1969 Race Dart w/ 426 Hemi- garaged for 45+ years

My build has had me researching and reading many other build threads, some have taken YEARS to complete. Since we have members here from around the country and other parts of the world, I thought it would be fun to hear your thoughts on the cost of a Restoration/Preservation like this. What do you think it would cost to bring it to a professional shop to complete?? Another question and I think I know the answer, would everything be completed so quickly................:thumbsup:

Here is a rough estimate of what it took to complete the project:

1-remove engine, transmission, steering column, and entire front suspension, reassemble suspension to make car "roller"

2-disassemble engine and inspect

3-rebuild engine complete, including machining cylinder heads for missing bolt holes and rocker stand interference

4-modify new carburetors for cross-ram, throttle shafts, bowls, jetting, and air bleed modifications

5-hand fabricate fuel lines like original Hemi style

6-make 2 trips to the dyno facility to set up, and breakdown the engine

7-replace torched-out transmission cross member, with new AMD donor.

8-replace torched factory transmission hump with new AMD part

9-fabricate and install floor reinforcement plates for bucket seats.

10-remove and install seat brackets previously installed upside down, and redrill proper bolt holes

11-clean blast and paint K member, weld reinforcements on lower control arm pivot

12-rebuild front suspension, replace bent LH upper control arm

13-fabricate and install all new brake headlines

14-install line lock and setup for flex hoses to master cylinder

Modify the "E" body radiator to fit, including adapter plates for the fan shroud

15-modify "440" alternator brackets to fit HEMI water pump housing

16-rewire engine bay, convert to 70 up dual field alternator

17-wire up trunk-mounted battery wiring

18-cut-out ladder bars welded solid to axle housing and bolted solid to chassis

19-run new fuel line

20-install MSD ignition system

21-recurve Mopar distributor

22-remove and install the engine 4 times to modify various areas for clearance

23-shorten one shift rod to the correct length

24-fabricate exhaust system to rear axle

25-replace rear axle yoke

26-remove and disassemble the steering column, shorten the tube, reweld, and paint. Reinstall column

27-Modify RBRE valve covers for clearance to rocker stands

28-modify Z bar transmission bracket to raise the Z bar

29-modify chassis side Z bar plate to line up Z bar


Let's hear your thoughts........................
What you have done is nothing short of amazing and it has been a blast watching all along.

I also just went through all of that and more on my build. With the exception of building the engine and trans, I've done all of the work myself. It took me 9 months from start to finish (completely stripped, gutted and put back together re-using only the body) to get it running and driving. 1 month later, I was in Vegas making passes. Only reason I was able to do this is because my kids are grown and I don't have a life.... lol

I can't wait to see your car finished! You have one badass car that needs to be driven and it sounds like that is your plan which makes me happy.

Bill