1968 Dodge Charger R/T Restoration Build

[ThomasTedder]

Since I was 6 years old watching Dukes of Hazzard at my Grandfathers house back in the 80s, I knew one day I would have to own a Charger. It was fast, could jump creeks and road blocks, and had an awesome horn. It was the car that made me love cars. I won't be making a General Lee, though.

Three weeks ago I finally acquired one. It's a genuine 1968 Charger R/T. I'm hoping to finish it by next spring, but this isn't my first resto so I know it will probably cost twice as much and take twice as long as I plan. However, I'm trying to break the cycle on this one. I really want to drive it by the time things warm up in April/May of 2014.

I will start with a sandblast before paint. I've painted in the past, but time won't allow that this time. Besides, I'm not nearly as talented as the gentleman who will be doing the work. Hopefully, I'll have the engine and tranny built by the time the car gets back from paint. I'll be doing that part myself. Although, I haven't quite decided what to do with the engine or tranny yet.

One thing I do know, I won't be building it any particular way to preserve "resale value" or anything like that. I prefer a mostly stock look, but if I want to do something different I will. If I want another investment, I'll buy a mutual fund. This car isn't an investment. It's a car. This will never be sold. I will drive it until it needs another restore, then do it again.

[Baldwinvette77]

Oh god this is gonna be good, looks like its been to hell and back 

[ThomasTedder]

Oh god this is gonna be good, looks like its been to hell and back 

It's been around the block LOL.

[ThomasTedder]

It took me 2 1/2 weekends to strip it down. Hopefully, it will be going out to get sandblasted this week. It was advertised as "rust free", but we all know how that is. Half of the trunk pan will have to be replaced and the lower rail of the rear window will also need metal repair. Other than that and a little bondo, the body is in really great shape. The floors, rockers, fenders are all solid. The inner fenders will have to be replaced, but only because they have been cut on. Also, someone cut the radiator support to remove the engine so that is ruined too.

[ThomasTedder]

Occasionally, I can get my 9 year old to help. He's a very bright boy and will be building his own car when he is ready to drive. He wants to build an Eleanor clone. I try not to micro manage him too much. He did a great job on the steering column. I instructed him to remove it and let him figure it out. He needed help finding on hidden bolt, but got everything else on his own. He needed some help with the fuel tank, though.

[ThomasTedder]

I got a "period correct" 440 block with the car. I think they started numbering them in 1968, but I don't know if my car should have had a numbered block or not. It really doesn't matter a great deal, because I won't be selling this car. I'm not really even sure if I'll build a 440. I'm considering a 426 even though the car didn't come with one.

[Baldwinvette77]

I wish i was brought up like your kid, i had to force my way into the musclecar world 

[ThomasTedder]

I wish i was brought up like your kid, i had to force my way into the musclecar world 

He won't have to learn out of necessity like I did so if I don't teach him, he'll probably never learn. My first car was $400 and I owned many junkers for many years. I bought Haynes and Chilton manuals and fixed what needed fixing. I didn't have any other choice. I also bought that first car by working at my minimum wage job.

My son will have to earn and pay for at least half of his car himself, too. He won't respect it otherwise. He already works for me on spring break and in the summer. He can actually out work a couple of my grown employees (no I'm not exaggerating).

[Old Tired Rebel]

Another great build, Subscribed

[Mopar Nut]

Another great build, Subscribed

Can't wait.

[JB400]

Glad to see you have some help on your project   I hope he's willing to stick with it.  He'll have some nice memories to reflect back on once it's completed.

[VegasCharger]

I wish i was brought up like your kid, i had to force my way into the musclecar world 

He won't have to learn out of necessity like I did so if I don't teach him, he'll probably never learn. My first car was $400 and I owned many junkers for many years. I bought Haynes and Chilton manuals and fixed what needed fixing. I didn't have any other choice. I also bought that first car by working at my minimum wage job.

My son will have to earn and pay for at least half of his car himself, too. He won't respect it otherwise. He already works for me on spring break and in the summer. He can actually out work a couple of my grown employees (no I'm not exaggerating).

That's one helluva Charger project and an inspiring helper.

[tan top]

looks a good project 

[Generalkiwi]

That's great that you have your son helping, if more fathers spent time with there sons doing stuff like this there would be a lot less troubled kids out there on the streets. Looking forward to following the build and good luck!

[tsmithae]

Nice car and nice job raising a kid that will get out from behind the TV and work on some good ol' American Muscle! 

[NHCharger]

Welcome to the site 
Nice looking project. I'm also restoring a 68. I'm currently 2 1/2 years into a 1 year project

[ThomasTedder]

The delays are already starting. The sand blaster took a big contract and it will be a month and a half before they can get to my car.

[ThomasTedder]

Got the brake pedal assembly done. Once I got the rust stripped, I used Rustoleum black on the pedal arm and then Rustoleum clear coat over everything. I experimented with some silver paint, but I like the look of the bare metal with clear coat best.

[ThomasTedder]

All back together.

[myk]

I like it.  Keep it coming!

[ThomasTedder]

I like it.  Keep it coming!

Thanks. There are a lot more parts where that one came from LOL. I'm thinking about doing the gauges or heater box next. I have new stickers for the gauges, but I need to order the lenses still.

[tan top]

 nice job

[Mopar Nut]

Great job!

[ThomasTedder]

Got a few more parts done today.

[ThomasTedder]

The horn looks way better in person than it does it does in the pictures. It looks really good.