72 challenger rebuild overview and questions

[dgarey94]

Hello, My names Dakota. This is my first time posting and I have some questions I have about a potential rebuild. I found a 72 challenger in bad shape on craigslist. It'll need new quarters, a motor, transmission and everything in front of the firewall really. It was originally a 318 with a the  A-230 3 speed in it. I'm thinking about going with a 440 with 3 speed, because why stay with the 318 if its not original. I found a 74 charger that was a parts car that someone took the whole rear end off and chopped the top, that I could salvage the front end. I might even be able to patch the floors of the 72 with it. With the two chalengers I think I can piece the 72 back together. Ive found a 440 and shifter that total about 700 bringing my total to about 4 grand.

Now you know the situation, Here are my questions:
1) do you think I should hunt down a 4 speed if I want to use that 440?
2) Any idea where I can find a driveshaft for the 72?
3) do you think this is worth pursuing?
4) See any potential problems?
 Really any help would be nice. Attached are pictures of the 72, Almost cried when I saw them.Thanks guys!!

Update: Decided on 26" radiator from Champion. Ill just drill some more holes.

[anlauto]

Personally I would start with something more complete and driveable. 

I get the feeling you're young and ambitious, and I understand  that, you want to do the work yourself, but the simple COST factor to get that thing roadworthy will blow your mind. You said you'll have $4K invested in a rusted pile of junk....it will take double that or even triple that to get it on the road.

I suggest you wait it out a little, pay a little more and get something at least complete and driving.

[dutch]

are you a metal fabricator?

[GCCUDA]

looks like a lot of work..

[dakota]

 I took on a "project" car in better shape than what's shown above and ended up dragging it around with me for almost 9 years before I finally had to admit to myself that I was over my head.  For me, the issue was the body work.  I can stick metal together with a MIG welder but it never looked right.  I learned a lot during those years, so it wasn't all bad...mostly frustrated at having to ultimately sell the car and parts for less than I paid for the crate motor in it (please insert jokes about the value of a 2nd generation Camaro here).  If you're positioned to take on the body and paint with money, friends, relatives and your own skill, have at it. Waiting for something closer to "done" will be less frustrating and probably less expensive in the long run.

I wish you success with whichever path you choose.

[moparman82]

Hey Dakota, best of luck with whatever path you choose, but I have to agree with anlauto, 72-74 challey's are fairly affordable, you can buy much better cars for your money, I paid 5k for a running, driving 73 that's a 70 clone, it's a 20 footer.  So I would hold off man, keep looking, and check the eBay/craigslist section of this forum, you will see many better projects, good luck either way!

Here's a pic the day I brought it home

[moparman82]

Here is a couple, 10 minutes on search tempest

http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/cto/4275957661.html

http://gulfport.craigslist.org/cto/4310645691.html

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/4337867038.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/cto/4293110292.html

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/4319155005.html

http://wyoming.craigslist.org/cto/4283949279.html

http://helena.craigslist.org/cto/4335000313.html

[jimynick]

The last two in that list could be contenders. Like Alan said, you'll be into that car big time before it rolls and since it's rails to be replaced, you'd best be able to do more than stick metal together, since hitting that pot hole or set of RR tracks and losing the frt end would be such a bummer. Save yourself the misery. Just my 

[The Cuda Guy]

What you have there is a good parts car.  Nothing overly rare about that car so its not worth a total ground up resto.  Even if there is family history wtih the car, still not worth the cost and effort in the end.  You could buy two show condtion 72-74 Challengers for what you end up spending if you decide to fully restore that car.     

Don