Author Topic: What would you do different on your restoration?  (Read 2921 times)

Offline Tropicalcats

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What would you do different on your restoration?
« on: September 23, 2013 - 07:13:36 PM »
I have posted this up in other places but wanted to see what you folks thought. As my project finally starts to take shape maybe I can learn something. So here it is.

In your completed restoration, or in the to late to turn back now category. What would you have done different? What would you ask for a do over on?
« Last Edit: September 23, 2013 - 08:55:19 PM by Tropicalcats »
1970 Challenger R/T 383  Matching#s JS23N0E under construction. It's Plum Crazy
SOLD




Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: What would you do differnt on your restoration?
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2013 - 08:24:56 PM »
I would have installed better suspension , larger sway bars & rework the geometery more like Brad did , I would love the Passon 855 but it was not available

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline 4Cruizn

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2013 - 09:49:01 PM »
I would of also changed my transmssion choice and not installed a hemi 18 spline trans . . .

Offline 67vertman

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2013 - 10:09:54 PM »
I am still in the process of modifying mine, so there is not much I would do different.  However, I would like to do a better suspension, like an XV Motorsports Level II front and rear.



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 HemiOrange70

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2013 - 10:19:16 PM »
Not stockpile parts for years....Better parts and lower prices were not far off
Ebay not as good as thought
Spend the xtra $$ part wise as you get what you pay for

Offline jordan

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2013 - 12:47:23 AM »
Im really getting in deep with assembly right now, but have not driven it yet.  At this point, I would not have bought a trans from Keisler because of poor customer support.  I may like it when I am driving, but I really dislike dealing with them.  I would not have bought from XV motorsports.  They are unavailable for support and since they get their parts elsewhere, it would have been better resourcing all the parts from the different vendors.  I am having difficulties with the XV level 1 brakes, and may have been better off with another brand of  brakes bought from a vendor with customer support.  Firm Feel has been good to me too. I would have bought only Hotchkis parts, and US Cartool frame braces.  They always sent parts fast and always answer the phone.  Paint and body work was not fun, but I saved alot of money doing it myself.  TTi was good to me for support and their parts are nice.  Buchillion has good parts and support.   

     I didnt mean to make this a bash on vendors.  This is a huge expensive project, and I need a lot of help to meet my goals.  When I spend a lot  of money, I expect the vendor to support what they sell.  Knowing what I do now, I would have saved myself alot of time, money and hassle by avoiding vendors with poor support.  Go where they treat you well, and have good products. 
"Don't brake until you see God!"

Offline Scat Pack Fever

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2013 - 08:55:14 PM »
I would have bagged and labeled all the bolts, nuts, screws, clips, fastenrs, etc. taken pictures before disassembly. stored parts properly. It has been a nightmare finding things. Oh well, live and learn. 

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2013 - 09:01:06 PM »
I would have probably started with a better platform but live and learn...

Oh yeah and one more - I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT EVERY PART FROM DAVE AT ROSEVILLE!!!!!!!!!!!

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« Last Edit: September 26, 2013 - 10:43:29 PM by HP_Cuda »
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2013 - 10:02:51 PM »
The most important thing I've learned (so far) is to buy parts and supplies from companies and people you can count on to back their products. All of the sponsors here at cc.com have been great. Just be sure to check out the company's history BEFORE you buy something expensive from them out there.

Offline Topcat

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2013 - 11:05:11 PM »
When I bought the first quarter panel reproductions from Goodmark, I wished I waited for more feedback on the fit and finish.

As soon as the AMD's came out, everyone on all the Mopar boards were crowing how well they fit compared to the Goodmarks.
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline brads70

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #10 on: September 27, 2013 - 07:30:24 AM »
I would have went with the new Passon 5 speed, but it's still not available.

And bought 1.120" torsion bars and the QA1 double adjustable shocks right off the bat. I've had 3 sets of shocks in 2 years and changed the torsion bars once too.  :pullinghair:   Gets expensive buying parts 2-3 times.
« Last Edit: September 27, 2013 - 07:37:06 AM by brads70 »
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 30below

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #11 on: September 27, 2013 - 08:37:52 AM »
A few people warned me not to make it so nice,that I would not want to drive it.Hard not to do,but they were right.

Offline brads70

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #12 on: September 27, 2013 - 11:02:51 AM »
A few people warned me not to make it so nice,that I would not want to drive it.Hard not to do,but they were right.

 :iagree:  Mine needs paint but for this reason ....and the money required I'll keep it like this for awhile yet!
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline Skunkworks Challenger

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2013 - 11:20:08 AM »
My 70 Challenger RT originally had a 383 Magnum but along the way it got changed out for a 440 then a 340 and now to another 440.  If I were doing it again I would search for the nearest correct  date 383 and  stroke it to 432 or whatever the kits provide.  Nothing wrong with my 440 but at some car shows I get put in the modified class just because of the engine change. 
The Brewmaster

Offline Brusco

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Re: What would you do different on your restoration?
« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2013 - 11:51:52 AM »
I would've bought my first parts car with cash instead of trading a 750 H.P. 440 w/blower and a Dana rear end for it even though I got the 273 Commando LA motor and an A-833 4 speed in the deal. :violin:
Oooooh Barra-Barra-CUDA !