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Operation: My new Hemi Charger 500, 5th one built of initial 6.

1969daytona

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Operation #4; well, the day has come.. My 4th 1969 Dodge Charger 500 is actually Charger 500 #5 built, one of the original pilot group of 6 designated for Press Release. Luckily she survives with her original 426 Hemi. As you can see from the fender tag, the VON is 925004.. 500 VON's always start 925xxx.. This car is 925004..
It has been told that 3 of the first were 4speeds and 1 auto known (mine).. Two unknown.. It is highly likely mine is this 500 in Bud Lindermann's road test on the new Dodge Charger 500..

<<< Road Test video

Want to give special thanks to Tom, previous owner for over 30+ years, Daniel Liebrandt for connecting us and Dave Points for his assistance on this trip. Kim Cook Hawkes, honey, guess I'll be in the garage if you're looking for me..

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So is there definitive proof that links this car to the “story”?........

So the original trans is gone?

Will this car actually get finished? IIRC you gave up on your SB due to paint and body cost........With the corners being filled in on this car do you have any idea just how solid the 500 is? From appearances it seems to be better than the bird rust wise but again with previous bodywork, you don’t know what you got till it’s stripped.....

Are you going to create a build thread here or is this a “splash” thread and we won’t see you again?
 
Congrats on the new acquisition. When are you going to start tearing into it & I too want to see a build thread on your car.
 
So is there definitive proof that links this car to the “story”?........

So the original trans is gone?

Will this car actually get finished? IIRC you gave up on your SB due to paint and body cost........With the corners being filled in on this car do you have any idea just how solid the 500 is? From appearances it seems to be better than the bird rust wise but again with previous bodywork, you don’t know what you got till it’s stripped.....

Are you going to create a build thread here or is this a “splash” thread and we won’t see you again?

Wow... I lot of positive reinforcement...…. but, to answer your questions...

1. There is no definitive proof. There were 6 press release cars built, for the most part it is thought that there were 3 manual and 3 autos with pairings sent to the West Coast, Detroit/Mid-West and the East Coast for there local magazines. There is one auto equipped with steelies and hupcaps, so that one isn't the video car. Mine remained in the Detroit it is thought and that's where Lindemann did his videos at a track up there. Of the 6 cars, 4 are known about by a friend of mine, actually the friend that turned me onto this car and with much appreciation by me to him. There are 3 manuals accounted for and one auto ( mine ).

2. So the original trans is gone?
Yes, the original tranny is long gone. An original 69 Hemi 727 came with the car, for whatever that's worth.

3. Will the car actually get finished?
That sounds like a challenge and one of disapproval since I "gave up" on the Superbird.. To set the record straight on the Superbird. There was an agreed price on the work and that's the way the business model of this particular person worked. One of the reasons I chose him. But when 90% of the money is paid and only 50% of the job is done and you seeing the writing on the wall, it is time to bail and start fresh. So, that's what I did....

4. With the corners being filled in on this car do you have any idea just how solid the 500 is?
That's the proverbial question when it comes to ANY paint and body work, even on unrestored survivors. That question will be answered when that time comes. But, based on what I see around the rear window plug, the interior floor pans, doors, front fenders and hood, the car is in pretty darn good shape. The complete trunk pan along with the trunk extensions will need to be replaced. Your typical Mopar goes through this anyways. I would suspect the bottom of the quarters are going to need attention and I'm not sure what the deal with the rear valance is yet. Could be rust or could be banged up sheetmetal.

Regarding me always over here... To each their own when it comes to their most frequented discussion board.
 
Congrats on the new acquisition. When are you going to start tearing into it & I too want to see a build thread on your car.

Wanted to wait a little, go through what I have with the car and assess it. I did sell my 70 Road Runner Monday, so that will finance the paint and body... The 426 Hemi is already rebuilt, so that will be a huge savings... I will strip to a shell and then go get estimates......
 
Troy, when I saw you put the 440 4 speed Charger 500 up for sale, I thought, what could you be looking to buy that is cooler than that car? Well Troy you have done it again! I'm looking forward to seeing it restored, and we will be looking for a recreation of the original road test video! Good luck with your new project.
 
Troy, when I saw you put the 440 4 speed Charger 500 up for sale, I thought, what could you be looking to buy that is cooler than that car? Well Troy you have done it again! I'm looking forward to seeing it restored, and we will be looking for a recreation of the original road test video! Good luck with your new project.

Thanks Pete for the words of encouragement..
Frankly, get tired of people so worried about me trading/buying/selling.. For me, it has always been a function and drive to go up the Mopar pedigree ladder. Everyone's ladder is different of course, this is mine. ( you had a very positive roll in this journey of mine ). I have had several very cool set of Charger 500's and as you noticed, this one is the coolest. Not sure I can top this one.. This is Charger 500 #5, but in all honesty, the first six were more than likely at Creative at the very same time and being converted at the same time. So, in essence, they were built at the same time. #6 may be just as important as #1

I dig your thoughts on the recreation of the original road test video.. mmmmmmm :thumbsup:
 
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Wanted to wait a little, go through what I have with the car and assess it. I did sell my 70 Road Runner Monday, so that will finance the paint and body... The 426 Hemi is already rebuilt, so that will be a huge savings... I will strip to a shell and then go get estimates......


