68 Coronet 440 Restoration

[old_skool]

Found a guy on craigs selling a brand new still in the box oem AC equipped radiator for a 73 Charger, sold the Charger before he installed it, only paid $125, stole it!!!!! I mean still has all the plastic caps blocking the holes etc...
I also ordered a factory manual reprint, instead of a separate bod and chassis manual, both are together, should get that on Friday---->http://www.ebay.com/itm/130741228124?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

[monaco66coupe]

it will be easier keeping the top. Chrysler gave away tops back then, just so they didn't have to finish that large seam where the roof attaches to the Quarter. They used lead filler, and little or no finish work was done. Great car, I would stay small block, keeping the A/C intact. A nice 340 would do a fine job.

 

[old_skool]

Haven't seen any updates...hows it going?

 

[69chargerboy]

Haven't seen any updates...hows it going?

Thanks old_skool for the inquiry. Still stripping the car down. I'll post pics a bit later... Thanks!

 

[old_skool]

Thanks old_skool for the inquiry. Still stripping the car down. I'll post pics a bit later... Thanks!

Sorry I've been out of touch, been sick a lot lately.

 

[BigBlock61]

Nice 68, I've always loved those tail lights and being a California car it looks like it's in great shape.

 

[69chargerboy]

Nice 68, I've always loved those tail lights and being a California car it looks like it's in great shape.

Thank You, Old cars in decent shape in Ohio are super rare. I was fortunate to find this car from someone I knew that brought it from Cali. Take Care.

 

[69chargerboy]

Have a few pictures to share. Just acquired my 383 and 727 this past weekend. Going to the machine shop to give it a full checkup. It ran and sounded great before I bought it. Looking for the engine to be re-freshened, new gaskets, seals and camshaft. Hopefully it wont need a complete rebuild. I partially disassembled it, and gave it a degreasing bath...I bought the engine/trans from a fellow member here on the site. I wanted to give him a mention. His name is Gary (moparmendy) and he was a pleasure to deal with on the engine. Super nice and honest guy. It's hard to find good people when your dealing in this hobby. He has tons of 68 to 70+ parts that he sells. So if anyone needs anything for their cars, don't hesitate to contact Gary.

 

[69chargerboy]

I thought I'd post a few small progress pictures. Finally had a nice clear, warm day in Ohio. I did the best I could degreasing the engine. Took a few hours, but I think it came out nice. Next, the transmission!

 

[roadrunnerman]

Nice looking car. A friend of mine has a 68 Coronet that he will restore SOMEDAY that has the side trim on it. Are you putting yours back on or going to make the sides smooth? You could always keep the SB in for now and then when you get the extra cash drop in a BB.

 

[69chargerboy]

Thought I'd post some progress pictures. Just starting the media blasting and unfortunately finding some 'Goodies'.... My body guy said these are easy repairs, No problem, but expected from a vinyl top car. Notice the factory repair to the inner frame rail. Interesting.

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Nice looking car. A friend of mine has a 68 Coronet that he will restore SOMEDAY that has the side trim on it. Are you putting yours back on or going to make the sides smooth? You could always keep the SB in for now and then when you get the extra cash drop in a BB.

I was going to make it a bee or an R/T clone, but I decided to keep it as is. I know the 440 model isn't very desired, but I'm not making it to sell, I'm making it for me. I want this to look as it came from the factory, as close as I can get it. It wont be in judged shows, I just like the factory look.

 

[Basket case]

great car. The 440s look great, not many left with the clones being done. A coworker has a green '68 440, did the big block swap, paint, and hasn't been out of the garage this century.

 

[69chargerboy]

great car. The 440s look great, not many left with the clones being done. A coworker has a green '68 440, did the big block swap, paint, and hasn't been out of the garage this century.

Thank you. Yeah there are a lot of clones or 'tribute' cars out there. I'm keeping my 68 original LL1 paint with the black vinyl top and black interior. It will be a nice cruiser. Its funny how the camera pics up the colors different. The new paint and the old look almost dead on with the naked eye.

 

[Basket case]

if it hadn't been for the fender damage and 1/4 rot, you would have been good to buff and go. But at least you can take care of the hidden areas.

 

[69chargerboy]

Had to post a few more picture of the progress. The car is almost done with paint and bodywork. I had to install a new roof skin from AMD. Too much work had to be done to save the original metal.



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A few more. Should be completely painted very soon. :headbang:

 

[69chargerboy]

My body guy just started wet sanding an hour before we got there. He just had part of the left side done. Nothing else sanded yet..

 

[jeepers007]

What brand paint? Same color as mine and I'm getting ready to do some bodywork too...

 

[69chargerboy]

What brand paint? Same color as mine and I'm getting ready to do some bodywork too...

Its PPG. It was a hassle to get the correct color. I was informed by PPG that LL1 is no longer in their system. Long story short, they had the formula blend and number they gave me. I can copy it and give it to you if you would like.

 

[chargin']

Looking good! Love that color,keep the updates coming!

 

[69chargerboy]

Looking good! Love that color,keep the updates coming!

Thanks chargin'! I appreciate the comment.