Checklist

1971 - 1974 CHRYSLER CHARGER E55

BODY & CHASSIS

Poor-quality accident repairs, rust and neglect can present problems even in cars that look superficially fine. Leaky windscreen seals are common, so lift the carpets to check for moisture or rusty floors. Replacement floor-pans are available, as are boot floors. Rust also lurks in the sills, sub-frame mounting points, firewall, door bottoms, window surrounds and turret. Inspect the front chassis rails for cracks – especially around the steering box mounting points. The heavy doors can droop due to worn hinges but repair kits are available. A range of reproduction body parts and rust repair panels are available and with E55 values climbing there is no longer an excuse to avoid repairs.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Engines in these Chargers were renowned as being among the best small-capacity V8s on the US market. Oil leaks and timing chain noise are annoyances, usually not indicative of serious problems. Engine overhaul parts, including new forged crankshafts are available from several US suppliers. Complete engines are available but rebuilding the original V8 is preferable. Kits to rebuild the Carter Thermoquad carburettor used in VJ cost less than $50 and complete replacement carburettors are cheap too. Vibration when accelerating may be due to disintegrating engine mounts.

The Torqueflite 727 automatic is among the world’s more bombproof trannys and will start vibrating and thumping on down-shifts only when well past their rebuild date.

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

Chargers fitted with V8 engines will suffer from frontend `droop’ because the torsion bars are stressed by the bigger engines’ extra weight and literally lose their temper. Bars that aren’t totally flogged can be adjusted and heavyduty replacements are available from suppliers here and in the USA. Tyres that are chopped on the inner edges indicate general suspension wear but a full frontend rebuild will cost no more than $2000. New brake rotors, pads, shoes and drums are available and repairs are straightforward.

INTERIOR & ELECTRICS

Trim used in E55s is pretty tough but will need the skills of a professional trimmer if worn or torn. Some cars back when they were worth very little had their seats recovered using incorrect materials and that is going to impact on desirability now. Turned metal used on the dash and console isn’t unique to the E55 and won’t be hard to replace if missing or damaged. Check that the seats lock into position and the frames aren’t twisted. If the ignition key is difficult to turn, the barrel may be due for replacement and new parts aren’t available.