Greetings all, I'm seriously considering being a new Mopar owner as my older brother passed away recently and his 70 Charger (383) has been in my Dad's garage for the past 40 years. It's rusted underneath (especially up front) and would need a lot of $ to get it roadworthy again. A showroom restoration would be even bigger $$ and take even longer. I'm considering buying it for sentimental reasons and I like a good challenge (or glutton for punishment). My main goal would be to fix the structure/chassis/sheetmetal and then slowly reassemble/replace other items (fix the "foundation first"). I'd be going in understanding that the project is likely a 2-10 year project depending on time/cost/funds.
I've been downloading/reading as much as I can trying to understand what might be involved in process. If anyone has an article (prior forum thread) on restoration tips (teardown order, labeling parts for long term storage, etc), I'd be extremely grateful. I'm trying to have a plan BEFORE jumping in with both feet. Considering a few options and if anyone has thoughts on them, feel free to tear them apart or let me know what is "normal". Obviously I'll have to talk with a couple shops as well. The car is currently being uncovered/unburied so I still have time to decide if I want to tackle this huge project. I do have space in my garage at home, so I can store work on it slowly.
1. Simply drop off the car at a shop specializing in Classic restores and ask to fix the chassis & sheetmetal / make it roadworthy.
- They would need to likely disassemble/reassemble so highest cost but quicker than if I teardown
2. Tear down myself to get to the bare chassis, then hand off to a shop specializing in Classic restores for chassis/sheetmetal work - goal of getting it back ready to slowly reassemble and replace any parts that I'm replacing.
- Plan for up to 1 yr to disassemble
- I've seend the Assembly order from Resto Rick - so guessing I can reverse the order carefully
- I'd have to have a bullet proof (even redundant) labeling & documentation method (lots of pics, notes, etc)
- Need a lot of extra storage (already looking at sheds for all the parts)
- Need to get a hoist/engine stand for removing the engine, etc (another brother is a mechanic, so I have help if needed)
- Is there such a thing as putting it on a rolling cart (like a Rotissiere) to hand off to a body shop (can it be moved/trailered short distances in that state)?
- Is there a better way to leave as a roller for sending to bodyshop (while still doing alot of the teardown myself - save $)
- Final painting before or after reassembly?
Is it reasonable to think if I could strip down to the chassis that a shop could replace/strip/paint for 20-30k in a few months?
Thanks in advance for any hints/links to threads/etc. As I mentioned, I've already researched this forum and many other sites and bookmarked & downloaded service manuals, wiring guides, Tech guides, hints, etc.
Ross
I've been downloading/reading as much as I can trying to understand what might be involved in process. If anyone has an article (prior forum thread) on restoration tips (teardown order, labeling parts for long term storage, etc), I'd be extremely grateful. I'm trying to have a plan BEFORE jumping in with both feet. Considering a few options and if anyone has thoughts on them, feel free to tear them apart or let me know what is "normal". Obviously I'll have to talk with a couple shops as well. The car is currently being uncovered/unburied so I still have time to decide if I want to tackle this huge project. I do have space in my garage at home, so I can store work on it slowly.
1. Simply drop off the car at a shop specializing in Classic restores and ask to fix the chassis & sheetmetal / make it roadworthy.
- They would need to likely disassemble/reassemble so highest cost but quicker than if I teardown
2. Tear down myself to get to the bare chassis, then hand off to a shop specializing in Classic restores for chassis/sheetmetal work - goal of getting it back ready to slowly reassemble and replace any parts that I'm replacing.
- Plan for up to 1 yr to disassemble
- I've seend the Assembly order from Resto Rick - so guessing I can reverse the order carefully
- I'd have to have a bullet proof (even redundant) labeling & documentation method (lots of pics, notes, etc)
- Need a lot of extra storage (already looking at sheds for all the parts)
- Need to get a hoist/engine stand for removing the engine, etc (another brother is a mechanic, so I have help if needed)
- Is there such a thing as putting it on a rolling cart (like a Rotissiere) to hand off to a body shop (can it be moved/trailered short distances in that state)?
- Is there a better way to leave as a roller for sending to bodyshop (while still doing alot of the teardown myself - save $)
- Final painting before or after reassembly?
Is it reasonable to think if I could strip down to the chassis that a shop could replace/strip/paint for 20-30k in a few months?
Thanks in advance for any hints/links to threads/etc. As I mentioned, I've already researched this forum and many other sites and bookmarked & downloaded service manuals, wiring guides, Tech guides, hints, etc.
Ross