A few thoughts:
Check out Hemmings Motor News- fair chance it'll be you're best friend for the next couple of years. Look for a thick book with a "plain brown wrapper" in the Auto magazine section
I personally have a "unsung hero" to recommend- 1965-1967 Dodge Coronet-You can usually find one pretty reasonably (pricewise) - reasonably easy to work on- parts mostly compatible with the Charger- most parts are easily available. I'd look for a 2 dr Coupe - say a 440 or 500 series. I'm partial to the 318- you just can't tear one up! ( yes you can- 100 mph in second gear- proof that drinking and drag racing don't mix), 383 is also good. The 361 is a good engine, but really couldn't call it Hi-Po- after all it was mainly used in trucks
Chevelles are nice- I'm partial to the 1st series (64-67). Most parts are easily available and easy to work on. I'd consider either a 2dr or El Camino (my first car was a 67 El Camino) Personally, I'd stay away from the Big Block motors- Would recommend the following- 283, 327. If you really have gumption put a 283 crank in a 327- a really schweeeet combo.
Now, I've not mentioned any Ford Products- I'm not partial to them personally, but there are a couple I'd consider. Galaxie series 62-65. Pretty good performance- Sweet ride. I personally don't like working on them- spent one too many days cussing exhaust manifold bolts on one (390 engine). Mustang 64 1/2- 67. The original pony car. Just a good "fun" car
I'm partial to the 289 engine on these- lot of the 302 parts are identical, or can be easily modded to work. Lot of parts still available- good repro industry available.
One point- you'll notice that I didn't mention any of the real high performance rides. You're looking for something to learn on. High po tends to be more expensive, and easier to get burned on (aka ripped) if your a novice. Wish I had a nickle for each fake GTO I've seen. Don't be afraid of getting a "beater" model- you may well be surpised at what some of the old sedans of the 60's could do. Usually you can find them a lot easier than the HiPo models- Think elderly people too old to drive anymore- most of those cars haven't been abused, and most are in pretty fair shape. Best deal I've had was for a 67 Coronet- My dad had told a guy he'd like "first shot" at the car some 10 years previously- and the guy remembered it when the state told him he couldn't drive anymore. Paid 500 for a immaculate 2 dr Coupe with a 383, Power brakes, Power steering, AC. God I loved that car!
Check out Hemmings Motor News- fair chance it'll be you're best friend for the next couple of years. Look for a thick book with a "plain brown wrapper" in the Auto magazine section
I personally have a "unsung hero" to recommend- 1965-1967 Dodge Coronet-You can usually find one pretty reasonably (pricewise) - reasonably easy to work on- parts mostly compatible with the Charger- most parts are easily available. I'd look for a 2 dr Coupe - say a 440 or 500 series. I'm partial to the 318- you just can't tear one up! ( yes you can- 100 mph in second gear- proof that drinking and drag racing don't mix), 383 is also good. The 361 is a good engine, but really couldn't call it Hi-Po- after all it was mainly used in trucks
Chevelles are nice- I'm partial to the 1st series (64-67). Most parts are easily available and easy to work on. I'd consider either a 2dr or El Camino (my first car was a 67 El Camino) Personally, I'd stay away from the Big Block motors- Would recommend the following- 283, 327. If you really have gumption put a 283 crank in a 327- a really schweeeet combo.
Now, I've not mentioned any Ford Products- I'm not partial to them personally, but there are a couple I'd consider. Galaxie series 62-65. Pretty good performance- Sweet ride. I personally don't like working on them- spent one too many days cussing exhaust manifold bolts on one (390 engine). Mustang 64 1/2- 67. The original pony car. Just a good "fun" car
I'm partial to the 289 engine on these- lot of the 302 parts are identical, or can be easily modded to work. Lot of parts still available- good repro industry available.
