What's it worth?? 1968 dodge charger -86k mile 2 owner car*now with pictures*

[griz_83ho]

Never was big into mopar but had a car come up that I have known about but never thought it would be for sale. It's a 1968 dodge charger 500 with it's numbers matching 383. Car is a bucket seat car and is very solid. Floors, etc still where under coating, biggest things I see is there was some lower quarter repair work down at some point and bondo present. Car also presents decent but had a cheaper repaint down awhile back. Car was parked in 1988 when the motor was pulled and completely rebuilt and that's where it ended. Motor is sitting on a stand still and is ready to go. Lot has 86 or 88k miles on it and is a two owner car. Overall very solid car that did have some path work done in the mid to late 80's, interior is complete and in decent shape, seats are ripped, headliner needs replaced , and console is broken. Drivetrain is supposed to be original numbers matching with a completely rebuilt motor sitting on the stand . Ballpark what is it worth??

[Baldwinvette77]

Pictures would be nice, and charger 500's weren't available in 1968 

[70 sublime]

Colours ?

[Mike DC]

 
A 1968 Charger 500 didn't exist. 

A 1969 Charger 500 was a very rare limited-edition aero model with a fastback rear window and a Coronet front grille.  Much more rare & valuable than a regular '69 Charger.

A 1970 Charger 500 was no longer the aero model, but rather a trim option for the regular 1970 Charger.  Not too rare & valuable in the big picture.

[Ghoste]

But even as a regular 68 Charger 383 car it would be nice to have pic before giving you wiw.  Without them I'll start the bidding at 5k.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I don't know if it's been mentioned or not, but 500's were not available in 1968. 

[bill440rt]

Not only that, but 500's were not available as a Charger model in '68.

But... a Coronet 500 was available. 

[TUFCAT]

Not only that, but 500's were not available as a Charger model in '68.

But... a Coronet 500 was available. 

A mailboy at Chrysler once saw a 1968 concept Charger 500, but he was delusional. 

[bill440rt]

Not only that, but 500's were not available as a Charger model in '68.

But... a Coronet 500 was available. 

A mailboy at Chrysler once saw a 1968 concept Charger 500, but he was delusional. 

That mailboy might not be so delusional. 
There WAS a '68 500, however it was a prototype prior to the '69 converted production models.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=4205.0

However, there was NEVER a Charger 500 4-door. A woman from the HR dept back in '68 confirmed this.   

[griz_83ho]

As you guys can tell that's how little I know about mopar. Just was going off what the elderly guy was telling me. Car is a gold color with black buckets. I'd have to get some pics of the car this weekend it is covered with boxes, etc in back of his garage. Like I said no rust bubbling through anywhere that I can see just the old repairs that I can see in the quarters).

[Ghoste]

That would help a lot, we're not trying to be flippant but these things are so hard to guess sometimes even with photos.

[bakerhillpins]

That mailboy might not be so delusional. 
There WAS a '68 500, however it was a prototype prior to the '69 converted production models.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=4205.0

However, there was NEVER a Charger 500 4-door. A woman from the HR dept back in '68 confirmed this.   

UM...     

Wow, missed that one and frankly surprised it hasn't come up recently. Or at least I keep missing it.

[73rallye440magnum]

Buy it as soon as you can, and then tell us what it's worth. 

[hawkeye]

Maybe it isn't a 68.  Us old guys can mix up the years.

[Homerr]

Besides the 6th digit of the VIN here are a few pics to help you out.  The two most likely results are a 383 powered 1968 Charger or a 1970 383 powered Charger 500.


Here are, left to right, 1968/1969/1970 grilles:



1968 tail lights:


1969 tail ligths:


1970 tail lights, '500' model (bumper not installed here):


1970 tail lights, base model:



Since '500' was mentioned here are a few pics -

1969 Charger 500 grille (this is the rare and very collectible car, 440 or Hemi motor only):


1969 Charger 500 rear window - tunnel filled in (this is the rare and very collectible car, 440 or Hemi motor only):



In 1970 the '500' became a mid-model trim package and is much more common.

