Update - Bought a Demon project - WWYD?

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challengergary

challengergary

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I am currently Moparless (other than my '80 D150 daily driver/beater) and it is driving me nuts. So, even though it is really not in the budget, I am going to look at a 72 Demon this afternoon. Car has been on CL for about a month and a half. I initially contacted him a month ago and he seemed eager to sell it.

Here is the ad copy:

1972 Dodge Dart demon For Sale!!!!!! This is a restoration model and it needs to be put together. Currently has a slant six motor in it; however I also have a 318 bore out 30 over to go with it and the transmission too. This could be a fun car for someone. Don't hesitate to call 305-308-2771 for further information about this wonderful project car. If you need to see pictures just call and I will text or e-mail them to you. This car will not last $ 1,000.00. The wife says it goes or I go, so best offer is welcome!!!

He sent me some pics and it looks to have some of the usual rust issues but overall not too bad. No front seats and I don't know why the /6 does not run. He says the frame rails are in good shape.

Of course, I don''t plan on paying full price - may even offer for him to keep the 318 since I'd go either 5.9 Magnum, big block, or modern Hemi with it anyways if I keep it.

What do you guys think? Can I go wrong with this car if I get it for $750 or so? Was thinking maybe I should fix the rust, give it a nice paint job and maybe flip it so that I can get myself a better truck for myself and the family...
 

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Based on the condition of the floors, I doubt the frame rails are in very good shape. It looks like the rust is creeping all the way up behind the kick panel, which would make me believe there is some serious corrosion in and around the subframes in the front, as well as the rocker panels.

It really depends how good you are with body work. I paid $560 for my car and it was in better shape cosmetically- no drivetrain though. It was just a roller. Even as good as it looked, it cost me almost $4k in getting the exterior body work done- that doesn't include the floors and engine bay work I did myself. I would definitely consider the costs associated with replacing the rusty panels. They add up quickly.

Good luck either way. Maybe it looks better underneath then it does inside.
 
If that's the one in FL, it's been on several times over the last year, so no one is beating down the door to get to it. Looks like roof rust, too, from some of the other pics I've seen.
 
I am pretty good with body work, I just don't want to do frame rails. If they are in fact bad, I'll probably pass on the car unless I can get it for next to nothing.

Yes, it is the one in Florida. It's in Port Saint Lucie. I actually have to go up there on a delivery this afternoon, so the side trip will not even cost me anything.
 
Well, I am now the proud (?) owner of a 1972 Dodge Demon! Got it for $750. Will be picking it up in a week or two. It'll have to sit on the sidelines for a while. I am currently building a 69 RR for a customer, so that will take priority.
 
Thanks! Now I have to decide what to do with it LOL

That's the best part about buying a /6 car that doesn't run, it's a blank slate! Let's see...5.9 Magnum, maybe a big block, or a Gen 3 Hemi...Man, I wish my budget could keep up with my imagination!
 
Congrats Gary. That will be a great start.
 
Well.alllllright!

You bought a blank slate!

How do the rockers and frame look?
 
do u know anybody that will make a stripe kit for it lol
 
Since my budget is extremely tight, I figure I am going to see if I can get the /6 to run first. If I can, it will stay in for awhile. If not, it came with a 318 that has been freshly bored .030 over but is still in pieces and a 904 trans. I guess I'll slap that combo together and maybe get a better set of heads and bump up the cam a little to make it a "340 clone." Granted, if I go that route, I'll need to upgrade the rear end from the puny little 7-1/4 that's in it now.

Frame rails and rockers looked and sounded great. Looks like the wiper pivots leaked and caused the rain to get in and ruin the front floor boards. I see about 3-4 days worth of metal work before I can hit the bondo can...
 
Too bad your in Texas,I've a 360 4bbl that needs a good home.
 
Congrats Gary! Welcome back to the "I got a project but either no time, no money or no place" club. Our meetings are heavy on the planning :)

Grant
 
challengergary said:
Well, I am now the proud (?) owner of a 1972 Dodge Demon! Got it for $750. Will be picking it up in a week or two. It'll have to sit on the sidelines for a while. I am currently building a 69 RR for a customer, so that will take priority.
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Well Gary you know i live in the Ft Pierce and Pt Saint Lucie area, I had seen that car about a year ago and he thought he was going to get $2000.00 for it, boy was he wrong. I had noticed he dropped the price and i had left several messages with no responce recently. Any how good luck with it, I got 4 Demons right now and really didn't need another.

cya
 
blewbyu said:
Well Gary you know i live in the Ft Pierce and Pt Saint Lucie area, I had seen that car about a year ago and he thought he was going to get $2000.00 for it, boy was he wrong. I had noticed he dropped the price and i had left several messages with no responce recently. Any how good luck with it, I got 4 Demons right now and really didn't need another.

cya
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DANG, Darrell! How'd you end up with 4 Demons?!?! Thought you were an E-Body guy LOL! Got any spare parts?
 
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