'66 Charger - Chicago Suburbs

[borkchop]

Hello,

My name is Brandon, and within the last few months, I purchased my first hot rod that I'll be working on - a 1966 Dodge Charger.

Based on the information I could find on the car, it was originally a 383bb with a 4-speed. Before I got my hands on it, the 383 was replaced with a 440. I believe the 440 is out of a '69 charger. With the 440, they also swapped the 4-speed for the 727 torqueflite trans.

I'm really excited about my project, and I've been lurking around the site here for a few weeks and I think that this is going to be a great source of info/opinions.

Here's a few pics I've got (sorry they're at night)

When I picked 'er up, I drove it about 2 miles to my buddies parents' house, then trailered it home from there.

Positives I've noted:
It's close to being a driver this summer (maybe not cosmetically)
The interior, minus the two front buckets, seems to be very good.
We had the headlights flip open and work when we were wiring it right to the battery.
The only main rust spots to be seen are right in front of both rear quarters and a small-ish spot between the trunk lid and the rear glass.
The dash clusters all seemed to be working and illuminated when I was on the road.


Hope you enjoy!

Brandon

 

[Archie340]

Looks like a great start :icon_super:

 

[borkchop]

Thanks, haha. Any advice where to go from here? I have a list, but it's not too prioritized.

 

[Car Nut]

aboard!

 

[Photon440]

Hi borkchop, welcome:wav:

Your car looks pretty solid in those pictures, good luck with fixing it up.

 

[ewolfe]

Good looking ride. Let the fun begin!

 

[Mogre]

Welcome. Nice Charger!

 

[74moparmaniac]

Glad to have you along:sSig_welcometoourcl Good luck on your project, I'm sure it will be worth the effort, when it's all said and done.

 

[Speedbird]

My first priority would be to see if there is a build sheet hidden in it.
Looks like who ever converted it also put an auto console in it.
If the 440 is a 69 that should be a forged crank.
If it is from a later 440 the chances are good it's a cast crank engine. You can tell by the thicker dampener on the cast crank engine.
Just things you may or may not know.
Great that you found such a good body in the land of salt.
For what it's worth, I think white is a good color for the car.

http://youtu.be/VhcDUuqhGg8

 

[eric383]

Welcome to FBBO. Get it ready so you can drive it this summer.

 

[Budnicks]

welcome to FBBO

good luck with the 66 Charger project

 

[Gpuller]

Welcome!
Good to hear that the headlights open when hooked to the battery. There is hope! Too bad someone swapped out the 4 spd. Looks like a good start.
I'd say get it safe and reliable and drive the wheels off of it. You can collect parts and money while still driving and having fun.

 

[super-bee_ski]

Hi Brandon,
Great car!
Wow a 383 with the 4-speed?
SWEET!

And you have a 440 in it now...cool!

Welcome aboard.
Thank you for joining the forum.

 

[snakeyes]

hi and welcome to the site ,nice looking Charger keep us updated on your build :headbang:

 

[borkchop]

That video clip was awesome! Need to look this up

 

[69a100]

What Burb ya from?

 

[borkchop]

What Burb ya from?

Lombard, you know it?

 

[69a100]

I grew up in Evanston.