Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

I have the opportunity of buying a 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T. It's almost compleat but needs a full interior and exterior restoration. However, the engine is not the original, it's a 383 from a 1963 Chrysler Newport. There's a posibility of getting a 440 engine from a 1967-68 Chrysler Imperial.

I have several questions: A Challenger without the original engine (the drivetrain is also not the original) is still worth something? How much? Is the Newport engine similar to the one used in the Challenger? (I guess not since there is an 8 year gap). Is the 440 engine from the Imperial the same as the one used in the Challenger?

They are asking 4.5k for the car with the 383 engine. With the 440 I guess would be a bit more, perhaps 5.5k. I live in Peru, outside the US and it's not easy to get a Challenger. Please advice!

Also there will be a 1970 Challenger available, fully restored and with matching numbers for around 13k. But I guess I will have to restore it again. I've seen the work of those guys and it is very bad. Whichone is a better buy?

thanks,
Javier

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

wow...i was at a big mopar event this past weekend, and non-numbers matching models in good shape (factory 340 car with a 440), with nice paint and interior was going for 25,000...one in need of an exterior restore (didnt look at the inside) with a small block was 22,000, but it was numbers matching...i would JUMP on a big block challenger for 4500 bucks...when you say "needs restored", like paint, and some carpeting, or like the floor and quarters are rotted out?

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

The car has almost no rust, all the panels are good. Just needs a paint job. The interior is compleat, but all panels are in bad shape, can they be restored or must be replaced? The upholstery is not original, must be redonde, also the ceiling and carpet. The instrument panel is compleat, front console needs work. Some exterior chromes are missing. The front grill is broken.
My major concern is that it has a 383 engine from a 1963 Newport. If I want the 440, it would be 1,000 more. But, it's not the 6-pak, it has only 2 carbs. Perhaps it can be converted? And is the 440 engine taken from a 1967-68 Chrysler Imperial the same as the one used on the Challenger (with the 6-pak conversion)?

I may be able to send some pics so you can see the car. Has almost no paint on it since the owner started restoring it but decided to sell.

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

Here are some pics..by the way, how can you tell if a Challenger is an R/T (Besides de VIN Number)

[IMG]local://upfiles/443/11623AA7E911403F98F93F5121BDE89C.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/443/BB1575DD046F4D1A839B10D69242D129.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

ok.. a few things...i have a book sitting on my desk with every interior trim part you could imagine, from seats and seat skins to door and rear seat panels. is it a slapstick consol car?

i am under the impression that american muscle cars in other countries, especially outside of north america, are very hard to come by, and are usually VERY expensive...4500 is a steal if the body is rust free!

as for the engine...if it has a 383, you can always buy performance parts to improve things, but if you can buy a 1970 440, running, with a 4bbl for a grand, i would jump on that too!

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

The body is almost rust free, see these pics. You can also see the interior. The car is missing some exterior chromes. The 440 is from a 68 Imperial, not from a 1970 Challenger. Thanks for your advice!

[IMG]local://upfiles/443/921B967AD351413CB22DA35B68F8A29F.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/443/9D419FBAAA46479698A369349F3A2E0B.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/443/810BC8D96E1047A99A99A56B08952E3C.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/443/7791AB5BBDEE4A4FBE2DB7CE488BB852.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/443/4ADA1B6C22C94C92AAD29BED08889275.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

More pics!


[IMG]local://upfiles/443/78517EDAEA1C4525999D592623F9B132.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/443/4445C42545A74441978DDBCBC39C6CB6.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

wow..looks to be alot of mud in those quarters...still..4500 is a good deal...even with a 383, you can make a good running car. i wont lie...judging by how things look, youre going to spend some money, but at 4500 bucks, i would call it a great deal...

is that 4500USD?

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

Yes, USD$4,500...but I may be able to bring the price down to $3,500-4,000. Labor here is less expensive than in the US or UK, I can get that rust out very fast...different story with parts, I have to pay shipping and taxes. Will try to bring the price down to $3,500 including the 440 engine!!!

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

the challengers are going for a premium now, with the craze over the concept...i wouldnt pass that up...even in rough shape...the hardest thing for you to get is going to be the gauge cluster, but there are always ways to find one..all of the other interior soft trim pieces, like i said, i have a catalog to help you out, should you need it.

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

Forgot to mention the gauge cluster is not installed, but the owner has it! Also all the door panels, even the small vent window. This guy has 7 Challengers!! two 1970s, two 1971s, one 1974 and the other two I have no idea. He won't sell the others.
However, I´m sure some interior trim would be needed, thanks for your offer to help. Will let you know if I finally reach a deal.

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

good luck, and keep us posted!!

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

dodge1969
Do you have a website or a name and number for that guy that is selling you the challenger? I am not interested in the cars, I just wantto see if he is willing to sell any parts? I have a 71 and am in the middle of restoring it and need a few little things here and there.

1 badmirada,
What catalog do you have? Is it yearone or something better?

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

the catalog that i have is legendary auto interiors...i have year one also..

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

Are you looking for original? Or is cheaper after market new parts good enough?

check out this web page:

http://stores.ebay.com/P-G-CLASSIC-S...toreviewQQtZkm

Nice resto and after market at this web page also:

http://www.tuffwheelrestoration.com/index.html

Bolt kits to redo everything brand new:

http://www.mmsacc-stainless.com/html/mopar%20body.htm

One of the cheapest places I found for interior and exterior parts is:

http://www.jimsautoparts.com/

http://www.penstar.net/

I've researched the best prices for redoing my car, and there are some things that you can get cheaper bidding on over ebay, finding in a junk yard, or buying new after market. It depends on how original you want to go. #'s matching etc....

Me, I want the looks like original, but brand new modified car. I don't need number matching.

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

Well the deal is off... I discovered it's not a true R/T...and originally had a 6cylinder engine. A friend who knows the seller warned me about him and his ways of doing business.

Challenger71
I can't recommend you this guy, he will surely dissapoint you and you will only loose time and money!

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

What!? You aren't taking it? Who Cares!? I have been keeping my eyes open for the one car I cannot get my hands on, and you are passing this up? You are making me sad man! [sm=smiley19.gif]

If you are looking for an original R/T, be prepared to pony up...Personally, I don't care what challenger I get my hands on, as long as its a challenger! The nice thing is with a car that doesn't have the desirable options, you have a more freedom to build YOUR challenger as opposed to what it was originally.

That's disgusting that some sleaze is trying to take advantage by pawning it off as the real thing...Keep looking man, she's out there...That's what I tell myself.

RE: Advice on buying a 1971 Challenger
 

Dodge1969, are you putting us on?

That car was a steal!

BTW, Daisy Dukes Restorations is the new kid on the block. She has the best prices on all body metal and interior parts.

Available on Ebay but cheaper by phone.

Plus, she's a girl with a car parts business!

Call 1-888-8 DAISYD

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