One point- you'll notice that I didn't mention any of the real high performance rides. You're looking for something to learn on. High po tends to be more expensive, and easier to get burned on (aka ripped) if your a novice. Wish I had a nickle for each fake GTO I've seen. Don't be afraid of getting a "beater" model- you may well be surpised at what some of the old sedans of the 60's could do. Usually you can find them a lot easier than the HiPo models- Think elderly people too old to drive anymore- most of those cars haven't been abused, and most are in pretty fair shape. Best deal I've had was for a 67 Coronet- My dad had told a guy he'd like "first shot" at the car some 10 years previously- and the guy remembered it when the state told him he couldn't drive anymore. Paid 500 for a immaculate 2 dr Coupe with a 383, Power brakes, Power steering, AC. God I loved that car!
Don't restore a car go for a FFR 427 Roadster. This will blow away any car on the street. 
0-60 in 4.7 sec. stock.
0-60 in 4.7 sec. stock.
<< definitely a late 60's Camaro SS >>
But if you can find an early 60's Camaro SS jump on that.........they are the rarest of cars.
What to rebuild is really a matter of choice, build a car you love, it will make you love it more.
My choices:
Early 70's Trans-Am/ Formula......Z28/RS Cheap as hell to buy right now, cheap parts I like the second gen of the F-bodies more than the first gen
68-72 Corvette the absolute best looking vettes IMHO and close to the bottom of the price curve
64-65 GTO Great lines, and can be had cheap if you search around
67-68 Mustang Fastback, again great lines, seem to have more "issues" rust etc, than some others....can be had dirt cheap
Though I like AMC's best. I did have a nice 64 Olds 442 (wish I stll had it) a 64 Caddy ragtop (wish I still had it) And I passed on alow milage 68 Camero RS/SS 427 four speed for $995 back in 73 (wish I had BOUGHT IT!!)
My all time fav. though was my 1969 Javelin SST Grabber. One thing I learned about AMC's is that A LOT of stuff is interchangeable from year to year and model to model. I eventually put in a 390, a super T-10 out of a Hurst S/C rambler scrambler, disk brakes off of a rambler scrambler, radiator out of some old early 60's station wagon ..Etc....
Another nice thing about AMC's is that the 290 304 343 360 390 and 401 are all small blocks and ALL the external's are interchangeable (for the most part) intake's, heads (though there are slight differences in the hole sizes that the head bolts go through, they WILL work)..
Also the Jeep?s used AMC motors and there are a LOT of them running around!
If you can find a HURST S/C Rambler Scrambler (rare), a Machine (rare), a AMX, or a Javelin, I'd snatch it up!!!!!
The Scrambler and Machine both came with 340 hp 390's, Hurst competition Plus linkage, Borg Warner super T-10 four speed, 4-11 posi, rack and pinion...they were SWEEEEEEET...
My all time fav. though was my 1969 Javelin SST Grabber. One thing I learned about AMC's is that A LOT of stuff is interchangeable from year to year and model to model. I eventually put in a 390, a super T-10 out of a Hurst S/C rambler scrambler, disk brakes off of a rambler scrambler, radiator out of some old early 60's station wagon ..Etc....
Another nice thing about AMC's is that the 290 304 343 360 390 and 401 are all small blocks and ALL the external's are interchangeable (for the most part) intake's, heads (though there are slight differences in the hole sizes that the head bolts go through, they WILL work)..
Also the Jeep?s used AMC motors and there are a LOT of them running around!
If you can find a HURST S/C Rambler Scrambler (rare), a Machine (rare), a AMX, or a Javelin, I'd snatch it up!!!!!
The Scrambler and Machine both came with 340 hp 390's, Hurst competition Plus linkage, Borg Warner super T-10 four speed, 4-11 posi, rack and pinion...they were SWEEEEEEET...
Sluggo,
They didn't produce the Camaro until '67 I believe.
TrevorK
I'd recommend something a little out of the norm - a Ford Falcon (basically a Mustang with different panels) or a early 70's Dodge Dart. Rare, yet you can still get the parts
They didn't produce the Camaro until '67 I believe.
