Tltony
New Member
Hello all and thank you for admitting me to your forum. My name is Tony Cortes I'm a lifelong builder, hot rodder, racer and cruiser. I'm 72 but still very involved in Baja racing (Spec Trophy Truck) and the local circle track and hot rod scene. I founded True Line Wheel Alignment in 1985 and still own and operate this business. I have my own 1500 sq. ft. "race shop" in the back of True Line where I have all of my machinery, welders, tools etc.
This is my first Mopar. It's a 66 Charger that I inherited in 2019 from a 40 year friend and business associate. The car has been in one of Ernie Mauro's sheds in East San Diego County for over 30 years. It was last registered in 1977 and shows a little over 34k on the odometer (I suspect that it might have been around once though). Since I picked it up in July 2023 I have been working on it both cosmetically and mechanically. I first changed all fluids, pulled the plugs, oiled the cylinders and then reinstalled everything. It got a new fuel system including a fuel tank and sender, fuel hoses, filters and rebuilt the carburetors. I removed the rusty chrome valve covers and had them powder coated wrinkle black. It has all original paint that is shining up pretty well. I have reupholstered the drivers seat and the carpet due primarily to past rat infestation but the rest of the interior is original. I have the hidden headlights working properly but still have to tackle the luminescent dash. I have powder coated the wheels close to body cover and installed the "not correct" dog dishes. All of the lights and most of the gauges work but I'll keep after it. I'm not a purist but while I have it I will keep it pretty true to it's pedigree. I've been told by a couple of folks that this is an "Entry level Hemi" but it's good enough for me.
It runs and drives beautifully and draws a crowd wherever I take it. I've got a few other cars and at my age have become pretty selective in the projects that I take on...but this one seemed worth while to me. If you've made it this far thanks for your interest. BTW, I need a hood if anyone knows of one.
This is my first Mopar. It's a 66 Charger that I inherited in 2019 from a 40 year friend and business associate. The car has been in one of Ernie Mauro's sheds in East San Diego County for over 30 years. It was last registered in 1977 and shows a little over 34k on the odometer (I suspect that it might have been around once though). Since I picked it up in July 2023 I have been working on it both cosmetically and mechanically. I first changed all fluids, pulled the plugs, oiled the cylinders and then reinstalled everything. It got a new fuel system including a fuel tank and sender, fuel hoses, filters and rebuilt the carburetors. I removed the rusty chrome valve covers and had them powder coated wrinkle black. It has all original paint that is shining up pretty well. I have reupholstered the drivers seat and the carpet due primarily to past rat infestation but the rest of the interior is original. I have the hidden headlights working properly but still have to tackle the luminescent dash. I have powder coated the wheels close to body cover and installed the "not correct" dog dishes. All of the lights and most of the gauges work but I'll keep after it. I'm not a purist but while I have it I will keep it pretty true to it's pedigree. I've been told by a couple of folks that this is an "Entry level Hemi" but it's good enough for me.
It runs and drives beautifully and draws a crowd wherever I take it. I've got a few other cars and at my age have become pretty selective in the projects that I take on...but this one seemed worth while to me. If you've made it this far thanks for your interest. BTW, I need a hood if anyone knows of one. 
& Hemi Charger
