A couple of us are working on getting this 73 ready for a sprayed Rustoleum flat black paint job as covered in this months Hot Rod magazine, and I ended up flaming it instead.
As a rule, I never keep gas in the house, always in a small outbuilding. I broke that rule yesterday and paid for it with a smoked up garage, and burned up patio roof, some smoke damage in the house due to windows that were opened, and 2nd degree burns on my arms and face. Thanks to a few quick actions and the Army Ranger and his pals next door, the damage is way less than it could have been. We actually managed to have the fire out by the time the Fire Department got there, and nobody else got hurt.
The 73 will be fine, the C500 is undamaged (my spouse told me she thought I'd go down with it), and I was considering tearing down the patio roof anyway. Lessons learned: No gas in the garage, and don't use plastic/fiberglass panels for your patio roof. The stuff burns like a fuse.
STARTING ON PAGE 2, THE REST OF THIS THREAD IS THE REBUILD OF THIS 73 CHARGER, Including body work, inexpensive garage-laid Rustoleum paint job, conversion from 360 to 440, and other miscellaneous upgrades on this driver Charger.
More...
Wow! You are very fortunate to have come out of that incident with only 2nd degree burns. Im glad the cars are ok but more importantly that you are ok.
Rick
Wow :o
Glad you made it ok!
Glad you're ok!
Care to tell us on how the fire actually started?
Loose spark from grinding or welding found the gas can?
How it probably started: Jacked up the back of the car to work on a quarter patch panel and gas leaked out the front of the unplugged fuel line. I heard and felt a "woosh" at the front of the car from where I was working in back. Ran to the front and there was a pond of fire about 6' diameter with gas can on fire in the edge of it. I ran through the puddle of fire, grabbed the can and threw it out the back door onto the patio. That's probably where I was burned, but definitely what saved the garage (at the expense of the patio roof).
The good thing is that everyone and everything else is ok, however the project cars will be sitting idle now for a while....
:eek2: Damn! :P Glad you fared as well as you did considering! what was the ignition source?.. :-\
Quote from: Brock Samson on July 04, 2011, 05:08:54 PM
:eek2: Damn! :P Glad you fared as well as you did considering!
:iagree: Damn man, sounds like you were lucky. Glad you're not hurt any more than you are!
Quotewhat was the ignition source?.
It was a cutting wheel being used to install a small quarter patch.
If it had just been the drip or whatever started the initial fire, everything would have been manageable. It was the 5 gallon gas can that I had in the garage that created the disaster. If the can had been out in the metal shed where it was supposed to be, I would have only a small mess and the 73 would be in primer next weekend.
I can see it now: For the next 40 years I will be hearing "Remember when you caught the house on fire......". Arg. :rotz: I'm going to have to be extra good for awhile.
:eek2: :rotz: :'(
500 ok and 73 not bad and no one hurt :cheers:
It has been on my list, maybe I should bump it up, store gas & liquid com-bustable away from family and rods. Good advise I would say (now I need to do it).
Good to hear that this wasn't as bad as it could have been. :o
Just a reminder to take inventory of what you own or you may not remember it until it's too late.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,81914.msg919358.html#msg919358
Can I pick that '73 up cheap?
I'll PM you if all these other deals I have lined up fall through. :lol:
Well, I really wanted a '74 but that will do if the others fall through... :2thumbs:
Quote from: TK73 on July 07, 2011, 10:41:12 PM
Well, I really wanted a '74 but that will do if the others fall through... :2thumbs:
heres a 74 http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2418074048.html :2thumbs: cheap.
Sorry to hear about the your fire, but glad to hear your okay. I almost had the same type of thing happen to me, but I was able to wash the gas out of the garage before something sparked it off. That was 5 years ago and I still think about how lucky I was to have avoided a fire. Hope the cars are not too badly damaged.
Grinding and welding ate two really good ways to burn your garage and house down.
I always keep a good fire extinguisher near by and scout the area before starting. I don't think I would have caught the unplugged gas line spilling out fluid.
My Uncle likes to smoke while he works so I'm always on high aleart when we have gas, thinner or flamable liquids near buy.
I'm glad to hear that your are (for the most part) unharmed and that you did not loose a major piece of your house.
Thanks for sharing, it will probably save someone's house.
-Steve
Hey mike, Glad to hear your "mostly" fire prof !! :flame: :flame: :flame: :2thumbs: :icon_smile_big:
PM sent.....Yeowch, hot stuff.... :flame:
QuoteI always keep a good fire extinguisher near by and scout the area before starting.
Yeah. Another good lesson: The fire extinguisher should be nearby likely fire sources (garage, kitchen, laundry), not IN them. I had a perfectly good fire extinguisher at the work bench with a pond of fire between me, and it. :brickwall:
Glad your safe and everything's fixable...i always kept a fire extinguisher in the car as well.
Whew, unlucky, glad to hear you're mostly ok, burns are terrible, hope they come right soon.
But at least it was confined to the patio and not the garage and house.
I had a fuel leak through a split hose after replacing twin 4bbls on my old flat bottom racing boat at home, found I had a lot of fuel in the bottom of the boat after the carb backfire set it going. Managed to smother it out by tearing off jersey and t shirt to use but was ready to just push it away from the house and stand clear.
