Looking for input on a 1974 Challenger RT. Can you please look it over and give me some advice? This will be my first Challenger and I don't have any experience with this make of car. Just joined the forum to get a start on my homework. I would like to come in low so I can see if I like the car. My experience is you don't really know until you own. I am willing because the Challenger has the look I like which is important. I understand the basics of needing the front turn signals, speedo, etc. The beautiful model aside, the car needs a hard look by a sharp MOPAR eye to start. The car is for sale on MuscleCarsforsaleInc.com. Thanks in advance.
Welcome to the best E Body website in the WORLD :grouphug:
Do you mean this car ?
https://www.musclecarsforsaleinc.com/used-vehicle-1974-dodge-challenger-r-t-c-12826.htm
A few custom touches that are not correct for an OE type resto, but otherwise it looks like a pretty clean fun driver that priced right :alan2cents:
Yes, that is the car. I looked at the engine numbers and I was concerned about the last two numbers reversed not matching the VIN. Is that ok?
Looks like there's a scrape in the drivers side door.
But the price seems reasonable.
Hopefully you were referring to the passenger door. I was thinking a ding master would be able to press it out. I will have to get a closer look during the inspection. I am trying to get as many tips prior to personal inspection. Thanks for the heads up about the door.
Just for the record, there was no 74 Challenger R/T. The stripes and spoiler are 71.
That cleared things up. Thats why it is at a low price point. I have a lot to learn. I did not decode it correctly. Mopars are a whole other animal. Thanks again.
A 1974 "L'' code 360 Challenger is likely rarer than most Challenger R/T's. :alan2cents:
Are you looking for an investment car or a fun driver ?
As I said earlier, there's a million little things on this car that are not correct from an OE restored standpoint, but it looks like a fun little cruiser that is reasonably priced.
Quote from: EddieM on December 31, 2020, 07:16:09 PM
Hopefully you were referring to the passenger door. I was thinking a ding master would be able to press it out. I will have to get a closer look during the inspection. I am trying to get as many tips prior to personal inspection. Thanks for the heads up about the door.
I guess I was distracted by the model posing by the drivers side. Scamp on the drivers door, scrape on the passenger door. :drunk:
As mentioned the stripes and badges are incorrect as the R/T option ended after '71. 72-74 the high performance option was the "rally". The 360 is actually a rare engine to see in a Challenger or 'cuda, '74 only and they discontinued E production early in '74.
Not an R/T. Very rare car though and at that price the non original additions are not a deal breaker. If you look at the car take a magnet with you and check for bondo particularily in the lower rear quarters, note the rear valance fit. Again I would expect issues at that price but just be aware of it is all. I've had E-bodies for over 40 years and I would consider buying this one so don't give up on it if you like it but check it out in person and carefully.
Price is fair. I'd be cautious about it being a cosmetic only restoration. I wouldn't call anything built in '74 investment grade, even with lower production numbers than other years. As a driver, it is probably decent. Things I noticed:
A plastic dash cap has been installed and then covered with a cloth dash cover. Original dash is probably a crumbling mess underneath.
Some crustiness up above resonator hangers. Probably not unusual for a FL car, but I'd be concerned this crustiness is also in the lower quarters and trunk extensions. The entire undercarriage being painted black to hide this crust would be a concern.
Air shocks. While not inflated, these could have been at some time and have hammered the crossmember.
Dyslexic VIN on the block is odd. I suppose its possible they actually found a date code correct with a reversed vin, but odds seem very high against that happening.
I'd look closer at the bottom of the bulge that holds the wiper motor. The bottom of these rust out and can also create holes on the inside fo the firewall. Also look under the package tray in the trunk to see if any rust is there from the window channel and vinyl top trim..
Quote from: HP2 on January 01, 2021, 09:06:20 AM
Dyslexic VIN on the block is odd. I suppose its possible they actually found a date code correct with a reversed vin, but odds seem very high against that happening.
I'm very suspicious that that's not the original motor. Someone put a later 360 or a warranty motor in it, stamped the number on the pad and screwed it up.
Just a thought.
At this price point, who cares really ?
There's been documented cases where the factory messed up stamping VIN tags, so I'd guess it's possible someone on the line could have messed up stamping the block. It would be interesting to look at the stamp on the trans to see if it matches the engine.
With a '74 being built as a semi clone instead of a OEM resto I'd be surprised if the people doing the work would go to the trouble of trying to fake stamping numbers on an engine.
