67Dart273
Well-Known Member
THIS RIGHT HERE. Find a car you really like, fix it up how you want. If you want a highway cruiser, put a modern EFI engine in it. Install AC. "What you want"
Dont know were im going in the hobbie anymore:
- Thread starter ValerianMagnum
- Start date
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If you could have one car, what would it be? That is your answer. drop everything and go for that one car. Interests are cyclical. I know too many people that have sold cars and regretted the decision for the rest of their lives.
Absolutely correct GTS. We were talking a while back about where we want to go with the hobby and where we want to end up. I enjoy the 2 Darts I have now but I don't know if I have the drive to take the 66 apart for paint. I sure don't have the room or shop space. I will eventually sell both my cars and buy 1 nice early B body, probably a 64 Polara. But what the heck, I may find a 64 Dart to play with or a Arrow to put on the street. Nothing is forever. Buy, sell, trade and have fun. Variety is the spice of life so they say.
ValerianMagnum
the little car that could
**** i really appreciate what you guys are telling me , really cool to read , makes me feel better *** It all started with the fact that i was extremely close to buy my dream car last year , a 1971 4 speed 340 cuda with billboards and a fj6 sassy grass factory color....i had a fight with the owner because he changed is mind for the selling price...i flipped out litteraly my dream car was there and he promised me that it was mine bla bla bla , i was getting crazy with the idea of realizing my dream : got a revenge been in the usa bought a new 426 hemi gen 2 and bought 2 x70 cudas for parts ( very rusted and now all cut appart ) to built 1 . and then this summer ive found another of my favorite cars of all time a 70 340 duster fj5 sublime 4 speed # matching bla bla bla...total rust bucket needs 20-30k to be finished , so im there with 2 goals , 70 cuda and 70 duster but im stuck and dont know were to start , the 70 cuda was to fill the dream of being able to accomplish the fact to drive an *hemicuda. Even if it was a clone. But nothingless im not a rich man , im only a young kid who s passion of bigger than anything but yes i feel underwater and the other old man didnt even sold is 71 340 cuda. , here i am 1 year later
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We all can get "burn out find what gives us joy in what we chose to do. It varies by person, and like said, seems like it can be a cycle.". We have to find our way. Back in '92 I bought an '85 Vette to drive 1100 mi trip to my HS reunion. It ran like striped *** ape especially around corners. Bought it to screw with my old buddies, got it from used car bud wholesale (he owned an original 68 hemi runner!).. I had been buying, selling, trading, restoring these old mopars sine '85. The Vette was nice, but I much more enjoyed my old Mopars, even just a 383 69 Runner or Bee more so.. I flipped the Vette, called it a earning experience and spent the $500 profit on parts for my old Mopars!!!
I have a buddy that has restored these mopars for decades, great bodyman and mechanic. Few years ago he got burned out, sold everything, and bought a new Challenger, Droves it the trip to work every day, and just picks up an occasional project to flip. He is happy.
One thing to think about, these old mopars are getting harder to find and more expensive. Yes it runs cycle, but finding suitable projects is not getting any easier?????
Chances are you need 1 dependable old Mopar to drive, 1 project to work on, and maybe 1 or 2 set aside for the future???
Like already suggested, take a break, work on just one car, let the others sit, and next Spring, see what your feelings are..
I have a buddy that has restored these mopars for decades, great bodyman and mechanic. Few years ago he got burned out, sold everything, and bought a new Challenger, Droves it the trip to work every day, and just picks up an occasional project to flip. He is happy.
One thing to think about, these old mopars are getting harder to find and more expensive. Yes it runs cycle, but finding suitable projects is not getting any easier?????
Chances are you need 1 dependable old Mopar to drive, 1 project to work on, and maybe 1 or 2 set aside for the future???
Like already suggested, take a break, work on just one car, let the others sit, and next Spring, see what your feelings are..
This^^^^!! Except I may change it up a little!! I would keep the best project car you have, the most solid body with the best pedigree!! Then sell all the other stuff with the goal in mind that you want one good car out of the lot, and make it your ideal car!! I'm currently shopping my best car around for a trade for my ideal car...a 1970 Roadrunner! I want it apples to apples in value and condition, even if I have to do things to it, I want it to run and drive!!
And that right there is the key!! You must come away with something nice that runs and drives!! Changing little things, and upgrades here and there, is a lot more enjoyable when you can jump back in it and beat on it when you're done!! Then you can take your time on your project car!!
chryslerfat
Well-Known Member
I have so many I will die and only be done with a few but they are mine and I will always be able to see them done in my mind. My son can take over from there.
I get tired of the constant expense to get a car solid ( rust free), get it drivable, not restored, me doing the work.........So I just figure the $$ I have each month I can spare for fresh plugs, exhaust, small new parts I just bought that went bad!!! you know.....
I have never in the last 30 years owned just ONE old mopar......maybe one that ran and others that were total projects, parts cars, trading cars, some were considered keepers....BUT bottom line was, afford what I do and do it because I love it. Otherwise it kills you financially and if you don't love it, then it is just a job that pays NOTHING!!!!