1970 Charger 500 grille:


1970 Charger 500 rear, standard 'tunnel' type window and trim around tail lights



VIN's

1968:
XP29 = Charger
XS29 = Charger R/T

1969:
XP29 = Charger
XS29 = Charger R/T
XX29 = Charger 500 or Charger Daytona

1970:
XH29 = Charger
XP29 = Charger 500
XS29 = Charger R/T


If you really would like to know all about the models Hamtramck Historical is a great resource, check the 'Dealer Data Book' entries.
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/library.shtml

[cdr]

HEY HOMERR,,,,,

[DixieRestoParts]

HEY HOMERR,,,,,

[70 sublime]

Need to fix the year on the VIN
They are not all 1968 

VIN's

1968:
XP29 = Charger
XS29 = Charger R/T

1968:
XP29 = Charger
XS29 = Charger R/T
XX29 = Charger 500 or Charger Daytona

1968:
XH29 = Charger
XP29 = Charger 500
XS29 = Charger R/T

[ACUDANUT]

I don't know if it's been mentioned or not, but 500's were not available in 1968. 

If you read, then you will know it was already said.

[Tilar]

That mailboy might not be so delusional. 
There WAS a '68 500, however it was a prototype prior to the '69 converted production models.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=4205.0

However, there was NEVER a Charger 500 4-door. A woman from the HR dept back in '68 confirmed this.   

UM...     

Wow, missed that one and frankly surprised it hasn't come up recently. Or at least I keep missing it.

I wouldn't get too excited over that one, it has 69 tail lights which to me puts the "68 Charger 500" story right up there with big foot.

[ACUDANUT]

So many pictures here, which on are you talking about. ?

[griz_83ho]

Car is definitely a 68 by the taillights. So basically it's a 68 charger with a rebuilt numbers matching motor.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

1968 tail lights:

Hey, that's my old car. 

[Homerr]

VIN's

1968:
XP29 = Charger
XS29 = Charger R/T

1969:
XP29 = Charger
XS29 = Charger R/T
XX29 = Charger 500 or Charger Daytona

1970:
XH29 = Charger
XP29 = Charger 500
XS29 = Charger R/T


If you really would like to know all about the models Hamtramck Historical is a great resource, check the 'Dealer Data Book' entries.
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/library.shtml

Fixed!  Thanks for the catch.

[Tilar]

So many pictures here, which on are you talking about. ?

The one in the link above that shows a 68 Hemi with the 500 grill and 69 tail lights.

[Ghoste]

Thats the prototype one, its still around.

[ACUDANUT]

Car is definitely a 68 by the taillights. So basically it's a 68 charger with a rebuilt numbers matching motor.

On 68's and earlier, there is no such thing as a numbers matching anything.  They did not stamp the VIN on the block or tranny.

[Ghoste]

Actually 1968 is when they did start stamping VINs into the block and trans.  There have been some found without it but most have it.

[Lord Warlock]

surprised you didn't take pictures when you saw i the first time. If its in a garage with boxes stacked on it, unless its covered it probably needs some body work or paint work.  I know once i painted mine i stopped stacking boxes on it, although I do still put stuff on the roof temporarily.  Cars with motors out and not running tend to bring lower prices even if the original motor is sitting on a stand next to it, you'd want receipts of who built the motor and when, I personally don't put much stock into a motor rebuilt by the owner, unless they are certified mechanics with all the tools to do the job right.  Too many self rebuilt motors grenade soon after installing them.  IF its a real 500 with the flush back window and flush grill (as in a 69) it could easily pull 8-12k depending on what the real condition is.  If it was together and running could go for double that. 
That's why most of us want to see a picture, it is real difficult to appraise a car based on a description by a prospective buyer.

When taking pictures for us to view, areas to take pictures of:  rear quarters, rear window area, grill area, side views that show defects or dings/dents in the curved panels, pic of the roof if it has a vinyl top, pic of the trunk UNDER the rubber mat if it has one, the undercarriage so we can see if its merely dirty or if rust has eaten away something important.  Sometimes a car that looks presentable has so much rust underneath that you'd wonder if it sat in the surf at the beach. 

Look forward to seeing it.

[Kern Dog]

I don't know if it's been mentioned or not, but 500's were not available in 1968. 

If you read, then you will know it was already said.

