1969 Charger....what to do?

moparproject · Oct 16, 2014

Hello All,
Through some very sad circumstances I have found myself with a '69 Charger that needs a whole lot of love to bring it back from the dis-repair that it is in now. I know little to nothing, but to me the body looks to be in good shape. The interior is a mess and the engine....well I have know idea. Hope to pick some peoples brains about Classic as I research of what steps to take and if I can get this back to a respectable condition. I would like to keep it, but only time will tell.

Thanks,
Lance

iraqivet01 · Oct 16, 2014

Legendary interiors will give you an idea what it will cost to replace or redo your interior.

The Body, get an AMD catalog and it will give you an idea if your having to replace any metal.

the drive train, well that will vary with your mechanical skills and knowledge, or what a shop will charge to rebuild it.

It will help you establish your budge that will be needed on a few of the many things that you will be needing for your project.

Car Nut · Oct 17, 2014

aboard!

Xp29h · Oct 17, 2014

Welcome! Take your time! If you're like me, One of the biggest battles you'll have is I want it finished yesterday. Put that out of your mind! Time, money, available parts will dictate how and when you can get to things. I'm in for the long haul!

Lots of good guys around here with great info and resources! They're also here for that boost in the arm or kick in the butt when we need it:headbang:

As mentioned, AMD catalog, classic industries, search for 69 charger parts online and all kinds of places show up.

Good luck! We're here!

Hemi Rebel · Oct 17, 2014

Welcome to fbbo. I guess my first question is what skills do you possess to perform this task? You found your way here which indicates a higher level of intelligence. Bonus points for that. Post some pictures and let us see what you have

mr. b · Oct 17, 2014

welcome to FBBO yes post some pics lets see that charger

Budnicks · Oct 17, 2014

welcome to FBBO

eric383 · Oct 17, 2014

Welcome, pics would help.

moparproject · Oct 18, 2014

Hey, Thanks for some of the info so I can start looking into this car. Here are some pic's to show you what I'm starting with.

dieseldazzle · Oct 18, 2014

Dude you are lucky that thing is awesome and if its real....holy crap.....WELCOME!!

flypaper · Oct 18, 2014

it looks to have been sitting for a while
a good cleaning and detail would do wonders for that car
does it run?
you are way ahead of alot of others with a solid body..

kiwigtx · Oct 18, 2014

Welcome aboard the Funship FBBO :hello2:

First of all, give that cool Charger a good wash and see what you have to work with. Looks better than most barn finds I have ever seen. Keep us updated with progress. :icon_thumleft:

Hemi Rebel · Oct 18, 2014

That a a good start for sure. Some missing pieces. But not hateful. Looks dirty more than anything else. Never really got an answer to your skill level. Are you a car person or just someone who never had an interest that inherited a car? I'd its the latter the first thing you need to know is what you have. Dont let anyone talk you out of it. A 69 charger R/T is a highly sought after mopar. Its worth some bucks.

Dennis H · Oct 18, 2014

dieseldazzle said:
Dude you are lucky that thing is awesome and if its real....holy crap.....WELCOME!!

Same here. Beautiful car. I just want to pull it out and rinse it off. Looks complete and unmolested under the hood and it has more trunk floor than mine. Sweet. Don't be quick to sell.

eldubb440 · Oct 18, 2014

awesome car.........

moparproject · Oct 19, 2014

Thanks!!! It's real alright....This was my oldest brothers car who passed before his time and has been sitting in his barn/shed/garage for a little while now. As far as my skills....well I'm pretty handy and use to do car audio installs for years. I am however not anything near a mechanic. I can do basics and not afraid to get my hands dirty.

I guess my first real question is how much might this be worth as it sits? The reason I ask is I have two other brothers and we are all equal owners of the car at this point. I gathered from the VIN # that it should be a 383 stock. I don't know if it's the original or not, I don't think it is. I tried to start it and it cranked, but would not turn over. A little carb spray and it kicked over, but must of been just the fumes. I might guess fuel pump, old gas or ???.