Quite a frightening episode.
Always have had fire extinguishers in the garage, house, car and work vehicle since then.
An old neighbour of mine who actually was a fireman for a job had been canting off fuel from a car into a large tin bowl and was walking it around the side of the house when he went past the gas califont. The pilot light on it ignited the bowl and he was badly burnt on his arms and chest. His wife was an A+E nurse and came home off shift to find 2 trucks and an Ambo in their street only to find it was Jeremy her husband. He has come right but it is a reminder of how quick and dangerous a situation can escalate for the worse.
Well, I'm officially back in business.... cars are back in the refurbished garage and being worked on. I'm at 100%, but with a few new scars to lie about :eyes:
Mavecave #1 now has epoxy floors, new lighting, new steel cabinets, and properly grounded electrical system. Though I pretty much lost the summer, as well as this turned out, I might set fire to Mancave #2 next (not really).
The new shop looks great. :cheers:
Wow I totally missed this one when you first posted....glad everything worked out. :thumbs:
PS----didnt know you had a C500....or did I? :scratchchin:
yeah me too !! missed the first post !! yikes good everything is ok now :coolgleamA:
nice garage :yesnod:
great job :2thumbs: did the back porch get a new roof, or did it stay open?
Quotedid the back porch get a new roof, or did it stay open?
The porch is covered again, this time with a real roof with skylights. Its about 35x15, and we use it a lot all year long. It's like an outdoor extension of the house. I still need to add some lighting and do some finish work on it, but I'm saving that for later. I need to play with some toys for awhile!
QuotePS----didnt know you had a C500....or did I? scratchchin
Picked it up earlier this year:
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,77924.0.html
Im happy to see you got it all back together!!! sweet garage! :cheers:
I dont usually like to keep the gas cans in the garage either. I was working on a IH Low Boy Cub tractor one time when a fuel line come off and drained most of the tank of gas on the floor. Fumes were terrible. Had the garage all opened up. Just stopped and walked away and let it dry. Kansas wind took care of that fairly fast. Dumb shit can happen in a hurry. Heaters running or a spark from a electric motor or switch. Doesnt always have to be a cigarette or torch to light something up.
Todd
Still want that '73 :nana:
Glad everything in the garage is back to *Super Sano and I trust you'r gettin' the cars back to better than new Cond. but every time i see this threads title I'm thinkin this.. :shruggy: :scratchchin:
PHOTO WONT UPLOAD! :flame:
(*a 1969 Expression Kids)
As of last weekend
:yesnod:
:2thumbs: :cheers: Looking good!
Good to hear your man cave is completed and that 69' 500, wow!
:2thumbs: RallyeMike is on a roll !!
Quote from: TK73 on November 20, 2011, 12:15:58 AM
:2thumbs: RallyeMike is on a roll !!
Nice the garage looks great and so does the 73 good to see you man, hope you had a good time at our shop, and i hope Rm isnt telling people he was firebombed by terrorists.......again...........
Awesome dude! :cheers:
Quote from: HalfastJav on November 21, 2011, 06:01:28 AM
Quote from: TK73 on November 20, 2011, 12:15:58 AM
:2thumbs: RallyeMike is on a roll !!
Nice the garage looks great and so does the 73 good to see you man, hope you had a good time at our shop, and i hope Rm isnt telling people he was firebombed by terrorists.......again...........
HAHAHAAHAHA yeah, gotta watch out for those terrorists!!
Had a BLAST at the shop, gotta love hangin with the gearheads in a warm shop with cool projects and smokes...
Some tear down pics before the fire. Rusty fender missing most of the brace, and door hinge rebuild. Really a fairly solid car overall needing only a couple of fenders and 4 patch panels.
Laying semi-gloss Rustoleum for the stripe.... The rest of the car will be Rustoleum Flat Black.
Damn bugs :RantExplode: :lol:
Hint of what the final paint scheme will be .....
3x Black (Single Stage Enamel Gloss - Engine Bay, Flat Rustoluem - Body, Semi-Gloss Rustoleum - Stripe)
That is F-in COOL!! :METAL:
Oh yeah, DAMN :RantExplode: BUGS
Forgot what that car looks like with an engine in it...
Update:
This week was a bit of progress :2thumbs:
:2thumbs:
:2thumbs:
Wow. If you are looking for an inexpensive matt paint job, sprayed Rustoleum does the trick. The process was covered in the Aug 2011 Hot Rod where they sprayed a Camaro. We used Semi-gloss for the stripe and flat for the car. Cut the paint with Acetone 5:1 and spray away. It was only 50 degrees when most of this was shot. Paint gun was just a older cheapo HVLP with 1.4mm tip, right out of the box.
WOW! Amazing work guys! This is the first time I've seen the thread, terrible accident, glad you're on the mend.
Yo!! Ian, correct?
Health permitting the '73 will be down for Friday night cruise in the spring!!
Bring out the Charger!!
Another pic:
Quote from: TK73 on December 11, 2011, 09:37:44 PM
Yo!! Ian, correct?
Health permitting the '73 will be down for Friday night cruise in the spring!!
Bring out the Charger!!
Another pic:
Yo Chris! Sounds great, be nice to have more Chargers down there than Camaros! haha
Keep it up!
