68 Charger Mongrel

[Dreamcatcher]

I guess I am going to finally start a build thread on my 68 charger. I wasn’t sure where to put the post. Not a concourse restoration not a restomod either. I had started one under the new modern hemi thread. But after going through installing the 5.7 and 5 speed to me it looked more like a mongrel than a 68 charger. The truck engine is just not a look I wanted. So I pulled it all apart and started the major body work it needed while rethinking the engine.

The history of my car: I purchased it off craigslist sight unseen except for a few pictures about 3 years ago for 7200.00. It was originally a slant six very plain car. 3 speed auto white on white car. It did have a 440 in it and it did run (at least on to my trailer and into the shop)

The engine was date coded 1973. I have a 73 U code out back waiting to be restored with out engine So I wanted to save the 440 for that car. There for the reason to consider the 5.7.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

I replaced the torsion bar cross member and installed a full floor pan.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

Then I replaced the trunk pan and rear taillight panel. I had to repair the left frame rail.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

Then I replaced both full quarters in addition to both outer wheel houses.

 

[barbee6043]

I agree. I am old and old scholl, the modern hemi is great someplaces just maybe not in the 2nd gen Charger!!?
Great work!

 

[Dreamcatcher]

After a lot of priming blocking it is looking more like a car again.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

I agree. I am old and old scholl, the modern hemi is great someplaces just maybe not in the 2nd gen Charger!!?
Great work!

And now for a little of that old school look lol
My engine!

After the decision of not using the 5.7 I kind of started thinking out of the box. I have a 426 wedge that was already rebuilt but the dual 4 manifold was stolen a few years ago. I also had a complete six pack set up. So I figured why not right. So 426 super stock six pack. Mild street cam solid lifter 68 charger.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

I replaced both front fenders with AMD fenders. All replaced panels were AMD
I had only minor problem's with the quarters fitment the floor pan and trunk pans fit great. The wheel houses were not a good fit with out modification. But the front fenders were not user friendly at all. The left side marker hole was not in the right place. But after a small battle the company agreed to pay to have it fixed. The right fender did not line up and I had to hog out the bolt holes a 1/4 of an inch to get the fender forward so I could get the door gap even close.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

Also the taillight panel fit good but the rear valance end caps were a POS! I wound up cutting both in half and welding a small piece in the center to get tem to fit. Just saying this so if anyone comes across this issue just know going in that not all of these parts are a perfect fit.

 

[Zac_F]

Nice build so far! 5.7L hemi's in stock form are dogs, especially a truck motor.. They need a cam/intake manifold to wake up.

The 426 wedge will be more fun for sure!!!

 

[Dreamcatcher]

I was fortunate all panels that had the factory numbers stamped on them were in great shape. So stayed factory correct. And even though this old car had been through hard times. I was pleased to find the build sheet in the seat springs. Although no big deal as the car wont match the sheet in color or engine it is cool to have it.

 

[mschoo92]

Nice build. After your progress with the body work it's starting to look real nice!

 

[hanks73340]

Awesome job your doing!

 

[Dreamcatcher]

And now to bring things up to date I am in the process of cutting and buffing my GG1 paint.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

Awesome job your doing!

Thanks I am not as good as a lot of others on here and this car has been a huge challenge from the start. But I am pleased with progress so far.

 

[Kern Dog]

You are one of the first people to purposely pain a car GREEN that was once another color.
When new, green looks great. When the color fades or the clear coat wears off, it looks terrible.
Looks great now though!

 

[Dreamcatcher]

You are one of the first people to purposely pain a car GREEN that was once another color.
When new, green looks great. When the color fades or the clear coat wears off, it looks terrible.
Looks great now though!

The car is a tribute RT clone to my favorite cousin (deceased now) and some very good memories. In 69 he had a 68 RT that was GG1/440 green interior. We used to terrorize the community while listening to Beatles 8 track tapes. Some of my fondest memories. I like GG1 and it will never fade it will be kept inside when not cursing ( which I never seem to do anyway).

 

[Jerry Hall]

GG1 is a great color IMO. I have a 67 GTX in that color. Great work too.

 

[66383]

NICE!

 

[barbee6043]

Back in the 80's when those GRENN cars were 15-20 years old YES that green had faded and looked bad as most colors!! I agree that F8 is a great color. Takes a quality gun and a good painter to lay it down. Spray booth helps!! lol