hey me and my dad are lookin to start a old project i was wonderin if we might get some tips or learn what kind of prices we would get into with mopar muscle cars i know you can get mustangs cheap still but id prefer a mopar i think chargers are awesome but i am young and dont realy know much about these old cars so any help you can give would be cool

 

Your best bet is with a '73-'74 Charger or possibly a Roadrunner of those years. They still have good looks, power and big blocks. They are fairly numerous and less desireable than the previous years, which make them very nice and affordable starting points. You should be able to find a decent '73-'74 Charger/Roadrunner for around $2,500-$5,000. You can sometimes find them cheaper, but generally the cheaper ones require more work and/or have parts missing. The good thing about these cars is that the mechanical parts are easy to find and fairly cheap, but the body panels are pretty much non-existent. Most would say to make sure it has a solid frame, which is best to do, but there are sections of frame replacements now so it's not as important as it once was. Good luck!

 

That sounds like good advice to me. The pre '73 Mopars are commanding huge $$$ right now even for those that need lots of work. I have a 10 year old son and I purchased a '73 RoadRunner for us to work on together as he grows up so that when he gets old enough to drive he'll have a decent car. I picked the car up for $500 less motor & trans. The body and frame are in good shape with only some slight surface rust and a few small dings here and there but otherwise solid. It is a 4 speed car and all hardware (ie.. pedals, shifter, etc..) are still there. The interior needs carpet, headliner, etc... but like 71 RoadRunner said those type of parts are plentiful and fairly cheap for these year cars, and doing this type of work is what makes these cars and this hobby so much fun! We purchased a 383 that only had 800 miles on it since a rebuild for $600. So we've only got $1100 in it so far! So with a little searching and research you can find a nice early 70's MOPAR for a reasonable price, and come on... wouldn't you really rather have a MOPAR than a mustang?!!!!!!!! Whichever way you decide to go Good Luck and above all HAVE FUN and ENJOY!!

 

Don't forget the 73-74 Sattellites, especially the Sebring cars. They are the same as a Road Runner body wise but don't command the High Dollars of a Road Runner or Charger!
http://www.americandreamcars.com/197...lite080403.htm Here is one for $500 that runs!

 

Make sure you buy a NUMBERS MATCHING CAR. This means, it has the original block, and original transmission. Try to get a 2 door and make sure it is a manual, unless you dont know know how to drive one, but these are the best cars to learn it, they can take alot more pounding then your average Honda.

Those cars are worth ALOT in the future, and even now.

Make sure when you buy one you know how to decode the VIN number and make sure when you inspect the block it has the right year and size the owner says.

Another small thing is bring like a small (or large haha) refrigerator magnet to scan over the body for bondo.

Make sure there is no rot or rust holes in the truck or floor pans, unless you have alot of money to spare in restoration.

There are a few other things that i cant list off the top of my head. but if you need more help, ill try to remember.

-Ray

EDIT: for cars, I prefer something between the years of 63-71 A B and E body cars. C body cars are tanks and usually have no go, but they are out there and they scare the pants off you when you see one. If you want a quick car. Look into a:

- 65 Coronet (fast B body car haha)
- 68 Dart (these did not come with factory 440s, watch out)
- 69 Dart (I like GTS models with a 440)
- 63 Polara
- 64 Polara*

Polaras have 6 rear lights while the 440 and the other lower versions had 4 rear lights.

If you want flashy looking cars try B and E body cars. These cars go for ALOT.... So..... you might want to make sure you got the money or you will be in deep pot holes when it comes to buying parts.

- 66 Coronet
- 67 Coronet (the R/Ts have a very beautiful back light)
- 68 Coronet (the Front is square while the 69 front looks like the one in my sig)
- 69 Coronet
- 68 - 71 Chargers
- 70-71 Challengers

Of course if your a millionare grab a numbers matching Hemi or 440-6 Daytona.....