• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

To bee or not to bee.....that is the question...no, really!

MOPARENT

MOPARENT

Well-Known Member
Local time
8:25 AM
Joined
Mar 9, 2014
Messages
640
Reaction score
890
Location
Maine
Ok, I scored a 69 superbee...no motor, or trans, missing everything, needs a lot of metal work, but all the rails are good, solid aprons, firewall, etc...So, should I build the car to the level that is expected of these somewhat rare mopars, or should I say screw it and just build the rat that I wanted? I was honestly just looking for a base 'net, but came across this bee for short coin....its ruff but ready to build. Leaning towards the rat build, but love to hear the feedback from different parts of the USA!
 
RAT IT! the money u save u can buy a blower. my vote.
 
As long as it's not one of 10 or a A12 car go for the hot rod. With the drive train missing, build it for fun.
 
I personally don't like to see these cars built as rats. I'm voting for a full build into a beautiful Bee. Especially that year and that body style. Make it a labor of love. Then love your finished product.
 
GetX'd said:
I personally don't like to see these cars built as rats. I'm voting for a full build into a beautiful Bee. Especially that year and that body style. Make it a labor of love. Then love your finished product.
Click to expand...
I agree, sort of. The whole rat thing was cool back when it was a protest against over restored rides. But then people started spending as much time and money on a rat as they would on a nice car. Defeats the purpose. Just my two cents, but if your car is shot then just drive it. If you're gonna build it build it right. Besides, the whole rat thing is over done. It's a fad.
 
Agree with the others. If it's a real Bee, it's plenty rare already. Do it justice.
Honestly, in the end we're all mere stewards of these bits of history - there is a responsibility to owning a rare car so that future generations have them to see one day long after we're gone.
If you want to build your own version of a fun ride, that's great too!
Just please - don't do it with a "pedigree" car. :)
 
If you go for a true resto, you better have REALLY deep pockets, starting from nothing will cost 10X what you expect & 5X the time you expect.
 
66Satellite47 said:
If you go for a true resto, you better have REALLY deep pockets, starting from nothing will cost 10X what you expect & 5X the time you expect.
Click to expand...
I agree!!!
And if you don't have or can't get the correct original drive train you still don't have a "restored" car. You have a clone!
 
It depends on your definition of a "rat" build ...... flat black with random pieces you found laying around the garage, or just a really rough driver ??
 
You need not do a concours restoration.
Do a good job on the body and paint. Put the correct badging on and drop a 383 or 440 in it. Any interior parts from any 68-70 b body should work so long as they match.It's still a Bee. Is the fender rage still there?

If not. Then sell it to somebody who will and use the money to buy a base model coronet. Plenty of them out there
 
I don't mind some of the older 30's & 40's rat rods, but they seem to be getting over done imo. I would definitely not rat rod one of our great Mopar muscle cars.
 
Preserve as much as you can and be creative with the rest.
It's apparent that you like Mopars.
But are you a parent and do you have future plans for your cars?
If so, what does the rest of the family want?
 
rat rod is a little extreme, but replacing everything, is a huge amount of money to even get somewhat era correct. decent body and paint a must, I was thinking more race car stuff, or newer things that can be picked up reasonable, used. My first reply may be alcohol related:rolleyes:
 
As I said before a resto is extremely expensive, even a clone. A nice build with good paint & the features you want (and can afford) is the way to go. Get the metal work done. Get a drive train suitable for what your driving/performance expectations are. Find/collect the trim & interior to match your taste. It's your car, make you happy with it.
 
66Satellite47 said:
As I said before a resto is extremely expensive, even a clone. A nice build with good paint & the features you want (and can afford) is the way to go. Get the metal work done. Get a drive train suitable for what your driving/performance expectations are. Find/collect the trim & interior to match your taste. It's your car, make you happy with it.
Click to expand...
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

agree w/ this.------------, don`t build it stock, some Camaro will embarrass you.
 
Like several others have said, you need to define "rat"... don't see a whole lot of 60s muscle cars that I would call rat..trucks yes, cars no...
Just a street car, type hotrod build go for it...ultimately do what makes you & your wallet happy !
 
Last edited:
I love rat rods . . . for pre-war cars. To me, the ingenuity of "put on what you got" doesn't work well on muscle cars, and seems to be confused with a "sleeper" that's flat black/rough body.

You'll have so much money in sheetmetal work you'll be afraid to "rat" it.
 
toolmanmike said:
I agree!!!
And if you don't have or can't get the correct original drive train you still don't have a "restored" car. You have a clone!
Click to expand...
I'm sorry but I would have to disagree with ya on this. The vin defines what the car is and will always be. It may not be a matching #'s car but it was born a Bee.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Superbee Sean
With return, or not…..? That is the question
Replies
9
Views
732
Sixpactogo
Sixpactogo
LowlySatellite
"To-Do" or "Not-To-Don't" list after receiving back from painting / body shop?
Replies
11
Views
1K
Dave6T4
Dave6T4
69Bee
Dec 7, 1941 The day that is supposed to remembered, but doesn't seem to be
Replies
13
Views
836
LowBikeMike
LowBikeMike
Islandkent
Original Tri Nuts To use or not to use??
Replies
8
Views
833
Islandkent
Islandkent
MaxWedgeWagon
1970 Coronet Wagon - "Queen Bee"
2 3
Replies
40
Views
4K
YY1
YY1
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top