D’Avi
Member
Here it goes...
Been looking to re-up the toy box as I had to cash out years ago due to my own financial hardships.
Better times, though not a rich man, I’ve been on the search for a classic car that I thoroughly enjoy the styling of, but at the same time wish to impart my own personality on (over time).
Hence, I’ve been looking for a very good to great condition example that I could drive and enjoy and modify at my leisure.
Yesterday, 6/1/20, I went to pick up said example - a 1967 Charger in very good condition. Or so it seems...
I was told the 383 engine and auto transmission and torque converter and rearend were all recently rebuilt, as represented by the odometer reading of 2690 or so.
You know how they say don’t drive tired?
Well don’t buy tired either.
I hadn’t slept in over 24 hours, just got off a plane that I had boarded just after finishing a long shift at work, flying across country fro NJ to AZ to inspect, and ultimately purchase a vehicle that I’m not saying that I necessarily shouldn’t have, but that I shouldn’t have paid so much for.
Yes! I inspected it. Yes! I test drove it. Yes! I asked the appropriate questions....
What I let slip was the true test drive the vehicle warranted and the deeper dive I should’ve made. I should’ve insisted on taking the vehicle further onto smoother roads to open it up a bit and put it through its paces a little.
A lot of little fixes that add up, combined with some major ones to be discovered 400 miles down the road.
I definitely cashed in on the inaugural day of my Hagerty policy.
On the more positive side -
It’s a beautiful car. And when it drove well, I really enjoyed it.
It gets tons of attention, which I’ve always been on the fence about, but I take the compliment and I lodge peoples questions, snooping and picture taking. After all, it is a cool thing to see people get excited over a car.
Also, despite my misfortune with the car, I was very fortunate to come upon some of the most standup individuals in their professions in the town/city of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The tow operator, who was very careful with how he handled the vehicle as well as helpful and understanding to my plight, breaking down midnight, the 1st day, only 400 miles into my 2500 mile road trip.
And the mechanics and service managers at 3 separate automotive repair facilities ( Baird’s, Desert Automotive, and Richard’s Automotive ): all stand-up human beings, understanding my predicament, trying to work with me, and when they couldn’t help in a short time frame themselves, had no hesitation to recommend other solutions and even their trusted competitors of repute.
The big shout out here goes to Baird’s. The service manager there, Greg, couldn’t have been more helpful, doing his best to expedite initial diagnostics on my vehicle to see if he could get me on the road again. However with the extensive work required, his garage was already backed up with customers and he was honest and straightforward with a timeline, offering alternative options. He even offered to store the vehicle and facilitate transport pickup for my car.
Ultimately, I “wasted” the trip and some money but gained an experience.
I arranged a car carrier to pick up the car, booked a next day flight, a hotel room for the night and a ride to the closest airport 100 miles away.
In the end, I got a beautiful car that needs a lot of work. It’s like a runway model in need of a heart transplant, or a triple bypass at least.
I’ve been lurking here reading the boards for some time to increase my knowledge, and figured that now that I’m an owner I’d jump into the fray.
Of the things I KNOW that need immediate addressing - the motor and rear end.
At this point I’m not sure if I want to salvage the original 383 or venture into 6.4 Gen 3 territory. I suppose cost is the real issue there.
Although I do appreciate the character of a carb’d vehicle, I also do not care for the temperament.
As for the rear, if I’m going to upgrade the motor, I probably should preempt that with a built rear with a 4 link or something.
Anyway, if anyone has any advice or suggestions for NJ automotive shops let me know... particularly those capable of a swap.
Been looking to re-up the toy box as I had to cash out years ago due to my own financial hardships.
Better times, though not a rich man, I’ve been on the search for a classic car that I thoroughly enjoy the styling of, but at the same time wish to impart my own personality on (over time).
Hence, I’ve been looking for a very good to great condition example that I could drive and enjoy and modify at my leisure.
Yesterday, 6/1/20, I went to pick up said example - a 1967 Charger in very good condition. Or so it seems...
I was told the 383 engine and auto transmission and torque converter and rearend were all recently rebuilt, as represented by the odometer reading of 2690 or so.
You know how they say don’t drive tired?
Well don’t buy tired either.
I hadn’t slept in over 24 hours, just got off a plane that I had boarded just after finishing a long shift at work, flying across country fro NJ to AZ to inspect, and ultimately purchase a vehicle that I’m not saying that I necessarily shouldn’t have, but that I shouldn’t have paid so much for.
Yes! I inspected it. Yes! I test drove it. Yes! I asked the appropriate questions....
What I let slip was the true test drive the vehicle warranted and the deeper dive I should’ve made. I should’ve insisted on taking the vehicle further onto smoother roads to open it up a bit and put it through its paces a little.
A lot of little fixes that add up, combined with some major ones to be discovered 400 miles down the road.
I definitely cashed in on the inaugural day of my Hagerty policy.
On the more positive side -
It’s a beautiful car. And when it drove well, I really enjoyed it.
It gets tons of attention, which I’ve always been on the fence about, but I take the compliment and I lodge peoples questions, snooping and picture taking. After all, it is a cool thing to see people get excited over a car.
Also, despite my misfortune with the car, I was very fortunate to come upon some of the most standup individuals in their professions in the town/city of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The tow operator, who was very careful with how he handled the vehicle as well as helpful and understanding to my plight, breaking down midnight, the 1st day, only 400 miles into my 2500 mile road trip.
And the mechanics and service managers at 3 separate automotive repair facilities ( Baird’s, Desert Automotive, and Richard’s Automotive ): all stand-up human beings, understanding my predicament, trying to work with me, and when they couldn’t help in a short time frame themselves, had no hesitation to recommend other solutions and even their trusted competitors of repute.
The big shout out here goes to Baird’s. The service manager there, Greg, couldn’t have been more helpful, doing his best to expedite initial diagnostics on my vehicle to see if he could get me on the road again. However with the extensive work required, his garage was already backed up with customers and he was honest and straightforward with a timeline, offering alternative options. He even offered to store the vehicle and facilitate transport pickup for my car.
Ultimately, I “wasted” the trip and some money but gained an experience.
I arranged a car carrier to pick up the car, booked a next day flight, a hotel room for the night and a ride to the closest airport 100 miles away.
In the end, I got a beautiful car that needs a lot of work. It’s like a runway model in need of a heart transplant, or a triple bypass at least.
I’ve been lurking here reading the boards for some time to increase my knowledge, and figured that now that I’m an owner I’d jump into the fray.
Of the things I KNOW that need immediate addressing - the motor and rear end.
At this point I’m not sure if I want to salvage the original 383 or venture into 6.4 Gen 3 territory. I suppose cost is the real issue there.
Although I do appreciate the character of a carb’d vehicle, I also do not care for the temperament.
As for the rear, if I’m going to upgrade the motor, I probably should preempt that with a built rear with a 4 link or something.
Anyway, if anyone has any advice or suggestions for NJ automotive shops let me know... particularly those capable of a swap.
That's one fine car! love the color.
That's awful.
