Charger-in-a-box: 1969 R/T

[mtechgunman]

Good afternoon everyone. Wanted to share my project.

It's a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. This car was a two owner car, first owner had it until 1985. During that time, he converted the car to 4 speed. The second owner bought the car, drove it for a year, then tore the car down. Every single nut and bolt. He took the motor out, and tore it apart. Took the rear axle out, then took the diff apart. Everything was in boxes when I bought it. So you can imagine I'm missing some pieces! But the interior is in really good shape and looks pretty complete. Interior is green.

It was appealing to me because it was a numbers matching car, and was highly optioned.

Some factory options:

Speed control (will not be installed)
A/C
PS & PB
Stripe delete
F8 Green (dark green)
Front disks
Console/buckets

I am taking this car back to original, more or less. I am doing a 4 speed rather than auto. Also, it had one of those nasty green vinyl roofs which I think look awful on the dark green, so I'll do a black one. For the body/metal work: I'm not very good at those things so it's all been professionally done by Classic Restoration here in Denver.

Today the car is in the paint booth having undercoating done. Undercoating will be black. I know a lot of the restorations end up with just paint on the underside, but I plan to actually drive this car so I wanted the toughest material possible. I don't ever want this thing to rust!

Here are some pics.





Original grille- restored obviously







Car in Epoxy primer




Classic Restoration is turning this car into a roller. They are going to send to me to finish out. I have rebuilt the 440 back to stock specs. I am going to build an engine break in stand and break in the engine over the next few weeks. Very excited about this project turning a page on paint. A lot of work left to be done but that is a big one!

Cheers

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I can certainly relate to getting a Charger in a box. Looks like the worst is done. Good luck!   

[mtechgunman]

I can certainly relate to getting a Charger in a box. Looks like the worst is done. Good luck!   

Thanks! The good part of this deal was that the car and all the components have been inside since 1986. So I guess that's a positive.

[Ghoste]

Looks like a nice project.  What made you decide against putting the cruise back in? (just being nosey)

[mtechgunman]

Looks like a nice project.  What made you decide against putting the cruise back in? (just being nosey)

Mainly because I believe this was an option for auto's only...... Although I could be wrong!

I'm also not doing A/C right off the bat. I may explore the cruise after the car is "done" (are they ever really done?).

Input always appreciated!

[DadsCharger00]

Where abouts in Colorado are you located?

[mtechgunman]

Where abouts in Colorado are you located?

Denver Metro

[tan top]

 hello & welcome       , looks a good project  , keep the updates & pictures & stuff coming 

[Dino]

IF you decide not to use the cruise control parts please PM me as I may want to buy them from you.

[twodko]

Fun project, it'll be a great car when it's finished.
if you're taking it back to original reinstall the fully functional cruise control and AC.  

[JB400]

Welcome to the forum   Know all about the car-in-the-box and the rusted hardware in cappuccino boxes and cool whip bowls

[remta1]

Mine was easy , everything I took off was there ready to put back on, did I also mention that I remembered where everything went and that it all fitted perfectly without any problems whatsoever.

Yeah right  ,seriously though project looks good keep up the pics 

[fy469rtse]

Welcome and very nice work so far, 
Those body lines lines look nice and sharp, keep posting , we like photos lots and lots , looks like a lot of the hard work rusty parts done 

[mtechgunman]

Thanks for the compliments all.... I'm not sure if I have all of the cruise control parts.

I decoded the fender tag a while back..... might as well post it.

