Saving another 68 Charger

[smyythe68]

Thanks for the pic 747, looks great and a great idea. I willl have to steal it for myself:laughing7:. The dash is thick enough to weld, providing you have a decent welder and sheilding gas, don't go with flux core. You might want to keep an eye out though, for another dash frame. You might end up with more welds than dash. If you do go the weld route, take your time and space your welds. That dash metal is thicker than most new cars, but too much heat will warp it and then you have a wavy piece of metal you'll see everytime you go driving. Someone on the site might even have one.

 

[tallhair]

Thanks for the pic 747, looks great and a great idea. I willl have to steal it for myself:laughing7:. The dash is thick enough to weld, providing you have a decent welder and sheilding gas, don't go with flux core. You might want to keep an eye out though, for another dash frame. You might end up with more welds than dash. If you do go the weld route, take your time and space your welds. That dash metal is thicker than most new cars, but too much heat will warp it and then you have a wavy piece of metal you'll see everytime you go driving. Someone on the site might even have one.

thanks smyythe68

- - - Updated - - -

tallhair, I did extensive work "welding" to my dash with very little trouble.

thanks 747Mopar

 

[smyythe68]

Well, been busy at work and I'm working on funds to buy inner fenders to finish off the metal work. While that "happens", I began converting my AM thumbwheel radio. I came across an old Pioneer two knob radio in the junk yard that I paid $12 for. I took it home and after a little repair work I hooked up some speakers and it sounds great! It blows away those custom "classic" radios I have installed in the past. I eliminated the tape deck and wired in an AUX input for CD, MP3 player, whatever. The Pioneer is deeper than the original, So it does stick out the back of the original frame.



I removed the original controls off the pioneer and fitted them on to the thumbwheels for original operation. Left wheel for power and volume, tuning wheel will still be tuning but will have a seek type function.




I had to modify the pioneer frame to get more room but once I did the original circuit board fit in great.




The ribbon cable will be for the display that had to be moved from it's original position. A few more parts to be made and a little design work and I think it should come together well. I'll post as soon as I get more done. So far I am in $12 total with some spare parts I had lying around.

 

[smyythe68]

Got some more radio work done. The other two knobs on the right side will be bass and treble. Luckily the treble adjustment is hollow, so with a little work the one thumbwheel knob will pass right through and can be directly driven. The Bass was a little tricky and had to be gear driven like the volume/power on the other side. The original push button design will not work with the new radio so the buttons will be like a toggle switch. For preset (1-5) push down then lift up for band, seek, clock, and aux input. Unfortunately I'm out of knobs so fade and balance will have to be in the glove box. The display will be in the original tuner area, but will be unseen until powered up due to a tinted lense with the A.M. band and the original DODGE SOLID STATE silk screened or dry transfered on. Here are some pics I'll post more when I get alittle further.

 

[Propwash]

Wow...That's pretty cool. Good work man!

 

[smyythe68]

Well I got a little more done, I was out of town for work for a few days. I finished the custom circuit board for the display and got the buttons installed for the radio

I'm getting closer to a first test, trying to figure out the best way to attach all the wires. Don't know if I want to directly solder them in, might want to have a plug to detach things in case of repair. As soon as I get it working I'll put a youtube link up.

 

[smyythe68]

Took a break from the radio to replace my inner fenders. Finally got some money together and thanks to Jeff at 521 Restorations I got a great deal. Finished up the driver side today and removed the passenger side. All went well, when I took off the driver side I found an original chalk mark. Kinda cool. Hope to finish the other side tomorrow.

 

[SGTPaul]

Nice progress Ryan!

 

[hunt2elk]

Your car is looking great. I bought all of my metal from Jeff also - nice guy to deal with.

 

[WP29440SE]

a man of many talents , great work !

 

[smyythe68]

Well she's back on the spit so I can finish up the bottom with some bed liner. Stealing Prop's idea ( Thanks Prop). Had some touch up welding to do and some grinding to get done that is way easier to do this way. Can't say I'm not scared as hell. Last time it was up there it needed quarters and a whole lot more. Now I don't even want to think about what could happen if something went wrong. I post some update pics when I get further...

 

[Propwash]

No sweat. Looking good smyythe68!

 

[moparlee]

That's looking great man. Nice work!

 

[SGTPaul]

lookin good dude!

 

[smyythe68]

The Silver Bullet strikes again.Thanks for all the comments! Got the underside painted with rust bullet today. Tomorrow will be SEM rock-it bed liner. I used a Harbor Freight HVLP gun, went on rather well. It clogged every once in a while and spit a little, but it smoothed out rather well. Just checked it, still a little tacky..

 

[smyythe68]

Got a little further on the charger today but I keep tripping over the old body dolly. Anyone have a B body they need to move around? It does break down into 3 Pieces. Could use some new casters, mine are a little sandy from blasting.

 

[74DartSwinger360]

Hey, sorry it took so long. I ended up using duplicolor Bright Silver Metallic PS2 BCC0410. Thanks for the kind words.

Cool thanks. "Sorry took so long to respond" LOL
Will be restoring my dads 68 charger grille for him

 

[smyythe68]

Well I got her rolling again. It's time for her to come home. I changed jobs and have officially lost my work shop. Any one need a rotisserie for a B body? This one has to go. It certainly looks good on its own feet again.

 

[hunt2elk]

Sure does look good as a roller, can't wait till mine is at the same stage as yours. Great job so far.

 

[BigBlock61]

Nevermind my post in the for sale thread. You've been busy, its good to see her on all fours. Give me a call if you need help getting her home. I'll even bring the beer!