1966 Charger restoration projects - before and after

[Rebellion]

At the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals this year (2023), I - for the first time - met some of the guys at the FBBO tent. It was cool, everyone was very welcoming.
Don Frelier and I spent some time talking first generation Chargers. Great guy!

I have an early '66 Charger, build date of January 3rd, 1966. I pulled the car out of a field many years ago. Originally this 383 powered car was painted Medium Blue (DD1), it presently wears a poorly applied white over a poorly applied black, as found. This Michigan car has lots of rust, bondo and issues...long way to go. Due to life's circumstances and finances, for years the most I could do for the car was the occasional parts purchase.

Finally, as of late, I have been able to start doing some restoration work. I am doing as much as I can myself.

After showing Don a few before and after pics at Carlisle, he suggested that I post some here. Sooooo....here we go.

Thanks for checking them out!

 

[Rebellion]

Front bumper brackets. I bought these used, years ago. The pieces on my Charger are shot.

Brackets have been disassembled, sandblasted, sanded and powder coated with careful attention regarding original finish sheen. Original fasteners are treated with RPM (Rust Prevention Magic).

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[Don Frelier]

Get ready to be amazed people!

 

[Rebellion]

Rear bumper brackets. Once again, I bought these used, years ago.

Brackets have been sandblasted, and powder coated. Pitted, but solid brackets. Original fasteners are treated with RPM (Rust Prevention Magic).

Note: As you can see, one bracket came with the corner reinforcement piece attached. That piece and another that I found were finish matched and powder coated as well.

 

[Rebellion]

Rear bumper license light assembly. The used rear bumper that I had purchased years ago came with everything still installed (back up lights, brackets, etc.). While most of these pieces were too far gone, I decided to attempt to restore the license light assembly. This piece was in rough shape and took some time. The plastic bulb dome/cover had been melted, requiring replacement.

My options were attempt this restoration or buy a re-pop, as the assembly on my car had been crushed, with nothing usable.

This light assembly has been disassembled, sandblasted, sanded and powder coated. Bulb dome/cover replaced. Fasteners are treated with RPM (Rust Prevention Magic).

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[Rebellion]

Front bumper license support. As I was stripping the front bumper of its parts in preparation for re-plating, I came upon this license plate support piece. I was about to throw it out, when I decided instead, to attempt a restoration. Just as a lark, I took out the body hammers/sandpaper and gave it a go...don't ask me why! I didn't really have any hopes here, just thought it would be good practice.

I spent WAY too much time here, but it came out well enough that I painted it in it's original satin black and reused it.

Black oxide screws are treated with RPM (Rust Prevention Magic).

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[twecomm]

Looking good.. Keep posting progress pix..

 

[Rebellion]

Bumpers

Plating by Tri-City.

 

[Rebellion]

Front fender headlight (fore) splash shields. I bought these used years ago. The pieces on my Charger are shot.

Shields have been sandblasted, sanded and powder coated with careful attention regarding original finish sheen. Repro masticated rubber pieces attached.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[moparedtn]

Get ready to be amazed people!

Boy, you ain't just whistlin' Dixie. VERY impressive so far!
Man, I just love it when someone gets into reviving one of these AND has the talent to do them justice!

 

[Rebellion]

Front fender rear (aft) splash shields. I bought these used years ago. The pieces on my Charger are shot.

Shields have been sandblasted, repaired, some metal fill, sanded and powder coated with careful attention regarding original finish sheen. Repro masticated and edge rubber pieces attached. Fasteners are treated with RPM (Rust Prevention Magic).

 

[Rebellion]

Wheel Lip Trim. Using body hammers and tools, these were hand straightened, then gradual sanding grades followed by buffing wheels.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[Don67Satellite]

Amazing! Very nice work!

 

[Loulang]

Rebellion were at in Michigan are you? I’m up by the Mighty Mac

 

[Rebellion]

Rebellion were at in Michigan are you? I’m up by the Mighty Mac

I'm in Caledonia, just south of Grand Rapids. BTW, only 40 minutes from Gilmore Car Museum!

 

[Don Frelier]

I lived on 28th street near 96 in 1986 for about 6 months.
Good times

 

[Loulang]

I'm in Caledonia, just south of Grand Rapids. BTW, only 40 minutes from Gilmore Car Museum!

I have only seen 1 other 66 at a carshow and that was at Frankenmuth. My daughter lives in Grand Rapids. I am in the process of putting my power plant back in. She’s a 383 .30 over with some Keith black pistons and a nice cam. She’s all roller now. I can’t wait to hear what she sounds like. I am also installing the rest of the sniper system. I only had the sniper carburetor and new gas tank. I recently purchased the distributor and coil and ignition box. I also purchased Doug’s ceramic coated headers and a H pipe. When I purchased the car it had no interior so I had to buy a donor car with all the interior. The donor car had white interior and I bender up going black which meant buying new seat covers and carpet. I know what your going through . Added some pics of what my motor and interior looked like when I got her and now. I’m trying to do as much as I can myself. I’ve been using some stuff called the pink stuff to clean and polish and it’s working good. Have any pics of your whole car? Sorry not trying to hijack your post

 

[Rebellion]

I lived on 28th street near 96 in 1986 for about 6 months.
Good times

Cool! Not far from where I am at all.

 

[Rebellion]

I have only seen 1 other 66 at a carshow and that was at Frankenmuth. My daughter lives in Grand Rapids. I am in the process of putting my power plant back in. She’s a 383 .30 over with some Keith black pistons and a nice cam. She’s all roller now. I can’t wait to hear what she sounds like. I am also installing the rest of the sniper system. I only had the sniper carburetor and new gas tank. I recently purchased the distributor and coil and ignition box. I also purchased Doug’s ceramic coated headers and a H pipe. When I purchased the car it had no interior so I had to buy a donor car with all the interior. The donor car had white interior and I bender up going black which meant buying new seat covers and carpet. I know what your going through . Added some pics of what my motor and interior looked like when I got her and now. I’m trying to do as much as I can myself. I’ve been using some stuff called the pink stuff to clean and polish and it’s working good. Have any pics of your whole car? Sorry not trying to hijack your post

Hi Loulang,

Love where you are headed with the car. I appreciate the work you're doing!

Was at the Frankenmuth show (Friday). In fact, I've been to that show the last few years. There were a few '67s this year.

I can post a pic of the car, I'm embarrassed to remind you, it's got a LONG way to go. I'm going to go the stock route. Being a musician, I want to be able to enjoy music inside the ride as well.

Tom

 

[Loulang]

I couldn’t make Frankenmuth this year. Last year is when I seen a nice black one. Hopefully I get my 66 painted this winter