XS29   X = Dodge Charger
   S = Special
   29 = 2 Door Sports Hardtop
L9B   L = 440 375HP 1-4BBL 8 CYL
   9 = 1969
   B = Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
214206   Sequence Number '214206'
F8   Paint Code: Unknown At This Time
CRG   Trim Grade/Style/Color
   C = Charger
   R = Vinyl and Leather Bucket Seats
   G = Green
F8   Upper Door Frame: Unknown At This Time
B18   Date Built: 11 / 18 / 1968
89003   Order Number: 089003
A01   Roof Type OR Color:  Light Package
A47   Special Edition Package
B41   Front Disc Brakes Some Yrs. Power
B51   Power Assisted Brakes
C16   Console w/ Buckets
C55   Bucket Seats
G11   Tinted Glass All
G33   Left Hand Outside Mirror - Manual / Chrome
H51   Single Air /w Heater
L31   Hood / Fender Mount Turn Signal
M21   Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M31   Belt Molding 69-70
N85   Tachometer
N88   Auto Speed Control
R13   Astrophonic am radio
V1F   Full Vinyl Top - Green
V88   Delete Transverse R/T Stripe (R/T Badging)
26   26 in. Radiator
END   End of Codes

[mtechgunman]

Charger is a roller now!

[TexasGeneral]

I think that F8 paint code is "dark green poly"

[mtechgunman]

Update:









Boom.

[moparnation74]

Coming along great!  Going to be a sweet ride when finished.

[charge69]

The restoration seems to be coming along great!  The new paint (although green is not my color of choice) looks fantastic and putting a new black vinyl top on instead of the original green will look much better! I think I might, at least, consider going black with the interior also!

Very nice work and keep at it!

[Charger-Bodie]

Love me some F8 green!!!

[Shakey]

Agree with the others - looks great!  And I too like the colour.   

[fy469rtse]

i would use the boar grain top from 68 , two tone  looks like it came straight from the animal ,
not like the single i threw up over my own roof 69 colour,
my favorite car , triple green 68
I'm like you car in a box ,RT SE, trouble is had no box's just the rolling empty shell

[tan top]

   looks good 

[Ghoste]

Sure does, love the color too.

[mtechgunman]

Thanks for the comments all.

We'll be doing green interior. I agree, black would look better, but I have the majority of the original interior parts that are in great shape. Car is going to be very very green.

Dash, carpet, seats, everything going green.

Shop thinks 12-16 weeks for full completion. They have done a tremendous job, we decided to just let them finish the whole car. I'll deliver the engine I built to them in the next month.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Looks like a nice project.  What made you decide against putting the cruise back in? (just being nosey)

Mainly because I believe this was an option for auto's only...... Although I could be wrong!

I'm also not doing A/C right off the bat. I may explore the cruise after the car is "done" (are they ever really done?).

Input always appreciated!

To me, keeping out the factory AC & cruise (that were original to the car) is more of a detriment to originality and enjoyment of the car than the non-original 4 speed.

[mtechgunman]

Lookie what I found.......

I'm not positive, but I am pretty sure this is a pretty important component to the cruise. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. Speedo cable in, speedo cable out.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[mtechgunman]

Parts for days

[mtechgunman]

Looks like a nice project.  What made you decide against putting the cruise back in? (just being nosey)

Mainly because I believe this was an option for auto's only...... Although I could be wrong!

I'm also not doing A/C right off the bat. I may explore the cruise after the car is "done" (are they ever really done?).

Input always appreciated!

To me, keeping out the factory AC & cruise (that were original to the car) is more of a detriment to originality and enjoyment of the car than the non-original 4 speed.

I guess on the A/C side, it's something I'd like done. Sometimes don't know where to start. I was told by previous owner that the heater core that came with the care won't work with A/C.

As far as cruise goes.... Up until now I didn't think I had any of the parts with the exception of the steering column. Wasn't too concerned about it because I am pretty sure cruise control wasn't an option on 4 speed cars.

Thoughts?

[mtechgunman]

Currently wondering if I have screwed up by not putting an auto in this car and gone back to 100% original.......... Especially given the speed control piece I just found.......

[Homerr]

I would go for the cruise control look, but non functional.

[moparfan53]

I guess on the A/C side, it's something I'd like done. Sometimes don't know where to start. I was told by previous owner that the heater core that came with the care won't work with A/C.

As far as cruise goes.... Up until now I didn't think I had any of the parts with the exception of the steering column. Wasn't too concerned about it because I am pretty sure cruise control wasn't an option on 4 speed cars.

Thoughts?

Yes, heater cores for a/c and non-a/c are different, as is the complete heater assembly, parts etc.

