Give up....or stick with it???

[Super Blue 72]

Tires and wheels seem to be a big part of your budget for this car at $1,000+ or so.

Look on craigslist to find some rims/tires.  Often you can find good deals if you want aftermarket stuff.  Go to "autoparts" and title search "Torq", "Torque", "mopar", "American Racing", "Cragar", "Crager", "Keystone", "ET", etc....

A few years ago I got a set of Keystone Klassics off CL with tires that have a lot of meat (275/60 in the rear) for $250.  Guy wanted $350 but dropped the price for me to $250.  Got 6 slotted mags off CL (4-14x8, 2-14x6) for $120.  Just be patient.....

[Super-G]

Sell the Challenger? Hmmmm, I guess, just try not to get too upset when you have over $10K invested, and your getting top bids/offers for around $4500.00.........






Tell the 'ol lady to have a Coke and a Smile, finish your ride, But don't OVERSPEND, try not to let the "Instant Gratification" theme dictate your build, and step back, make a plan of attack. Frankly, I can't see spending over $10K in your ride in the condition it's in in that pic...What did you do, Chrome plate the Chassis?

$4500.00 for a running driving 440 4 speed car with all the paint and bodywork done? Is that really what you think it's worth?

No the chassis isn't chrome plated. I never said anything about any values. I'm trying to justify keeping the car. I'm just frustrated about the fact that more and more little things keep popping up. Say what you want about Chevy's and Fords but parts for them are a LOT cheaper than Mopars. I'm not a one brand type of guy. I've owned Chevy's Fords, Pontiacs, and one other Mopar. I think a 67 GTO or a 69 Mach 1 is just as cool as a 70 Challenger. So it's not like I have Mopar oil running through my veins.

I knew when I bought the car that it had been sitting for several years after being restored. I knew that things would have to be replaced and fixed before the car would be safe to drive. I bought it because I've always liked the looks of the Mopar E bodies and frankly I can't see spending $100,000 on a 70 Hemi car. I respect them and realize that they are collectable, but I wouldn never spend that kind of cash on a car that just sits in a garage.

I've been doing things to the car and spending money on it all winter, along with other projects around the house. I make a decent living and can afford to do things....but I also realize that there comes a time to fish or cut bait.

I'm at a point with the car where I've considered letting someone else pick it up and let a more dedicated person finish it so I can maybe score something that I can just turn key and drive.

[Sean]

You're almost there.  I'd stick with it.  I've had my 72 Cuda for 3 1/2 years and I'm at the point where I'm ready to have the sheetmetal put on the car.  It's been a long road and I've often though said to myself 'What have I gotten myself into'.  But patience will persevere.  Sounds like you need to do some soul searching and figure out what you really want.  Do you want something you can drive right now or something that you can save up for and finish?

I'm a Mopar guy through and through appreciate the older Bowties and Blue Ovals as well.  I ride a sportbike but will ride with anyone who has a passion for two wheeded mobility.

If the Chally is a car you really want, the wait will be worth it!

Sean

[jimynick]

Greg, let's cut to the chase. You're not sure you want to spend $2500 on the Challenger and the wife's beginning to squawk. Consider this, as previously mentioned; $2500 will buy you nothing in a driveable Dart or Nova- get that firmly in your mind. Other than the brakes, there's nothing that would really stop you from driving your car. If you were to do so, and give the aforementioned wife a few outings in said machine, I daresay the complaints might go away or at least moderate themselves. Keep in mind it's foibles, but waiting until you can do a Cadillac job will mean waiting, TOO long. OR, sell it for a loss, have no unique car and kick yourself in the a$$ for the foreseeable future. Your call, buddy. As the old man used to say, SOGOTP. 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

It sounds like you didn't want the car to begin with. "I hate the rims" isn't something that just "comes up" when you own a car. That $1200 figured into the $2500 "to get the car on the road" isn't really applicable.  It also sounds like you are trying to throw all life's other financial problems onto the car as well. You may just be happier with a cookie cutter Mustang that is much cheaper to own and maintain. $2500 shouldn't make or break much when it comes to playing with new-to-you old cars, especially Mopars. The brake system is 40 years old, so it needs to be redone and it's a big deal? ...or even a surprise?

[GranCuda1970]

I almost gave up once!! When I realized how spendy these projects get!! but I just Love the car so much and will see it through to the end one baby step at a time brudda !! 

[GranCuda1970]

I have to say If I could do it all over again I would have bought a 440 4 speed project. Gets spendy when you transfer everything over from small block auto. Have a plan, and a budget, most of the time the spouse will set that if you have one. I plan on driving mine often like I did before I tore her down. Not a trailer queen but a muscle car that makes me happy and gets really cruddy gas mileage!