I'm a little confused. Was there ever a 1968 Charger 500 ?

[griz_83ho]

Absolutely, I am hoping to push it out of the garage possible this weekend to grab good pics of those areas. It definitely would need paint. It does not have the flush rear window so I'm sure it's just a standard charger. Guy who owns it bought it in 76 as the second owner and parked it in 88 when he pulled the motor. Motor was built by a machine shop in our small town that had a good reputation before the guy passed away years ago. Thanks for the info.

[griz_83ho]

Here are the pics. Hope this helps a little guys. I did find some rot in the very very back frame, basically where the bumper bolts to it. I attached some pics of the rot. Is this common? But floor boards are in great shape with undercoating slapped on. Not sure in trunk pan was replaced but I attached some pics of some cracking sealer, etc.  vinyl top is new and looks great. Ok files are to big to upload, anyway around it?

[TUFCAT]

You have to reduce the picture size to under 200K, change the title to something different, and upload again.  You can add up to 4 pictures per message reply.

You can try these websites:

http://www.picresize.com/

or

http://imageresizer.codeplex.com/

[moparfan53]

Here are the pics. Hope this helps a little guys. I did find some rot in the very very back frame, basically where the bumper bolts to it. I attached some pics of the rot. Is this common? But floor boards are in great shape with undercoating slapped on. Not sure in trunk pan was replaced but I attached some pics of some cracking sealer, etc.  vinyl top is new and looks great. Ok files are to big to upload, anyway around it?

If you are having trouble resizing/uploading your pics and want help, email them to me and I will post them for you. My email is in my profile.

[griz_83ho]

That would be great for the help. Your email is Hidden so I am unable to send them to ya. Thanks, kris

[hawkeye]

Underneath were it says Email is hidden, it says "Send this member a personal message."  Click on that and send away.

[moparfan53]

That would be great for the help. Your email is Hidden so I am unable to send them to ya. Thanks, kris

Did not know my email would be hidden from you. I can see yours and other members so will send you one. Perhaps it is something to do with you being a new member?

[Ghoste]

Its an option in your profile.

[moparfan53]

Underneath were it says Email is hidden, it says "Send this member a personal message."  Click on that and send away.

Correct me if I am wrong, I don't think you can attach pics to a personal message.

[Ghoste]

There is an icon there for an image.

[moparfan53]

 Here are pics from/for Kris (griz_83ho)
1-4 of 14

[moparfan53]

5-8 of 14

[moparfan53]

9-12 of 14

[moparfan53]

13 & 14

[troy.70R/T]

Looks like a good find. 

[73rallye440magnum]

Nice options!

Buy buy buy!

[ACUDANUT]

Buy it or tell us where it's at and the price. 

[griz_83ho]

I know it's still hard to say but any idea on value of it? Car does look good, paint has a couple runs in it,etc. there is rot in the very back frame like I said, basically around where the bumper bolts to it.

[Ghoste]

I'll double my first guess and go to 10k.

[fy469rtse]

Like ghoste said,
I would buy it in a heartbeat, in great condition for its age , unmolested 68 XP base model charger with nice options ,
Buy it before some one else finds it

[hawkeye]

If I were selling, I would ask $15K.  If I were buying, I would offer $8K.  $10K-$11K is about right.

[crj1968]

I agree- I'd say 8 grand is a reasonable offer, and as high as 12 if you can take on the work yourself... 

[Challenger340]

It is most certainly a great starting point, and looks to be relatively complete ?
These cars are still commanding pretty stupid dollars, with parts/basket cases even fetching $3-4K on a given day,
so IMO,
$9K is fair .... with some deep thought at going up to $12K, but cognizant that the rear frame work might turn into a complete resto, whereby expect to be upside down when done.

[Lord Warlock]

definitely a 68, looks to be in pretty good shape overall.  Worth buying and fixing up provided the price was right.  10k would be a good buy if the original motor was available still, trunk looks very solid for something stored a long time.  A little rot around the bumper shouldn't be a big issue, although thats not a normal place for it to rot at. 

[ACUDANUT]

8K sounds right. Let us know if you buy it.

