Now this is what the new Chargers should look like

[68charger440]

http://www.amcarguide.com/custom/conversion-300c-srt8-to-68-charger/

...and a Video walkaround
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwNFsjCK4ns

[odcics2]

Too chunky...   
Looks too 'tall' in the greenhouse area.   

[68charger440]

Too chunky...   
Looks too 'tall' in the greenhouse area.   

I would take it over what they are passing off as Chargers today.  The chunky look is what I like...  I always thought the 2nd gens were just a little too long looking from the straight on side view.

[BananaDan]

Nah, I like the side view of 68-70 Chargers.  The grill on this car looks more like a 70 than a 68.  It's not bad at all, I kind of like it but I think it would need a little bit of work.  I still like the 99 concept as the best look for a new Charger.

[JB400]

He cut the fenders too short.

[E86/A47]

The grill on this car looks more like a 70 than a 68.

agreed.

I know it's been beaten to death but why not offer a 2 door option. I would prefer a 69 or 68 grill but like everything else!

[Road Dog]

Should have used 69 tail lights.

[indreams84]

With some minor criticism aside, this IS pretty sweet looking. Agree with the 69' Tail lights though.

[SovereignZuul]

From the outside, hurl...  The color and decals are...

Dat interior though, very comfy looking.

[68charger440]

Here is a video walkaround of the car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwNFsjCK4ns

[TUFCAT]

It takes lots of talent to do a conversion like that!     Considering the level of work required, I think it turned out excellent.    

Some guys might flame me for saying this,  but I really don't mind the looks at all.    


The only thing I would change (...don't think I'm being picky) are the graphics, and the '68 tail-lights don't match the '70 front end.  Who approved that?!  

[lexxman]

I was at that show and I believe I took a few picture of it. He did a great job on it.

[68charger440]

I was at that show and I believe I took a few picture of it. He did a great job on it.

Did you get to pick his brain on the details of what he did?

[68charger440]

It takes lots of talent to do a conversion like that!     Considering the level of work required, I think it turned out excellent.    

Some guys might flame me for saying this,  but I really don't mind the looks at all.    


The only thing I would change (...don't think I'm being picky) are the graphics, and the '68 tail-lights don't match the '70 front end.  Who approved that?!  

I would be OK with the 68 tail lights if he would have kept the chrome trim and black paint in between the lights like the 68 had stock.

[Mike DC]

    

The conversions always struggle because the modern Charger is simply a bigger car.  The wheelbase is several inches longer, the cowl is several inches taller, and the outer track width is several inches wider.


The classic Mopars are smaller cars with huge overhangs everywhere.  

[myk]

   

The conversions always struggle because the modern Charger is simply a bigger car.  The wheelbase is several inches longer, the cowl is several inches taller, and the outer track width is several inches wider.


The classic Mopars are smaller cars with huge overhangs everywhere.  

That car's been posted before, and I'll say again that it just doesn't look right.  2nd Gen's are long, lean and low, that custom job looks short, fat and high.  Kudos to the builders though-that's a fine piece of work that, like Mike says, is limited by the design of the modern 300...

[UH60L]

I've seen that car before, and I could have sworn someone said it was based on a mdoern Challenger, not a 300...

It's a pretty good job, but it's too short, probably because a '68 charger is 208 inches long with a wheel base of 117 inches, and a 2006 sedan is 200.1 inches long with a 120 inch wheel base, and a modern 300 is 197.8 inches long with a 120 inch wheel base.

So, in reality, both modern cars have a 3 inch longer wheel base and both modern cars are between 7.9 and 11.1 inches shorter than a '68 charger.

The wheel base isn't that big of a deal and would not be as noticeable if the car were longer.

Height wise, a '68 charger is roughly 4 inches shorter, so I think if they made this car 208 inches long, it would still look much, much better...

Nice job though, I am always impresssed by what aftermarket fabricators can do, There are some really talented people in the world.

[XS29L]

I'll take one in black with a Hellcat mill.     

[UH60L]

Plus, the grille/front end looks to be a '70 not a '68...

[68charger440]

Plus, the grille/front end looks to be a '70 not a '68...

The guy who built it said he took some from 68 through 70 but mostly 68.

[indreams84]

So am I the only guy who thinks these also look badass?? 

[moparsr2fast]

Plus, the grille/front end looks to be a '70 not a '68...

  If the builder would have used the tailghts that came out on the '11 charger, it would have kept more in theme with the front of the car.

  Also, had this been the "charger " offering in '06 when they first came out, I would bet there would have been quite an acceptance of them

[tan top]

http://www.amcarguide.com/custom/conversion-300c-srt8-to-68-charger/

...and a Video walkaround
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwNFsjCK4ns

 ,  the guy has done a awesome job   , nice fabrication work ! clever stuff       , not for me  though     !! leave a second generation charger  shape  ,  on exactly that !!  a second generation    

[68charger440]

http://www.amcarguide.com/custom/conversion-300c-srt8-to-68-charger/

...and a Video walkaround
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwNFsjCK4ns

 ,  the guy has done a awesome job   , nice fabrication work ! clever stuff       , not for me  though     !! leave a second generation charger  shape  ,  on exactly that !!  a second generation    

I understand wanting to leave a second gen alone but as a successor would you rather have the new charger or this vision of a new one?