The steering column is the same with or without cruise. The only difference is the turn signal lever. You are correct about cruise not being available on 4spd cars. Below is the cruise setup from the '69 parts book. It may help you to determine what parts you have (or don't have). FYI for buying or selling; cruise parts were the same for '68 and '69 B bodies, then changed in '70.

[qwick68]

Love the green!

[moparfan53]

Currently wondering if I have screwed up by not putting an auto in this car and gone back to 100% original.......... Especially given the speed control piece I just found.......

My  
You bought the car to drive and enjoy... correct? So ask yourself if you will enjoy the car more as a 4spd or an automatic. You also need to find out if you have all the cruise parts needed as I mentioned above. They are not easy to find. I spent quite a while finding everything needed to install factory working cruise on my '69 Charger.

[moparfan53]

I would go for the cruise control look, but non functional.

I am of the opposite opinion.  I think if it is there, it should work. When people see the cruise parts under the hood or the cruise lever on my car, they often ask "does the cruise work?", and I can say it does.

[moparnation74]

If you build the car back to factory specs it will hold more value.

I am on the side of enjoyment versus value.

It is your car and build it how you want it!

[Ghoste]

And there is a certain satisafaction in gettting all of the options working on a car.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Looks like a great car, but it's a damn shame about the interior.

Green  

[Dino]

Man that's how my car used to be.  Green in and out but with a white top.  I still have the original interior but the seat covers are toast and the upper door pads have some small cracks.  If you decide to get rid of the cruise stuff, or some of it, shoot me a pm.  I'm still looking for some parts.

[mtechgunman]

Looks like a great car, but it's a damn shame about the interior.

Green  

Haha I know, right? Oh well. Honestly all that green is kind of growing on me. It's not the most popular, but I kind of think that makes it pretty cool in it's own way.

[hemi68charger]

Looks like a nice project.  What made you decide against putting the cruise back in? (just being nosey)

Mainly because I believe this was an option for auto's only...... Although I could be wrong!

I'm also not doing A/C right off the bat. I may explore the cruise after the car is "done" (are they ever really done?).

Input always appreciated!

To me, keeping out the factory AC & cruise (that were original to the car) is more of a detriment to originality and enjoyment of the car than the non-original 4 speed.

Hell, I would have let it all if I got it at that point......... 4-speed a/c with cruise............. Whata-shoulda-been.....

[mtechgunman]

I guess on the A/C side, it's something I'd like done. Sometimes don't know where to start. I was told by previous owner that the heater core that came with the care won't work with A/C.

As far as cruise goes.... Up until now I didn't think I had any of the parts with the exception of the steering column. Wasn't too concerned about it because I am pretty sure cruise control wasn't an option on 4 speed cars.

Thoughts?

Yes, heater cores for a/c and non-a/c are different, as is the complete heater assembly, parts etc.

The steering column is the same with or without cruise. The only difference is the turn signal lever. You are correct about cruise not being available on 4spd cars. Below is the cruise setup from the '69 parts book. It may help you to determine what parts you have (or don't have). FYI for buying or selling; cruise parts were the same for '68 and '69 B bodies, then changed in '70.

Thanks. I am going to see what all I can track down. I didn't think I had any of this stuff because I really didn't know what I was looking for. This diagram will really help.

[jaak]

Wow, Beautiful car... 
F8, in my opinion, is one of the best colors from Ma Mopar.

Jason

[Charger4404spd]

Great looking paint!

[mtechgunman]

Updates:

[JesseJames78]

That is a good looking charger!   

[Troy]

Looks great! Even in green, how could you not like it? FYI: the majority of these cars were green when new.

Troy

[Ghoste]

Yeah, its funny how colors go in and out of style.  The T5 and copper shades were middle of the road then and when I bought the 67 in 1998 almost everyone I knew told me what a horrid color it was and I needed to change it quickly.  When I sold it last year some of those same people thought it was a fantastic color.  Go figure.

[BLK 68 R/T]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[tan top]

   wow looks awesome