Seeing the valve covers are on the wrong sides & the crusty water pump housing, I would question the engine build because you just don't know who did what properly.

The reason I say this is that over the winter, I pulled the 440 out of my 68 Charger (you know the one I bought) due to an internal balance issue. When I pulled the engine apart, I found a weeping freeze plug, leaking valve seals, non-roller timing chain & gears, a hardware store bolt and washer holding the chain gear onto the camshaft & a hardware store washer under the harmonic balancer bolt. The balance shop I brought the rotating assembly to did find that it was out of balance enough to notice (so they knew I wasn't nuts). The engine was rebuilt by a professional shop, but you just never know. Two grand later & it runs like a charm, plus it doesn't leak anymore.

I would imagine that you're going to pull the engine out, so you might as well take it apart and take a look inside. The worst it will cost you is a gasket set.
 
Wow... I lot of positive reinforcement...…. but, to answer your questions...

1. There is no definitive proof. There were 6 press release cars built, for the most part it is thought that there were 3 manual and 3 autos with pairings sent to the West Coast, Detroit/Mid-West and the East Coast for there local magazines. There is one auto equipped with steelies and hupcaps, so that one isn't the video car. Mine remained in the Detroit it is thought and that's where Lindemann did his videos at a track up there. Of the 6 cars, 4 are known about by a friend of mine, actually the friend that turned me onto this car and with much appreciation by me to him. There are 3 manuals accounted for and one auto ( mine ).

2. So the original trans is gone?
Yes, the original tranny is long gone. An original 69 Hemi 727 came with the car, for whatever that's worth.

3. Will the car actually get finished?
That sounds like a challenge and one of disapproval since I "gave up" on the Superbird.. To set the record straight on the Superbird. There was an agreed price on the work and that's the way the business model of this particular person worked. One of the reasons I chose him. But when 90% of the money is paid and only 50% of the job is done and you seeing the writing on the wall, it is time to bail and start fresh. So, that's what I did....

4. With the corners being filled in on this car do you have any idea just how solid the 500 is?
That's the proverbial question when it comes to ANY paint and body work, even on unrestored survivors. That question will be answered when that time comes. But, based on what I see around the rear window plug, the interior floor pans, doors, front fenders and hood, the car is in pretty darn good shape. The complete trunk pan along with the trunk extensions will need to be replaced. Your typical Mopar goes through this anyways. I would suspect the bottom of the quarters are going to need attention and I'm not sure what the deal with the rear valance is yet. Could be rust or could be banged up sheetmetal.

Regarding me always over here... To each their own when it comes to their most frequented discussion board.
When I deal with positive people here for the right reasons then positive responses apply.......that is the trend I see and of course is my opinion...

That aside and back to the car. Hopefully, the body is very solid and would deserve a “high” quality restoration it so deserves. Even if the story cannot be linked being a press car alone denotes a proper beautification. Hopefully, you can bring this to fruition.

Again, we have a build section here and you can keep us up to date on the progress.......But that would require you to actually be more active here and providing things in a build thread to benefit members here...versus look at what I got or I’m selling this, just saying...
 
Troy, people can say what they want about how you get your cars,but time and time again you manage to pull off amazing deals on amazing cars! Obviously your methods and drive to find the next amazing car have paid off not just this time,but every time. I wouldn't worry too much about what they think!
 
Cool car!
I was also wondering why you would be selling the T5 500.
Now I see why. I would have done the same thing.
 
It is highly likely mine is this 500 in Bud Lindermann's road test on the new Dodge Charger 500..
Nice looking 500....and it seems to be in pretty good condition.

I do doubt the claim about the car being the same as the one in the video...the one in this video seems to be Panther Pink FM3. Yours is clearly not, or ever has been that colour.

Looking forward to your build thread here. :)
 
kiwi, I think there's something off with the video. I remember seeing it before, and I remember it being a red car. I agree that it does look FM3 in the video above, but didn't that color first come out in '70?
 
Nice looking 500....and it seems to be in pretty good condition.

I do doubt the claim about the car being the same as the one in the video...the one in this video seems to be Panther Pink FM3. Yours is clearly not, or ever has been that colour.

Looking forward to your build thread here. :)

Bud states in the video it's a Cherry Red Charger. Don't know if "Cherry" would be the right description but it's Red none the less.
 
Nice looking 500....and it seems to be in pretty good condition.

I do doubt the claim about the car being the same as the one in the video...the one in this video seems to be Panther Pink FM3. Yours is clearly not, or ever has been that colour.

Looking forward to your build thread here. :)

All 6 of the press release cars were identical for the most part with the major exception of the drivetrain. Appears half were 4 speeds and the others autos. All were R4 Red, now, if a person back in the day called it cherry red, it is just their description. The quality of the videos back in 1969 were not like they are in today's digital world. All 6 were R4 Red, black C5X cloth/vinyl interior with console, am-fm and power windows.

