1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto

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    Author Topic: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto  (Read 1713 times)

    Offline Monster71Challenger

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    1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « on: March 05, 2009 - 01:46:01 PM »
    Hi Guys,

    OK The time is now.  I've spent the winter months saving for the first step in my Challenger's restoration and I need some expert advice.

    Here's the story:- Basically everything needs to be done; the body, engine, interior, brakes, etc.
    - The first thing I want to do is get it up and running again.
    - That means all the mechanicals first
    - I've called a couple shops to see how much it would be to rebuild my 340 and the numbers I've been given are simply outragous!
    - I was quoted $1,200 to $1,500 just for re and re of the engine!

    Here's what I want to do:- I'm looking for a very strong engine that is balanced and light, between (450 and 500HP)
    - I have a 727 that has been rebuilt and a new torque converter
    - Ideally I'd like to put a 5 speed manual in its place (I just really preferr to drive a stick vs Auto)
    - Once I get the car mechanically sound, mobile and safe, I can take it to different body shops etc to get an idea of how much I need to save for the body work.

    I used to deal with Dave Wheeler in Dutton, who is a Mopar guru and doesn't charge an arm and a leg, but we had a falling out years ago so I can't take it to him.  What I have in mind is a resto-mod.  I know this isn't a popular topic for die hard mopar lovers, but my challenger was a 318 original and I'm not going there even if it was free.

    So what I really need is your advice and guideance as to where to go and who to trust with my car.  I have a reasonable budget for the engine and trans, but I can see the potential risks with dealing with the unknown ($$$$).


    Details:
    I have a 1971 Challenger that I bought 15 years ago when I was just 19. The engine seized a few years ago and it’s been sitting ever since. My dream is to restore it and drive it, but I don’t have $50k to send it to a shop for a complete rebuild.

    The car:
    1971 Challenger (hemi orange)
    - 340 small block (1973 block, J heads - I think)
    - 750 double pumper
    - mild cam
    - rebuilt 727 w/shift kit, 2800 stall
    - 8 ¾ rear end

    What it needs:
    - Body work
    - Engine rebuild
    - Interior freshening
    - Brake work (its been sitting too long)



    Thanks GUYS!
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    Offline Chryco Psycho

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    • 70 Challenger R/T SE 70 tube Chassis Cuda now sold
    Re: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « Reply #1 on: March 05, 2009 - 02:29:21 PM »
    Basically you are going the wrong way
     there is no rerason the build the engine & tranny just to have it sit around & get full of dust while the body work is done , I would strip the car & get the body painted , then start working through the suspension & drivetrain & do the interior last
     I would look at building a 512" stroker from a 440 , it will cost as much to build as the 340 & will make a ton of power reliably
     if you still want to do the 340 that can be done as well , the reality is the parts to build an engine have basically tripled in in cost over the last 4 years or so 
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    Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

    Offline femtnmax

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    Re: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « Reply #2 on: March 05, 2009 - 09:58:30 PM »
    I agree with chryco, but if your going to drive it awhile first....can you do some of the mechanical work??
    IF so, I suggest fixing the brakes before the engine to remove the temptation of driving it wth bad brakes.
    I'm slowly working on my 74 challenger.  Cost is much more than expected, its not a plymouth duster with lots of them in wrecking yards, etc.   Mine is in the paint shop now.  Paint materials alone is over 2 grand.   POR-15 paint to help stop the rust is $40 per quart!!
    It has taken me several years to slowly buy parts and save money to pay for paint job.  I considered trying to paint myself, but have never done it before, and won't have the time this summer or next as house repairs are the priority.  On the net I've seen several excellent do it your self in the driveway type jobs...look great from 10-20 feet away ;D
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    Phil

    Offline usraptr

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    Re: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « Reply #3 on: March 05, 2009 - 10:07:05 PM »
     :iagree:  If you want to do the paint and body work right, you need to remove the interior and drive train.  Why R&R the drive train twice?  It's frustrating to do the body first, and more expensive, but worth it in the end.  I just started the body work/paint on mine and I have a fully rebuilt engine and trans just waiting to be installed.  But I'm doing the paint/body first.
     :useless:
    Logged
    1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

    Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
    (Edited 8-1-17)

    "usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

    Offline ShelbyDogg

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    Re: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « Reply #4 on: March 06, 2009 - 05:02:26 PM »
    If you want to have fun with it while restoring it, find a 318, paint it orange like a 340 then throw it in there.  That is what I did for my Cuda. A friend had one for $200. I painted it up and installed it.  This way you get to see what is and isn't working and also drive your car around for the summer.  You can then take your time building your 340.
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    Rob

    3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

    My Pace Car restoration thread:
    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0

    Offline Monster71Challenger

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    Re: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « Reply #5 on: April 20, 2009 - 02:13:20 PM »
    I've just begun the research stage.  What I am hoping for is some advice, and expertise.  My plans for my Challenger are along the restomod lines.  I want a fast, light, great handling, great braking Challenger.

    Do you have any connections/recommendations of a shop in Canada that has completed a mopar with a full suspension/brakes set up(upgrade)?

    Here's what I'm planning:
    - Full suspension upgrade(front and back), 13" brake kit (front and back), fastest ratio power steering, chassis stiffening, 18" billet ralleys and EVERYTHING needed to install it properly.

    http://www.magnumforceracing.com/magnumforce_tubular_kmember.htm

    Thanks for your help.

    Joe
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    Offline Monster71Challenger

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    Re: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « Reply #6 on: April 20, 2009 - 02:19:55 PM »
    Good Advice.

    Thanks everyone.  So body first.  OK. 

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    Offline Monster71Challenger

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    Re: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « Reply #7 on: April 24, 2009 - 02:51:24 PM »
    No one?
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    Offline buddydog

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    Re: 1971 Challenger - 1st step in Resto
    « Reply #8 on: April 24, 2009 - 04:35:02 PM »
    You look like you need reassurance so here my thought....

    Most definitely, body first. I've just wrapped up my old Chevy rebuild and it is sitting just waiting for a small block to be plugged in to get running. My block is still at the shop so for the time being it is getting a beater just to get it moving.

    The nice thing is, it looks good and drives fine so when I am ready to start dumping money into drive line and I can but enjoy until that day.

    Again, just my thoughts but once the body work and paint is done, it can sit indefinitely without much (if any) harm. If things don't go as you planned or you run low on funds you can always compromise.

    G
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