72 Charger Rallye, leave as is or update

[Big O]

This seemed to be the best forum to place my question and would really like to get some input/feedback. Currently have an original 72 Charger Rallye, 440, Auto, Hemi Orange, N-96 intake. I've had this car going on 5 years now and have continued to not only repair, but do some light restoration. The car still has the original engine, transmission, rear end, and magnum 500 wheels along w/(2) broadcast sheets. It has a 10ft paint job on it w/original vinyl top (black) that currently has some rust under it and therefore the the top needs to be repaired along w/new vinyl top.

Currently I'm totally into this car at around $30K w/purchase price and repairs/updates. Based on my research, the car is actually worth around $30K as well. I really enjoy the car and drive it locally to some cruise nights and car shows and get some thumbs up which is fun. My feelings are though, keeping the car original at this point, I don't want to put much more $$$ into it and get way upside down. Along that thought then, I just stop and occasionally drive it as is, as I honestly don't see the value of this year and model going up anymore.

My other thought is actually putting some money into it and making it kind of a resto mod. My thoughts are repairing the top, changing the color to completely black, rebuilding the engine and converting the top end to a Six Pack. I would also upgrade the wheels to at least 15" maybe 17". In 1972, Dodge advertised that you could order the Charger Rally w/440 Six Pack, but in reality, they dropped that due to I believe goverment regulation or something, but rumor has it they actually built 1 or 2 of them. I think it would be pretty neat to create that car and make it more enjoyable to drive (current 3 speed auto 727) as well as more eye appeal and interest at car shows. I know this definitely involves more $$$, but I think doing that the value could increase equally, not that I'm trying to make money on it, I'm not.

Anyway, please hit me with your thoughts, good or bad. Appreciate you guys!!!

 

[70chall440]

First off, if you are worrying about being "upside down" I think you are going about this all wrong. If this car really speaks to you and you love it then you should build it as you see it in your head and enjoy it and forget about "value". If this car doesn't speak to you and its just a car that you have, then leave it be, maintain it and work towards getting the car that "does it" for you.

The entire classic car hobby has been afflicted with the value disease which is fine for collectors and flippers but if you (or someone) is a true enthusiast then the "value" is in ownership. Having a unique car that you love is worth far more than the market value. I can say right now that I NEVER even consider resale value when I build a car. I build the car how I want it regardless of what the market says or seems to say. Its been my experience that if you keep the car long enough the market will catch up or at least close the gap if thats a concern but the enjoyment you will have building, driving and owning the car cannot be calculated.

Several years ago I finished a 73 Cuda that I had worked on for over 10 years, I tracked pretty much every penny I put into it and can say with a degree of accuracy that I have over $50K into that car (not counting my time or the wide variety of tools, expendables and equipment I bought along the way). I know this car is not worth that if I were to sell it but I have no intention of selling it ever. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't but unless there was some compelling reason it will stay here. I am currently building a 71 Charger that will have a 5.7 and a 5 spd, I know I will be into this car for significantly more than what the market value probably is and I could care less. The enjoyment I get from building the cars, driving them and owning them is incalculable. I look at it kind of like a lease, if I spend $50K on a $30K car but own it for 20 years thats $1000/year or $83/month of enjoyment...

 

[F4R/T]

If you want a new car buy one, if you want an old car leave it alone and enjoy it for what it is. In time all the modern swaps will be emission tested and expected to meet the model year specs for which it was removed or built. EPA is a snake in the grass! It’s your car and you can do what you want ... I would leave it alone and enjoy it, not many big block rallye cars left.

 

[Sahara]

If you’re just in it for the money then you should stop now.
If you’re in it because you like and want a cool car then cost really is no barrier.
I just bought a new Jeep for $51k. Nobody cares that in ten years it will be worth a small fraction of that and yet so many people are concerned about maintaining or increasing the value of an old car.
Do with it whatever makes you happy.

 

[Big O]

Thanks for the input at this point. No way am I in it for the money, if so, I would have done something totally different. I had a 72 SE 400 Magnum triple black though college and loved it and wanted to get back something similar which is when I found this one and is why I bought it. There is some common sense to the money side though and in it's current state, going in any deeper really isn't going to change much about what this car is or was, but as car people I think were always looking to make something better, nicer, stronger, whatever, and that's kind of where I'm at. I think the purist would say, keep it clean, drivable, enjoy it, but don't change it. The other side says since it is a 72 which was basically the ending of the true muscle car era and value wise is what it is, take it on up another level or two to make it a little more interesting and an eye catcher. So, personally, I'm kind of stuck in between both ideas as they both make sense. If this truly was the car I had in 40 years ago, then I wouldn't change anything as it truly would be sentimental, but since it's not, then I open a little more open to possibly making some larger changes.

I understand this is just a decision I'll have to make, but most of you guys have seen this situation before and I was just looking for some input. Once again, not it for the money, just trying to use a little common sense.

