need you kind input. Vert or R/T • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **thelittles** » 25 Mar 2006 11:58

I have been working on restoring an original 71 challenger r/t. The frame was in worst shape then originally thought but with a lot of work it could be salvaged. I have a 70 challenger convertable rolling chassis that is in excellent condition. It has good rails and very little rust. All I woud need to do is replace the floors and its ready. I value all your guys input and advise. Should I build the R/T on the convertible frame. It would have every part that came on the R/T and have the fender tag and vin. But it would have a doner cars frame. Give me some input please.
Thx
Dan

by **dave-r** » 25 Mar 2006 14:14

If the convertible only needs floors I would spend my money on new panels to fix that. Get it up and running and looking clean and then sell it.

Then work on the R/T chassis, fit loads of those safe-T-cap repair sections to get it solid, and then sell that one on.

Then use the money from both cars to get something better to work on as a reward for your hard work. :wink:

That is the way I would do it because then you have saved and sold two cars instead of one. Probably make two people happy selling to them as well.

by **ianandjess** » 25 Mar 2006 14:23

well said dave theres not enough clasic mopars to go round so the more that are saved the merrier , more happy" mopar heads"
cheers ian

by **71 pacecar** » 26 Mar 2006 1:52

they make frame rails,please don't cut up a rag top challenger ,that should be a crime :s001:

by **Brant** » 26 Mar 2006 15:15

the above post proves – pictures say a thousand words! If yo fit the convert with new panels only, someone would totally snatch that up quickly, to carry out the resto.

good luck!

by **stones** » 27 Mar 2006 7:23

Please follow Dave-Rs advice,save both of them, they are both diamonds. PS cutting up any e-body vert or not is a crime by my standards.
Think about the production figures Mopar versus GM, theres probably 10 GMs per Mopar muscle car. :nod:

Ronny

by **thelittles** » 27 Mar 2006 18:21

Ok that is what I thought you all would think. I have decided to keep the R/T original and later rebuild the conv. as well. Can anyone tell me where I can get the front left side frame rail. Old or new would be ok as long as I can replace mine. It is cracked and weak. The others are very good. Year one is carrying rear rails now but the front ones seem hard to come by. Also looking for a way to convert a reproduction full quarter panel to the convertible style. The top edge has a flange on the vert one. Thanks for your input I will post new pics of my progress soon.

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/vie ... uid=623347

by **dave-r** » 28 Mar 2006 9:59

thelittles wrote:Can anyone tell me where I can get the front left side frame rail.

Just smack one of these over it and forget about it for the next 30 years.

http://autorust.com/k_13.html