What to look for?

[dodgediesel59]

Tomorrow I am going to look at my dream car, a 1968 dodge coronet. I just wanted to pick your guys' brains a bit and find out what are some common problem areas to watch for on these cars. I am a welder/ fabricator and also a diesel mechanic with quite a bit of experience in paint and body. Im not afraid to fix anything, but just want to make sure I get a decent deal. The guy has a 68 roller for sale and is asking 2600. The exterior of the car looks clean and rust free, but the trunk pan and drivers side floor pan are junk. What else should i look for on these cars that could be a serious problem? The car is also missing most of the interior, short of a large part of the dash being in it yet, as well as a trunk lid. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have seen coronets for same or less money in more complete shape, but the bodies are so rusty, I dont know where you would even start.

 

[Xp29h]

My 2 cents: Sounds like you've scoped it out pretty good as far as the body is concerned. Just go over that again to make sure you didn't miss anything.. I would think get as many good parts as possible. If there aren't many pieces / parts there to go with it that should be some bargaining power. Parts are expensive and in many cases hard to find if you're going all original. Wiring is an issue with bulkhead connector..can be fixed with re wire job.

Any motor running gear come with it? I know you said just a roller but didn't know if there just off to the side. If so, don't take word that motor is good!

Offer half of what the asking is! He he. Good luck!

 

[Seax440Dodge]

I'm not too sure what all is unobtanium on a '68 Coronet, but in general look at the frame rails, deck filler panel, places where metal is hard to replace

 

[Chase383]

The trunk lid is gonna be $$$$ for a good one.

They are 68 only and often horribly rusted. The rest is pretty much typical 68-70 B-body, watch for rust in the qtrs, corners of the rear window, rear crossmember (behind bumper), cowl, check for frame rust under the battery tray, etc.

But the two biggest areas of concern, since they are not reproduced, is the tail light panel and trunk lid.

 

[Hemi Rebel]

The trunk lid is gonna be $$$$ for a good one.

They are 68 only and often horribly rusted. The rest is pretty much typical 68-70 B-body, watch for rust in the qtrs, corners of the rear window, rear crossmember (behind bumper), cowl, check for frame rust under the battery tray, etc.

But the two biggest areas of concern, since they are not reproduced, is the tail light panel and trunk lid.

What he said.68 decklids are impossible. That is the number one question I get when in mine at a show. Got an extra trunk lid?

 

[dodgediesel59]

So what makes the 68 and 69 trunk lids differ? It sounded like the tail light panel has some damage but the guy says he has a good panel to go with it.

 

[Chase383]

The 68 tail light panel is different,

So the shape at the bottom of the lid is different. Almost every 68 that is not restored needs a lid (mine included). My tail light panel is all rusted down at the trunk seam and a little around the tail light bolts... you definitely want to check that car in the same places.

Nothing is impossible to find... but be prepared to pay dearly for a usable one. I haven't decided whether or not to try and fix mine.

IMO, if both pieces were be reproduced, they would be strong sellers... cough, cough are you listening AMD???

 

[Hemi Rebel]

The ridge down the center of the 69 is wider than the 68

 

[dodgediesel59]

Well I now own a 1968 Coronet. It is certainly going to take me awhile to get the body where I want it, but I think I can do it. The vast majority of the car is actually very clean though. The frame and underside short of the floor pans and trunk floor are spotless. The car originally had AC as well! There are some spots on the corners or the fenders that have pin holes, and the angle that surrounds the trunk lid is rusted out right on the corner. The glass is all good except for the windshield. Now I need to find a good source on learning how to actually do good body work. I am fair but want this to look as good as I can. One concern I have is the bottom body line on the door does not match the rear quarter or fender, but maybe the fender needs to be shimmed up or however. Also the surrounds around the head lights are either rusted or were replaced but never finished. When I get the car home I will throw up some pictures. What are good sources for aftermarket parts, just to see whats out there?

 

[themechanic]

There's a console for your car in the interior for sale section.

Posted via Topify on Android

 

[Chase383]

Congrats on the purchase,

Post some pics of the areas of concern and we will do our best to steer you in the right direction.