1968 Dodge Charger R/T Rejuvenation (not a full-on restoration)

[mikeynonos]

It was suggested that I start a build sheet here as some members may not be on Facebook to follow along with the build. Sorry, I have not posted this sooner, but I have been very busy with this build, and that of a 1965 Mustang as well. I have many photos to add, so please bear with me.

 

[mikeynonos]

The Charger, that has been sitting since 1990. It was in very rough shape to start with...

 

[mikeynonos]

More pre- photos...

 

[mikeynonos]

...and a few more.

 

[mikeynonos]

Here are the final pictures of the car before teardown.

144.jpg was the inside of the gas tank.

 

[mikeynonos]

Motor and interior removed (excluding dash) and the rest of the car stripped down and sent off for body and paint.

 

[mikeynonos]

While the Charger was getting the metal replaced, I moved forward with the engine rebuild. I tried to keep it very detailed and close to stock, but with a few minor upgrades. Here is the teardown...

 

[mikeynonos]

....

 

[mikeynonos]

Block and heads cleaned up, new freeze plugs installed, painted, and start of reassembly. I don't want to bore everyone with every detail, so I will just show some before and after pictures....

 

[mikeynonos]

Continued....

 

[mikeynonos]

....

 

[mikeynonos]

More assembly...

 

[mikeynonos]

Here are some pictures of the sheet metal replacement at the shop.

 

[mikeynonos]

....

 

[mikeynonos]

Frame & Floor repairs...(thankfully these were minor)

 

[mikeynonos]

Rear window corrosion & repair....

 

[mikeynonos]

Paint stripping...

 

[mikeynonos]

Metal sealing & adding some color...

 

[AR67GTX]

Damn - that’s quite a transformation. After seeing the before pictures I was going to suggest a tetanus booster before starting but whoever tackled that metal work was a real craftsman. Don't find those kind of shops everywhere. Nice engine rebuild too. Looks pretty much like a full restoration to me.

 

[mikeynonos]

Damn - that’s quite a transformation. After seeing the before pictures I was going to suggest a tetanus booster before starting but whoever tackled that metal work was a real craftsman. Don't find those kind of shops everywhere. Nice engine rebuild too. Looks pretty much like a full restoration to me.

I guess it is close, but not 100%. The owner of the car (original owner that ordered it) wants it to be a very nice driver as it will be used, not parked. To be honest, it could benefit from new trim and molding, vent windows (chrome pitting), etc, but they don't want to drop $100k to do it just to be afraid of driving it. All said and done, it will be finished for much less than that. The car is actually already painted, but I won't post the final pictures until after the owner has gotten the car back, hopefully within a month.