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New to forums and car-resto, any tips?

A

ArcAngel220

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I just got out of the military and came back home to IL. Right before I got out I got myself a 73 dodge charger SE shell. it has a few parts in it, but for the most part it needs to be resurrected. I just picked up a used 318 and a 904 tranny for it but I'm not sure where to go from here. I don't know anything about all of the mechanics of getting a vehicle back up and running, I'm kind of just learning as I go. Any types of suggestions and such would be greatly appreciated. I am also thinking of pretty much overhauling the engine BEFORE dropping it in, would this be a better idea then working on it after putting it in? any recommendations would be amazing and much appreciated. thanks in advance.
 
well hi and congrats on your safe return and thanks for your service,there are a lot of people on here that will chime in and help you out on your quest ,so sit back and read a lot of the post on here you might wont to get a couple of beers cause theres a lot to see and read:eek:ccasion14:
 
welcome to FBBO & thanks for your service... try the Members Restoration or specific car/years sections/forums, for a ton of information on your gen-3 1973 Charger...
 
Thanks to both of you guys, much appreciated. I'll scout around for a bit... I might just have to run and get those beers you mentioned.
 
Welcome and enjoy! Lots of knowledge and good times here. Were also gonna ask for some pics of this 73 charger you speak of.
 
Welcome

Welcome & Thanks for joining FBBO. :hello2: A Special Thank You, for your service. :cheers2: Good Luck on your Project. :buffer:
 
thanks

thanks guys, I'll post pics when the weather gets better, as I mentioned she's just a shell with some primer for now.
 
Welcome to the site, there is a lot of good info on here. Get some picture posted of your project. Sounds like nothing a bunch of money and time can't take care of.
 
Hello there Illinois! What part of the state are you in, the good part or the bad part? :icon_lol: Or, to ask it another way, are you a Cubs fan or Cards fan?

In answer to your question about the engine, since you already have it out of the car it is generally easier to work on it then. I think the mistake a lot of people who are new to this hobby make is biting off more than they can chew in the beginning. They plan too big of a project and when it costs more money, time, or ability than they have, they loose interest. My advice is start out basic and plan small steps at a time. Get the car running and on the road first. Then you'll get a feel for it and how well you like it and what kind of mods you want to make. You can always go back and pull the engine again, or other parts to change them. I think you'll learn a lot more that way. Beleive me, it is a really great feeling to get a car running, close the hood, and jump in for the first drive! Remember be patient, it sometimes takes years for even the most experienced guys to finish a car.
 
Congrats on your purchase, and your desire.

Until we know exactly what you have, it's hard to give advice.

i.e. You say it's a shell. What does that mean?. Is it a roller? Is it just a body shell? Is there an interior? What parts are missing? How much work can you/ or will you do? How bad is it?....

As you can see, there are a lot of questions.
The sooner we see pictures or get info, the sooner we can give you advice and opinions.
 
thanks for serving our country! collect everything you think you need then expect to spent $3000-5000 more on parts:)
 
Run... j/k. Welcome, the guys here can take you step by step through whatever you need to do.
 
Welcome to the site! Best advice I can give, buy a whiteboard. Seriously, really good way to set up your step by step plan for the car and stay on track. If you're still not quite sure where to start, post a buildthread in "members projects and restorations" and start throwing questions out there, lots of smart guys on here that can help you out.

Imo, just get a list of everything you can think of that the car needs, and if you're doing a full-on resto it usually starts with a complete tear-down, then metalwork/body, paint, mechanical/interior. Good luck!
 
Hey guys, thanks a lot for all of the feedback and comments, I really appreciate it!

As for "my baby" I guess you'd call her a roller. She has already been torn down and had all of the "cancer" removed and been patched up with metal and sanded down with a light coat of primer ( which will need to be redone here soon). The back bucket seats are still in along with the steering column and original steering wheel. There are a few random parts that are in there as well, other than that, it's all bare.

Im not sure if I mentioned in my previous post but I recently located a built 318 with the connected 904 tranny. I also got the front chrome bumper. The car came with 2 front bumpers and 2 rear bumpers but they are all in bad shape. I am in the process of selling my 94 camaro and my 86 camaro so as soon as that money comes in I will be acquiring more items for "my baby".

Since the motor is already out, I was thinking of replacing some of the parts that are already on it, and throwing on a holly/eddlebrock 4 barrel carb and some other upgrades BEFORE dropping it in to save some time and effort. I have already got my 318 motor mounts and have the 904 tranny mount in order.

Another question I had which is probably similar to Ford vs Chevy would be, which is better to go with for performance and street riding, Holley or Eddlebrock?

Lastly, the weather is looking up, so hopefully I can get those pictures up soon! And to answer the question from my fellow Illinois resident I'm a cardinals fan :) I'm in a small town about 30 minutes from Belleville.

Once again, thanks a lot to everyone for your insight, encouragement, support and comments. I look forward to hearing from you all soon.

-Andrew
 
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