Project - 70 challenger RT

[Challenger6pak]

    Cody, you will find that in the last 6 months used parts prices have dropped dramatically.  1. As has been stated, since values are down many cars aren't worth restoring.  You can buy one cheaper.  This is causes the lack of need for parts.  2. People don't have money for the parts.  3. Many people go for a repop before original used. I not arguing with you.  Don't take me that way.  When I was saying $2000 in parts I was figuring the prices the way they are today. I was not including the title because if the shell is worth fixing the car should not be parted.  It is a shame this car is 'caught' in the position it is in.  Whoever restores it need to do the car as a labor of love.  I hope it does not decay to the point that it is only usable for parts before the right person gets the car.
   I have rust free 72-74 fenders that I can't give away for $200 ea.  My buddy went to the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona.  He got an 18 spline 4 speed and a Dana for an Ebody for $1000 total.  I have people calling me daily wanting to sell me parts and cars.  It is the way it was in 1990.  For the collector this is the time to get into the car you have always wanted. 

[quapman]

In its current state, apart, and not knowing if all the parts are even there: $4K.

Reassembled and ready to transport, $8K.

There's a 70 R/T 383 auto floating around here somewhere with the matching REBUILT motor for $7K.

[Cuda Cody]

I really appreciate everyones help and experiences on this one.

I inspected the car close up in person and it doesn't look bad.  It does need some work, but it appears the car is all still there.  I've always wanted a 4 speed original purple car with matching numbers and white interior so I made him an offer.  He said no to my offer and the car will be going in to long term storage.

I know prices are way down, but this car has a lot going for it.  Matching numbers (Cowl, Rad support, engine, trans, fender tag, and dash) with a high impart color and white interior.  Even has a cool white bumble bee stripe, rallye dash, 3.91 High performance axle package (hemi suspension), hood pins, 26" radiator, and all factory!  I wish I would have offered more.  Like Challenger6pak said, it has to be a labor of love.

Anyone know of a car like this for sale for under 10K?  No one here seems to think this one is worth 10k?  right?

[torredcuda]

Cody
Heres why I say what I did-
I bought a 71 Cuda,empty shell with a vin tag,fender tags and title paid $7500(1st pic)
bought most parts to redo and spent over $15000 (2nd pic)
and in the end I had done tons of work which incuded putting in front frame rails,fixing lots of rust etc etc and it left here the other day on a flatbed for the price of $8000.
So to me its only worth what I would pay for it,which aint much.
Doug

You have done that before haven`t you-with the Challenger?You seem to buy a project spend lots of time and money on it and then lose interest and sell it or part it out.Not trying to get on your case or anything -just an observation.

That car is still worth $8000 to somebody who wants a real R/T with those options.

[n9671x2]

No doubt the market is down, and most of us would be nuts for starting a project $$$ wise.  That being said, these cars are very much driven by emotion also, not just the almighty buck.  That car is optioned VERY NICELY with no excuses in regards to numbers.  Would you be upside down in it when down, probably.  Purple/white/white tail stripe numbers 4 speed, you would probably still be smiling 

I really appreciate everyones help and experiences on this one.

I inspected the car close up in person and it doesn't look bad.  It does need some work, but it appears the car is all still there.  I've always wanted a 4 speed original purple car with matching numbers and white interior so I made him an offer.  He said no to my offer and the car will be going in to long term storage.

I know prices are way down, but this car has a lot going for it.  Matching numbers (Cowl, Rad support, engine, trans, fender tag, and dash) with a high impart color and white interior.  Even has a cool white bumble bee stripe, rallye dash, 3.91 High performance axle package (hemi suspension), hood pins, 26" radiator, and all factory!  I wish I would have offered more.  Like Challenger6pak said, it has to be a labor of love.

Anyone know of a car like this for sale for under 10K?  No one here seems to think this one is worth 10k?  right?

[moparclown]

You have done that before haven`t you-with the Challenger?You seem to buy a project spend lots of time and money on it and then lose interest and sell it or part it out.Not trying to get on your case or anything -just an observation.

That car is still worth $8000 to somebody who wants a real R/T with those options.