I have never in the last 30 years owned just ONE old mopar......maybe one that ran and others that were total projects, parts cars, trading cars, some were considered keepers....BUT bottom line was, afford what I do and do it because I love it. Otherwise it kills you financially and if you don't love it, then it is just a job that pays NOTHING!!!!
jeeper
Well-Known Member
This is long, but perhaps worth reading.....
I've been gone from board here so long I am sure I don't know any one other than a couple of folks here in Oregon and of course the always generous Rumblefish who hooked me up with some good parts way back when I was building my car.
However, I have one thing to say. THINK LONG AND HARD BEFORE YOU SELL!!!!!!
in 2009-ish gas was high, I nearly got nailed three times in 100 miles by LEO's with my 440 Dart and I panicked and traded the car literally overnight for a Jeep that I drove one time. I eventually made money on that, but the car I built was a perfect base to do what I wanted to do then, and still want to do.
Instant regret. Got discouraged, sold all cars and parts. I could fit all my mopar parts other than some truck stuff (I still have two Dodge trucks) into one hand literally for years. I played with my 4x4's, but I am a hot rodder at heart. Got an off brand car, built it a bit. still not right. This summer I just HAD TO HAVE a mopar. Bought one, bought a parts car this fall and just bought the actual car I will build the other night.
Here I am with a rough builder car, but a cool one, a rusty donor, and another decent donor car. A fair amount of work ahead, and I do like the work.
Reminiscing over, I lost close to ten years I could have been playing and it is going to cost me twice the price for arguably a lesser (although cooler) car when I am done.
One thing I noticed taking close to ten years off is that most of the cars are literally twice as much money for literally half the car you could get 9-10 years ago.
I've been gone from board here so long I am sure I don't know any one other than a couple of folks here in Oregon and of course the always generous Rumblefish who hooked me up with some good parts way back when I was building my car.
However, I have one thing to say. THINK LONG AND HARD BEFORE YOU SELL!!!!!!
in 2009-ish gas was high, I nearly got nailed three times in 100 miles by LEO's with my 440 Dart and I panicked and traded the car literally overnight for a Jeep that I drove one time. I eventually made money on that, but the car I built was a perfect base to do what I wanted to do then, and still want to do.
Instant regret. Got discouraged, sold all cars and parts. I could fit all my mopar parts other than some truck stuff (I still have two Dodge trucks) into one hand literally for years. I played with my 4x4's, but I am a hot rodder at heart. Got an off brand car, built it a bit. still not right. This summer I just HAD TO HAVE a mopar. Bought one, bought a parts car this fall and just bought the actual car I will build the other night.
Here I am with a rough builder car, but a cool one, a rusty donor, and another decent donor car. A fair amount of work ahead, and I do like the work.
Reminiscing over, I lost close to ten years I could have been playing and it is going to cost me twice the price for arguably a lesser (although cooler) car when I am done.
One thing I noticed taking close to ten years off is that most of the cars are literally twice as much money for literally half the car you could get 9-10 years ago.
I resparked my interest in finishing my 73 swinger today. I have the 340 on an engine test stand and I fired it up open exhaust. She sounds sweet and strong. I cant wait to get this in the car and see what it will do.
Back in Time
Well-Known Member
I started on my 64 Dart 4 years ago.Went gung ho on it for 2 years.Not much since then.I'm 68 years old and just don't have the energy or desire to go on.Soon as I get the new gas tank in it I'm selling it as a unfinished project car. Will lose some cash but at this point I don't care. Have been looking at a completely restored 65 Dart. At least I can spend the money and drive and enjoy it. At your age I would probably keep the most valuable car ...sell the rest and enjoy life..
SLOPAR72
Well-Known Member
You ain't the innovator of this problem OP...... I have seen it too much in my lifetime and that is specifically referencing the automotive hobby........ You boat is taking too much water. So in the grand scheme of things it's a first world problem and only you can decide what to do.
You could sell all of it and modernize. Or keep one that really flips your switch and fund the project by selling off the rest. Alot of people in this hobby end up like you and they just let it all rot because they feel overwhelmed.
I personally take the position of one thing at a time. You will get better results in the long run. And be careful about your dreamy fantasy early Musclecar. For some it fits but for others when they get a taste of new technology they easily look past the old iron. Your life but don't drown yourself in it and make a plan and go have some fun.... It sounds like you ain't having much in regards to your topic right now and ain't no time for that lol....
Good luck,
JW
You could sell all of it and modernize. Or keep one that really flips your switch and fund the project by selling off the rest. Alot of people in this hobby end up like you and they just let it all rot because they feel overwhelmed.
I personally take the position of one thing at a time. You will get better results in the long run. And be careful about your dreamy fantasy early Musclecar. For some it fits but for others when they get a taste of new technology they easily look past the old iron. Your life but don't drown yourself in it and make a plan and go have some fun.... It sounds like you ain't having much in regards to your topic right now and ain't no time for that lol....
