Author Topic: ...Can't Believe what I saw...  (Read 5924 times)

Offline anlauto

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...Can't Believe what I saw...
« on: September 15, 2013 - 09:45:48 AM »
 :useless:


Yea I know.....

So I go to this local show being held at one of my associates body shop, Boothill Auto Resurrections in Erin Ontario.

Parked out on the road I spot a Challenger convertible, but even from 100 yards away I could tell it was a pretty tough looking machine and probably a good idea it wasn't really "in" the show.

Being relatively board at the show I reluctantly went for a walk to check out this car....

What I found was a turd painted some dark shade of blue with 72 fender louvers....blue interior, but what intrigued me the most was that it was wearing a shaker hood with 383 call outs and a rear deck spoiler. Couldn't help but notice the pistol grip shifter in the console either. One quick look at the VIN tag confirmed it was an "N" code 383 1971 Challenger convertible.

As I was crawling all around it noticing it's driveable but very poor over all condition....an elderly couple (early 50's maybe)...walked up and asked what I was doing. I introduced  myself and it turns out that they were just looking at my car and was wondering if I could quote them on a restoration....

Turns out they bought the car in 1979 from the original owner and have been enjoying it ever since. During the conversation the owner pops the trunk to throw his jacket inside and there's the original broadcast sheet lying there in a plastic sleeve...he said he knew what is was but had no idea how to read it.... :thinkerg:

Well....I do...

383 4bbl, 4spd, B3 blue, B5 interior, white top, white pin stripe, factory rear spoiler, factory shaker car, wide nose chrome, SE belt moldings, and so on....WHAT A CAR :drool:

Turns out they brought the car there to see about a restoration, then saw my car and wanted my opinion as well. Sad thing is...There total budget for a full restoration is like $15K...$20K tops....When I laughed out loud and let them know that wouldn't even cover the rust repair and paint work they got truely dissappointed...
The conversation continued for over an hour and I think I've talked them into just detailing what they have, address some of the major issues and just contunue to drive and enjoy the car....I hope I will be seeing them again, and I'll be sure to have a camera....I don't own a cell phone.

They made it quite clear the car would NEVER be for sale  :crying:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
www.alangallantautomotiverestoration.com




Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2013 - 12:06:11 PM »
Wow!  Now that is a cool chally!

Sounds like you need to carry a camera.
Their cheap. 50 bucks! 

Hope you get to do it up! 
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Offline Katfish

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #2 on: September 15, 2013 - 03:42:41 PM »
" an elderly couple (early 50's maybe) "

Ouch, I'm not 50 yet, and not looking forward to becoming "elderly" 

Offline blown motor

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #3 on: September 15, 2013 - 04:44:17 PM »
I wondered who was going to get him on that one.
In search of the eternal buzz!

Offline anlauto

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2013 - 05:27:03 PM »
" an elderly couple (early 50's maybe) "

Ouch, I'm not 50 yet, and not looking forward to becoming "elderly"

Yea yea yea...I'm turning 48 next month myself....I guess I should have choosen a better adjective to describe people who I thought that were responsible adults in their prime of life and not some teenage hooligans... :smilielol:
« Last Edit: September 15, 2013 - 08:07:02 PM by anlauto »
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
www.alangallantautomotiverestoration.com

Offline spamtank

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #5 on: September 15, 2013 - 06:48:19 PM »
Oh, man.  Just realized I'm elderly, since I'll be 51 in December.   :eek2:

Elderly for me is anyone 20 years older than I am at that moment in time.   :bigsmile:
Rick, Manchester, NH
1970 SE 383 2V AT Challenger
1977 M882/W200 Power Wagon
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Offline 67vertman

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #6 on: September 15, 2013 - 08:04:33 PM »
Elderly for me is anyone 20 years older than I am at that moment in time.   :bigsmile:

 :roflsmiley:  :smilielol:  :roflsmiley:

Too TRUE!



Ron - Born and raised in Southern California

I got the 1970 Cuda, but still need the hot blonde to ride shotgun!

First car -1969 Road Runner 383 4sp

Current ride - 1970 Barracuda 440-6 4 sp Dana 60  (4:10)

Offline joelson6

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2013 - 11:28:45 PM »
i'm 46 and with the dealings i've had lately, the term "elderly" usually doesn't come into play till you're in your 70's


now if this was 1765, i'd say mid 50's would be elderly  :smilielol:



Offline 74 challenge

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2013 - 07:47:40 AM »
I'm 27 so using someone else's calculations...add 20 years....carry the one....

elderly is anyone over the age of 47.

My car is 12 years older than I am.
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Offline hemi68charger

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #9 on: September 19, 2013 - 08:16:27 AM »
Wow !!! A Shaker non-R/T.... Now that IS unique...... Can't be too many of those puppies......
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Offline 70RAG383

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #10 on: September 20, 2013 - 11:18:13 AM »
Notwithstanding your comment about elderly being anyone over 50  :22yikes:  (which I'm sure you've taken enough heat for  :grinyes:  ) this is a great story.  Too bad about their budget as I'm sure you could do a great job for them.

Sounds like a cool car.  Does it still have all of the options listed on the build sheet (like the wide chrome moldings)?   

Offline anlauto

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #11 on: September 20, 2013 - 12:18:03 PM »
Yes...everthing is still there.
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
www.alangallantautomotiverestoration.com

Offline 7212Mopar

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #12 on: September 20, 2013 - 12:46:22 PM »
I just turned 51 myself and my buddies were all discussing how to stay healthy. This link below is a recent poll on the "Perfect Age"

http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/09/16/poll-50-is-the-perfect-age/
1973 Challenger Rallye, AT with 1971 340
2012 Challenger SRT8 392 YJ,  6 spd

Offline moparmaniac59

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #13 on: September 20, 2013 - 03:35:32 PM »
Sounds like a sweet ride. It seems if the owner had any level of mechanical skill, he could do a lot of the bull work himself and have the rest done by a professional shop & end up with a really nice car for 20K.  :money:

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Offline Katfish

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Re: ...Can't Believe what I saw...
« Reply #14 on: September 20, 2013 - 05:34:03 PM »
Once you get old you can't do your own work anymore!