TrevorK
I'd recommend something a little out of the norm - a Ford Falcon (basically a Mustang with different panels) or a early 70's Dodge Dart. Rare, yet you can still get the parts
<< Sluggo, They didn't produce the Camaro until '67 I believe. >>
Yeah, that is what makes the early 60's Camaros so rare...............in fact ALMOST impossible to find.
the one thing i haven;t heard is how much do you have to spend. that determines what your going to buy. next is how much work can you do, light repairs or frame off. big difference. my son and i have done a couple of big restorations,takes time and lots of equipment. its great fun but don't get in over your head. small budget, consider a vw bug, there cheap and easy to fix up. expensive, 67 ss chevelle or a vette. i have a 49 ford pickup, 60 vw bug, 68 vw convert, 62 falcon ranchero. keeps us busy. GOOD LUCK
Yeah, last can I restored was a early 72 VW bug convert.(super) I'll have to get some pic's of it if anyone wants to see them.
It turned out sweet.
They are (relatively) cheap to do too, and can bring 15k-20K in Cal.
It turned out sweet.
They are (relatively) cheap to do too, and can bring 15k-20K in Cal.
get a car like mine.. 1967 Dodge Charger this pic isn't of mine, but pretty much the same... I have nicer wheels on mine though.
it's a great car, parts were fairly easy to come by, and the car really turns heads. mostly b/c very few ppl have seen one before. the chicks dig it....... all the side windows roll down, including the post (gotta love hardtops), and it's got great rotating headlights.
check out this site for more pics and info
it's a great car, parts were fairly easy to come by, and the car really turns heads. mostly b/c very few ppl have seen one before. the chicks dig it.
...... all the side windows roll down, including the post (gotta love hardtops), and it's got great rotating headlights.check out this site for more pics and info
TrevorK
I have a '70 Chevelle/Malibu 350. It started out as a VERY original car with a 2bbl. I dumped the 2bble and intake for a 4bbl edlebrock 650 and a performer. I have also changed to a dual exhaust and 15 inch wheels with 245/60's on front and back.
The car is in EXCELLENT shape (body/paint and otherwise) and the best thing is that it only cost me $6000! This thing is absolutely solid and has actually won a few local shows.
I have had the engine out a few times for cleaning/painting (which is when you REALLY learn about your car).
I have to say that you should get as close to original as you can and stick with GM/Chevelles as they are the easiest to find parts for at a decent price. Plus....you can put ANYTHING in a chevelle!!! If you have never owned or driven a muscle car then a 350 is a great starting point. Plenty of power to start and VERY easy to build up to the next level.
Try to get a car that has a solid body with good paint. NO BONDO or RUST unless you are a body man or know someone who can do the work for you for a good price. You will spend the most money on a pro-paintjob/bodywork than on anything else ($4000-5000 for a basecoat/clearcoat with minimal bodywork).
Most importantly....find a car you LIKE...don't settle for something because it's a good price. You don't want to sink large amounts of money into something that you really don't like.
Here's my site
Muck's Place
http://members.tripod.com/nvmymalibu/id29.htm
The top '69 Camaro is my Dad's, the '66 Chevelle is a joint venture between my Dad and I, and the '70 Chevelle is mine. I am currently building up this site so don't laugh. Click on the Camaro and you will see a detailed list ot the things my Dad and I have done to restore it (pictures galore so I hope you have broadband ). This is an extreme case of RESTORING to ORIGINAL. A LOT of money was put into it to take it back to showroom perfect!!!
Our next project is the '66. It is currently stripped down the the shell and is now in the 'shop' getting painted Marina Blue (I LOVE that color)! We aren't going for the ORGINAL look on this one but man will it be sweet!
The last project is the '70....I'm leaning towards the Baldwin Motion look with either Red/black or Yellow/Black......
Hope this helps....
