1969 Super Bee, too far gone?

Bill Walak · Apr 30, 2018

So my last Super Bee I was interested in fell though (the guy was real sketchy about showing me pictures or videos of the car and I couldn’t justify a wasted 16 hr trip to check it out).

I have my sights on a new project and I’m looking for some input:

1969 Super Bee, original numbers matching engine (383) and 4 spd tranny. Not the original hood (not an N96 car). It’s extremely rusty (see pictures) and will need new quarters floors and trunk pan at the very least, but I believe everything is there for the most part.

In your opinion is this too far gone or worth restoring? this will be a 10+ yr project and I’m not looking to sell it after. I know these are money pits but I’m looking for a project to keep me busy when I have downtime. Price is in the $5000-$6000 range. I am not overly concerned about the “total” restoration cost because it will be spread out over a long period of time and I won’t tell my wife what I’ve spent on it (I’m guessing $30k-$40)

Bill Walak · Apr 30, 2018

Here are more photos

flypaper · Apr 30, 2018

nothing is too far gone, i have started with much worse
it all comes down to is
how much do you like it and how bad do you want it?
it has a few plus's
4 spd
matching engine
does it have a fender tag??

Bill Walak · Apr 30, 2018

Not sure about the fender tag, i will find out, is it a huge deal if it’s missing?

Lionized · Apr 30, 2018

Bill Walak said:
Not sure about the fender tag, i will find out, is it a huge deal if it’s missing?

Not "huge" but important.
Chances are the build sheet is long gone. Losing the fender tag also would diminish completed value.

mccoymail · Apr 30, 2018

Agreed. It’s up to you.
My charger has new floors, trunk, rockers, wheel houses, inner fenders, quarters, tail panel, Dutchman panel, cowl, firewall, frame rails and roof. Plus all the other parts from donors that aren’t available from amd.

The good thing is I know that there is no hidden rust. If its a labor of love and not for profit, save it. If you’re in for a future sale, find a better start.

flypaper · Apr 30, 2018

Bill Walak said:
Not sure about the fender tag, i will find out, is it a huge deal if it’s missing?

its not that much of a big deal
if it doesn't matter to you

its always something you can use to negotiate with.
just know going in
it will be a labor of love more then anything else.
i know because this a12 Bee was in much much worse shape then that at one time
don't even ask what was done

Richard Cranium · Apr 30, 2018

Bill Walak said:
So my last Super Bee I was interested in fell though (the guy was real sketchy about showing me pictures or videos of the car and I couldn’t justify a wasted 16 hr trip to check it out).

I have my sights on a new project and I’m looking for some input:

1969 Super Bee, original numbers matching engine (383) and 4 spd tranny. Not the original hood (not an N96 car). It’s extremely rusty (see pictures) and will need new quarters floors and trunk pan at the very least, but I believe everything is there for the most part.

In your opinion is this too far gone or worth restoring? this will be a 10+ yr project and I’m not looking to sell it after. I know these are money pits but I’m looking for a project to keep me busy when I have downtime. Price is in the $5000-$6000 range. I am not overly concerned about the “total” restoration cost because it will be spread out over a long period of time and I won’t tell my wife what I’ve spent on it (I’m guessing $30k-$40)

Is it too far gone? Yes.

Regarding your estimated restoration cost; I have always found that you should add another 35% to what you initially figure to get the real price.

Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $1,500.00 for what's left of that heap.

68383GTS · Apr 30, 2018

I have seen worse. They make everything but front fenders and hood.

flypaper · Apr 30, 2018

Richard Cranium said:
Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $1,500.00 for what's left of that heap.

i see your point but
i think its worth more then that

69 4 spd Bee projects don't not surface up every day
if it was a 68,69 runner then 1500 would be more in line
i think someone would give 4-5k for the heap if it had the fender tag

MOPARENT · Apr 30, 2018

I've seen that car up close and personal. SET YOUR SHOES ON FIRE AND START RUNNING UNTIL THE FLAMES DIE OUT.

moparnation74 · Apr 30, 2018

flypaper said:
i see your point but
i think its worth more then that
69 4 spd Bee projects don't not surface up every day
if it was a 68,69 runner then 1500 would be more in line
i think someone would give 4-5k for the heap if it had the fender tag

Super bees are cool and rare.......but this is a plain rust bucket......

The amount of AMD metal would almost be like getting a Dynacorn body if they made one......

I have seen many people thinking they can tackle these "pits" and usually end up botching them up or selling them mid stream.....

One has to really educate themselves on what they are really getting into versus pricing things from a catalog......

You get this and know what it takes Frank but I think some want a car soo bad they sometimes end up in a bad situation......I do understand the want and what is available but sometimes one needs to be pulled down back to reality.......

Any car can be restored and brought back to life....it is just a matter of how much cost and time you want to embark on......

