What is this puzzling body work under the original vinyl roof?

[JackDeiter]

This 1969 Dodge Charger S/E started life as a 318 automatic and was converted to a 440 6-pack 4 speed in 1987. We are now restoring the body. When we ripped off the badly deteriorated original vinyl roof, we uncovered what appears to be body putty on the rear pillars and some putty and welds on the front pillars. Does anyone know if this bodywork is typical from the factory?

 

[Propwash]

Yes that is typical. Depending on year, car and plant where is was built, you're either going to find filler or lead. If lead, melt it out with a torch (if needing removal). Do not use a sander/grinder to remove lead, without serious respiratory protection.

 

[62MAX]

Correct name is Plastisol.

 

[Photon440]

At least at Lynch Road, cars with painted roofs were leaded for a better finish, while vinyl topped cars were given a quick plastic filler treatment because it was going to be covered up anyway. I've had one of each, both 1970.

 

[YY1]

Most of my cars have been St Louis cars, and they seem to follow the same procedure-

Lead for no vinyl, filler for vinyl.

You's actually looks fairly well done.

Two of mine have decent quality finish work on the pass side and horrible work on the driver's side.

Workers on driver's side of line must have been trainees.

 

[JackDeiter]

Thanks! Thought it was something special...

Most of my cars have been St Louis cars, and they seem to follow the same procedure-

Lead for no vinyl, filler for vinyl.

You's actually looks fairly well done.

Two of mine have decent quality finish work on the pass side and horrible work on the driver's side.

Workers on driver's side of line must have been trainees.

Thanks to all who replied -- we understand now. We thought maybe it was an experimental car that Mother Mopar was making into a convertible, then decided to scrap the idea and threw it back on the line after patching it up. We should have known. ("I coulda been a contenda! I coulda been somebody..." -- Brando, Waterfront)

 

[Cranky]

Trainees on the driver's side because the curb side is what people looked at the most when walking by lol. Actually....what I've been told by people that I know that worked on the lines back then is trainees etc worked on the evening shift and didn't work on the performance or high end cars which were supposed to be built on the day shift. But I've heard a lot of conflicting info over they years too.

 

[Coronet 14]

This is what I found on mine. Haven't cleaned up pass side yet.