We stripped the car down to just about bare metal, replaced the rear quarters with 3/4 skins. (That's the only thing that was available at that time.) It also got a new Trunk lid and driver door from a 69 charger supplied by Burt's Garage in Belchertown. (That's when you could find parts locally.)

After the car was stripped and all the "new" stuff was added, she was ready for a prime.

That's right about when I ran out of money. Well what did you expect? Look at that scrawny hippie kid. No Career, No money, no goals. Just a gray boat.

A year or so passed, and since I had a new occupation, I had some mula to sink into the gray battleship. Not much, but enough for a replacement for the second 318 in the car since 1970. The original motor was sadly thrown away and this second 318 (out of a 74 Challenger) was passing more oil than gas. It was time for a little upgrade. Without any hope of getting the original engine back, I decided from then on to make the car what I wanted it. Not what it was. It will never be a show car. So instead, it is the way I want it. We replaced the 318 with a 440 from a 71 Charger supplied by Burt's Garage. Now it had hardened valves and a steel crank. Handy when running unleaded. (no lead additives needed) I paid $250 for it and the 727. After adding a Mallery dual point distributor, a new Holly and custom bent 2 1/2" duals (with Super turbo's), She ran pretty good.

It's 1993 now and I'm married to a wonderful bride that let me use some (1/3) of our wedding money to finally finish my pride and joy. A three week trip to the local Maaco and Poof! She's Purple again. Maaco did a great job. They took their time and made the car as close to original as they could. The paint still looks good today.

Today, with 2 kids, she doesn't get as much attention as she used to, but slowly she is coming together. A lot of parts are available from Year One now. That makes it a little easier. It is an ongoing process that I don't think will ever stop. She just keeps getting better. Anyone got an AM/FM 1970 Charger radio?  :-)