to clone or not to clone

[jess]

i am trying to decide if i should clone my 68 coronet
into a super bee or rt
it is a 440 was a 318 car but now has a 383
i am not worryied about value i just cant decide to leave it a 440 or super bee it or RT
i have always liked the super bee's but what would ba an easy clone?

 

[fatecaptured]

I have a similar situation. I bought a 70 coronet. Was originally a 440 (318 auto column). The previous owner did the clone thing with it. Tried to turn it into a super bee. He got it just about right, except he put the super bee graphic's on wrong. Left one on the right quarter and the right one on the left quarter. So the bee is facing towards the rear bumper. I say clone it. But keep the original stuff in case you want to go back to the 440. Enjoy the car, its pretty much a super bee now, minus the vin and fender tag. A lot of people may disagree with me, but its not like your pro streeting it or chopping it up. Although there has been so many cloned that the 440's are becoming rare now days. But bottom line, its not original with out that 318 and so why not finish the job.. My 2cents

 

[super-bee_ski]

I'm cloning my 63 Polara into a Max wedge car.
My opinion is:
Make it the way you want it BUT dont mis-represent it.
You know?
BTW: My 70 Superbee is not a Hemi car (383) but it has a Hemi in it.

 

[super-bee_ski]

i have a similar situation. I bought a 70 coronet. Was originally a 440 (318 auto column). The previous owner did the clone thing with it. Tried to turn it into a super bee. He got it just about right, except he put the super bee graphic's on wrong. Left one on the right quarter and the right one on the left quarter. So the bee is facing towards the rear bumper. I say clone it. But keep the original stuff in case you want to go back to the 440. Enjoy the car, its pretty much a super bee now, minus the vin and fender tag. A lot of people may disagree with me, but its not like your pro streeting it or chopping it up. Although there has been so many cloned that the 440's are becoming rare now days. But bottom line, its not original with out that 318 and so why not finish the job.. My 2cents

lol!

 

[RustyRatRod]

Nothing wrong with cloning, as long as you don't try to pass it off. I like the Super Bee idea. That's what I voted for.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I have a similar situation. I bought a 70 coronet. Was originally a 440 (318 auto column). The previous owner did the clone thing with it. Tried to turn it into a super bee. He got it just about right, except he put the super bee graphic's on wrong. Left one on the right quarter and the right one on the left quarter. So the bee is facing towards the rear bumper. I say clone it. But keep the original stuff in case you want to go back to the 440. Enjoy the car, its pretty much a super bee now, minus the vin and fender tag. A lot of people may disagree with me, but its not like your pro streeting it or chopping it up. Although there has been so many cloned that the 440's are becoming rare now days. But bottom line, its not original with out that 318 and so why not finish the job.. My 2cents

Great point.

 

[Moparsmitty]

Nothing wrong with cloning, as long as you don't try to pass it off. I like the Super Bee idea. That's what I voted for.

I don't have any problem with cloning either, as long as it's not trying to be passed off as the real thing. For a while it seemed like some people were paying way too much money for cloned cars. I like the idea of the Super Bee clone also. :icon_thumright:

 

[super-bee_ski]

Nothing wrong with cloning, as long as you don't try to pass it off. I like the Super Bee idea. That's what I voted for.

Yup,
Of course I LOVE SUPERBEEs etc.
BUT: How many Coronet R/Ts do you see?
I suppose they are both scarce these days.

 

[Bruzilla]

Imagine it's 1968, and you're standing in a Dodge dealership looking at a 440, a Super Bee, and an R/T. Which would you buy? Let that decision guide the one you're making now. Pick the one you would be willing to put money on in 1968 to determine which to put your money on now.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I would have to have the one with the big bad BEE. lol

 

[67 coronet]

do the one you will like.who really cares what others think.same as bruzilla said,build what you like.:grin:

 

[Hemi Rebel]

I'm in the cloning is ok as long as you don't pass it off as the real thing club. I voted super bee cause it would be cheaper. Less frills and all. Even though 68 R/T 440 ci automatic was the first muscle car i ever rode in, and it has a special place in my memories. Whatever you do will be sweet im sure but i would think it would be more cost effective to go with the SB.

 

[terzmo]

all 68 bee's were post cars...if that helps

 

[TruBee]

For what it's worth. I took a rust-free Arizona dark green metallic 318 Coronet car and turned it into a Sub Lime Green mutant Bee of sorts. Meaning, I took liberties with the build (engine/interior/suspension) that I would NEVER do to a "true" Bee. However, I believe that when completed, my "Bee" shows as well as performs better than anyone at Dodge would've envisioned in late '68. I still tip my hat to them, for their styling genius on the '69. In short, you get one lap in life. Thus, make it count! Godspeed with your build.

 

[Moparmagic1992]

i'd keep it a 440!

 

[Ron 73]

Nothing wrong with cloning, as long as you don't try to pass it off. I like the Super Bee idea. That's what I voted for.

X 2 Mine is and i make it a point to let everyone know.. and im not nor plan on ever selling it, But most appreciate the truth and not hiding it, If you like the looks of them better then no reason you shouldn't...

 

[Ron 73]

I'm in the cloning is ok as long as you don't pass it off as the real thing club. I voted super bee cause it would be cheaper. Less frills and all. Even though 68 R/T 440 ci automatic was the first muscle car i ever rode in, and it has a special place in my memories. Whatever you do will be sweet im sure but i would think it would be more cost effective to go with the SB.

I agree here as well, i have a BB that i did at one time plan on using, but my 318 sounds good and it runs good, most important is its easy on fuel, It does have a roller cam in it and 4-barrel with headers but i don't think thats over kill by any means.. The only problem i have is the TQ it needs for a heavy car and i have a set of 410 sure grip gears going in this winter so i trust that will help it get up a little quicker and go, bad side is my great gas mileage i think wont be to good, ill chance that one!

 

[jess]

i was thinking about doing the bumble bee strip on the rear cause i rilly dig it
but i was thinking about having a bee flexing it's muscles wearing a shirt that say's
WANNA BEE

 

[Malicious]

An option hinted at but not up there is the 'bitsa' or no model. I'm aiming at a 'loose' RT clone. I have a pillarless 440 with a 440 BB, so a bee isn't an option (pillared with 383 or hemi). I don't like the 440 side trim so that has gone. I like the RT stripe over the bee stripe too, So essentially I just need a couple of badges and the tail panel (which I'm still chasing because I like the RT tails more then the standard rear lights) to make it look like an RT from the out side. I like the RT interior options too. SO I'm going to make mine a loose Day2 RT from the outside.

But basically I'm actually just going to make it how ever I like it, because at the end of the day, its only a 440, so its the perfect base to turn into a 'muscle car' because there is no really loss of value in customising it!

Just a thought ;)

 

[Malicious]

PS I didn't vote because its your call. Like the guy above said. What would you buy new in 68?

Key word being YOU!