SDC
I have a '70 Chevelle/Malibu 350. It started out as a VERY original car with a 2bbl. I dumped the 2bble and intake for a 4bbl edlebrock 650 and a performer. I have also changed to a dual exhaust and 15 inch wheels with 245/60's on front and back.
The car is in EXCELLENT shape (body/paint and otherwise) and the best thing is that it only cost me $6000! This thing is absolutely solid and has actually won a few local shows.
I have had the engine out a few times for cleaning/painting (which is when you REALLY learn about your car).
I have to say that you should get as close to original as you can and stick with GM/Chevelles as they are the easiest to find parts for at a decent price. Plus....you can put ANYTHING in a chevelle!!! If you have never owned or driven a muscle car then a 350 is a great starting point. Plenty of power to start and VERY easy to build up to the next level.
Try to get a car that has a solid body with good paint. NO BONDO or RUST unless you are a body man or know someone who can do the work for you for a good price. You will spend the most money on a pro-paintjob/bodywork than on anything else ($4000-5000 for a basecoat/clearcoat with minimal bodywork).
Most importantly....find a car you LIKE...don't settle for something because it's a good price. You don't want to sink large amounts of money into something that you really don't like.
Here's my site
Muck's Place
http://members.tripod.com/nvmymalibu/id29.htm
The top '69 Camaro is my Dad's, the '66 Chevelle is a joint venture between my Dad and I, and the '70 Chevelle is mine. I am currently building up this site so don't laugh
. Click on the Camaro and you will see a detailed list ot the things my Dad and I have done to restore it (pictures galore so I hope you have broadband ). This is an extreme case of RESTORING to ORIGINAL. A LOT of money was put into it to take it back to showroom perfect!!! Our next project is the '66. It is currently stripped down the the shell and is now in the 'shop' getting painted Marina Blue (I LOVE that color)! We aren't going for the ORGINAL look on this one but man will it be sweet!
The last project is the '70....I'm leaning towards the Baldwin Motion look with either Red/black or Yellow/Black......
Hope this helps....
SDC
Well, as for the money I'm looking to put in, it's probably around 10-12K US. The great thing is, my dad used to own his own shop, and we can fix all the body work here. Last spring, we fixed a rolled-over Talon to look like new (Even the guys at the frame shop didn't believe it was the same car they spent 8 hours on pulling the frame).
When I look at it, it shouldn't cost as much as most people pay to do a restoration because all the work can be done either here in the garage or at a paint booth (And last time I painted my Talon it cost me $250 Canadian for a beautiful job). From what I can tell, the restoration is mainly labour, and if ya know people who can get you parts (Like interior, etc..) then it shouldn't be too expensive, just time consuming?
Trevor
When I look at it, it shouldn't cost as much as most people pay to do a restoration because all the work can be done either here in the garage or at a paint booth (And last time I painted my Talon it cost me $250 Canadian for a beautiful job). From what I can tell, the restoration is mainly labour, and if ya know people who can get you parts (Like interior, etc..) then it shouldn't be too expensive, just time consuming?
Trevor
From what I can tell, the restoration is mainly labour
Bingo! Sweat, blood and time! Something I don't care to give up these days. Since you've got the desire, skills and the tools it seems like a no brainer. What did you have in mind to restore? Personally, I'd build a fast, handling limo. 4,500lbs that goes from 0-60mph under six seconds. Not bad handling either. You could use a Cadillac or Lincoln as the chassis and go crazy from there. The Bentley didn't use any exotic parts, so it's doable!
Bingo! Sweat, blood and time! Something I don't care to give up these days. Since you've got the desire, skills and the tools it seems like a no brainer. What did you have in mind to restore? Personally, I'd build a fast, handling limo. 4,500lbs that goes from 0-60mph under six seconds. Not bad handling either. You could use a Cadillac or Lincoln as the chassis and go crazy from there. The Bentley didn't use any exotic parts, so it's doable!
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