Hey Mon, she looks great! Mike is da man :yesnod: Wish i coulda made it down to see you guys but my girl is very ill. Dont forget to hustle up yer trim and i will get it dialed in as promised.
I actually got off my butt and put in that MSD dist, coil, wires, and box w/6,000 rev lim chip in for now. Also tossed on a new volt reg and starter solenoid, and i tell ya she fires right up and absolutely purrrs..... Far cry from the fried together points.
Now that the gear is installed and running sweet im gonna take it all apart and clean/paint.
The other part of this build aside from body and paint, is conversion from small block to 440 power. The 440 is assembed and ready to drop in using Schumaker mounts on the small block K-frame. The 440 will drop after about 2 weeks of cure time for the Rustoleum.
Quote from: RallyeMike on December 12, 2011, 04:00:32 PM
The other part of this build aside from body and paint, is conversion from small block to 440 power. The 440 is assembed and ready to drop in using Schumaker mounts on the small block K-frame. The 440 drop will start after about 2 weeks of cure time for the Rustoleum.
SWEET!! :drool5: :drool5:
I dig the stripes. Keep it up! :popcrn:
:2thumbs: :popcrn:
Looks good! But have fun with those mounts. Engine sits up alittle higher making headers a major pain in the ass.
Quotehave fun with those mounts. Engine sits up alittle higher making headers a major pain in the ass.
:brickwall:
I've always heard good things about Schumaker stuff. You have experienced this specific problem then? How much higher? Sure it was the mounts and not the headers?
Should I cut the mounts (Schumacher or K-member) down shorter, or what is the solution other than bashing the headers. We had already planned to do a full fit test expecting to set the engine at least twice to get good header fit....
Any hints appreciated!
Mine seemed to sit an inch high. I tried hooker super comps and I don't remember which other. The super comps fit, but baked a ministarter and boiled the power steering fluid in the steering sector. I gave up and went with hp manifolds instead. I got mine years ago, they may have fixed the issues? And it's a bitch to get the drivers side mount on since it will be a bolt going through a hole drilled in the k frame part of the mount.
QuoteMine seemed to sit an inch high. I tried hooker super comps and I don't remember which other. The super comps fit, but baked a ministarter and boiled the power steering fluid in the steering sector. I gave up and went with hp manifolds instead. I got mine years ago, they may have fixed the issues? And it's a bitch to get the drivers side mount on since it will be a bolt going through a hole drilled in the k frame part of the mount.
Wow. An inch is a lot to be off. That would definitely screw up the driveline angle. Have not even looked at the install instructions on the Schumacher conversion mounts yet...
This car will be using Hooker Comps which are a totally different install than the Supercomps. Will report back on how it all works out.
Will find out soon enough... gotta get out that 6lb zombie crusher sledge ya got... :smash:
Let me know if you would, as I am curious if they changed the design. I was able to correct the driveline angle using the angled shims on the perches, but its still not ideal. I actually acquired a factory big block k frame to install in my car over the winter.
I went to pick up the conversion kit at Shumachers place, he only mentioned a "notch" we have to do on the passenger side K-member for the kit to fit (instructions cover that too).
Never heard of any other issues but live and learn...
Headers are another story.
Do plan on a heat shield for the mini starter.
TK73 was picked up by the CIA for questioning, so I'm posting the latest update:
1. The 440. Std bore cast crank 78 block with mild mods including some minor head work, Eddy intake, improved oiling, double roller chain, and moderate cam.
2. Modification of small block K-mount to fit Schumacher Small v8 to B-RB conversion mounts. Drill a hole and cut the top tabs off.
3. The Schumacher mounts are very nice looking parts.
More updates:
4. 440 in the hole. Fits great with the new mounts and (appears) to sit where it should.
5. 440 Power. Orange looks good in a sea of black.
6. Still need to stab the trans. Torsion bars cross member wont allow the engine/trans combo to go in with the 7 qt pan, so the trans gets stabbed separately in this case. B&M flexplate allows running a non-balanced converter on the cast-crank engine.
Headers are Hooker Comps and required a lot of clearancing with this set up (more than usual). Typical issues I find are with the PS box, both collectors at the T-bars, and 2 right down tubes at the T-bars. In this case, there was additional interference with the steering column shaft and the left side of the engine bay sheetmetal. The tubes simply did not bend down soon enough. Always plan on about three engine drops to get it all right. Rattley headers are no fun. Using copper header gaskets for the first time on an install - we'll see how they work out.
And more yet.....
7. Used 727 stabbed and in place.
8. Side project - Refurbishing headlight buckets.
Exhausting work :icon_smile_big: :
9. A total of 13 bucks for chrome tips more than fits the budget. Much better than getting a 2nd mortgage to buy the repro slotted ones.
10. Summit Racing dual exhaust kit for turbo-style muffs and headers in a 73 B-body. The tube benders at Summit must be toking up at lunch because there was NO WAY these pipes fit this car. With some mixing and matching left to right, tossing one pipe, two new 2-1/2 couplers, and a couple sections of straight pipe that were laying around, it will work out. Also, the tailpipe assembly bend is too tall so you can't tuck the mufflers up as tight to the body as would be desired. It will be right when done, but not without some mods.