 

[Runcharger]

I think we don't appreciate what we have sometimes. You've got probably the best of the last muscle B-bodies. It doesn't get much better than a Hemi Orange, N96, 440 Rallye for 72. It will go up in value and should not have any ireversible damage done to it. Hemi Orange looks great on these cars anyway and a lot of collectors won't touch a colour changed car so best to not mess with the colour. If it was my car the next thing I would do is repair the roof and install a new vinyl on it. 15 inch rallyes would be a good addition and adding a Six Pack would be a fun addition but costly IMO for something that will be hidden under the N96 Aircleaner anyway. A rebuild of the engine could include a better camshaft, some light headwork and flat top pistons to increase the fun factor.

 

[Big O]

I think we don't appreciate what we have sometimes. You've got probably the best of the last muscle B-bodies. It doesn't get much better than a Hemi Orange, N96, 440 Rallye for 72. It will go up in value and should not have any ireversible damage done to it. Hemi Orange looks great on these cars anyway and a lot of collectors won't touch a colour changed car so best to not mess with the colour. If it was my car the next thing I would do is repair the roof and install a new vinyl on it. 15 inch rallyes would be a good addition and adding a Six Pack would be a fun addition but costly IMO for something that will be hidden under the N96 Aircleaner anyway. A rebuild of the engine could include a better camshaft, some light headwork and flat top pistons to increase the fun factor.

That is some great feedback Runcharger and appreciated. I don't dislike the Hemi Orange, I'm an OK State grad and fan, so Orange runs through my veins and always will, just wondering that black would add some bigger pop to it, but I seriously doubt I will change the color either. I think what your suggesting might be the best alternative as I do need to fix the roof and I'll likely repaint at that time as it needs some repairs and help in that area but stay original. The more I think about it and hearing your comments, the engine might be the best area to tackle and rebuild it with upgrading some internals giving it more grunt. Going to 15" wheels is definitely going to happen as well. Good stuff...

 

[DeltaV]

Your avatar is just a tease of the car




I would have the roof repaired and install a new vinyl top. Then, I would detail and wax it in between driving it everywhere. Somewhere along the way I would go with 15" alloy wheels, beef up the front and rear anti-roll bars, and add gas-charged shocks.

 

[moparker]

Leave it stock

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I'd say it worths more than $30K, more close to $45K with the air grabber and hidden headlights being factory. A 72 Rallye like that sits very close to a 71 R/T, and maybe side by side to a SuperBee. So leave it stock. Some reversible mech upgrades or look will be nice but nothing major.

Original 440 rallyes don't grow on trees, even less with ram air and hidden headlights.

 

[Big O]

I'd say it worths more than $30K, more close to $45K with the air grabber and hidden headlights being factory. A 72 Rallye like that sits very close to a 71 R/T, and maybe side by side to a SuperBee. So leave it stock. Some reversible mech upgrades or look will be nice but nothing major.

Original 440 rallyes don't grow on trees, even less with ram air and hidden headlights.

Yeah, agree with everything you say. I've reached out to Grovier to get it certified/authenticated which is a pretty slow process, but would be would support documentation. Based on the comments so far, I think I'm just going to make the needed repairs/upgrades and continue to enjoy it.

 

[Big O]

Your avatar is just a tease of the car




I would have the roof repaired and install a new vinyl top. Then, I would detail and wax it in between driving it everywhere. Somewhere along the way I would go with 15" alloy wheels, beef up the front and rear anti-roll bars, and add gas-charged shocks.

Yeah, let me get some news ones and I'll post them.

 

[WileE]

The R/T designation was changed to Rallye for 72. I agree with the few posts here for originality. Me ? I'd do the cosmetic repairs to the roof/top, add 15" wheels, and spend the money on the engine to restore the pre-smog performance.

 

[Big O]

The R/T designation was changed to Rallye for 72. I agree with the few posts here for originality. Me ? I'd do the cosmetic repairs to the roof/top, add 15" wheels, and spend the money on the engine to restore the pre-smog performance.

Thanks! I think that's the path I'm going. The performance (original 275-285HP) aspect has been my hang-up, but I'm going to rework the engine and get it more legit. If I could get the power up along with the originality of the car, I would be a happy camper.

 

[Big O]

Thanks! I think that's the path I'm going. The performance (original 275-285HP) aspect has been my hang-up, but I'm going to rework the engine and get it more legit. If I could get the power up along with the originality of the car, I would be a happy camper.

This is going to be my winter project, repair the top, address the paint/wheels, and get into the motor and ideally be back on the road next Spring.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

It will be enough just choosing the right pistons to raise the compression and you will be back to the older days performance. It will be just like any R/T but with better handling due the rear sway bar.

 

[WileE]

Thanks! I think that's the path I'm going. The performance (original 275-285HP) aspect has been my hang-up, but I'm going to rework the engine and get it more legit. If I could get the power up along with the originality of the car, I would be a happy camper.

Absolutely. You have a great car, great style, all it needs is to get the ooph! back into that monster 440. You'll love it !

 

[furious70]

I'm with the guys who say it's probably worth more than you're giving credit if in great shape. I'd vote love it as built or sell it to someone who does and go buy a SB project to restomod.

 

[ZR9B]

From 1 72 charger guy to another.....I would keep it stockish...era correct. Btw...did we get a pic yet??

 

[Big O]

Absolutely. You have a great car, great style, all it needs is to get the ooph! back into that monster 440. You'll love it !

Thanks! I was really fortunate to find it several years ago. I'll send some updates this winter as I move forward.