Want to acknowledge my friend Danny who is the guru of 500's. He has taught me a lot concerning 500s...
 
When I deal with positive people here for the right reasons then positive responses apply.......that is the trend I see and of course is my opinion...

That aside and back to the car. Hopefully, the body is very solid and would deserve a “high” quality restoration it so deserves. Even if the story cannot be linked being a press car alone denotes a proper beautification. Hopefully, you can bring this to fruition.

Again, we have a build section here and you can keep us up to date on the progress.......But that would require you to actually be more active here and providing things in a build thread to benefit members here...versus look at what I got or I’m selling this, just saying...

Thanks for your opinion.. I appreciate the insight and the fact my presence, or the apparent lack there of, is noticed.... It is always nice to know one has an impact on society.

With that being said:

Regarding the "entitlement" of a high quality of restoration the car deserves, I'll do the best I can possibly do with the money in my back pocket without taking food off the table and cutting into my church tithing. Selling my 70 Road Runner is a first step in the right direction for funding-sake. I will be very particular in who I leave the car with. There is a couple of firms, but I have to weigh the cost and the ability to visit during the project ( 2 top firms are out of state, 1 in Iowa and the other in Indiana ). Luckily, I'll have one of the global gurus of Mopar restoration moving near me soon. There is also a shop near me that seems to be dedicated to quality workmanship and open to mentoring to Mopar-specific things. They did a great job recently on my friend's Superbird.

I will try to do a better job in balancing my time between this board and the other one I frequent without offending either demographic population.
 
Thanks for your opinion.. I appreciate the insight and the fact my presence, or the apparent lack there of, is noticed.... It is always nice to know one has an impact on society.

With that being said:

Regarding the "entitlement" of a high quality of restoration the car deserves, I'll do the best I can possibly do with the money in my back pocket without taking food off the table and cutting into my church tithing. Selling my 70 Road Runner is a first step in the right direction for funding-sake. I will be very particular in who I leave the car with. There is a couple of firms, but I have to weigh the cost and the ability to visit during the project ( 2 top firms are out of state, 1 in Iowa and the other in Indiana ). Luckily, I'll have one of the global gurus of Mopar restoration moving near me soon. There is also a shop near me that seems to be dedicated to quality workmanship and open to mentoring to Mopar-specific things. They did a great job recently on my friend's Superbird.

I will try to do a better job in balancing my time between this board and the other one I frequent without offending either demographic population.
Impact.....hmmmmm I was was thinking of another term “L”.......we will see how your change progresses......

So back to the car and moving forward.....Time to post some more detailed pics......that would be a good beginning for a build thread in our projects section here.......give it a try the guys here are phenomenal and very helpfull.......it sure would be nice to track the progress in this neat car....
 
I would be glad to restore this car. I have the matching numbers Turbo 400, aluminum twin turbo hemi and some date coded chromoly tubing.... oh wait... wrong thread....
 
Impact.....hmmmmm I was was thinking of another term “L”.......we will see how your change progresses......

So back to the car and moving forward.....Time to post some more detailed pics......that would be a good beginning for a build thread in our projects section here.......give it a try the guys here are phenomenal and very helpfull.......it sure would be nice to track the progress in this neat car....

Sure hope the "L" doesn't mean Loser, not that I have any recourse if it does. Discussion boards bring out brave souls too...…. You seem to want me to work on your timeline.. I'll post when I'm ready.. Hell, I've only had enough time to pull things out of the car and look over what I have let alone take a bunch of pictures..... Regarding the guys here, already know some of them, thanks..... from, dare I say, from another Boards and organizations... So, if you're done with the personal judgement on me then we can, as you say, focus on the car.... I'm glad I don't write personal judgements of you down in electronic form.. And regarding my personal "change" progresses, that'll be your call. Seems you're the only one passing judgement...…

Back to our regularly-scheduled programming...….

I'll take some pictures of the carbs... Luckily those are correct except I need to get a proper top plate for the rear carb, it doesn't have the choke mechanism.....
 
Sure hope the "L" doesn't mean Loser, not that I have any recourse if it does. Discussion boards bring out brave souls too...…. You seem to want me to work on your timeline.. I'll post when I'm ready.. Hell, I've only had enough time to pull things out of the car and look over what I have let alone take a bunch of pictures..... Regarding the guys here, already know some of them, thanks..... from, dare I say, from another Boards and organizations... So, if you're done with the personal judgement on me then we can, as you say, focus on the car.... I'm glad I don't write personal judgements of you down in electronic form.. And regarding my personal "change" progresses, that'll be your call. Seems you're the only one passing judgement...…

Back to our regularly-scheduled programming...….

I'll take some pictures of the carbs... Luckily those are correct except I need to get a proper top plate for the rear carb, it doesn't have the choke mechanism.....
Ding ding, a winner...lol.......Again people are entitled to their opinion based on accurate information......judge me, lol....ask me if I care? Lol

As far as timeline...we’ll thats in your control and no harm in asking for some pics....geez didn’t know it was that demanding.......same for suggesting doing a build thread........

I will keep an eye out if it happens and would love to see the progress....
 
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