Good luck,
JW
SOoooo true. I love my A bodies and the people associated with these generally unappreciated models, BUT I love 68-9 Roadrunners, SuperBees, I quit playing with them way back 15-18 years ago, when it got to where you could hardly find a decent one to restore (99% were not even decent parts cars), and when they esculated from costing $1200-1500 to 10-15 years later, $5000. And no I do not believe I can buy a $5000 Runner project now , restore it and I do all the work, and it would be worth $30,000! Way more of the same Runner will sell for $17000 than $30,000. TV cars sell for $30,000!!????? ha
In other words, if you sell off these projects now, I hate to think what $ and effort it will take to find such 10 years from now!??
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Master of the run on scentence.
Dang I understood everything I said!!! ha
Man, your only 32. I didn’t get my Duster till my low 50’s. Park them, work on them when you have time. If you have kids let them help. Go to some car shows to keep your interest up. So it turns into a 15 year project, big whoop. You’ll love the end result.
adriver
Blazing Apostle
I realize you live in the great white north and year round use may not be an option.
But you hit the nail on the head.
I'll sacrifice "speed" for "reliability" because.
No matter what people say, it is more fun to drive than work on it.
But, if you "restore" them right they don't break.
In other words like Chrysler made them, with a few possible changes.
My advice is to get an A body mechaniclly sound and have a everyday driver.
Then you can make a better decision.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
My car sat untouched for a year. I just got tired of it and I knew forcing myself to work on it would make it worse. Then a month ago I went with a friend to look at a brand new mustang and just like that my fever was back.
Selling a few cars to people who will enjoy them would not hurt though.
Selling a few cars to people who will enjoy them would not hurt though.
AJ/FormS
68 Formua-S fastback clone 367/A833/GVod/3.55s
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That was me in 1997 but at age 44.
And I didn't intend to spend 30Gs either, but it kept adding up and up and I finally threw the adder-upper away. I threw all the receipts in a box and to this day I have never totaled them up. And the hundreds of hours either. But in the end, she gave me 15 years of good-times and 125,000 miles.Maybe next year, I'll get back on her for a last hurrah.
Shaun65dart
Well-Known Member
I am 33 years old and on my first mopar with a 65 dart. I work for the city, wife is a teacher, have 2 kids, a dog. Bought a brand new 16' durango r/t with the 5.7 hemi last year. all the bells and whistles and super expensive. Oh well thats what the wife wanted. In my life i have owned about 30 cars, mostly old chevy/gmc and a few fords and Volkswagens. When I was younger ,they were so easy to get. Before the internet things were much cheaper. I just went about 2 years without owning anything old. I daily drive a TRD sport tacoma which i love. I have realized that as I get older, the responsibilities also go up. I found my 65 dart for 1000 bucks and it was a steal. Anything more and i couldnt have afforded it. I am thankful to have my car. I too though have thoughts of selling it and putting the cash down on a 2015 on up srt challenger. Part of the fun is the tinkering and self expression. My buddy has two mustangs. Hes 61 years old and has owned them since high school. I swear they can only drive a few miles at a time without something needing to be adjusted or fixed. High horsepower monsters. He loves it though. Getting to wrench all the time and enjoy being with his cars. He has a 2013 boss 302 mustang he spent around 65k on. Sits in the garage and that's about it. Doesnt want to put miles on it.
My advice would be to hold on to one of the cars and appreciate what you have
My advice would be to hold on to one of the cars and appreciate what you have
I have a daily driver 06 Kia, 84 Dodge Prospector 1/2 ton, and my 2 mopars (67 n 69 cuda). Lori and I just bought an 08 Rogue thinking it would be good for her as "backup" vehicle in snowy weather.
I like working on the cudas. The other ones....no! I work on them cuz I cant afford a mechanic to work on them. I have quickly learned the difference between "want to" and "have to". I am seriously considering a new 2017 truck and selling everything but the cudas.
I'm too old for this **** and im not even 50 yet
I like working on the cudas. The other ones....no! I work on them cuz I cant afford a mechanic to work on them. I have quickly learned the difference between "want to" and "have to". I am seriously considering a new 2017 truck and selling everything but the cudas.
I'm too old for this **** and im not even 50 yet
chryslerfat
Well-Known Member
Keep your cars. Get rid of wife and kids they are over rated. lol
Genetic. For many of us we are born with a passion. For some others, a car hobby is short lived. Then on to another hobby. Those were not born with that passion. Sometimes life gets in the way, BUT if we have a true passion it follows us all our lives. For some, it catches us later in life. I swear I have seen some people that were born with ability to rebuild and tune a carb! ( NOT me)... GENETIC ....not learned.
Passion for cars is like passion for horses. It is in the blood. Genetic. I am lucky or cursed??. I have passion for Mopars and Quarter Horses. NOT Chevys or Arabians. Some others have that passion for those.
I will own both till I either die or can not take care of them any loner. A passion. Maybe it is crazy maybe???
Passion for cars is like passion for horses. It is in the blood. Genetic. I am lucky or cursed??. I have passion for Mopars and Quarter Horses. NOT Chevys or Arabians. Some others have that passion for those.
I will own both till I either die or can not take care of them any loner. A passion. Maybe it is crazy maybe???
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