Checklist

1973 - 1975 CHRYSLER VALIANT CHARGER

BODY & CHASSIS

Chargers demand close inspection by a panel-repair specialist before committing to buy. For many years these cars were worth very little and repairs performed just to prevent a rare model being written off have left some in shoddy condition. Floor pans, door skins and rust repair sections are being manufactured but good genuine panels are difficult to source. Rectifying a shoddy older restoration may involve the costly process of having panels hand-made so don’t spend too much on an imperfect car. Doors that must be lifted so they close properly will very likely need repairs to the hinge mounts.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The Hemi engine used in these Chargers has been long-regarded as Australia’s best sixcylinder power unit. Provided they haven’t been overheated so seriously that rings crack and the cylinder head warps, 300,000 kilometres is possible between rebuilds. Replacement heads are still available, with high-performance pistons and rings priced from around $1000 to several thousand dollars per set. Replacing the triple Webers and manifold will be near-impossible but the carburettors can be reconditioned. The Borg-Warner ‘single rail’ manual transmission was used in various local cars during the 1970s and replacements are available.

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

Charger suspension is basic but as CM versions would demonstrate it responds well to tweaking. Charger steering was more direct than in other Valiant models but at the price of some weird camber angles and being heavy at low speeds. Wear in the steering linkages or suspension can allow the car to squirm alarmingly when braking. Be cautious when testdriving a Charger as they are known for locking wheels without a lot of pedal pressure being applied. If the pedal feels hard or spongy start looking at the master cylinder and/or power booster. Neither are particularly expensive to replace.

INTERIOR & ELECTRICS

Charger seat frames were a weak point and there won’t be many in existence that haven’t needed welding at some time in their lives. Make sure the seats can be easily moved on their runners and the backs aren’t sitting at odd angles. The trim and fittings unless you find one of the megascarce 770s will be basic and not difficult for an automotive trimmer to rectify. Replacement dashboards and instruments appear sometimes on internet trading sites but are getting expensive. Replacing the distinctive R/T steering wheel if you can find one costs over $500.