Need help seeing if this is worth it

[deathproofdodge]

(Extremely long post)

Hey everyone, I’m new to the forum and just starting to get into Mopars. I’m 16 and really interested in picking up a 1971 Dodge Challenger that I recently found, but I’d love some advice from people who know these cars better than I do before I pull the trigger.

Here’s what I know about the car so far:

It’s a stripped-down drag car project, The interior is completely gutted, it had a single seat (not sure if it’s E-body) no door panels, no interior dash, no headliner, but it has a center console. the inner fender unIbody metal has been cut out/removed. It has a fuel cell installed in the trunk.

It’s running a built 400 big block Mopar paired with a 727 Torqueflite transmission. Seller says it was driven into the shed and has been sitting since,
It needs spark plugs and brake lines to move again.

Suspension/Tires: It’s currently sitting on drag radials so it looks like it was mainly used for the strip.

The seller is asking $7,000.

From my perspective, I see potential since it’s already got a big block and transmission, but I also know it’s missing a lot (interior, sheet metal, possibly wiring, streetable suspension, etc.). My end goal isn’t necessarily a full-on race car. I’d like to have something I can work on, learn from, and eventually drive on the street and strip (on weekends)

My questions to the group are:

Does this sound like a fair deal for $7k, or should I hold out for something more complete? (If that ever shows up)

How hard is it to convert a gutted drag setup like this back into a usable street car?

Are there common rust or structural issues I should look out for on a Challenger that’s been cut up for drag racing?

Anything else you’d check or ask the seller before committing?

I know this is a big project, but I’m eager to learn, and I figure some of you have been down this road before. Any guidance, advice, or warnings you can share would mean a lot.

Thanks for having me here!
-dpd

 

[gran coupe john]

My opinion, I am restoring one with pretty much everything there, and is still costly. I Don't know your budget, or if the car retains its build sheet. There is a whole lot to consider. If you like the car and have a big budget. Me I have never paid asking price. Looks like it needs a bunch of costly items. Good Luck.

 

[Katfish]

Run as far and fast as you can from that car.
Would take another $30k to make it worth $20k

 

[don selleck]

uh, no. like Katfish said, ^^^^

 

[MOPARMITCH]

Nope...Don't pull the trigger on that one...You will be very sorry.......

 

[deathproofdodge]

Nope...Don't pull the trigger on that one...You will be very sorry.......

Well… after seeing some advice I can understand the need to look for better. But there isn’t any better in my price range… I’m just working a 9-5 and can’t buy a nice car without being from a background of money.

If anyone has any other vehicles under 10 grand that are better than this please pm me!
-dpd

 

[MOPARMITCH]

Well… after seeing some advice I can understand the need to look for better. But there isn’t any better in my price range… I’m just working a 9-5 and can’t buy a nice car without being from a background of money.

If anyone has any other vehicles under 10 grand that are better than this please pm me!
-dpd

Just be patient young man. One will come your way. They are out there. Try to buy a complete project car someone has given up on. Maybe a car from an estate sale, widows cars, etc... Just hate to see someone buried in that car there. Too much missing.....

 

[Mr Cuda]

You will need a parts car for your parted out car. And some 71 only parts are not common, like grill.

 

[don selleck]

there's a cars under 10k thread at forbbodiesonly. keep an eye on that, and fb marketplace of course. one will come along and keep saving up more $$ =better car. buy one as complete as you can find

 

[terrywalker]

1971 Dodge challenger body - auto parts - by owner - vehicle automotive sale - craigslist .
Here's one I saw on Craigslist recently. I know nothing about this car in Seattle area. It might not be legit. Just keep looking rather than get the car you're looking at now.
Terry W.

 

[62Dodge_]

Howdy If I wanted a Drag car only I would look at this one As for a driver with the dash removed (no Vin) and no inner fenders I would pass.

 

[Katfish]

Does it have to be an E-body?
A-bodies are typically cheaper.
Pick this up, throw a Gen3 Hemi in it and have a killer car for <$15k

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[Xcudame]

Like others with vast experience have said, walk away from this one and find a more complete car. Be patient and save more money.

That car would be fun for a full time race car though! Stroke the 400 to 500+ inches! Yeehaw!

 

[Challenger RTA]

Yes!

First off, buy the cleanest and most complete car that you can afford.

And Yes!

Howdy If I wanted a Drag car only I would look at this one As for a driver with the dash removed (no Vin) and no inner fenders I would pass.