[tan top]

http://www.amcarguide.com/custom/conversion-300c-srt8-to-68-charger/

...and a Video walkaround
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwNFsjCK4ns

 ,  the guy has done a awesome job   , nice fabrication work ! clever stuff       , not for me  though     !! leave a second generation charger  shape  ,  on exactly that !!  a second generation    

I understand wanting to leave a second gen alone but as a successor would you rather have the new charger or this vision of a new one?

yeah I see where your coming from     ,

it does look good ,     but to me , its not right !     nothing wrong with the  ( new )four door charger  shape , nice car , just should never of  been called  a charger IMO ,  

[Stevearino]

I was wondering why they took down the most interesting pictures of the this car. The first time I saw it on the net they had a series of build pictures to go with it. I have searched and searched and can't seem to find them again. You can see some of them in the placard in one of these photos but there were many more.

[68charger440]

I was wondering why they took down the most interesting pictures of the this car. The first time I saw it on the net they had a series of build pictures to go with it. I have searched and searched and can't seem to find them again. You can see some of them in the placard in one of these photos but there were many more.

If you find them post a link to them here.  I would love to see them.  I would also like to know if and /or where he shortened the body, or if the front and back spoilers just give the illusion of it being shortened.  If anyone knows where to contact the builder I would like to contact him about the build.

[Stevearino]

I was wondering why they took down the most interesting pictures of the this car. The first time I saw it on the net they had a series of build pictures to go with it. I have searched and searched and can't seem to find them again. You can see some of them in the placard in one of these photos but there were many more.

If you find them post a link to them here.  I would love to see them.  I would also like to know if and /or where he shortened the body, or if the front and back spoilers just give the illusion of it being shortened.  If anyone knows where to contact the builder I would like to contact him about the build.

I don't know if he sectioned it and shortened it but if one were to start with a Challenger platform you are already at 116 on the wheelbase and it is already a 2 door so while more expensive to start with it would be a better fit for this kind of thing. Also I am doing one of these conversions right now and my thread on the project is over in the aero car section. It is called SRT-8 Daytona Clone.  I am always interested in seeing how other people dealt with some of the issues I have had  with my build.

[DTB]

I do like most of the car. I'd of incorporated the tail light panel off the newer Chargers though (Maybe it was built before the tail light redesign?). Don't like the round tail lights, don't like the round side markers either. Other then that, I think it looks pretty nice for what it is.

[TPR]

I agree with the articles author, 'unusual' sums it up.
TPR

[green69rt]

I have to say that compared to the newer charger bodies, this is better.  I could probably pick some individual features apart but I would take it over a new 2015.

[68charger440]

I don't know if he sectioned it and shortened it but if one were to start with a Challenger platform you are already at 116 on the wheelbase and it is already a 2 door so while more expensive to start with it would be a better fit for this kind of thing. Also I am doing one of these conversions right now and my thread on the project is over in the aero car section. It is called SRT-8 Daytona Clone.  I am always interested in seeing how other people dealt with some of the issues I have had  with my build.

I just went through your SRT-8 thread Steve.  Awesome job, and tremendous progress for such a short time and and being a one man band.

[familymopar]

I think he did a great job on that car  Odd?  Yes.  Do I like it?  I think so.

[Stevearino]

Thanks for the thumbs up 68Charger440.

It is interesting the way that this guy saved the front roof ,windshield and cowl area from the 300. That really eliminates a ton of work trying to squeeze all that new stuff up under the 68 windshield bed and dealing with the windshield wiper arrangement and all that mess. To do that he shortened the hood at the back and scalloped it to match the 300 windshield sweep. Also one of the issues he dealt with cleverly was to narrow the tops of the fenders and widen the hood. The reason for this is that the coolant and power steering reservoir fill caps fall right under the fender edge.

[Mike DC]

       
The side-view pics of that red conversion are revealing as to the size discrepancy between the two cars - look at the door scoops, and how much more of the new car remains below them. 


Steve, on your thread you commented that most of the problems with fitting the old skin over the new structure would be solved if the old skin was just about 10% bigger entirely.  I agree. 

In fact I think it would be interesting to see someone custom build a 2nd-gen-looking body on the modern structure.  I could see it working as a very involved fiberglass body kit or something.   

[68charger440]

I'm surprised that he is not a member here on DC.com.  I would think he would find many kindred spirits and sharing ideas helps all of us. I  would love to be able to contact him here. I know some people like his build more than others, but for me, I had a vision in my head for decades about what I would do for a next gen Charger, and with very minor differences he nailed my vision dead on.

[Stevearino]

       
The side-view pics of that red conversion are revealing as to the size discrepancy between the two cars - look at the door scoops, and how much more of the new car remains below them. 


