Challenge project green lit!

Holy smokes I can't believe it my girl friend has green lit us doing a challenge project car! I was talking to her last night and explained about the challenge and all that it entailed and she thought it sounded cool and that we should do it!

I just about fell out of my chair when she made the suggestion. She did have one preference and that is that we build some sort of "cool old American car". Mind you this is the girl that as we have been driving around has said a ratted out 70 Camaro would make a fun project car and that a '72 Duster looked cool. So I think that is the direction we are going to go, try and find some variety of 70's muscle to buy on the cheap and build up for the challenge.

So I guess the hunt is about to begin for another project to build. I doubt we would have anything ready by next year but maybe by 2012 challenge? Next year might be possible if I can find something soon though. She is partial to Fords maybe I can find something that would work.

Mine is open to the idea, just isn't psyched about the money. I had to remind her that whatever we ended up challenging with would end up as a DD that we'd need anyways later, so she's now ok with it.

That explains the $2010 Challenge car.

Yeah she knows that whatever we build would be a DD eventually or replace the Olds as the toy. I of course had to get her okay considering we live together now and all. Besides she helps with the cars so its always good to get her okay on things like this.

I'm thinking something smaller with a V8 hmmm.

Ford falcon with 302 + T5 and mustang suspension bits.

Don't discount this year's event too quickly. There are always a plethora of unfinished projects popping up for sale. Both of my Challenge cars were projects that someone else started, wouldn't/couldn't finish and ended up selling them for a song. You add the labor to finish it up and sticky tires, and off to the Challenge you go.

Doing so would most likely whet your/her appetite for more ambitious builds in the future.

dyintorace wrote: ...............stuff................... Doing so would most likely whet your/her appetite for more ambitious builds in the future.

And would also stop her from never letting you build one again when your over ambitious first attempt never got done.

EvanB wrote: Ford falcon with 302 + T5 and mustang suspension bits.

I had thought of this a last gen Falcon or Maverick with a 302 and T5 (heck maybe even a Mustang II for funky factor). I might be able to dig one of those 3 out of someones yard around this town.

I'd really like to do a Falcon wagon with that drivetrain.....

I just saw a CL ad for a Duster near Charlotte, NC for $1100. They said it ran and had a 6-pack hood but didn't mention the drivetrain.
Edit: here is the ad...duster driver project toy

Oh man that Duster would be nice... now if I could find something like that on the west coast.

Oh man that Duster would be nice... now if I could find something like that on the west coast.

Hmmm though I did just find a 79 Trans Am out here...

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/1569156487.html

http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/1566983625.html

http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/1566336615.html

I actually was looking at a couple el caminos already. There is a black one up the street (like 2 doors down) that is for sale I'm trying to get hold of the guy to find out how much he wants.

hmmm then there is this that just popped up...

http://eastoregon.craigslist.org/cto/1570953988.html

Something to consider- do your best to compete this year. And have long term plans for a single car. One competition will tell you exactly where you need to alter the plans- the score you get will tell all.

It may be some of speed, handling, AND looks, but you can at least see where you are the most deficiant.

When I read the results, I see far too many one-and done cars- most cars can be developed into a competetive car, if you so desire. The MOST time is dedicated to the first build.

Oh, for time reference, we did the turbo Spider from September to Feb (the 2002 challenge was in Feb). There's plenty of time, given a proper KISS project.

Eric

Well money and time are major factors this year so I seriously doubt we would be able to get a car ready to go this year. Earliest would be next year that we could come.

All the tips are greatly appreciated guys. This is going to be a big project for us as we may end up driving the car down from Oregon, though that might just be asking for trouble.

Dart Swinger with turbos hung off of whatever came stock under the hood plus swap meet suspension bits?

I have seen a picture before, but cant find one now so bear with me..

take a mustang II, cut off the roof, lower suspension cutting the fenders and repositioning the suspension pickups to accomidate a more modern sporting chance, make graphics package to look like a blue/white stripe shelby cobra....

profit?

EIther that or take a dodge dart and do a road warrior theme?