66-67 B-Bodies Affordable?

[BrianL]

First post here. I currently have a 71 Demon 340. Since I was a kid (I'm 53 now), I've always wanted a big block Mopar. The problem is that 68-70 Roadrunners and GTXs are priced way higher than I can afford.

It seems that you can still get 66-67 B-bodies with 440s or 383s for prices that are more in line with reality. I think I'm going to sell my Demon and look for a 66-67 Coronet R/T, Charger, or GTX.

Do you think these models are worth going after? I know they're not as desirable as 68-70s, but you can still find some pretty nice ones that are more affordable for guys like me.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Cranky]

First off, welcome to the site! As for the 66-67's being cheaper, yeah, you could say that. The Hemi cars are not as high as a Hemi Cuda but if they need to be restored, they still are not cheap. Labor rates are the same if you don't do it yourself even though you can usually buy a fender for around 200 bucks for a decent one. Keep in mind that the 67 model year was the first year for the RT or the GTX. I bought my 66 Belvedere 2dr post well over 20 years ago and even tho it came with a /6 with ac and auto, I still had a lot of fun with it. Can't wait until I get it back on the road with a 400 based engine and 4 speed. A 71 Demon 340 isn't exactly a bad piece to have either tho. They only made the Demon for 2 years....

 

[BrianL]

You're right. Truthfully, my Demon is a bad-*** machine. It's got a 360 crate with ported & polished 302 heads, four speed, etc. I won't be disappointed if it doesn't sell.

Growing up, my older brother and his friends all had 383 Roadrunners or 440 GTXs. I vowed back then that I'd someday get one. Well unless I hit the lottery, that's not going to happen. I've been looking lately and there are some really nice 66-67s out there. I could still experience the awesome Mopar big block by getting one from those model years.

 

[Cranky]

I'm a B body guy but have had way more E bodies than anything. At least they are based on the B chassis. I've only had 3 A bodies and I'm just not that comfortable in them...not like I am in the B and E cars.

 

[snakeyes]

Welcome to the site ,post some photos of your demon, mid year mopars are nice some you can pick up for a nice , the road runners are there but you really have to sit back and watch for them, you can always find the hemi motors,some for a good price and some are just stupid , you could repower that demon with a big block or a hemi ,enjoy ,there`s alot of good people that are willing to help you out.:beerchug:

 

[Cazbah362]

BrianL - Nice having you on board and good luck on your decision. I couldnt make one, so I bought one of each, 71 Demon, 68 GTX and 67 Belvedere. I love them all equally like my kids, but that 67 has a place in my heart. I put an old 413 in it with a sure-grip and its fun and a good cruiser. I found some old GTX scoops, but what I really like is WO23 hoods - expensive. Good luck, and I agree prices are a bit crazy, even A-bodies such as yours are pulling a heaving price - IF you can find a buyer. I think I have mine sold this weekend - We will see

 

[moparcman]

If you find a 66-67 charger my advice is only to buy it if it is very nice. They are much more expensive to do than the other 66-67's models.
The grille especially.

 

[BrianL]

Thanks for the welcome and advice. Here are some photos of my Demon.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Damn fine looking a body there!!!!

 

[70rr-brian]

Consider buying a BB sat. You can usually get them a whole lot cheaper than a rr or gtx. Then you can turn it into a clone if you want when you get the cash.

And for the record...if you have a hyped up sb a stock bb will be a disappointment. Now an equally hyped up bb torque will put a big smile on your face though.

 

[snakeyes]

put a hemi in that Demon:headbang::wav::weg:

 

[marlabuck]

:black_eye: Gosh...why go thru the heart ache...your choice I know,but your Demon is beautiful...anyway, I hope you have fun here...lots of great people and I have not been steered wrong on any thing I've asked of the guys here...Marla

 

[snakeyes]

Hmmmm:glasses9:

 

[1badgtx]

I have to agree with what is being said..I found a hemi 66 belvedere 2..The guy was asking 40 grand...Then he said it,s just a starting price..Clean car...Needs a little cosmetic wirk and thats it..Galen govier certified and all that stuff..You also have to remember that the market is slow and you may be able to work a deal on what you really want...Me i,m an oddball...I like the pre 68 cars...
Petty Blue 67 gTx

 

[YY1]

383 cars are around and can be had nice for 5K-8K if you look hard enough.
Put a sway bar on it, and it's 95% the same car as a Bee or RR.

361 cars (and 383 2 bbl cars) can be a bit cheaper, and a 383/440/451, etc is a drop in.

Be careful, as I've seen several 67 383-2 cars being passed off as 383-4 cars.
There's some confusion as to the VIN code here.
An error in the 66 Plymouth FSM doesn't help.

1966- F=361, G=383-4 (no 383-2 or 440 in B body).
1967- F=318, G=383-2, H=383-4, L=440 (no more 361).

Finding a clean body used to be pretty easy. Not quite as easy now but still easier than 68-70.
On a Dodge, it's tough to get that rear wheel well right if it needs fixed.
Lots of curves and angles. No repro quarters available either.

 

[ga66mopar]

66 and 67 belvedere's are my favorites but like Cranky said they may be a little cheaper up front but they cost the same to restore as any other mopar.

 

[D575]

I think you should be happy with the Demon. It looks like a fine car. don't sell it. I had one in high school, I wouldn't mind getting another one , your looks mighty fine. If you really need a big block stick it in the Demon.

 

[YY1]

I wouldn't get rid of that Demon either. Very nice!
I still miss my plum crazy 73 duster (factory lemon twist).

 

[kidmopar]

wow hang on to that demon!!!

 

[snakeyes]

ok the voting is closed put the hemi in it ,:laughing4: