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........................


I'd guess no less than 35k, probably closer to 45.

Edit: labor ranges from $120-170 an hour around me, depending on shop.

The hemi is what's throwing me off, I know what they cost to buy, but no idea on a rebuild, I assume it's considerably more than a 440.

Either way, awesome build and story, I've been following it from the beginning. Your mother in law(?) still doesn't know right?