That's it for now.... ran out of welder wire mid-job :rotz:
WoW! Nice work, it looks great. :drool5:
coming along great. :2thumbs:
Looks great, keep the progress pics coming :2thumbs:
Nothing new here, but I'm lost. This is Chris' car right?
I'm digging the bad ass look you have going. What wheels are being used? One of our daughter's first soccer coaches has a new(er) Ram pickup that he's planning the flat black look.
I'm glad you're OK. These cars & houses are nothing but steel & wood with no meaning when it comes to us. Plant a tree or turn in a car to be crushed, nothing can be done to fix us when something bad occurs.
QuoteNothing new here, but I'm lost. This is Chris' car right?
Yup, this is Chris's, AKA TK73's car....... We have a bit of a barter deal going on: He helped me remodel my kitchen and expand my pole bldg shop amongst other things, and now I'm laboring on this project.
It's been a great trade off. I think I got the better half of the bargain..... :icon_smile_big:
QuoteWhat wheels are being used?
Existing wheels being kept. Just went back on:
well you do fantastic work, so we would have to flip a coin to see who got the best deal. love this build and paint combo.:2thumbs:
More progress on TK73's Charger:
1. Picked up more wire-feed wire and the 2-1/2" Summit dual exhaust went in this weekend.
2. Cleaning up wiring prior to re-install and modifications to extend wires for BB distributor and coil.
Also, converting the car to 71-72 style bumpers in order to lose the crusty bumper fillers and clean up the looks of the car. There were few extra holes in this one due to a trailer hitch, but the bumper is nice.... so we will fill the two extra holes with a couple of chrome bumper bolts.
One thing we didnt think about is that in order to fit the bumpers closer to the body, you need to use the shorter 71-72 filler neck on the fuel tank. It sure is handy having a parts shed full of stuff... didnt take long to come up with one.
More complete every week.....
Could you give a little more detail in how you pulled the back bumper in? I want to do this to my 73 as well. Thanks and keep up the great work :2thumbs:
QuoteCould you give a little more detail in how you pulled the back bumper in? I want to do this to my 73 as well.
Silva, its pretty basic if you round up the right parts.
1. You need the 2 black bumper support brackets from at 71-72 car (pictured above). They are narrower, and suck the bumper in closer to the body.
2. Strip out your 73 bumper and install the 71-72 brackets in lieu of the 73 brackets.
3. Remove the filler molding from the 73 bumpers.
4. Change your gas tank filler tube to the shorter 71-72 tube.
5. Bolt it all back in.
Where it can get hairy is if you choose to change your whole bumper to the 71-72 bumper. The bumperettes on a 71-72 vs 73-74 are at a different location. If you change the bumper to 71-72, the bumperettes wont align with the 73 valance holes. We used a 71-72 bumper and are just not installing any bumperettes at all. If you also change your 73 valance to 71-72, you can make it work and install the smaller 71-72 bumperettes.
The same goes for the front bumper. Use 71-72 brackets to suck it in. Alternatively, you can do some cutting on the mounting holes and a little mods to the frame and use the existing 73 brackets. It's easier to just find some 71-72 brackets to get the job done.
Thank you Mike, I was going to just modify the front bumper brackets to get it sucked in but looks like I will have to find the rear brackets from a 71-72 for the back. I plan on removing the front and rear bumperettes and filling in the holes on the rear valance.
Thanks again and keep up the great work on the 73!
I need to extend a HUGE THANKS to Mike for all the work he's doing :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
I've had some health issues which slowed me down from helping a lot... I mean the CIA had me out doing some "work"... :D
Car should be done SOON! :2thumbs:
Very cool. Can't wait to see it finished. :2thumbs:
Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning...
Taillight surrounds and grille inserts going semi-gloss black
Window trim went to a perfessional to shine up...
Sick of wire-wheeling brackets!! :brickwall:
I think there are twice as many to clean as were pulled off the car... maybe they reproduce?
:icon_smile_big:
:slap: Im takin em for my car :yesnod:
(http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/mikesofa/tkmedonnaparts/TKKKKK.jpg)
(http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/mikesofa/tkmedonnaparts/tkme013.jpg)
(http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/mikesofa/tkmedonnaparts/tkme011.jpg)
(http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/mikesofa/tkmedonnaparts/tkme005.jpg)
Just a slight set back on all our projects including your trim as an 8" diameter limb busted , took out the power line, ripped the meter and pole right off the shop. A nervous several hours until we found a power company crew down the street and begged for an emergency disconnect. Metal building arcing wires no fun. DAMN SNOW........ Not to mention a few hours later the neighbors were pulling into their driveway when the top of a 120 ft tree snapped and took out the power line and their car with them in it. What a night...........
(http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/mikesofa/winter2012/IMAG0105.jpg)
(http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/mikesofa/winter2012/IMAG01111.jpg)
(http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/mikesofa/winter2012/winter2012040.jpg)
(http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/mikesofa/winter2012/winter2012041.jpg)
:popcrn:
day later i lost my tooth and ended up with stiches wow half you were there too you must be good luck :2thumbs: :icon_smile_blackeye:
Test fitting grill after modifying headlight bucket due to recessed bumper...
