Restoration losing steam, getting frustrated.

[ogre]

Is it just me or is finding parts (nos or used parts), just not repops really getting hard and ridiculously expensive? Every part seems to be 500 bucks. My 70 Challenger is supposed to have the Rallye cluster, R35 radio, 6way non power seat, AC, vinyl roof, and the bumble bee stripe. oh and the Rallye hood with inserts. I am trying to stay as close to the original build as I can, but paying 700 bucks for a variable speed wiper for a car I would never drive in the rain seems a bit overkill. Add to that the endless stream of scammers it just gets frustrating after a while. Just venting, I would really like to get this plum mopar back where it belongs! If I get the parts, I have a 1970 dated 383 engine 30 over, with forged crank, new rods/forged pistons, all balanced, with Edelbrock E heads 74CC and a 750 carb. Should go pretty good.

 

[pschlosser]

I feel ya.

When I help with a jigsaw puzzle during the holidays, I love it, I can spend hours sipping egg nog and work as long as I want. But when I'm working a restoration puzzle, it's either pay to play (by buying pricey parts) or endure patience and lengthy wait times to locate parts. it CAN be frustrating. I want it done, so I can drive it, and manipulate young ladies to do unspeakable things on its front seats!

But alas, just like lengthy foreplay, good things taste best when slow-cooked and awaited in anticipation. If you stick with it, you'll have your time in the sun. Focus on that, the warmth of basking in its glory.

 

[gran coupe john]

I feel your pain!! It's worse with a 71 barracuda getting original parts. When you say barracuda prices double, or even triple. Some days I wish I restored a Mustang, would be half the price. 8 years later still at it. Now, not in a hurry. Will wait until I can find something reasonable. Might take a while longer, but have more time than money.

 

[One of few]

My 70 S.E. was tough to build - had to restore what couldn't be replaced, IF you could even find a place.

 

[EV2RTSE]

Like owning a boat - much easier just to stand in the shower and tear up hundred dollar bills. I too feel your pain... Keep the faith!

 

[Adam]

Well at least lots of parts are available. I’m working on a 1942 Dodge WC-53 and I’ve had to make parts from scratch!

 

[Xcudame]

It definitely takes a lot of dedication, time and money (cubic money). I just purchased a 64 Imperial. I'm finding it's much harder finding any parts, much less expensive ones for a 64 Imperial than an E-Body. And this Imperial is actually a D-Body and shares less with C-Bodies.
Keep plugging along and don't give up. We're here routing for you!

 

[SRKlegin]

Is it just me or is finding parts (nos or used parts), just not repops really getting hard and ridiculously expensive? Every part seems to be 500 bucks. My 70 Challenger is supposed to have the Rallye cluster, R35 radio, 6way non power seat, AC, vinyl roof, and the bumble bee stripe. oh and the Rallye hood with inserts. I am trying to stay as close to the original build as I can, but paying 700 bucks for a variable speed wiper for a car I would never drive in the rain seems a bit overkill. Add to that the endless stream of scammers it just gets frustrating after a while. Just venting, I would really like to get this plum mopar back where it belongs! If I get the parts, I have a 1970 dated 383 engine 30 over, with forged crank, new rods/forged pistons, all balanced, with Edelbrock E heads 74CC and a 750 carb. Should go pretty good.

I know what you mean. I can't think about how many times I have paid my VISA off to find the need for yet more costly parts... Minute you say classic Mopar the dollar figures seem to double because the parts are just not out there. The OER parts don't fit right, forcing you to attempt to stay with your originals which may or may not be salvageable. It's frustrating. Hang in there. You'll regret the sale...walk away from it for a couple weeks...maybe burned out my friend. The wife is all over me about the spending and I have to clear everything through her. It's almost to the point where I should get a 2nd job to fund this car. I am so close, all I have is the Engine and drivetrain to refurb. The 340 is costing me huge...I haven't gotten to the A904.

 

[SRKlegin]

Like owning a boat - much easier just to stand in the shower and tear up hundred dollar bills. I too feel your pain... Keep the faith!

View attachment 133561

You aren't kidding

 

[Mopar426power]

Hang in there, just got to remember it will be worth it when you get to drive it on nice summer days!

 

[Cuda_mark]

70 e Bodies can be the worst though when it comes to 1 year only parts!