To the OP welcome to Mopar and you can double your cost range above and that is more realistic to the restoration cost if you did the majority yourself.....

eldubb440 · Apr 30, 2018

Richard Cranium said:
Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $1,500.00 for what's left of that heap.

even at 1500 you're immediately under water......... the numbers/4 speed aspect at least assures a certain amount of value once completed..... the purchase price is the least of the issues here

flypaper · Apr 30, 2018

the parts of 14 different cars plus some NOS panels AND a little AMD sprinkled in
is what it took to bring back this A12 from the grave
it would be easier to list what was left of it

i did it as a challenge
the more i dug into this pig
the more i replaced
i started in the front and worked my way back
spicing a few clips together with some original pans
but how many v2 v88 lift off hood a12 bees are out there??
Justin makes it sound so hard
yea it isn't easy

but i like spending my spare time beating on junk in a garage more then any where else :monkeyleft:

i'm just making up my mind as to what top coat to spray this pig with..

moparnation74 · Apr 30, 2018

flypaper said:
the parts of 14 different cars plus some NOS panels AND a little AMD sprinkled in
is what it took to bring back this A12 from the grave
it would be easier to list what was left of it
i did it as a challenge
the more i dug into this pig
the more i replaced
i started in the front and worked my way back
spicing a few clips together with some original pans
but how many v2 v88 lift off hood a12 bees are out there??
you make it sound so hard
but i like spending my spare time beating on junk in a garage more then any where else
i'm just making up my mind as to what top coat to spray this pig with..

View attachment 601390
View attachment 601391

Apples to oranges.....It is an A12.....Btw wheres the dip line and the natural metal? Thought you were an original guy, lol...just busting your chops....

Bout time we might see a finished product from you.... :lowdown:

The majority of people do not have the knowledge nor skill that you have....Of course it is not difficult......

I have done many restorations and my opinion stands as listed above.....one has to be realistic and weigh everything before getting involved in a big project as such.......

flypaper · Apr 30, 2018

dip line bare metal lol
i'm not that much of a purist
i just want to slap this thing back together and put some miles on it.
as i get older the less then perfect i can handle
improvements can be always made.
i have almost everything to be able to make it roll
and look pretty good at this point
including a mint orig hood and a orig aircleaner that still has the orig seal
numbers carb, intake dana and so on
if you saw what it was to start
which was a rotted out front to back stripped out missing every last thing pos
back in 1982 when i got it for 800 bucks
it is at least headed back in the right direction

i just got it back all together and in dp 90 inside outside upside down.
i want it so this thing won't ever rust again in my lifetime
seam sealing it up and hiding sins now
have the paint to mimic the dip primer look underneath
and that is where i'm at with this one
as i'm workng on a bunch of other stuff also.

moparnation74 · Apr 30, 2018

flypaper said:
dip line bare metal lol
i'm not that much of a purist
i just want to slap this thing back together and put some miles on it.
as i get older the less then perfect i can handle
improvements can be always made.
i have almost everything to be able to make it roll
and look pretty good at this point
including a mint orig hood and a orig aircleaner that still has the orig seal
numbers carb, intake dana and so on
if you saw what it was to start
it is at least headed back in the right direction

i just got it back all together and in dp 90 inside outside upside down.
i want it so this thing won't ever rust again in my lifetime
seam sealing it up and hiding sins now
have the paint to mimic the dip primer look underneath
and that is where i'm at with this one
as i'm workng on a bunch of other stuff also.

Body work looks great.....I also like your previous posts searching for the correct wire clips......Things like that tell me the quality of the build.....

I am looking forward to see it done....you have good taste and skills.....

I wish you would do a build thread on it....But I get the time aspect....

rlem1977 · Apr 30, 2018

Bill Walak said:
In your opinion is this too far gone or worth restoring? this will be a 10+ yr project and I’m not looking to sell it after. I know these are money pits but I’m looking for a project to keep me busy when I have downtime. Price is in the $5000-$6000 range. I am not overly concerned about the “total” restoration cost because it will be spread out over a long period of time and I won’t tell my wife what I’ve spent on it (I’m guessing $30k-$40)

View attachment 601297 View attachment 601298 View attachment 601299 View attachment 601300 View attachment 601301 View attachment 601302 View attachment 601303 View attachment 601304 View attachment 601305 View attachment 601306

If you can possibly do all the work yourself, engine-trans-rear rebuild, body and paint, plus parts acquisition, and interior, you'll have $60k in this car. I can understand "passionate" spending on a sentimental car, like, one that was your grandfather's or father's, but when you're just acquiring a project, get the most for your money. I just paid $16k for a running, driving, rust free '70 Super Bee. Decent foundations are out there. Not everything is worth saving. It's easy for other people to spend your money.

flypaper · Apr 30, 2018

i had a build thread on another site with that car and scumbucket finished it off
i just haven't had the time or motivation to get my pics back from them and start something over.
heck i could really have 4 ongoing build threads right now going at once.
and i even have a few more behind that stashed away.

Bill Walak · May 1, 2018

MOPARENT said:
I've seen that car up close and personal. SET YOUR SHOES ON FIRE AND START RUNNING UNTIL THE FLAMES DIE OUT.

What were the biggest issues you saw with it?

1969 Super Bee, too far gone?

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