[TUFCAT]

That looks to be a very honest car and excellent starting point for a rerstoration.... not all butchered up like many I've seen in this price range.  Like others have said, BUY, BUY, BUY!  I wouldn't hesitate to spend 10K if I was looking for a 2nd gen Charger!  I've seen worse cars go for stronger money on a regular basis.  

[tan top]

     looks good from the pictures , although they don't show that much  !!   have you got any more pictures !   

[griz_83ho]

I will try and get some more pics in the next couple days. Think I can get the car for 7k so I'm thinking I'll pull the trigger this weekend. Like I said first mopar for me, but just live the lines of the car. Figure it would cost half that to rebuild the motor anyways: he has new long tubes for it, aluminum edelbrock intake and edelbrock 600 carb. Owner also said it had a pair of 1968 440 RT heads put on it when rebuilt. So don't know if what is good or not or helps performance but his brother in law had them from a wrecked car so he used them.

[cdr]

so it was a 383 2barrell originally?

[Laxy]

What a find, definitely grab it for that money. You'll be a Mopar convert in no time. 

[Lord Warlock]

If it had a 383 magnum, it already has 440 heads on it, if its a 383 2bbl it isn't a magnum so the 440 heads may be worth the swap.  If going with a built big block, may want to get a little bigger carb, 600 is fine but the 440 can drink a lot more if you let it.  I got a 750 for mine, still have the original AVS 625 carb sitting on the shelf, wish i'd kept the others i had. 

Its best to start with as good a beginning as you can, makes building or restoring it much easier later on, and cheaper.  I kept running into situations when i removed something, if I could buy a new repop part it just made sense to me to put the new part on rather than bolt a worn but serviceable part back on, that mindset tends to get expensive in the long run, its amazing how much little trim pieces add up over time.  I still have two more sets of pieces i need to replace for the tail light panels, and it'll cost me around 600 bucks just for the 4 pieces of chrome.  Makes me cringe spending that much on small parts when i think back and remember paying 800 for the whole car in 78.

[ACUDANUT]

Ain't all big block heads "440 magnum or what ever, the same?"  Yes Sir. 

[Ghoste]

Basically yes, but some had smaller valves.

[six-tee-nine]

Was the trunk floor replaced already at one point? No body plugs in the trunk floor, the holes are not spamped / drilled

My guess is that some body word was done in the past.
Take a refrigirator magnet with you and check the lower quarters for bondo. Might give you some more leverage to get a little of the asking price. However price seems fair at 7k

[cudaken]

Basically yes, but some had smaller valves.

From 68 forward all of the BB heads where the same casting and valve sizes.

Cuda Ken

[griz_83ho]

I thought maybe the trunk had been replaced, that's why I wanted to post a couple pics of it and the seem sealer to see if it looked original. I mean I looks real good but this car is a original illinois Midwest car. But still it is very original and appears very clean

[ACUDANUT]

Basically yes, but some had smaller valves.

From 68 forward all of the BB heads where the same casting and valve sizes.

Cuda Ken

That is why it kills me, when someone says they have 440 heads on a 383. 

[Ghoste]

Chrysler didnt help when they advertised doing it as part of the Road Runner engine.

[ACUDANUT]

It was just a sales gimmick to lure some idiots out there.

[TUFCAT]

CORRECT!!  

The new-for-1968 906 head was not exclusive to the 440 Magnum, or the 383 Magnum, it was actually used across the board for all big blocks from 1968-69!

Chrysler confused people by advertising the 383 Magnum that "came with the 440 Magnum's free-breathing cylinder heads"....even though the standard 440, the 383 2V, and all passenger car big-blocks had the same heads ...and even the same size valves! The only difference win Magnum engines over the years was stiffer valves springs.

The last TRUE HIGH PERFORMANCE  big block head was the 1967 440 (915 casting) redesign of the 516 closed chamber head. It had revised ports, and larger intake valves,,,, but for some reason the 915 was fitted with either 1.74 or 1.60 exhaust valves.  Only Magnum or Super Commando engines had the 1.74 exhaust valves and were indentified with "H.P" stamped on the head.  A true high performance only head for 1967.

Of course, the later castings 346,452 were also part of the "one-size-fits all" casting plan.  A new casting number always identified changes that were necessary, mainly done for emission requirements.