My new project 1974 charger 318 se

[Jonathan]

I bought this car a couple days ago. Rats ate wiring. Old owner bypassed "some stuff" and got it running soon found blowen freeze plug then the car sat acouple years then I bought it.
I just got it running the water is coming out of the back left of the motor hard to see exactly where. Any advice is appreciated.
I'll post more as I just into it

 

[cbodybob]

I bought this car a couple days ago. Rats ate wiring. Old owner bypassed "some stuff" and got it running soon found blowen freeze plug then the car sat acouple years then I bought it.
I just got it running the water is coming out of the back left of the motor hard to see exactly where. Any advice is appreciated.
I'll post more as I just into it

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Nice looking project

 

[hanks73340]

Welcome from Michigan Jonathan. Nice SE you picked up.

 

[YY1]

Small block Mopars have freeze plugs behind the starter, and worse, in the back of the block, covered by the transmission.

Get "deep" brass plugs.

MUCH easier to install, not as prone to pop out and won't rust out.

 

[Teek]

Seeing how we’re both from Michigan I’m sure hanks73340 would agree that a Charger project that appears to look as rust free as that is near impossible to find around these parts.

 

[Jonathan]

Pulling motor mount to get it out now
And thanks for the tip deep brass ones I'll be sure e to get that

 

[Jonathan]

There's definitely some rust under the vinyl top

 

[JimCoronette]

Do all of them while you have it out.

4 on the heads
3 on the front
2 on the back
6 on the sides

As mentioned use deep brass plugs.

Flush out the block after all are out.

Clean all of the muck out of the side ones.

Clean all the bores out with Scotchbrite and fine sandpaper.

Use Indian head gasket shellack to seal the plugs when installing.

 

[YY1]

You shouldn't need any adhesive/sealant on the plugs, but as mentioned something like that or copper coat if you think you need the insurance.


Might as well paint the engine while it's out.

...and strip and paint the engine bay...

...and...

 

[Teek]

There's definitely some rust under the vinyl top

Yeah I see the rust streaks running down on the rear fender. Here in the salt laden states from the bottom up is more of a problem, which looks pretty good on your Charger.

 

[Jonathan]

I didn't pull it the engine out.....do you think I need to???? I was just going to replace the one i know is bad. I hope I don't need to pull the whole thing out..

 

[Jonathan]

I did get the one bad one out and I'm picking a new one up in the morning. I was just going to replace that one and If more turn out to be bad i was going to pull the engine and do them all..
When I got the one out there's alot of nasty behind it...

 

[Jonathan]

Small block Mopars have freeze plugs behind the starter, and worse, in the back of the block, covered by the transmission.

Get "deep" brass plugs.

MUCH easier to install, not as prone to pop out and won't rust out.

So what do you think? Think I can get away with replacing the one

 

[Jonathan]

What does the car look like without the vinyl top? Is it just a hard top underneath? Can I pull it off and just run it a hard top?

 

[Bb70charger500]

What does the car look like without the vinyl top? Is it just a hard top underneath? Can I pull it off and just run it a hard top?

Fix the one if another freeze plug gos soon I'd consider pulling Motor it's a fairly easy task probably make your life alot easier the trying to do the plugs in the car!
As for the vinyl be prepared for rust !
Its a normal roof under it but not painted . Also there Bondo around those side 1/4 windows that is probably going to look like trash they didn't make it look good because the vinyl covers it ! So don't freak out it's again not a big deal it how they installed the window plugs to give it the Gilles ! Nice car, P.m. if you need help I've had a ton of these cars

 

[YY1]

That's what I did.

Replaced the one behind the starter.

Then in about 2 months, one between the engine and trans went

$16 in parts.

two years labor

but I got a shiny blue engine and a shiny white engine compartment out of the deal!

 

[blue69runner]

Nice find for sure.

 

[Charger72]

What are your plans for the car? Fix it while driving it? Full resto?

Anyway good luck with the car and & will be following along.

 

[Jonathan]

Fix the one if another freeze plug gos soon I'd consider pulling Motor it's a fairly easy task probably make your life alot easier the trying to do the plugs in the car!
As for the vinyl be prepared for rust !
Its a normal roof under it but not painted . Also there Bondo around those side 1/4 windows that is probably going to look like trash they didn't make it look good because the vinyl covers it ! So don't freak out it's again not a big deal it how they installed the window plugs to give it the Gilles ! Nice car, P.m. if you need help I've had a ton of these cars

Ok so I replaced the one and what do you know it starts leaking out the back freeze plug.....
Time to pull the motor..

 

[Bb70charger500]

Ok so I replaced the one and what do you know it starts leaking out the back freeze plug.....
Time to pull the motor..

Yeah kinda figured it is an easy job it will make your life easier throwing new gaskets into the motor why it's out would be smart !
Same with the input and output seals on the trans !