Painting grill and buckets BLACK soon
Valance on!!
1/2 JAV... Will need help on shining up the bumpers!!
A lot of people are wondering what it takes to get rid of the bumper filler on a 73-74. Here's how we did the front:
1) To look like this.....
2) Slot the mounting holes on the bumper brackets quite a bit - all the way to the angle in the bracket in the front hole, and equally on the rear hole.
3) Take a wedge out of the front outboard sides of the frame to allow the angle of the bumper bracket to slide back as far as possible. Pic shows the frame cut, hammered, and welded back together.
4) If you don't take this wedge out of the frame, you'll struggle getting the bumper all the way back as far as you want it.
Or of course, you could always just use just use 71-72 bumper brackets........ but where's the fun in that?
As TK mentioned, the 73-74 headlight buckets work fine with the 73-74 grille using this approach. It helps to trim about 3/8" off the back of the rubber rubber surround that fits over the headlight.
Quote from: RallyeMike on January 30, 2012, 01:04:30 AM
Or of course, you could always just use just use 71-72 bumper brackets........ but where's the fun in that?
I thought the 71-72 brackets only worked for the rear bumper, and that slotting the front brackets was the only option. Has anyone else used 71-21 brackets for the front on a 73-74 to eliminate the filler?
QuoteQuote from: RallyeMike on Today at 12:04:30 AM
Or of course, you could always just use just use 71-72 bumper brackets........ but where's the fun in that?
I thought the 71-72 brackets only worked for the rear bumper, and that slotting the front brackets was the only option. Has anyone else used 71-21 brackets for the front on a 73-74 to eliminate the filler?
Thanks for pointing this out. I assumed that 71-72 brackets would work, but have not tried it myself. I have a full 72 bumper and brackets that I might try and measure and compare.
I don't think 71-2 brackets will work for the front
Great work! I'm envious of the work you can get done in a short time.
The front bumper is how it should of fit from the factory. It looks awesome! I will have to do this. How long is the slot that you cut? Is it right against the bolt? Great job guys. The car is looking great!
The slot in the front hole is cut all the way to the point where the bracket angels. The rear slot is cut the same length. The bolt is nearly all the way to the front of the slot.
Quote from: TK73 on January 15, 2012, 09:21:04 PM
Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning...
Taillight surrounds and grille inserts going semi-gloss black
Did you buy NOS tail light lenses or did you scrub those clean?
Quote from: Fitz73Chrgr on January 31, 2012, 10:01:34 AM
Quote from: TK73 on January 15, 2012, 09:21:04 PM
Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning...
Taillight surrounds and grille inserts going semi-gloss black
Did you buy NOS tail light lenses or did you scrub those clean?
Washed 'em with soap/water then soaked both sides in Meguires Supreme Shine. Sprayed a bunch on and left overnight. Wipe off the excess. Worked well for the side markers too with nasty pitting and spider cracks...
Thanks RallyeMike for letting us know how much to slot the holes on the brackets. I'm sure a lot of guys want to do this.
Taillights cleaned up REAL nice... sorry pic is bad...
RM made a wedge to reform headlight surrounds. Soak in warm water, stick wedge in and use heat gun to reform
tail lights look great, bumper fots tight. good job :2thumbs:
You should send that headlight form my way, when you're done with it. ;)
The lenses look GREAT! I will have to try that.
Quote from: SG1022 on February 05, 2012, 12:47:34 PM
You should send that headlight form my way, when you're done with it. ;)
The lenses look GREAT! I will have to try that.
Probably cost prohibitive to mail... Block of wood and a power saw, 15 minutes...
You said you're using Rustoleum flat black? How are you going to deal with moisture? Doesn't that paint tend to not really seal that well? I've never had good experience with it, although I never used a spray gun to lay it down...
Quote from: XXSpiralXX on February 06, 2012, 12:44:46 AM
You said you're using Rustoleum flat black? How are you going to deal with moisture? Doesn't that paint tend to not really seal that well? I've never had good experience with it, although I never used a spray gun to lay it down...
We'll find out. Seattle seems to be moist...
Quote from: TK73 on February 05, 2012, 02:33:41 PM
Quote from: SG1022 on February 05, 2012, 12:47:34 PM
You should send that headlight form my way, when you're done with it. ;)
The lenses look GREAT! I will have to try that.
Probably cost prohibitive to mail... Block of wood and a power saw, 15 minutes...
You would have to have at least one good one to model it off of, I'm not sure any of mine are straight enough :shruggy:
Quote from: TK73 on February 05, 2012, 02:33:41 PM
Quote from: SG1022 on February 05, 2012, 12:47:34 PM
You should send that headlight form my way, when you're done with it. ;)
The lenses look GREAT! I will have to try that.
Probably cost prohibitive to mail... Block of wood and a power saw, 15 minutes...
I was joking. I could make that easily. . . I hope. :smilielol:
Did you make two of them, and insert them into the moulding, and then the moulding into the grill housing while you formed it? Or will it hold it's shape outside of the grill while you mold it for the lights?
QuoteDid you make two of them, and insert them into the moulding, and then the moulding into the grill housing while you formed it? Or will it hold it's shape outside of the grill while you mold it for the lights?