 

[Challenger RTA]

My 2¢. You are very lucky to have an E body Now. The thing about an E body is it has style. That more than likely won't go out of style to soon. Every one that had or has parts knows it. The parts have been horded over the decades with hopes and dreams of having one one day.
Having a Ebody is a disease,I mean a hobby now. I takes more money then what house dose to fix up. I have 3 and 2 garages. Seemed like I just keep spending wads of cash to fix them up. And keep them
You just have to deiced where to draw the line and be happy. I have learned from my father a few things that helped me. 1 A little bit at a time will get a lot done in the long run. 1/2 to an hour a day get something done. make the time.
2 If you don't have it make it. He was so right about that. Everyone is so spoiled now! They just want to buy it. As far as your project keep every thing until your done. A rusted piece of scrap can be what you are looking for. It's a template. I showed my son that and know he get the hammer out and makes it. He really wants the hammer of mine that he uses. Tin knockers hammer. I have bought cars that were piles of scrap. The first thing I ask. Is every thing there. I don't care if it's broken,bent,twisted or rusted beyond repair. I know what I need to make.
Now these day you can take a template to a tin shop and at least cut what you want if not even make it.
So if you have an, How do I say it, older guy or experienced handy man what ever man. Just listen what they have to say. If any thing get a tin can and see what you can do. Even a plastic milk jug or poster board make a temp let.The only thing you have to gain is experience.
Quit bruiting you have an E body! Don't let it go this far.
You don't have to have the best of everything. Make the best of what you have.

 

[cuda joe]

yea parts are crazy i went with some repro .some used . i rebuilt my wiper motor myself took it all apart bead blasted it polished the metal took all the stuff that gets plated like door strikers ashtray screws brackets ac lines ect to a plating shop i took alot of pics of the wiper motor got it all back together i takes time but it was worth and it;s way cooler than a chevelle

 

[mrmopar340]

The minute you crank that key for the first time will make it all worth the time and money.

 

[Spyder]

I'd rather have a completely not-original car I can go out and drive and burn the tires off on than a $100,000 project in the shop I can't find the correct speed wiper motor for.

I've got a radio in great shape on my shelf, not sure if it's the R35 or not. I'll check and if it is, you can have it for way less than 500 bucks.

 

[heminut]

Like owning a boat - much easier just to stand in the shower and tear up hundred dollar bills. I too feel your pain... Keep the faith!

My oldest son had a 26' aluminum boat up in Juneau Alaska to go salmon fishing. He said a boat is just a hole in the water that you throw money in. He also told me that boat stands for 'bring out another thousand'!

 

[pschlosser]

My oldest son had a 26' aluminum boat up in Juneau Alaska to go salmon fishing. He said a boat is just a hole in the water that you throw money in. He also told me that boat stands for 'bring out another thousand'!

My brother lives up there on Douglas Island, Juneau. It's hard to live there without a boat. Or 4WD, or a snow mobile or a bush plane, or heating oil.

 

[Morpheus]

Is it just me or is finding parts (nos or used parts), just not repops really getting hard and ridiculously expensive? Every part seems to be 500 bucks. My 70 Challenger is supposed to have the Rallye cluster, R35 radio, 6way non power seat, AC, vinyl roof, and the bumble bee stripe. oh and the Rallye hood with inserts. I am trying to stay as close to the original build as I can, but paying 700 bucks for a variable speed wiper for a car I would never drive in the rain seems a bit overkill. Add to that the endless stream of scammers it just gets frustrating after a while. Just venting, I would really like to get this plum mopar back where it belongs! If I get the parts, I have a 1970 dated 383 engine 30 over, with forged crank, new rods/forged pistons, all balanced, with Edelbrock E heads 74CC and a 750 carb. Should go pretty good.

Yep, I can understand where you’re coming from - however, it’s even worse when you are 4500 miles away from any decent, hard to source parts! I have a ‘70 Challenger R/T SE with A/C, six way seat & power windows, but haven’t given up the search yet! Keep at it bud, you’ll get there in the end

 

[marksmopars]

one must remember that a project is by definition something that can be set aside and returned to. We do this because we love these cars. I just retired and was finishing up my latest and I was thinking last major project dart. Then I came across a 70 cuda which was taken apart, mounted on a rotisserie then bead blasted and sealed.

Problem is the car was parked along a shrub for 20+ years and there is rust damage. Specifically the left rocker, frame rails, inner fender, all floor pans and the torsion bar crossmember. Shoulda walked away, that’s what your saying right? Well I would have except that the cuda is an Aar and includes a number matching engine. Also the car is a bench seat automatic fc7, non rally dash.

So, engine is in the machine shop expecting completion this spring. We built, my son and I, a frame jig and set the car on it. Ordering sheet metal and drilling holes now. I think it’s maybe a disease, lol.

 

[fasjac]

Yea, I too feel your frustration. I was changing a flat tappet lifter cam to solid roller. And good lord! I have built complete big blocks for less than this.
E body parts always seem to sting a little more.
But, what a fabulous ride when youll have when finished. Hang in there, it will be worth it!