Assuming it's got some mud and not too much, many do. Before I go have a look I would like to get an idea of the real money it worth. I know you guys know. I like it for a starter car but i am cautious because of first time buyer. Like I said earlier in the post I am looking for a fun car with a good look but my first Challenger may have to have to be a little more accurate depending on the money. She sure has a good look. Thank you for the information posted here and If I do decide to take a stab at it based on what is stated here about the real money I will post the buy. If not I will keep looking. I have liked the Challenger since childhood. I think it's time to own one.
Probably one of the last E-bodies ever made. April -74 build date....
Looks to be pretty stock . The starter / seatbelt interlock system appears to be still intact. WoW!
As stated previously L-code cars are pretty rare . I've only seen one thus far , and that was in Jan of 1980. Can't say the same about the blond in the purple dress . Think Toyota Corolla : )
Pretty car!
I have a '73 Challenger Rallye 340 that I got in 1989. I should say, my Dad got for me, for my first car. I wanted a 440, my Dad felt I should have a 318, so a 340 wasn't too far of a compromise :no:
It too was advertised as an "R/T" in the ad when it was for sale. Way back then, before Al Gore invented the internet, :) , I had no idea that they only made R/T's in 70 and 71. I even called a local speed shop - Performance Centers of America - to ask what makes a car an R/T - they basically had no idea - said to look for R/T badges all over, etc. I ended up with it because it was a cool car, still is, but anyway -
Nowadays I really hate when people try to make these later year cars look like an R/T. Nothing against these cars, like I said, I still own one. They can stand on their own being what they are. IMO putting an R/T stripe on just looks dumb.
Had they left the front fender scoops and strobe stripes on, or even left the stripes off but kept just the scoops, this car would be :banana:
I don't get it...
But if you can get this car in the mid 20's you probably still would do just fine. It does still have a good 'look'.
Peel those R/T stripes & emblems off, and pick up a set of 72-74 fender louvers and strobe stripes, you'll have something for sure.
Welcome and great that you checked in with the team here.
Be sure to gather all of the check points already pointed out here along with confirming the motor and trans run out strong without smoke or hesitation. Check everywhere for RUST as this is the one item that will really set you back if you make a mistake here. Check the plastic T Shift handle as they often are cracked near the screw hole, plan to re-arch the leaf springs and replace those air shocks with new, non air shocks. As noted, that dash pad is a mess......... use it alone to negotiate $700.00 off the list price. Take it out on the freeway to make sure it handles and performs to your expectations. The R/T stripes and Hood are likely a plastic stencil which you can remove if desired. You could also ask here if there is a local Ebodies Team member whom could meet up with you to go over the car. Best!
Ps; And that beautiful model deserves a hard look as well!
Thats good stuff. Thanks guys.
Looks like an original AC car with AC removed. Non original steering wheel.
Just note upfront that the old cars don't drive like the new cars. Also better ownership experience if you love wrenching cars.
I don't mind working on cars. I have been doing it for years. I sold my 1967 427/390 NCRS. Nice car but can't use it like I wanted. My 1969 RSZ28 was a looker like this car but what a dog. My 350HP C2 ate it up. This car is a looker but to get it back in shape I am thinking it will take too much and I might be better looking for something a little more correct. Power does not mean too much to me anymore. If I want power I would buy new. Heck, my new Rebel might smoke the 1974 car. I don't know much about Challengers that why I am here. Honesty without assault. Typical Mopar guys. A true love for the brand. Thanks again to all that responded.
Quote from: 7212Mopar on January 02, 2021, 08:42:27 AM
Looks like an original AC car with AC removed. Non original steering wheel.
Agree the steering wheel is 70-71, a correct 72-74 wheel is easy enough to find. I don't see any evidence of this car ever having a/c though?
"As stated previously L-code cars are pretty rare . I've only seen one thus far , and that was in Jan of 1980." I don't know where you're located, but if you ever get to Ontario, :canada: get in touch, because I've got a triple black, 4 speed one, if you like that sort of thing. :cheers:
Quote from: EV2RTSE on January 02, 2021, 05:03:57 PM
Quote from: 7212Mopar on January 02, 2021, 08:42:27 AM
Looks like an original AC car with AC removed. Non original steering wheel.
Agree the steering wheel is 70-71, a correct 72-74 wheel is easy enough to find. I don't see any evidence of this car ever having a/c though?
Was looking at the double groove alternator pulley, 26" radiator. But you might be right as the firewall heater hoses are non AC location and no AC connections.
Would be interesting to see the fender tag on this yellow car, it was built very late according to the door sticker, 4-74.
How much was it? I never saw a price