Well im looking for a Mopar Muscle car to restore and i need some ideas. What would be a good starter one?

 

I'd suggest something 68-69 just for simplicity. They are out there, normally at a higher price than the earlier or later cars, but they are easier to work on. Actually, the 67 & earlier are even easier to work on, but parts can start becoming a problem if you're working one of them. A-body, B Body, E-body would be good, but I'd stay away from the C-body simply because there aren't as many parts available for them yet. Get one you like, don't just settle, or you won't be satisfied and always wanting another,the one you didn't get when you settled.

 

it would all depend on your price range. A great starter car would be an A-body with a /6 or 318.

 

a bodies are dusters, darts, demons, b-bodies are road runners, super bees. e-bodies are cudas, challengers, and c bodies are new yorkers, newports. the a-bodies are at the bottom of the chaper end of the spectrum, then b, then e bodies being the high end. you can do an a-bosy from 67-74, and still be in an affordable start platform.

 

I agree that the A body is a good relatively inexpensive car to start on.

 

Lol... inexpensive is relative I guess. My first resto is a 73 Duster and I have over 15 grand into it already. Still have to do the body and paint. Been expensive...but has been enjoyable process 99% of the time. Glad my newest acquisition (70 RR ) won't require as much.

Marty

 

Im thinking about getting a 1972 Plymouth Road Runner. Good Choice?

 

72 rr is okay, if you like it thats all that matters. hell i got 66 fury and lots of ppl think its an ugly car.

 

2x on that
if you enjoy it, thats all that matters

 

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That would be a great choice! Ok I'm a bit biased. $#!+ years?? Maybe performance wise but that is easily fixed, can you say stroker, these cars look fast parked. Parts ate getting easier to fnd-amd finally came out with 1/4s. But mopar are not cheap.

 

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See if you can find a cheap Duster with maybe a 340 motor that needs a bit of work.
Seems a good place to start, at least you live in the right place to find one.

 

72 is the lowest production B Body Road Runner with only about 7,000 built. The split Cuda Style grill is pretty cool. Air grabber was an option, so not all 72 RRs have it. I have a 72 RR for Sale. Its a So.Calif. car arrow straight, good original paint and rust free. Check the cars for sale if interested.

 

i think a duster would be a great car. i like the lines, and with fat rear tires n nice paint they can look down right menacing.

 

My first Mopar was a 69 'Cuda fastback.Simple to work on,fairly easy to find parts for(all in who you know,thanks Billy,and Brian!!),and was really enjoyable project all the way around!Too bad the ex got it in the divorce!!!

 

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Just remember grasshopper MOpar and MOney start the same rather you start with a A B or E expect to spend lots rather it be on a motor or the body and so on and so on A bodys are getting harder and harder to come by each day so get somthing you like beacuse in the end NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY is put into the car if you dont LOVE it its pointless

 

For a good beginner car I would look for a couple of things. First is the initial price low enough that you can buy it and start working on it. And second is the car more or less complete. Chasing down trim and interior components is a pain in the but. If all the small trim and interior parts are in the car regardless of condition, it makes it easier to put together.

If you can get a 72 Road Runner fairly cheep I say do it. 72 Road Runner is a Muscle Car. As such it will be worth more when restored, or rebuilt. A 69 Dart or Cuda with a slant 6 is not a muscle car. Yeah you can swap the motor, trans, and rear axle with performance pieces and clone a muscle car. In many peoples eyes it is a muscle car, but if you ever need to sell it , the resale value will be lower. If you are not concerned with resale value than any 60s or 70s car you build will fit the bill.

I have a 68 Plymouth Satellite 2dr original 318 car. I have swapped in a built 383 and transmission, and other performance parts. The car in my eyes is a muscle car, but it will never be worth as much as an original 68 Road Runner or GTX even though they are essentially the same body.

 

being as you like the 72 RR, I would suggest a 71 or 72 Satalite maybe even a sebring, as they will be cheaper and are basically the same. You might want to start with a small block for the same reason. Once you get it squared away and drivable, you can always add the hood and eblems and grill and what not to make a clone. You will enjoy it and learn a lot. Call it one of twenty and enjoy.

 

Yep what he said,but BIG BLOCK!