1973 Charger restoration

[drobertson]

Well guys, it was gonna happen at one point. I got myself a good job, a place to live (in a barn made in the 1890's that my granddad restored in 2005). Here's the background on the car, as far as I know. It's a 1973 Charger, built on May 17th. Originally JY3 Light gold paint, V1W white vinly top, 318 2 bbl, 727 TQ, 8.25 rear end, 2.71 gears (open carrier), bench seat, column shift, AC car. Not too many options...

But anyways, this was my first official car that I owned under my name, so its very special to me. I plan on keeping it for as long as I live. I bought the car 1 1/2 years ago, from a guy in Burlington, WY. It was 100% complete, and didn't have much rust at all.

Plans for the car is FC7 plum crazy paint, black vinyl top, 4 speed A-833 Trans, 440 big block 4 barrel EFI, 8.75 rear end, and 3.23 rear gears w/ sure grip. Black interior as well, with factory style buckets, and (hopefully) a rallye dash.

Here's a picture of the car a few weeks ago, right before I quit driving it:

 

[drobertson]

Disassembly has commenced! Last week anyways, I just started this thread and I'm updating it. So far, the body seems extremely solid. The frame rails are MINT, and the floor pans are nearly perfect.

 

[drobertson]

These two spots are the only place I have found penetrating rust on the skeleton of the car. The rest is all "patina" surface rust. The frame rails are solid, the roof is solid, the floor pans are solid, but there are these two spots on the car with some rust.

 

[drobertson]

I have started to gather parts for the build in the meantime... I have a 440, but it's not pictured.

 

[68sprtsat383]

Looks like you got a lot of work ahead of you but it will be worth it when it's done

 

[chargerrt340]

is this a vinyl top car? it doesn't look like it is. I have a 73 with halo top and love the way it looks. What are you going to use to weld the vinyl top, molding studs, on to the car with?

 

[Derwud]

What are you doing for fuel delivery?

 

[drobertson]

is this a vinyl top car? it doesn't look like it is. I have a 73 with halo top and love the way it looks. What are you going to use to weld the vinyl top, molding studs, on to the car with?

yes it was a vinyl top car. I have removed the old top and mouldings, but the studs are still there.

 

[drobertson]

What are you doing for fuel delivery?

Stock tank to stockish fuel pump to Fitech command center into Fitech 600hp 4 barrel throttle body.

 

[drobertson]

Update... here's some pics.

 

[drobertson]

More pics coming soon... I removed the rear window and front windshield. Next will come the dash, k frame, rear end, gas tank, and bodywork will continue. I will do the bodywork myself, to learn how to. Last week I bought a mig welder, and I've been practicing welding. (Hey, @Joeychgo , could you re-title this thread as 73 Charger restoration and relocate the thread to the 71-74 mopars section of the forum for me? thanks.)

If I can save enough money, I'll use a passon 5 speed transmission. I still can't decide on the engine. ATK has a pretty tempting 408 stroker, in which it would be a drop in deal, (small block car originally) or I could build a 440. If I got the 408 stroker, I think I'd get decent mpg with a passon 5 speed, 3.23 gears, and fitech efi. What do you guys think? Thanks, -David.

 

[drobertson]

Here's what I believe the car would have looked brand new, minus the power bulge hood and bucket seats.

 

[drobertson]

More pics: The structure of this car is unbelievable. The frame rails are as solid as rocks, the window gutters are near perfect, and most of the exterior sheet metal is rust free. I will have to do a little rust patching here and there, though. I think the most difficult part will be replacing the driver's side quarter panel.

 

[drobertson]

That windshield did not come out easy...

 

[drobertson]

@Joeychgo , nevermind I'd like to leave this thread here in the member's restoration thread.

 

[threewood]

Looking good. Congrats on the lack of rust, going to be a head turner.

 

[oldrookie]

I'm following, so sweet. What about a ralley stripe down the side? When I was in Jr high was just such a Charger in town, yellow with red ralley and black vinyl roof.

 

[drobertson]

I'm following, so sweet. What about a ralley stripe down the side? When I was in Jr high was just such a Charger in town, yellow with red ralley and black vinyl roof.

Thanks! I have considered a rallye stripe. I really do like how they look! The only issue is that it's not a real rallye car, and I don't want the car to be a "clone". But I may still do the rallye stripe...

 

[Bb70charger500]

Very cool I want a 74-74 hard top car so bad I have the 74 s.e. and the 72 rallye I have tons of parts if you need anything let me know I'm picking up a 73 s.e. parts car on tues so I'll have Fresh stock coming in here is my last 73 build I miss it

 

[drobertson]

Very cool I want a 74-74 hard top car so bad I have the 74 s.e. and the 72 rallye I have tons of parts if you need anything let me know I'm picking up a 73 s.e. parts car on tues so I'll have Fresh stock coming in here is my last 73 build I miss it View attachment 358722 View attachment 358723

Very sweet '73! I will definitely PM you, I'm looking for a few parts. Thanks, - David