If you are looking to make it just a driver. Just a quick look on Ebay. As I thought Front and rear seat would be 1K.Interor Door and 1/4 panels 1K. Head liner and carpet misc. Gauge cluster, interior parts. 1K. Good dash 1.5K. Seen them with cluster. Hood in most state will not be league for the street. 4". $100-$600 lets say $300 or loose the scoop. Grill good luck finding a complete 71 one under 3K. 70 grill $300-500. Inner fenders $300. Trunk floor $300. Exhaust $500-1500. Gas tank $150. Tires $500. I would say it would be an other 7K in parts, just to get it street able. So you would be in for 15K and not done. But maybe you can drive it. That's not counting body or structure work that comes up. Not counting mechanical. Plus time a place and tools! ! Then there's the wiring. If the bones are good I would buy it. Not you! As I and others have said. If it's complete then you know what need fixed , replaced or made. Also if it's a rare build to be put back to original some day. JS or 440 4brl, 6 pack or A66. I don't think it is or it wouldn't be in that state. Then there's the skill set to get it all together. Not saying you can't do it. Then there's the busted knuckles, blood , sweet, tears and bruised ego. It's not a good day unless you bleed.

 

[deathproofdodge]

If you are looking to make it just a driver. Just a quick look on Ebay. As I thought Front and rear seat would be 1K.Interor Door and 1/4 panels 1K. Head liner and carpet misc. Gauge cluster, interior parts. 1K. Good dash 1.5K. Seem them with cluster. Hood in most state will not be league for the street. 4". $100-$600 lets say $300 or loose the scoop. Grill good luck finding a complete 71 one under 3K. 70 grill $300-500. Inner fenders $300. Trunk floor $300. Exhaust $500-1500. Gas tank $150. Tires $500. I would say it would be an other 7K in parts, just to get it street able. So would would be in for 15K and not done. But maybe you can drive it. That's not counting body or structure work that comes up. Not counting mechanical. Plus time a place and tools! ! Then there's the wiring. If the bones are good I would buy it. Not you! As I and others have said. If it's complete then you know what need fixed , replaced or made. Also if it's a rare build to be put back to original some day. JS or 440 4brl, 6 pack or A66. I don't think it is or it wouldn't be in that state. Then there's the skill set to get it all together. Not saying you can't do it. Then there's the busted knuckles, blood , sweet, tears and bruised ego. It's not a good day unless you bleed.

Best response so far. It’s originally a butterscotch black interior car with a 6cyl. I’m willing to put in the cash. I’m not looking for a 100% mint condition refresh I want something rugged and fast. As for interior I already have some seats and interior bits. The motor can be redone with some help from a friend. I have the hood for it already and tires can be sourced from a connection… I totally think this is doable to a 16 year olds “race car” standard. Down the road after I ditch the 9-5 retail job I can make more cash to fully redo the car.
All I need is a welder, paint and some good luck!

 

[tonysrt]

You mention needs plugs. If plugs were removed make sure you can turn over engine. A friend of mine sold me his 340 Dart and had removed the plugs and engine was solid frozen. I had to bang each piston with a rubber mallet to get it apart. The other thing if it was a racer may have high gears in the rear which might not be street able. I bought a 71 Cuda racer with 538 gears in a Dana 60. I changed them to 354's. More money to buy gears and have them changed out.

 

[DetMatt1]

Howdy If I wanted a Drag car only I would look at this one As for a driver with the dash removed (no Vin) and no inner fenders I would pass.

That was my first thought, is this car even have a vin tag on it? Title?

 

[Ohiowoodchuck]

The gentlemen on here have way more knowledge and experience then me but I am on my second cuda Restoration. My advice is save your money and pay for a complete one, or one that has everything. The cost of the missing parts add up. I just paid 900.00 for two complete front seats. I still have to reupholster them. Not trying to discourage you but look for a duster, I’ve seen nice original ones for 15k.

 

[Ohiowoodchuck]

also like mentioned above if your looking for a drag car it might be worth it, here is two more examples of cost. I just paid my bill for the dash pad to be redone and it was 24xx.00, the bill for the instrument cluster and the radio was 2600.00 and I paid 1800.00 for a completely restored non ac heater box. I was fortunate enough to find a 4 speed console at the mopar nationals and that set me back 500.00 I’m in way over my head on this cuda and if it wasnt for the fact is was my dads Cuda years ago, I wouldn’t be doing it cause I’ll never get my money back. Believe me I’m the first guy who believes in trying to save a buck but I’ve been poor my whole life and I have always bought the project and when I’m done, I’ve had more in parts and labor then just buying something ready to go.

 

[Ohiowoodchuck]

There is cheaper drag car projects out there also. I’m not up to date on the cost of an ebody drag car project but I just bought a 73 duster with a 340/727 that someone gave up on for 800.00. I hope to be going down the track for less than 6k when it’s complete. Sorry for the long winded posts gentlemen.