74 Challenger Canadian Restoration

[Topcat]

I'm sorry to hear of all the mess you're finding.
Many of us have or experienced this before including myself.

I started a thread on things just like what you're going thru.
If you would, can you please add some of these to it?


http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=55886.msg819077#msg819077

[dutch]

won`t win a beauty contest, but that could be a whole lot worse imo.
One thing I don`t get is why you are speaking of a budget resto and start surgery with all parts attached and glass in ... 

[daaboots]

won`t win a beauty contest, but that could be a whole lot worse imo.
One thing I don`t get is why you are speaking of a budget resto and start surgery with all parts attached and glass in ... 

I'm going to pull the glass out next. I was hoping  things wouldn't be that bad, but it looks like I'll need to replace the roof, both quarters, and both fenders. I can still do that on a budget as long as I do the work myself.

[anlauto]

won`t win a beauty contest, but that could be a whole lot worse imo.
One thing I don`t get is why you are speaking of a budget resto and start surgery with all parts attached and glass in ... 

YES you'll find more rust under the glass

[jimynick]

Be prepared for the possibility of needing outer whlhses and trunk floors or extensions once you get the 1/4's off. Don't ask me how I know this, please. 

[daaboots]

I managed to get the windows out. The front one broke though... it was in rough shape anyway. Not too much rust under the windows thankfully. Found another ugly patch on the firewall near the brake booster and a rust spot just above it. I was able to snap a picture of the original color hiding under the glass.












I also found a guy selling some fiberglass fenders pretty cheap. Does anyone have experience with these? I'm still waiting to get some pictures from him so I don't know what they look like yet.

[anlauto]

Fiberglass fenders are just that....CHEAP....don't cut corners now...you'll just be wasting your money.

My advice is to strip the car completely apart and have it blasted properly to find ALL the rust, then start fixing it.

[daaboots]

I'd love to do a restoration of that level, but that's more than I can take on right now.

I pulled the passenger side fender off tonight. No real big surprises. Someone really went through the trouble to apply lots of oil undercoating to this car! I found some rust on the firewall... hopefully nothing that can't be patched.








I was hoping to salvage this fender, but I wonder if it's even worth the time. I think it's beyond my skill anyway.






So a question about AMD replacement fenders, do they come with that big bracket that has the bubble for the headlight?

[Hammer75]

would you be able to give me an idea of what you paid for the car.   I have a 74 Cuda that I am thinking of selling - needs to be restored also.  I don't really want to sell it (original owner), but don't want it to sit forever either.  restorations are expensive and I don't have the skill to do it myself.  thanks

[anlauto]

A 1974 Cuda in this condition would be priced around $5K, maybe more. It depends a lot on engine size, transmission, colour, documentation etc....Obviously a 360 4spd in a nice colour would bring more then a 318 auto in a bland colour...

Post some pictures and start a new "What's it Worth" thread....Maybe there's a buyer on this site ?

[daaboots]

would you be able to give me an idea of what you paid for the car.   I have a 74 Cuda that I am thinking of selling - needs to be restored also.  I don't really want to sell it (original owner), but don't want it to sit forever either.  restorations are expensive and I don't have the skill to do it myself.  thanks

My father-in-law paid about $6000 (Canadian) for this car. That was 7 years ago.

[femtnmax]

I have a 74 chally also.  I did not do a full soda blast type resto either.  Your doing a good job tearing into yours:)
I may still have my original trunk lid, has some holes on the underside at one corner.  If you need a trunk lid let me know, I 'd give you mine no cost beyond shipping, let me know.
I also had to buy both rear quarters, full quarters.  I bought one side AMD on side Goodmark.  The goodmark was too long from the dutchman panel aft, so that the amd trunk lid has a large gap between the fwd edge of the trunk lid and dutchman panel at base of rear window.  The AMD was ok, but they drill these stupid large holes along the aft edge of the quarter that need to be welded/filled.  The goodmark fit better at the door rear edge and rear seat window area, but the AMD was acceptable, just needed more fit and fuss.
I also had to replace the roof skin.  The AMD skin fit well.  You will also need four? edge pieces that join the roof skin to door drip edge structure.
As others have said...the budget becomes quickly obsolete.  Consider just how far you want to make the car "as new"....the cost goes up like a rocket.
Best of luck, your making good progress.

[Chlngrcrzy]

Budgets are meant to be adjusted along the way. I should know. i started out just like you, and next thing i know it, I have the car on a rotisserie and blasting every nook and cranny. 7 years this may 28th, and it is by no means a show car, but it is solid and just like new, and i have modified a few things too meet my tastes.
I replaced the roof skin, 1 rear quarter, lowers panels on the other quarter, driver side floor, trunk floor, and dutch panel, using AMD products.
So yeah it pretty much sucks for $$$, but i would not have done it any other way. I plan on enjoying it and not worrying about how much i spent.

[daaboots]

Thanks guys. My trunk is in really good shape and I wont need to replace it. Thanks for the offer femtnmax! What are these 4 edge pieces that you're talking about?

[daaboots]

I decided to pull the roof off and buy a new skin. I pealed off the old patches, removed the lead, and drilled out the spot welds. Took a long time to drill out all those welds, plus I bought the cheap drill bit and the teeth dulled and broke off.
























I broke down and bought the better spot weld cutter. Man, what a difference that makes!






I used the wire wheel brush on some rust on the fire wall. I'll need to patch these up as well. Nothing too bad.





One piece at a time