Just one form - plastic was warmed in hot water, then stretched over the wood, then used a heat gun and stretched and formed some more. Then doused with cold water on the form.
The follow up story to this is....
After heating and forming it looked about 95% right. Checked fit, assembled with grille, tested grille on the car and it looked great.
Next morning come back into the garage and it's returned partially toward its previously warped shape. Its still much better than it was, so its getting bolted in.
Clearance issues? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Car is looking great TK73!!!!! Keep the updates coming!!!
Jason
The Hounds of Hell were unleashed today in Seattle!!
:fireangry:
Traction? We don't need no stinkin traction :D :D
(http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1606836236977&id=6e7c0d71e410c31b60ed1f86409dc88f&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.maniacworld.com%2fwe-dont-need-no-stinking-badges.jpg)
Looks really good! :cheers: :2thumbs: :drool5:
love it. the colors, the stance. just mean looking. great job :2thumbs:
wow looks great!
When can we see it in person?
June 5th?
BTW, that thing is dying for a "Bulge Hood" :icon_smile_big:
june 5th? whats goin on then? power tour? monster mopar is 8-10. you doin either of those?
That looks awesome TK! :2thumbs:
Quote from: triple_green on February 13, 2012, 02:40:54 PM
wow looks great!
When can we see it in person?
June 5th?
Most likely!! Usually don't enter the show but hang out...
Have a stock hood with T/A scoop going back on, will allow the air cleaner to go under the scoop.
Quote from: nvrbdn on February 13, 2012, 06:18:28 PM
june 5th? whats goin on then? power tour? monster mopar is 8-10. you doin either of those?
Seattle Mopars Unlimited show
http://moparsunlimited.com/b2/blog1.php
Quote from: General_01 on February 13, 2012, 06:22:23 PM
That looks awesome TK! :2thumbs:
Thanks!!
Did good on a VERY limited budget...
More details. The to do list is getting short!
QuoteBTW, that thing is dying for a "Bulge Hood" icon_smile_big
1) Bulge hood (with holes) :icon_smile_wink: Going on shortly. One of my least favorite jobs .... aligning without paint chips. Ugh.
2) Hood hinges installed tonight.
3) Neat idea and low budget: Refinish the silver trim around 71-74 B body gauges and dash grains using a Silver Sharpie. Looks just like the original flat silver finish.
4) Would have finished this job earlier if we had chosen to use an Orange Juice bottle for overflow.
nice job , mean looking 3 generation :yesnod: good stuff :2thumbs:
1) New glass
2) Cruisin town Saturday night
3) More
A few more things to do and new ones popping up, but almost there. Discovered that the gas tank now has a seem leak :brickwall:
Looks sweet! Right on guys. :2thumbs:
Always have gremlins pop up after a rebuild. Nature of the beast. Hope you only have a few of them. Car looks great. :2thumbs:
Awesome car! Always thought that scoop would look killer on a 3rd gen.
Awesome job. Great insight. If you told me what the plans initially were I prolly wouldn't have envisioned what it is now, which is a very nice lookin' hot rod.
Wonder what a set of black steelies' & chrome lug nuts would look like? Have a set of Specialties Wheels widened for the rear & pick up a set for the front from a junk yard. It'll look tits either way. :thumbs:
I have a set of 15x6s from a c-body that you could use for the fronts
Mark
Steelies would be cool, I'm on the "get it done cheap" plan...
Finishing up trim...
Spray Hammerite for the gray
Quote from: TK73 on February 20, 2012, 11:57:49 PM
Finishing up trim...
Spray Hammerite for the gray
Hmm, how does that compare to the original finish of those trim pieces? Does it have more coarse of a finish?
waiting for the same answer, but the hammerite does look good there.
Much more course and kinda shiny. Not a good substitute for the argent if going original. Works well for this project. :2thumbs:
This car is so badass!
I didn't know you guys were in the Seattle area. We will have to make plans to meet up, when my Charger is on the road! I'm down in the Portland area.
I take it you have plans to replace, or dye that interior?
South Seattle
Check Triple Greens post, he's trying to do a Charger event in July.
The Ridge Motorsports in Shelton WA is doing a KICKASS gathering in June, will post more details when I get the flyer scanned. Being organized by Tom at Rocket Restorations in Olympia
Interior is staying Honey Gold, grew on me after 12 years and I like it with the flat black. Most of the panels are in Excellent shape. Tore down headliner and dash has 2 cracks...
A little more progress:
1) Took out the leaking 73 tank and swapped in a used 72 tank from the parts shed, solving another problem: The old tank had a bad sender. We got fuel gauge now. Whoo-hoo! Couldnt see any difference between the 72 and 73 tanks. Also found upon removal that the old tank had no filter sock on the pickup and was nearly plugged solid. I guess the leaky tank turned out to be a positive thing :shruggy:
2) Lower window trim is now back on the car after years and years of sitting in a box. Really cool looking pieces. Since they had been pried off by the previous owner instead of unscrewing them (duh), we had to JB weld the attachment clips back to the bottoms. There just was not enough meat left to peen the buttons over the mounting tab holes and repair the clips.
3) Took the opportunity to replace the only bad window fuzzies on the car. Hopefully this will keep things dry and rust free for awhile. Yup, this car gets driven and enjoyed year-round.
