New to the forum, New to Mopar

[DBSHEA]

I've been stalking about on FBBO for a couple weeks now. Didn't want to join up and take up space until I actually owned some mopar. I picked this car up in a trade (I think I did pretty well in the end) for a chop I built over the last couple years. Don't flame me just yet, I'm trying to save the car!! What you see is exactly how it came, blame the PO!

There's nothing special about the car. Hardtop with a 400 auto, granny dash, a garbage interior. I haven't quite figured out the "direction" the PO was going but it was the wrong one. Its almost like they wanted a prostreet car but didn't fully commit. Who shaves the door LOCKS but not the handles?! That being said, there is a lot of work and sweat equity in my future, but I think she has some promise.

 

[Budnicks]

welcome to FBBO

 

[tallhair]

Welcome. What are your plans?

 

[DBSHEA]

Welcome. What are your plans?

well, the car is too far away from its roots for a factory restoration, and honestly, I'm not a big stickler for that right now. I want a healthy and reliable driver. I've already got my hands full speed wise with the mustang, so Im looking for a family cruiser.

The car has probably seen its share of hacks unfortunately. I intend to refresh (see: remove replace) all the wiring, get everything working the way it should be (except the ac, cause I can only imagine that's a $2k project) then move on from there. The wiring is a rats nest, there is a lot of unnecessary clutter as it sits. That's priority right now. Once that's all cleaned up I'll move on to the interior. It's a half assed attempt, for some reason the PO bolted in Tahoe seats (but had the original buckets in storage...) amongst other saddening things. But im a function over fashion guy, once i'm content with its mechanical status I can look into aesthetics.

Structurally this car is in fantastic shape. It was a desert car and I can't find any tinworms. That and matching numbers is the only thing the car has going for it. Oh, and the WICKED rims and tires....craigslist here I come...

Since this is my first hello and hi, I do have some questions. I can only assume that the factory service manuals are the tops when it comes to these cars eh? I've seen body and chassis, is that all there is? Any other suggestions? How about parts suppliers? I will end up living in the for sale sections as it is, Ive already seen some class a parts move thru.

Points of concern on these cars? I've seen tidbits about the charging system, bulk head connectors, etc. Is there a sticky somewhere?

I guess that does it for now...glad to be here!

 

[kiwigtx]

I think its a great start. Paint might not be to everyone's taste, but at least it is a solid car with little or no rot, so that's a plus. Wiring can be fixed easily with the right information...go online for manuals ePay etc, you can even get colored diagrams of your wiring looms now.

....and Welcome to FBBO

 

[DBSHEA]

I agree completely! The paint and overall, well, everything about the car isn't what I would do. But it's a solid runner and a good start.

 

[eric383]

Welcome, it will be a fun project.

 

[kdtjb]

Howdy

 

[moparstuart]

welcome from kansas

 

[Mogre]

We all had to start somewhere. You have a great start. Welcome.

 

[DBSHEA]

Well, small update. I managed to strip the majority of what needs work. The carpets out and there is still zero rust so I'm pleased with the condition. I don't the k it will be far out of my realm to tackle the interior myself (save for the actual seat upholstery). The gauges are shot, so ill swap in a rallye set. The under dash wiring looks to be salvageable as it wasn't terribly molested. Underhood is pretty safe but I will need to remake the engine harness. All in all I think it's a successful endeavor.