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My name is charlie and i am 14. My mom is jyardgirl. Right now we are working on a 1971 monte carlo. Lot of hard work but i love it. We have done the interior, rear transmission seal, all 4 shocks with rear air. fuel pump, shift kit, radiator flush, carb work, exhaust work and replaced the thermostat. Now we are doing body work. My dream car is a 69 dodger. I really like the look of the front end and the sound. I am very happy to be a member here and to learn all I can. Thank you.

Glad to have you here. Have fun cruizin around here. There is ALOT of information on this site.

Hi Charlie,
I just sold a 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454 last year. I did a complete restoration on it and drove it for a few years before I sold it to build a 47 Plymouth. It was a really fun car, I know you'll enjoy yours. That's a great hobby to be doing with your mom.

Charlie, welcome to CHR. Heard from your mom that you might soon be lurking about on the boards. 69 Charger would be a really nice project. Plenty of them around and as long as you get one with a small block (or no block) you might be able to get into it without a huge investment. In any case you will likely find all of the info you need regarding the build right here.

Can't talk you into a blowned BBC Vega????

Hi, Charlie, and welcome! You and your mom have come to the right place.

Also, your interest in Mopars, and specifically a Charger of that vintage ('69), shows you to be a man with excellent tastes and good breeding.

Mopar34 suggests that you might look for one with a small block, and I'd agree with that. In the interest of economics that would be the way to go.

But the main reason to go with a small block is ...... I LIKE SMALL BLOCK MOPARS.

Naw. I ain't egotistical! How can anybody say that?

Anyway, I drive one daily and I have owned several. Now, that said, suppose you sniff out a Charger you really like and feel you can afford, but it came with any one of the variety of big blocks Chrysler produced (they came in several flavors). With Mom's concurrence, of course, I'd say GO FOR IT. With some creative horse-trading of factory parts these big, tough, extremely dependable old brutes can crank out serious horsepower, and the good ole 727 automatic transmission is as nearly bullet-proof as any of them.

This forum is a gold mine of helpful and knowledgable people who want to help you get what's right for you, so call on them frequently.

And good luck to both of you with the Monte Carlo project.

Jim

Hi Charlie, welcome to the forum. Although my twin Sons started helping me with cars when they were younger, when they were 14 I bought them their first cars so that they would be running by the time they were 16. One built a Cal Look VW, and the other a '65 Olds Convertible.

They are now 36, and we still keep a hobby shop together because of the bonds we have made through this great sport. I never had to worry about them getting into trouble or doing stupid stuff like drugs because I knew where they were most nights, and where their money was going. (chrome parts are better than drugs )

Your Mom sounds like a wonderful person who really loves you, and it is also cool that she likes cars. That is really special, and you must be the most envied kid on the block! Stay in school, keep your nose clean, and you will someday have that Charger. It took me 35 years to finally get the car I really wanted, but it was worth the wait.

Don

welcome, i had a 70 charger as a first car with the fastest 318 you every seen. well i thought so then but not so sure know lol. i do like mopar34's vega idea to. had one of those in a wagon big tire's 32x18.5 out back with a 4banger in it. it does sound like your mom is a great lady and stands behind you that's what hotrodding is all about...what ever you build good luck with it

Welcome Charlie, Good luck with your dream car, if I hear of any around here I'll be sure to pass it on. Right now I only know of one,it's an original General Lee and it's not going anywhere soon. Mean while keep honing your skills and sign up for any related classes you can. Hank

Welcome Charlie. My first Rod was my Dad's '73 Monte. I completely gutted that car and built a 400 HP 4-bolt 350 out of it. I loved that car and it served me well for nearly 10 years until I found a '68 427 Vette to play with.

You will learn a ton from the folks in here .............

Kitz

sorry that charlie has not answered back yet. He has been very busy with school starting and his first jv football game is tonight.

My sons first freshman game was last night, we won 32-20. Good luck on that football team, Charlie!

thanks for the comments im looking for a 68 through 70 dodge charger with a 440 magnum. by the way we lost tonight

Charlie -

Here, be they of interest, are a couple of pictures of a "Father and Son" project our boy and I spent a lot of blood and sweat (not to mention money) on a dozen or so years ago.

The car is a 1980 Plymouth "Volare" Duster that was given to him. Truthfully, at that time the car was worth just about what we paid for it but it's plenty presentable now and he still owns it. The engine is a mildly warmed-over slant six with a floor shifter.

As to finding a '68/'70 Charger with a Magnum 440 in it, well, that could be a challenge. Not just finding a fairly decent one (those critters are getting close to forty years old) but paying for one after you located it. Some months back somebody in Dallas offered a newly professionally-restored black '70 R/T with a 440 "Six Pack" for only SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.

I didn't call him. I was busy at the moment.

With the experience you are gaining from your Monte Carlo project you might consider creating your own personal "R/T", starting with the best Charger you can afford (preferably one originally equipped with a big block) and going from there. If you're locked in on a 440, well, they're fairly plentiful at reasonable cost.

Maybe one of the good guys here at CHR will get wind of a Charger of the type you are interested in and pass the word.

Keep us informed,

Jim

Moparfan14, I have done a little exploration and you could possibly get into a 69 Charger 383/440 project car for about $10k or less, even with matching numbers. These may be driveable but not much to look at. Complete restoration will be needed. 440 Chargers (matching number cars) in excellent condition are being offered at upwards of $50k (Hemi's are higher) and I have seen one "authenticated WB General Lee" being offered for at a mere $90K.

So if that is the direction you want to go, save your coins and go for it. You can find 33 examiples ranging from parts cars to show cars at www.collectorcartraderonline.com Just search on the make and model you are looking for. I am sure there are possibly hundreds more on other sites. Time to start is now, that way when you get ready to hit the road you'll be on your way on your project.