73 340 4 speed- getting her back on the road!

[rustyacres]

Just beginning my resto of a 340 4 speed, 1973 challenger. Original paint code being metallic gold, which it will be great to bring back to! Alot of rust but nothing an angle grinder can't manage!
I actually bought the car sight unseen, then drove it with my dad across Australia (3600kms) to perth over a week! My old man is pretty old so the car is already making memories! It was a great trip!

 

[rustyacres]

doors off to replace Bondo and rust sections!

 

[rustyacres]

While the doors were off I decided to put new handles in- the previous owner only left one linkage in there so now I'm on a mission to find/recreate the linkage! Lucky there are some pretty good photos in previous posts on here!

 

[rustyacres]

After that it's into the job I have been avoiding. Rear frame rails. I have AMD replacements for both but I'm trying to avoid removing the rear trunk sheet metal.. I'm thinking if I drill the spot welds out from the top, then cut the frame rails where then need replacing... I might get away with it!

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Welcome to the site !

 

[mrmopar340]

Welcome. You have a project on your hands but will be worth it in the end. Mine is a 73 too and waved a tire your way.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Welcome to FEBO. The right color for making golden sunrise memories and more to come.

 

[1972 AAR Cuda]

Looks like a fairly complete project as well as a great project for making memories with your dad!

 

[rustyacres]

Does anyone have any photos of what this shift mount area is supposed to look like? Someone had a really fun time welding here....

 

[Challenger RTA]

Clutch z bar mount

 

[rustyacres]

Clutch z bar mount View attachment 122821

Much appreciated!!! Thank you! Got a rebuild kit ordered its a mess in there! I don't want to pull the engine so much cut an access hole in the panel holding it so that I can get at refurbishing the z bar then weld it all back in!

 

[hdwrench]

looks like a fun project. you found a good place for info and parts . febo and fbbo and fabo rocks ! a hood bunch of men !!!

 

[rustyacres]

looks like a fun project. you found a good place for info and parts . febo and fbbo and fabo rocks ! a hood bunch of men !!!

I agree. I have been a member for some time and it's only because I have seen such a good group/atmosphere that i decided to share my progress/seek advice etc. A rare thing these days to find a group with the keyboard warriors and silly stuff!

 

[Challenger RTA]

Much appreciated!!! Thank you! Got a rebuild kit ordered its a mess in there! I don't want to pull the engine so much cut an access hole in the panel holding it so that I can get at refurbishing the z bar then weld it all back in!

This is how I would approach the situation. I would remove the steering column if need be and brake lines. From the interior drill the 2 or 3 spot welds on the brace. Then on the frame do the same on the bottom and top. Fold the brace up and out of the way to give you more room. I would them trim away with a brazing tip and grinder with a wafer wheel. Or what ever tools you might have or get. That would all be cosmetic and coved when done.

 

[rustyacres]

Bit of an update. Really got into it over the Christmas break and did a few patch panels in the trunk. Fitted two new rear quarters, and welded up some rust in the rockers also. Now onto paint. I decided to deviated away from tradition and go a yellow/black combination.

 

[rustyacres]

Paint came out pretty good for my first go. I'm really quite happy with it regardless to be honest because I have taken this car from what it was all the way to something with my own hands. Other than advice from here, its all been me slaving away in a tiny shed or outside getting it done. So I'm proud of it ..even it's imperfections

 

[moparlee]

Paint came out pretty good for my first go. I'm really quite happy with it regardless to be honest because I have taken this car from what it was all the way to something with my own hands. Other than advice from here, its all been me slaving away in a tiny shed or outside getting it done. So I'm proud of it ..even it's imperfections

View attachment 135248

A major milestone done and looking good!

 

[KlsCuda]

huge fan of yellow and black!!

 

[rustyacres]

huge fan of yellow and black!!

I have the same rear spoiler as you do there too KlsCuda. Just prepping it now as it's in a sorry state, then it's going on in black!

 

[KlsCuda]

I have the same rear spoiler as you do there too KlsCuda. Just prepping it now as it's in a sorry state, then it's going on in black!

That's going to look awesome!