Rattiness... yeah or nay?

[EccentricMagpies]

I came really close to painting my grey charger but fortunately things came up. My only plan is to have some minor patch work done on right side rocker and minor quarter area. Convienently for me it's a grey car.

I'd leave yours alone. Car looks great. I think consistent rims would give it a great look
It would look like you meant it

 

[mrsnicks]

I drive mine and mine has more rust and rust through spots than yours. I drive the heck out of it. I'm going to get the floor pans done shortly, the move on to trunk pans. After that it's quarter and fender patches. I'd get it painted after that just so it doesn't have a multi-color paint/primer/rust combo.

Patrick

 

[satman72]

Having said what I did earlier, I would fix that rear quarter.

 

[sleepar]

Do the mechanical and electrical to make it reliable pull the rust out of it so it doesn't rot away to nothing...... use a rust converter in places and a rattle can paint in places to preserve what's there and somedayale it pretty if you want. Driving it into the ground .... you will miss the car when it is gone... everyday try and make it better as funds and time allow.. then you will have it forever and not have to have it hauled away for junk at some point.

 

[Bruzilla]

I say nay. My problem with these cars is I can still vividly remember seeing them as they slowly and steadily fell into the ratty state they are in now. When I see a ratty car I don't see a survivor. I see a rusty run-down car with a holed muffler belching smoke down the road while some 16-year old dude or 40-year old welfare mom drives it into oblivion. Sorry, but I see no cause for rejoicing in keeping a car in that tradition because when I saw them getting into that condition I always wanted to get a hold of them and get them fixed back to the way they should be. For me it's like finding out your Mom is dying of cancer and you don't want her cured because old people are supposed to get that way.

 

[satman72]

In this case, at least from the picture, It looks pretty good other than the rear quarter. I'm basing my opinion on that. Paint looks OK otherwise, not great, but not too bad. Yeah, I agree fix the stuff that needs to get fixed, and keep the car roadworthy. Don't let it become a pile of crap.

 

[sleepar]

In this case, at least from the picture, It looks pretty good other than the rear quarter. I'm basing my opinion on that. Paint looks OK otherwise, not great, but not too bad. Yeah, I agree fix the stuff that needs to get fixed, and keep the car roadworthy. Don't let it become a pile of crap.

Are you sure about that rear quarter?!?!?!?
Been into the Canadian mist since morning?
Time to switch over to Canadian club with a splash of gingerale

 

[kb67mopar]

I can only tell you what I am doing. I fixed the rust and dents, threw in my engine of choice and an inexpensive transmission, painted it with the cheapest single stage I could with the cheapest body guy in history and plan to drive the crap out of it and not care what people think.

 

[Car Nut]

Like others have said, fix the dents and rust, but leave it as a survivor. Do what the Gas Monkeys would do, clear it and drive it like you stole it.

 

[Mr.SpeedFreak]

You forgot a category. a nicely painted and restored/restomod car that gets driven. That's what I vote for. A couple of car shows a year. A couple of times at the drag strip a year. A couple of cruse nights a year. In between with gas permitting, lots of driving around town, grocery getting, with relative and friends visiting.

I'm with the J-man. Rest assured, I will drive the wheels off my moneypit. Build it (or not) how you want it, and drive it like you stole it. If it puts a smile on your face who cares what anyone else has to say about it.

- - - Updated - - -

But I do agree with what's already being said, when rust becomes a danger to the car or your safety it should warrant repair.

 

[69 Charger RT/SE]

I have a survivor 1968 Plymouth Sport Satellite. It wears it's age, battle scars and patina quite nicely, I think. The other day I had someone ask me when I am going to paint it...

I happen to like the way my car looks. I'm not a bit afraid to drive it and I take it everywhere. I don't sit in a lawn chair next to it at car shows with my California Car Duster and yell at kids with sticky hands to stay away from it. It's a driver; pure and simple. Could I paint it? Sure I could... if I wanted to sink money into it and not drive it while it's undergoing a several month process in a body shop. But then, I'd be worried about every little nick, dent, scratch or sticky-handed brat.

So, what's your opinion? Would you rather DRIVE a ratty old Mopar, or would you rather sit and look at a pretty money pit that you are afraid to drive?

View attachment 204957

Love that you put your trophy on your cooler, makes the car appear worthy of it.

 

[Cranky]

I would hammer out the dent as best as I know how just like if it were 1975......and do the same for the rusted areas.

 

[satman72]

Are you sure about that rear quarter?!?!?!?
Been into the Canadian mist since morning?
Time to switch over to Canadian club with a splash of gingerale

Dude! you need to find some Forty Creek!!!

 

[barbee6043]

I agree with the guys that say"' fix the rust! then maybe blend some paint" drive and enjoy it!!!!!

 

[wannadrag]

Drive the piss out of it,thats what i've been doing with this one.

 

[GetX'd]

I'm a restomod guy and agree with the guy above that referenced that class. I've sunk a lot of restoration money in my car and am worried about molestation by disrespectful "admirers" I want the balls under the hood and I want the car to look very good. But at the same time not a trailer queen. I want to be able to drive the car and will. It's not going to be a 100 pointer - but it's going to look nice.

To each his own - but just make sure you enjoy the car they way YOU want to. That's what's most important. To hell with everyone else. ottytrain5:

 

[RS23VOA]

I'd fix the parts that need fixed, the lower quarters, and drive.

 

[OldFolksMopar]

It is interesting how some peoples minds think. It's all about the money you have in the coffee cans buried in the back yard!! No cans, no money, just drive it. Lots of cans, fix it. I really like the so called "patina" but it should be preserved. It's just that not everyone has the cash. Now if you have 5 or 6 other cars and are not worried about this one turning to dust, drive the hell out if it! If it is the only one you have, and it's the real deal, at least stop the rust.

 

[aldal]

I'm so focused on the beer that I can hardly see the car....

You did that on purpose, didn't you?

I got to admit I checked out the beer first also....but I think whatever you do just enjoy it man it's the journey that counts not the destination.

 

[Speedbird]

I'm having the same thoughts with my RR. I like the aged look on a car like this.
But there is some body work that really needs to be done to my 69 to make it water proof. And that means a respray.
What ever you do to yours, I'd get matching wheels though.