1968 Dodge Charger Restoration Questions

Tommyb117 · Jan 23, 2019

have a few questions about my car. Can anyone provide a picture of where the trunk floor meets the rear valence? I need it for reference since my old trunk floor and valence were both non existent and there’s a small gap between the new panels. Another question is, should I weld up all the seams on the floor and the frame rail to the floor as well for more structural support and make it stronger than as it came factory? Any downsides to this? Another thing is, when I replace panels that have factory seam sealer between the two, how should I do this? Apply the seam sealer, clamp the panels in place, let it cure, and remove the sealer from the pre drilled spot welds and weld it together? I’m worried about water getting into the panel infront of the windshield (old one is off and new one is ready to be welded on). Also, factory seam sealer was between the tail panel and where it’s welded to. Also, I replaced the upper rear deck filler without thinking water will creep in so it’s already welded in place? I seen people just weld the seam shut, should I do this? Thank you all who responds!!

PurpleBeeper · Jan 24, 2019

a. Don't have a picture
b. I suggest you weld the floor seams & frame-to-floor as much as practical. Stiffer is better in my opinion.
c. I cannot think of any downside to doing this other than not as "original"
d. Seam Sealer --> weld all your panels first, then apply seam sealer & finally paint. You can buy seam sealer at body shop paint supply stores in caulking tubes.
e. windshield "cowl panel" --> these often leak internally. Weld it up as good as possible inside AND apply a good coat of seam sealer & paint inside before you weld on the cowl panel. Also, make sure the drain holes are clear of dirt/sand/etc.
f. tail/trunk --> yes, weld up as much as practical, cover with seam sealer & paint.
g. upper rear deck filler panel ("Dutchman" panel). Yes, weld the seam shut. The Dutchman panel typically rusts wherever water can sit (like along trim). You can spray some grease/rust protectant inside the upper/lower Dutchman panels before it's completely welded up if you like (long plastic extension tube).

91r/t · Jan 24, 2019

Tommyb117 said:
have a few questions about my car. Can anyone provide a picture of where the trunk floor meets the rear valence? I need it for reference since my old trunk floor and valence were both non existent and there’s a small gap between the new panels. Another question is, should I weld up all the seams on the floor and the frame rail to the floor as well for more structural support and make it stronger than as it came factory? Any downsides to this? Another thing is, when I replace panels that have factory seam sealer between the two, how should I do this? Apply the seam sealer, clamp the panels in place, let it cure, and remove the sealer from the pre drilled spot welds and weld it together? I’m worried about water getting into the panel infront of the windshield (old one is off and new one is ready to be welded on). Also, factory seam sealer was between the tail panel and where it’s welded to. Also, I replaced the upper rear deck filler without thinking water will creep in so it’s already welded in place? I seen people just weld the seam shut, should I do this? Thank you all who responds!!

I can snap a photo later tnite for you if you don't get one by then.

Don selleck · Jan 24, 2019

go to members restorations threads and read, thats what i did, and wished i have read more, there's alot of talented people here. very interesting on some of the ways things are done, will save you time and money, and help you from saying "damn i wished i would have done it that way".

gkeanef · Jan 24, 2019

Tommyb117 said:
have a few questions about my car. Can anyone provide a picture of where the trunk floor meets the rear valence? I need it for reference since my old trunk floor and valence were both non existent and there’s a small gap between the new panels. Another question is, should I weld up all the seams on the floor and the frame rail to the floor as well for more structural support and make it stronger than as it came factory? Any downsides to this? Another thing is, when I replace panels that have factory seam sealer between the two, how should I do this? Apply the seam sealer, clamp the panels in place, let it cure, and remove the sealer from the pre drilled spot welds and weld it together? I’m worried about water getting into the panel infront of the windshield (old one is off and new one is ready to be welded on). Also, factory seam sealer was between the tail panel and where it’s welded to. Also, I replaced the upper rear deck filler without thinking water will creep in so it’s already welded in place? I seen people just weld the seam shut, should I do this? Thank you all who responds!!

Tommyb117 · Jan 24, 2019

Thank you all who responded. You’ve been extremely helpful and thanks again!

1968 Dodge Charger Restoration Questions

Tommyb117

Member

PurpleBeeper

Well-Known Member

91r/t

FBBO Gold Member

Don selleck

FBBO Gold Member

gkeanef

Member

Tommyb117

Member

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