Steve, on your thread you commented that most of the problems with fitting the old skin over the new structure would be solved if the old skin was just about 10% bigger entirely.  I agree. 

In fact I think it would be interesting to see someone custom build a 2nd-gen-looking body on the modern structure.  I could see it working as a very involved fiberglass body kit or something.   

Mike the thought had crossed my mind a few times that there had to be a way to convert the new platform to  a stylized version of the 2nd gen car that was more representative of what can be done with original parts. I had a Challenger model body left over from when I did the mock up of my project in my avatar pic and for fun I threw some clay on it. Surprisingly it works pretty well. You would just de-skin the sides leaving the roof green house structure. There would be new front fenders hood and grill.New door skins quarters with modification pieces to the sail panels. A new deck and tail section. You would also need a trunk extension to the rear. Sounds extensive but it would be much easier than the route I am taking. The beauty is you would keep the interior  and glazing areas in tact. (glazing my current nightmare).

[wingcar]

Overall I like it; he did a great job of incorporating the looks of a second generation Charger on the new LX platform.
Someone asked why there is no new 2-door Charger...it's because it's a victim of its own success.  It's one of the best sellers in its class, so Chrysler will not even entertain the thought.  And, they have the 2-door Challenger for those that don't like 4-doors.  (That was the response from Chrysler management a while back).   

[Ghoste]

There have been a couple of people now who have fit the old sheet metal over the new chassis.

[don duick]

roof does not match the shorter, fatter body. suppose it is difficult to inter grate old and modern styling.

[Stevearino]

You know the taller look to the body could have been softened by just painting out those lower body extensions and rocker panels in some hot rod black.

[TUFCAT]

You know the taller look to the body could have been softened by just painting out those lower body extensions and rocker panels in some hot rod black.

150% CORRECT!  It looks much better. 

[Patronus]

I like it. I agree though, black extensions and new tail lights. I think he did a great job, Id drive it.

[hatersaurusrex]

The grill on this car looks more like a 70 than a 68.

agreed.

I know it's been beaten to death but why not offer a 2 door option. I would prefer a 69 or 68 grill but like everything else!

If they offered a 2 door in SRT/Hellcat  with a new front clip that featured an updated widemouth grille with some trick hidden lights - 90% of purists would be happy with it I think.

Most of us wouldn't need a Charger that cloned the original the way they've done the Challenger, but I think we'd all like to see the spirit of the car remain alive at least.    Instead they took the newer version even farther away from the butch look of the classic.

[6spd68]

You know the taller look to the body could have been softened by just painting out those lower body extensions and rocker panels in some hot rod black.

Couldn't agree more.  I actually think the all red is a little fugly to be honest.  Mabye that's just because I'm not a fan of the lower vailance, or the overall fat look of the car.  When I look at this, I just see another shitty kit car with too much fiber glass; might as well be based off a Fiero.  Just one persons opinion though, no need to light the fires 

Would rather the real thing, with a modern driveline...  Oh wait \/ 

[6spd68]

Perhaps I'm just jaded because it reminds me of this overpriced example:

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Dodge/Charger/Georgetown/Ontario/5_11616762_ON20090605143000786/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_4

[Stevearino]

That one has been for sale for quite a while. I guess he is trying to break even on his project.

[familymopar]

Perhaps I'm just jaded because it reminds me of this overpriced example:

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Dodge/Charger/Georgetown/Ontario/5_11616762_ON20090605143000786/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_4

Very overpriced.  But I do like the painted grill surround and the dash without dash pads.  I've seen this car a number of times in the background of his television show.

EDIT: and I guess they gave up the glovebox?

[myk]

Perhaps I'm just jaded because it reminds me of this overpriced example:

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Dodge/Charger/Georgetown/Ontario/5_11616762_ON20090605143000786/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_4

Very overpriced.  But I do like the painted grill surround and the dash without dash pads.  I've seen this car a number of times in the background of his television show.

EDIT: and I guess they gave up the glovebox?

I'm so lost on what to do with my dash that I kinda like that setup.  It's simple, clean, spartan...

[familymopar]

I'm so lost on what to do with my dash that I kinda like that setup.  It's simple, clean, spartan...

I agree.  It is a very clean look without the pads too.  This was what I was originally gonna shoot for before the classic dash thing. I think I am back to something like this.  I would really like to keep it black though.

Back on topic though, these cars are kind of opposites.  In one case a guy takes a modern 300 and tries to skin it like a 2nd gen charger, in the other the guy takes a 2nd gen charger and just modernizes it like a resto mod.  I don't think they are very comparable, but I like aspects of them both.

[6spd68]

I'm so lost on what to do with my dash that I kinda like that setup.  It's simple, clean, spartan...

And just think, all it'll take is some cheap material, aftermarket guages from any autoparts store, and a couple self-tappers...  Oh wait, that's a 130,000$ car 

[68charger440]

If your going to rip out the guts of the original you might as well also put your own vision into some of the exterior styling as well.  It is probably never going back to original anyway, so have some fun and show off your creativity.  That is why I respect the Chrysler 300 SRT8 version.