration along with hemi conversion, expecting to do a flip on another car as a springboard to the car you really want is a dilution of your time and focus, and probably your wallet. Get what you want (a vert) even if it means financing or waiting. You will be ahead, believe me (and the others who have suggested the same).

Good luck!

[Chryco Psycho]

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[Carlwalski]

Having spent the last several years locating a 70 Chall convertible and doing a nut and bolt restoration along with hemi conversion, expecting to do a flip on another car as a springboard to the car you really want is a dilution of your time and focus, and probably your wallet. Get what you want (a vert) even if it means financing or waiting. You will be ahead, believe me (and the others who have suggested the same).

Good luck!

  Although it will be good for you to tinker with a "stepping stone" it will still cost you $$$. In most cases you won't get back what you put in so if I were you I'd save some pennies, bide your time and wait for the car for you.