The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I've got the fenders off my car and hopefully soon will have it to a body shop for long postponed repairs and paint.

I have a hole above the fusebox, in the vicinity of the drain port from the cowl. This was caused by wet leaves years ago. Is this worth having them fix? I would have to pull the engine (again - long story) but I plan to do that anyway.

Also, I have some rust damage in the inner fenders where the hinges bolted up. I am hoping this is a minor repair.

The shop I am looking at is telling me they prefer to chemical strip the cars they work on as opposed to media blasting. Is there any major difference in cost or result as far as anyone's experience?

Also, both quarter panels are rusted above and behind the wheels - I understand it is cheaper to buy and install the full shells new rather than trying to fix the originals. Does that sound right? I haven't got the time or experience to tackle body work myself so it would be great to get opinions on best way to go. At least I finally found a shop that sounds willing to work on it and at what I hope is a reasonable cost.

I already stripped all chrome off the car, removed the grill, valances and bumper supports (for sand blasting), most of the interior, rear glass etc. -anything to reduce cost.

I have received quotes of $5,000 to $14,000 U.S. to fix and paint this car - quite a range.

wow they slug you for panel work over there if i spent $5000 on panel & paint over here it would be show quality
its always best to fix all rust even if it means extra work as youll regret it after & it will keep growing it always does you can only slow it down if you dont remove it
as with replacing the rear 1/4s i dont know how bad your are but im replacing the bottoms of mine if you use the correct patch panels the job is a lot simpler & generaly a better job when its done
cheers ian

Also, both quarter panels are rusted above and behind the wheels - I understand it is cheaper to buy and install the full shells new rather than trying to fix the originals.

Check the area behind and below the door where the quarter attatchs to the rocker panel. The lead filler from the factory can hide rust. This is a problem area on Challengers according to my bodyshop. The drainage holes are not designed correctly to allow debris to pass. It sits in there and rots. This may help your decision making on replacing the whole quarter(s).

As for the bodywork price $10,000 sounds about right. My guy did the above work on the Quarter/rocker panels (without painting) for $800. Remember the old saying "you get what you pay for" so check around and get referances. Also get detailed paperwork on exactly what work is going to be done on each repair.

Sorry for the delay -- thanks for the info. Wow - sounds like it is expensive in California too.

I'm planning on having them replace the quarters up to the roof with new Goodmark parts.

I believe rockers are available too but hopefully the originals are OK. Inner wheel tubs have one hole each at trunk floor seam - not sure if whole tubs are bad. I have to get all the undercoat off soon to see.

Did you see the 72 Challenger they just did on Overhaulin? Must've been 50K worth of parts! And his car looked a lot better to start than mine!

When the fake cops came, the guy claimed his 72 318 car was worth 20K.
I wish - maybe mine would be worth 10!

I wonder what a Foose wheel actually costs - I would be happy with a new set of AR Ansen replicas.

D

Where abouts in MD are you located Phil?

Thurmont, in Frederick County.

How about yourself?