[GranCuda1970]

Even when she was a 10 footer she got all of the attention on the street!!!! Barracuda's are rock stars and I am proud to own one.

[Gumby]

I saw highway construction workers whooping it up and giving me 2 thumbs up when I passed by in my Challenger. Never before in my life have I ever seen that. Even a 10-12 year old kid yelled out "nice car" when I was driving around. The entire high school football team were out practicing, and they all stopped and stood up and watched, even the coaches, as I drove by. I doubt you will ever see that in a Mustang, lol. Do what you feel that you need to do. But don't complaign if you sell it and have sellers remorse. After all, we warned you! lol. Good Luck! 

[Cooter]

$4500.00 for a running driving 440 4 speed car with all the paint and bodywork done? Is that really what you think it's worth?

No, but I've seen it here before when trying to sell today....

[ragtopdodge]

What's wrong with it exactly?

[Gus cuda]

I think your problem is, you bought your car in the winter. Having a new toy and not being able to drive it is a hell. You are walking around picking it apart, take a step back and take a good look at her over a few beers. I assure you the mustang will not give you the same feeling. I too just bought an imperfect e-body in the winter and have only been able to "pick it apart". Hang in there, winter is about over. Take your time with it and i think when your cruising this summer in one of the most iconic cars of all time you will be glad you didnt get rid of it.

[GranCuda1970]

Your chally is pretty sweet!! Keep her if you can you will work through the issues. Have patience like HooD!! BTW his car is immaculate.

[NCtrueconservative]

 

I think your problem is, you bought your car in the winter. Having a new toy and not being able to drive it is a hell. You are walking around picking it apart, take a step back and take a good look at her over a few beers. I assure you the mustang will not give you the same feeling. I too just bought an imperfect e-body in the winter and have only been able to "pick it apart". Hang in there, winter is about over. Take your time with it and i think when your cruising this summer in one of the most iconic cars of all time you will be glad you didnt get rid of it.

  This right here may be the best bit of advice I've ever seen. something is always better taking a look at it over a few beers  I just might print this out and hang it on my wall   

[Super-G]

I think your problem is, you bought your car in the winter. Having a new toy and not being able to drive it is a hell. You are walking around picking it apart, take a step back and take a good look at her over a few beers. I assure you the mustang will not give you the same feeling. I too just bought an imperfect e-body in the winter and have only been able to "pick it apart". Hang in there, winter is about over. Take your time with it and i think when your cruising this summer in one of the most iconic cars of all time you will be glad you didnt get rid of it.

Best response of this post!

There seems to be some confusion about the whole Mustang thing. What I said was that before I had my Challenger I had a finished/modified 86 Mustang GT convertible. I sold it because I wanted another Musclecar. What I missed about the car was the fact that it was finished. I do not miss the car as 5.0 Mustangs were never my thing. Several years ago when my wife and I decided to move into a larger home, we made the decision to sell my finished 71 Chevelle SS and use that money to pay off the mortgage on our vacation home in the Pocono Mountains. I bought the home back in 1995 with money I earned serving in Desert Storm. There wasn't too much left on the mortgage so I sold the Chevelle and paid off the mortgage. I bought the 5.0 Mustang because I still wanted some form of a performance car but just couldn't afford anything major at the time.

Now that I have been in my new home for several years the money/opportunity was there to sell the Mustang and find another Musclecar. I looked for a long time before scoring my Challenger. I went Mopar because my wife and I both have a soft spot for big block Mopars and buying a semi-finished car was the only way I could get one. The bottom line is that at this stage of my life I just don't have a spare $50,000 sitting around to drop onto ANY classic car.

Here's the thing...when I bought the car I KNEW that it was sort of a project. I knew that it had been sitting for about 4-5 years and that it would have to be gone over for safety and reliability. The good news is that the floors, frame rails, trunk, and body are rust free and the paint job is really nice. So it is a great starting point.

I've already decided to put the 6 pack set up on a shelf and run a 4bbl for now. I've changed SO much already including new carpet, new fuel tank, new fuel pump, new water pump, new thermostat, all new belts and hoses, new tune up, new voltage regulator, new coil, 4 new shocks, and new exhaust. It just seems like every time I turn around something else pops up.

What I have left to do isn't really all that bad. I have a birthday in April and I've already asked for money from family members. I know I can sell the Centerlines and re-coup some of the wheel/tire money.

This weekend I'm going to go to my local NAPA and order new rear shoes, spring kit, and wheel cylinders. I'm going to try to get away with cutting the drums. Plans are to flush out all the old brake fluid and install a new master cylinder and all new calipers, pads and rotors up front as well.

I'll start there and see how I feel after that, but I'm hoping to get re-motivated to get this car running and on the road by May.