Where Do I Start?

[Poolshark314]

So my 73 Barracuda will be here tomorrow and I'm extremely glad that I joined this site because I have been reading and learning lots of valuable information! My question is, what kind of "issues" can I expect and what can I do to try to mitigate most of them to give me a reliable cruiser? This is not my first Mopar, but it is my first E-body, which I have wanted since I was a kid.

It is a 73 BH23 that started as a 318, and now has a late 70's replacement 440-4, 727, 8.75 with 3.91s.

Reading through a lot of the topics:

• it sounds like replacing the wiring harness or at least rewiring the alternator to the battery seems pretty important to do to increase reliability. I also plan on installing a dash cam, and possibly upgrading the stock radio with the Antique Auto Radio with bluetooth
• Keeping the motor cool also seems to be a common issue so most people go to a 26" radiator and add clutch fan?
• My car has discs up front which I believe to be stock for this model. I have driven a 70 BS23 that had drums all around and it was awful to stop. Are the original front discs sufficient or should I consider larger or rear disc conversion as well? I love the look of the 14" mags, so may not necessarily want to increase rotor size

Also, what do you guys keep in your cars? I figured I would keep the trunk decently packed with:

• Floor Jack. Mine doesn't have the original anymore so I figured an aluminum HF floor jack would suffice
• Socket Set
• Fire Extinguisher
• Battery jump pack

At the end of the day, I know I'm just going to have to drive it and find my own way, but I was curious about common issues and what I should do to minimize my risks.

Thanks in advance for the input and can't wait to start driving it!

[RUNCHARGER]

I always carry a fire extinguisher in the passenger compartment, Sockets, pliers, combo wrenches and a couple screwdrivers. I pack a spare ballast resister and a spare ecu as well.
I think you should just drive it at first, feel it out and drive a little farther away from home as you get comfortable with it.
I check over all the wiring, pull the bulkhead connectors, clean them and check for almost broken wires and bad connections. Stock disc brakes work fairly well as long as everything is in good shape. Worn suspension bushings, balljoints, tie rod ends are common on an old car that hasn't been maintained properly, shocks too and carry a spare fuel filter as well.

[YellowThumper]

Piece by piece. It will tell you what's next once you start putting miles on it.
Fuses and a puller.
Big on list is proper fire extinguisher.

[dodj]

440 with 3.91's? A spare set or rear tires...lol

[Poolshark314]

I always carry a fire extinguisher in the passenger compartment, Sockets, pliers, combo wrenches and a couple screwdrivers. I pack a spare ballast resister and a spare ecu as well.
I think you should just drive it at first, feel it out and drive a little farther away from home as you get comfortable with it.
I check over all the wiring, pull the bulkhead connectors, clean them and check for almost broken wires and bad connections. Stock disc brakes work fairly well as long as everything is in good shape. Worn suspension bushings, balljoints, tie rod ends are common on an old car that hasn't been maintained properly, shocks too and carry a spare fuel filter as well.

@RUNCHARGER Great info and good to know, i'll get the fuel filter, ballast resistor and ecu. By ecu, you mean the electronic ignition control module right?

[Poolshark314]

Piece by piece. It will tell you what's next once you start putting miles on it.
Fuses and a puller.
Big on list is proper fire extinguisher.

To be honest, hadn't even thought about a fire extinguisher until I saw another thread mention it. Again, this site is great for info!

[Poolshark314]

440 with 3.91's? A spare set or rear tires...lol

I have 1 lol, damn suregrip!

[blown motor]

Don't get too hung up on the wiring just yet. I have a 74 with original wiring. I drive the a lot ( by comparison to some) and have not had a wiring issue. Maybe tomorrow I'll eat my words but so far so good.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

My 70 is 99% original wiring.... bypass the ampmeter / do the voltmeter conversion. Make sure the terminal block has no surprises, repair as required. This is where most electric issues live........ 

[70 Challenger Lover]

The first thing I'd do is change the oil and filter and then take it for lots of short test drives to get used to it. Unless the previous owner was super meticulous, chances are there are a hundred little things that need attention. Take them one by one until they are all gone. Then start doing the upgrades. If you do the upgrades too fast, you will find yourself knee deep in work with a car that isn't drivable. Those projects turn into lengthy restorations.

I wouldn't even turn on the radio for the first couple thousand miles. Get used to the feel and all the sounds it makes. Then, when a problem develops, you will immediately pick up on it before it gets out of hand. After a few drives, start doing the maintenance stuff like greasing fittings, checking brakes, fluid flushing, steering components, alignment, etc.

[nsmall]

My 70 is 99% original wiring.... bypass the ampmeter / do the voltmeter conversion. Make sure the terminal block has no surprises, repair as required. This is where most electric issues live........

Have good insurance before you drive it and dont do burnouts on the first time out.   Make sure the grounds are good.  Make sure the tires are good.  Make sure the lug nuts are tight, better yet, make sure everything is tight and check all the fluids.

Lastly start a thread and show off your new ride.

[Topcat]

Piece by piece. It will tell you what's next once you start putting miles on it.
Fuses and a puller.
Big on list is proper fire extinguisher.

To be honest, hadn't even thought about a fire extinguisher until I saw another thread mention it. Again, this site is great for info!

I think that would be me. A month ago.
Fire extinguisher saved me, my car, and probably the house.

[Poolshark314]

Piece by piece. It will tell you what's next once you start putting miles on it.
Fuses and a puller.
Big on list is proper fire extinguisher.

To be honest, hadn't even thought about a fire extinguisher until I saw another thread mention it. Again, this site is great for info!

I think that would be me. A month ago.
Fire extinguisher saved me, my car, and probably the house.

Very glad to hear you are okay

[Mopar5]

If parking inside removing the ground cable  is a good idea.

[Poolshark314]

If parking inside removing the ground cable  is a good idea.

To reduce battery drain or for another reason? It will be in the garage, so I was going to hook up a NOCO charger to it