The other big question is how do you tell if it's a real R/T or if someone just badged it as such? I have no reason to think that is the case, but I figure it's a reasonable question.

I have more parts for it in a portable car port and the rear seat in the basement. I love the idea of this car for several reasons, but don't know if I will be able to keep it because of $$$ to fix it or having a place to store it yet.....Oh and the wife is not thrilled of the idea as I already have a toy that I haven't driven since kids.

Hemi Rebel · Oct 19, 2014

The vin will tell you if its real or not. Xs or xp? Whats it start with? Real r/t is 440 standard with hemi optional.

- - - Updated - - -

Before you try and start it again make sure it has oil. Or better yet change it. Check coolant too

- - - Updated - - -

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/vin-decoder.html

69roadr · Oct 19, 2014

from the pics, car looks very solid and complete. i would get someone that knows how to bring a forgotten car back to life. get all your parts together, and i mean all. do an inventory, and then vac/blow the crap otta that thing and give it a good wash. put parts back on, then put it on the market.
btw, welcome to the wonderful world of MOPARS! please keep us updated.

moparproject · Oct 19, 2014

I will have to check the VIN again as I can't find where I wrote it down, but From what you said it sounds as if it has been re-badged. From memory the engine type noted on the VIN was a 383, I can't recall what the starting letters are.

I do recall the engine code being an "L" and for '69 it looks as if that could be a 440. How do I tell by looking at the engine if it is a 383 or 440 or something else?

Xp29h · Oct 20, 2014

There is a flat pad right by distributor. You may have to clean it of to read numbers and info. But should be right there. Also, look at the block casting numbers.

Good luck! Nice car and a great starting point if you can do it.

Mopar Engine Casting Numbers 1959-1978
Casting Number CID Year Type Remarks
2202843 170 1960-64 G
2463230 170 1965 G
2463395 170 - G
2264478 170 - G
2205630 170 - G
2463430 225 1966 RG
2806830 225 1968-70 RG Includes 198
3462605 225 1975 RG
2951694 225 - RG
2202857 225 - RG
2205528 225 - RG
2465330 273 1964-66 LA
2806030 273 1966-69 LA
2463252 273 - LA
2536130 273 1965-69 LA
2806130 273 1966-69 LA
2264230 318 1960-66 A Polysphere
2468230 318 - A Polysphere
2532630 318 - A Polysphere
2466090 318 1967-74 LA
2806030 318 1966-69 LA
2806030 318 1967-74 LA
2536030 318 1967-75 LA
2566080 318 - LA
4104230 318 - LA Race - Painted Orange
2780930 340 1968-73 LA Except T/A & AAR
3577130TA 340 - 6 bbl 1970 LA T/A & AAR
1944929 350 1958
3418496 360 1971-74 LA
3870230 360 1975-78 LA
4179930 360 1975-1993 LA
1737629 361 1961-64 B
2120329 361 1958-66 B
2120429 361 - B
2128854 361 1964 B
2205712 361 1958-66 B
1945429 361 1965 B
2658930 361 1965 B
2120229 361 - B Industrial
1852029 413 1959-62 RB Max Perf. & Truck
2120529 413 1959-65 RB
2205697 413 1959-65 RB Passenger Car
2468030 413 - RB
2658836 413 - RB Industrial
2205697 426 1964 RB Passenger Car
2406730 426 1963-65 RB Wedge & Max Perf.
1852029 426 1962-65 RB Wedge
2468030 426 - RB Wedge
2440873 426 - RB Wedge
2532230 426 1964-66 RB Wedge & Max Perf.
2658836 426 - RB Industrial
1851729 383 1959-64 B
2128854 383 1964 B
2532130 383 1965 B
2120329 383 1959-60 RB Golden Lion
2899830 383 1970 B
2568130 383 1959-71 B
2468330 426 1964-71 RB Hemi Head
2536430 440 1966-72 RB
2658836 426 - RB Industrial
3614230 400 1971-72 B
3698630 400 1973-78 B
4006530 400 1976-78 B
3698830 440 1973-78 RB
4006530 400 1976-78 B
4006630 440 1978 RB

1969 Charger....what to do?

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