MORE PICTURES!!!!11!!!11!1!!11!!!!
Beautiful resto. It has me pondering a hood scoop instead of the bulge hood like I planned. Great inspiration and more pics, please. :popcrn:
Another cruise to line out details
:2thumbs:
This went on tonight
:2thumbs:
Looks Great! :2thumbs: :coolgleamA: :cheers:
But now now some dumb "no it all" kid somewhere will see your car, and argue with others that Dodge made like a 100 rare Charger T/A's :lol:
i love this car. only 1 complaint, the rear drums need to be painted black. flat black. oh yea........ :yesnod:
Quote from: nvrbdn on March 05, 2012, 06:38:55 PM
i love this car. only 1 complaint, the rear drums need to be painted black. flat black. oh yea........ :yesnod:
Drums don't show through on those Turbines... otherwise would... :2thumbs:
Quote from: TruckDriver on March 05, 2012, 02:21:46 AM
Looks Great! :2thumbs: :coolgleamA: :cheers: :D
But now now some dumb "no it all" kid somewhere will see your car, and argue with others that Dodge made like a 100 rare Charger T/A's :lol:
Might just play that one up :D
oh, ok looked closer at them now. lol the fronts are black so i thought the drums were painted, but now that i look at the wheels i see that now :2thumbs:
Quote from: nvrbdn on March 05, 2012, 09:41:07 PM
oh, ok looked closer at them now. lol the fronts are black so i thought the drums were painted, but now that i look at the wheels i see that now :2thumbs:
Changed the fronts to a different type of Turbine, went 14x7. Did have the 15x8.5 all around but fronts rubbed the fenders...
well this build is one of my top pic 3rd gens. great build and paint scheme :cheers:
Quote from: nvrbdn on March 05, 2012, 09:47:38 PM
well this build is one of my top pic 3rd gens. great build and paint scheme :cheers:
Man, THANKS!!
Feels good to get near the end and drive a bit :2thumbs:
Last update from me. Done!
Re-gasketed the trans pan with a cork gasket. The rubber ones always leak on me. Installed a repro-fan shroud. With the 3-core radiator this thing is as cool as a cucumber.
Pics:
1) McGyvered up some kick down linkage. A combination of motorhome rod, small block bracketry, and a little welding.... worked perfect the fist time without any adjustment (never been so lucky).
2) Rear window was scratched and leaky. Pulled a good one from the parts stash and reinstalled with trim buffed up by Mr. Halfast.
3) Fly away! Last day at the workshop.
NIGHTRIDER!!!!!
Mr. TK enjoying a leisurely cruise. :D
(Note position of accellerometer)
Cool stuff Guys! Love the gloss and matt paint. Love the tucked bumpers! Nice work all around!
:2thumbs:
I remember that garage I think. Looks a lot better. :drool5:
Geez Chris...it's been a long time since i was on the site. What a post to come back to! A real lesson for all of us. I'm so glad that you weren't hurt worse. I hope the healing isn't too painiful. Good luck with the projects!
Quote from: RallyeMike on March 18, 2012, 02:01:31 PM
NIGHTRIDER!!!!!
Mr. TK enjoying a leisurely cruise. :D
(Note position of accellerometer)
:lol: So you're a Mad Max fan then :2thumbs: accelerometer in full scale deflection, probly much like yours would be in your Blue car :yesnod:
Apparently there was some company around buying up XA & XB coupes a few years ago and Max'ing them and shipping them to the States , not a bad idea
TK, I didn"t know your car looked so cool with the low budget paint job!
Some people can do amazing things with paint :2thumbs: :coolgleamA:
Quotelol So you're a Mad Max fan then 2thumbs accelerometer in full scale deflection, probly much like yours would be in your Blue car yesnod
Apparently there was some company around buying up XA & XB coupes a few years ago and Max'ing them and shipping them to the States , not a bad idea
Mad Max :2thumbs: Driving through dry-lands at maximum speed is kind of a thing with me :D
XA anXB coupes? Better start saving my pennies.
Quote from: Argos_Chargers on March 19, 2012, 02:23:55 PM
Geez Chris...it's been a long time since i was on the site. What a post to come back to! A real lesson for all of us. I'm so glad that you weren't hurt worse. I hope the healing isn't too painiful. Good luck with the projects!
Yo!!
Come on down for a show or two!! Got a Charger meet comin up
Quote from: CB on April 08, 2012, 04:27:40 AM
TK, I didn"t know your car looked so cool with the low budget paint job!
Some people can do amazing things with paint :2thumbs: :coolgleamA:
LOVIN IT!!
Stay tuned, another member is "BADASSING" his '73 as we speak!! Pics later
Quote from: RallyeMike on March 18, 2012, 02:01:31 PM
NIGHTRIDER!!!!!
Mr. TK enjoying a leisurely cruise. :D
(Note position of accellerometer)
:smilielol: :smilielol: :smilielol: Nice...
(& nice shelf for your hood too)
Quote(& nice shelf for your hood too)
Not all shelves are created equal. That one has depressions for holding tools too... Dont you hate it when your sockets roll off onto the floor?!