Good observation
Things do change as time passes by and this car was a huge amount of time and lots of $$$$$$$.But both of my kids are growing up (son is a teenager and my daughter is pre teen)so my time is for them and the things they are involved in for the next few years.The 71 wasn't gonna get the garage space it needed because my 69 Cuda reigns king as far as that goes.I also have some health ussues that needed to be addressed(long story and not life threatening).And with all of this the car was just gonna sit outside for many many years in my way,I only have a one bay garage and I had 5 cars here not including my wifes.I live on Main st. here in my town and really don't need anyone getting a hair across their @$$ and causing big problems.
No lack of cars that need work here anyway,the 93 Iroc R/T is in the garage right now as I blew up the ceramic clutch and I am changing that in these nice cold temps(18 degrees last night out there)I also have a 340/727 ready right now to go in my 68 Dart GTS and on and on.
I never take offense ,I just have to do what I can handle and leave it at that because I am not superman
Doug
ps know of any Mopar parts cars?

[moparclown]

 

[beekppr]

It probably is a crazy time to start a project but I refused to let the economy be my deciding factor. I'm okay right now thankfully. I will work the project in as extra money permits. I do recognize that it would be far cheaper to buy a finished car than to attempt another restoration.

So why do it? Because I love Mopar muscle cars and I love the feeling of driving a finished car that I mostly did myself.

I know guys who would love that project but unfortunately, the economy has hurt them more than me. But it is that reason that if they could swing it, they would go for the project since the finished price is even farther out of their price range.

What I am seeing in my area is guys helping each other more and trading services to keep the projects moving while not breaking the bank. A friend is going to teach me sheet metal work and I am going to restore some of his stuff in return since I have a nice blasting cabinet.

Sorry for being longwinded but I think this car could be an awesome project and I bet there are plently of guys out there who would want it if the price were more realistic.

As far as the owner putting it in storage...The guy I bought my 64 corvette from had it in covered storgage for 30 years. Sure the car appreciated over the decades but he probably spent way more in storage. And as far as it staying nice, it didn't. Car was a real mess. Why not re-approach the guy and convince him to cut his losses?

[brads70]

I paid 15K for my running driving 70 Challenger from CA. Mind you it needed a few things ( bolt on's) and it is a 6 cyl. car with a 440 transplant. So 18K for a basket case  that needs another 20K plus to restore it  sure seems pretty high to me?

[Alaskan_TA]

There was a thread two or three months ago about a similar situation.

The general consensus was that if you can get the car to a drivable state & enjoy it, do it.

Restorations are great for those that can afford it, but most of us can not afford it.

So, get one when you can & do what you can. Even a ratty, primered Mopar with rust holes is fun to drive. 

[moparclown]

There was a thread two or three months ago about a similar situation.

The general consensus was that if you can get the car to a drivable state & enjoy it, do it.

Restorations are great for those that can afford it, but most of us can not afford it.

So, get one when you can & do what you can. Even a ratty, primered Mopar with rust holes is fun to drive. 

I agree and the best advice I have heard in a long time

[Cuda Cody]

We now know the answer to my question.  I offered him......  $10,000.  He turned my offer down.   

He sold it today for $14,000 to a guy that needed to get a loan to buy it.  He is planning on having the same body / paint guy that has done the disassembly finish the restoration.  The buyer is a friend of the body / paint guy. 

The seller was happy to say the least.

If anyone knows of a 70 Challenger, 70 or 71 Cuda 4 speed numbers matching project, please let me know!  Have cash and trailer ready....   

[quapman]

Just goes to show there's an ass for every seat!

[n9671x2]

Keep an eye on the car, new buyer will probably throw a bunch of money at the flake painter and then bail out of it...  Maybe you will get it down the road for 10k with more work done to it ! 

We now know the answer to my question.  I offered him......  $10,000.  He turned my offer down.   

He sold it today for $14,000 to a guy that needed to get a loan to buy it.  He is planning on having the same body / paint guy that has done the disassembly finish the restoration.  The buyer is a friend of the body / paint guy. 

The seller was happy to say the least.

If anyone knows of a 70 Challenger, 70 or 71 Cuda 4 speed numbers matching project, please let me know!  Have cash and trailer ready....   

[Challenger6pak]

Keep an eye on the car, new buyer will probably throw a bunch of money at the flake painter and then bail out of it...  Maybe you will get it down the road for 10k with more work done to it ! 

I was thinking the same thing.  There is a sucker born every minute. (Not you Cody, the current buyer)