Author Topic: THE Challenge(r) (Read 2025 times)

Jimmy · « **on:** January 22, 2010 - 10:57:59 PM »

Well, here are some pics of my 73 Challenger. The first one few are when I got her, and the last are how she stands today. It will be a very slow process for me to restore her, as I'm planning on doing all the metal work myself (my first full on restoration). With all the success I've seen on this site, and all the support whenever someone asks a question, I'm sure I'll make it eventually. That will be THE Challenge!!!

Jimmy

Street_Challenged73 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2010 - 03:02:09 AM »

It will most definitely be a challenge, but just use quality parts and take your time and I'm sure it will turn into a beauty.

It's nice there are factory-fitting quarters available again as using quarter skins and refitting them to work took a good amount of time and that was at a local body shop. Good luck with your restoration!!

femtnmax · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2010 - 09:22:42 PM »

Yes, all kinds of repro parts available. That was part of the reason I chose a challenger. Looks like a good project to keep you out of some trouble.

Mentally Challenged · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2010 - 09:44:57 PM »

Nice looking project Jimmy

ragtopdodge · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2010 - 09:56:40 PM »

Well...if you need quarters, looks like Goodmark's has a lot less issues than AMD's.

Also, if you need a pass. front fender, I wouldn't get Goodmark's (AMD has no fr fenders...yet), so find a good original.

If you're going to change all four quarters/fenders, I would get the '70-'71 style. Might as well. I'm partial to the side markers of those years.

Leave off the vinyl top. Those things are rust traps; plus they look better w/o.

For the '72-'74s, I like it when the grille/grille chrome is blacked out and painted bumpers/mirrors, no rear deck/quarter trim.

E.g.:

Jimmy · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2010 - 11:05:05 PM »

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys. Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed with what I'm about to get myself into, but I believe I can do it. Just have to take my time and be patient. Those will be challenges enough for me!! I seriously thought about the 70 front fenders, but after seeing the prices of the 70 grill, I think I will go with the blacked out 73 grill, or a custome grill. I've never seen the blacked out 73 grill before, and it looks pretty awesome. I am definitely leaving the vinyl top off. Never been a fan of 'em myself. And the bumpers, mirrors and trim on the hood / trunk will definitely be painted body color. I'm even going to get rid of the chrome around the windshield and back window, and go with the under glass rubber molding that the new cars have, for a cleaner look. The only chrome she will have will be the door handles / side window molding / fuel cap. I already have a 440 that I will put in her, which I envision having a 6 pack on top of. And I'm going to go with the 70 style front and rear bumpers, in order to pull them closer to the body. For the sidemarkers, I'm considering utilizing the '68 B-Body sidemarkers, because I can't stand the 73 ones. But that's lots of sheetmetal away.....

And here I was hoping with a good buffing she would be finished!

Jimmy

Mentally Challenged · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2010 - 01:27:13 AM »

Were'nt you at the 09 Mopar Nats?

Jimmy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2010 - 08:51:38 AM »

Unfortunately, no. I've never been to an all Mopar show. The last show I went to was the Good Guys in Dallas, and there were a few Mopars there, but not many.

mcgheejt · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2010 - 09:13:21 AM »

You have a lot of work ahead of you and I am glad that I am nearing the end of my trials. Sounds like you will have a nice ride when it's finished and then you can seek out all the MOPAR shows you want. Good luck.

Mentally Challenged · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2010 - 02:04:27 PM »

Quote from: Jimmy on January 24, 2010 - 08:51:38 AM

Unfortunately, no. I've never been to an all Mopar show. The last show I went to was the Good Guys in Dallas, and there were a few Mopars there, but not many.

Oh ok, I ask because the car in your signature picture. The guy that owns it was at the Nats this past year, if I remember correctly his name was Jimmy. I could be wrong on his name, I would have to look it up. I talked to him for a bit about the car, he and his wife were very nice people. Ok back to the regular sceduled program.

74ralley · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2010 - 02:25:53 PM »

You will get there, it will take some time but if you take your time it will come out ok in the end.If you start to get frustrated walk away for a week or two and clear the mind it works wonders. Ive been working on mine for several years and am now just about done, I didnt think it would ever end! Best of Luck on the resto, Looks like a good project!

Jimmy · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2010 - 06:34:36 PM »

Thanks!

AARCUDADEN · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2010 - 08:40:12 PM »

Best of luck with your challenge

Jimmy · « **Reply #13 on:** January 26, 2010 - 08:43:23 PM »

Thanks, I'll need it.

elitecustombody · « **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2010 - 09:48:26 PM »

looks like you'll have lots of fun

good luck. if you need any AMD metal, let me know, I can get you very good deal.