Weird.......... yet i want it........looks like your car could get over 20 grand compared to that one
http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/cto/2901185710.html
Quote from: RallyeMike on April 08, 2012, 10:36:49 AM
Quotelol So you're a Mad Max fan then 2thumbs accelerometer in full scale deflection, probly much like yours would be in your Blue car yesnod
Apparently there was some company around buying up XA & XB coupes a few years ago and Max'ing them and shipping them to the States , not a bad idea
Mad Max :2thumbs: Driving through dry-lands at maximum speed is kind of a thing with me :D
XA anXB coupes? Better start saving my pennies.
Ok, found it
http://www.madmaxcars.com/
and donor
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ford-xa-coupe-/261002182667?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3cc4f1400b
and lots of $$$, and there you have it :icon_smile_big:
Well, the tires have aged out on this car so I am putting some new Coopers on it, and it got me thinking.... we finished it up 10 years ago this month. Hard to believe that much time has passed.
The car has a few changes over the decade: I matched up the front wheels with the rears (Western Turbines 15x8-1/2), ditched the B&M shifter and converted it to a Slapstick console shift, added a 150 shot nitrous plate to the 440, installed a spare aluminum driveshaft, smashed the oil pan and replaced it, and just swapped the 3.55's out for 3.23's.
The Rustoleum paint job has held. I refresh it every once in awhile by wiping it down with WD40 on a soft cloth. This gets rid of water spots, evens out the color again, and generally brightens it up. WD40 does not seem to be working on me quite as well as the car: After 10 years definitely have more spots, an uneven color, and certainly am NOT brighter :shruggy:
Last cruize night:
Only knew that tall ass Chris from this forum & our Charger.com shows up there that triple green & that Rose guy organized.
Sucks we lost him too soon. I give him all sorts of shit over the Mustang he bought saying it had to be his GF or chick car.
RM, thanks for keeping his ideas alive. He and my bff that moved away from the NW thought alike.
That bitch looks better than ever!!!
Thanks for keeping someone you cared abouts vision alive!
F, hed be so proud!!!
Good to see you back here more regularly, 472.
I added nitrous on the car knowing that TK was looking over my shoulder with a devious grin. I drive it without caution like he made me promise (hence, one smashed oil pan :lol:). Otherwise, I've tried to preserve it as-is for the most part. The only CD in the car is Ministry. The glovebox still holds TK's glasses, smokes, and other things....including his box of stinky, hippy incense sticks ....but I would not have it any other way :angel:
What happened to TK?
Todd
Quote from: Todd Wilson on May 16, 2022, 07:00:05 AM
What happened to TK?
Todd
I, too, never got the story.
Little that I knew him, hed never tell us! He was the type that always joked around. RM was always by his side but never said much, prolly cause he knew better?
They were both over 6' so a person could be intimidated. I was initially, lol.
I conversed with him and triple green a bunch when we held the DC.com shows when the forum originated up there. He was definitely not like me!! I wear my emotions on my sleeve, smh.
Back then, all he did was make me realize we all have issues. I had a pile of them that put me in this chair.
Its so hard to see someone you care about struggling.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,95376.msg1094491.html#msg1094491
Here is one of TK's last posts. He didn't publicly talk about it much.... he just wanted things to be as normal as possible.
He departed Dec 1, 2012...only 47. There was a thread on his passing started by another of his friends, but I don't want to search for it.
Quote from: RallyeMike on May 19, 2022, 05:25:54 AM
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,95376.msg1094491.html#msg1094491
Here is one of TK's last posts. He didn't publicly talk about it much.... he just wanted things to be as normal as possible.
He departed Dec 1, 2012...only 47. There was a thread on his passing started by another of his friends, but I don't want to search for it.
I guess I forgot about that! After reading that thread again and the other thread link is in there.! Time flies on this forum! Lots of us have been around a long time! 20+ years for a lot of us! There's many who used to post a lot and have vanished over the years! Hope they are doing ok now!
Todd
Quote from: Todd Wilson on May 19, 2022, 06:57:01 AM
Quote from: RallyeMike on May 19, 2022, 05:25:54 AM
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,95376.msg1094491.html#msg1094491
Here is one of TK's last posts. He didn't publicly talk about it much.... he just wanted things to be as normal as possible.
He departed Dec 1, 2012...only 47. There was a thread on his passing started by another of his friends, but I don't want to search for it.
I guess I forgot about that! After reading that thread again and the other thread link is in there.! Time flies on this forum! Lots of us have been around a long time! 20+ years for a lot of us! There's many who used to post a lot and have vanished over the years! Hope they are doing ok now!
Todd
Troy actually flew out to Portland for our last DC.com show. He stayed at my crib.
Unfortunately the show was the smallest it'd been over the years.
I remember our first few years, cars were coming from all over, lol.
Todd, we been here forever. You were even before me. Do you remember the one year we pushed for 500 members before the end of the year? I was making dummy accounts left & right, lol.
I do remember talking to Chris about our health issues. Shortly after he bought his new Mustang.
Like moparsr2fast, Bob. If someone tells you they're not doing good, pay attention. Bob couldn't get the help he needed cause hospitals were full of c19 patients! Four days later he passed, smh!!!
I need to take a break on this treadmill powered Vista puter and look for pix from our dc.com shows.