Pro-touring Hellcat project

[erlendch]

Seeking your advice. I have a 69' 440 RT, which I love. But it's so loud and handles like a boat. I get that is part of the charm, BUT I drive it a lot and far, and I basically want it to drive like a modern car. Why wouldn't I just get a modern car then you might ask. Well, I think all new cars looks ugly, no soul, and nothing beats a '69 Charger in terms of looks in my opinion.

Since my current car is in good shape I wouldn't start modifying it. But rather start a new project. Here is one reference: http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/completed_restorations/1968-Dodge-Charger/131948#!/. I too would wanna cut it like this, it's 10.5 inches in front, 10 inches in rear and roof was lowered 2 inches (I would shorten the C pillar too).

For engine I am thinking the new 707-hp 6.2-liter Hellcat. I'd like off course good suspension and brakes. Interior should look like the original though, although I would need buttons for cruise controls and all the modern stuff integrated somehow. I think Pete Filippatos (who I believe is even on this forum) has done an amazing job on his, so here is another reference for you guys so you understand what I am going for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ8K7P4EJEA. I would keep it more true to original look tho (except shortening modifications of course).

Reason I am posting all this is that I like to ask advice on who is the best in the country to build this? Btw. I do realize this would cost 6 figures. And I should let you know that I am indeed serious and ready to pay that much (been lucky with my bonus last two years). First rough quote I got was $250k, which was from RK Motors. I have a call with them tomorrow to talk more though, so I can share more then. Does anyone here have experience with those guys?

And do you think it is even realistic to get an old Charger drive like a modern car? Also in terms of noise, including engine and wind noise, plus handling and feel.

Last question.. Any advice on how I review the different companies that build this cars? Not like I can try before I buy. And also curious on how to determine that I am getting a good price? I want the best possible job and ready to pay for it, and don't wanna end up with a company that either cut corners so the car doesn't end up as good as it should be, or that they over charge (or both).

Appreciate your input!

[1965gp]

A local shop here was building a 69 that was on a full frame (roadster shop I think?) with viper motor, Trans and brakes. Saw it completed this past week- looked awesome. I would think if you went with a full frame there is no limit to the handling you could build into it. The shop that started the project was GAP Racing in Houston- not sure who finished it. I woukd talk to shops and the owners of the cars they built to see what their schedules were like.

Only issue I have with the hellcat motor is that it will eventually be dated. For the amount of money you are going to throw at this you could build a fuel injected 383 or 440 that will never look out of place. If you are considering spending a quarter mill on a car- It should be timeless. In my mind the motor looks era correct but has fuel injection under the air cleaner.

If I had that budget it would be full frame, solid rear, big brakes, year one 17's, 6 speed, fuel injected 440, legendary rallye seats, 3 point belts and HID/LED lights. Keep the chrome bumpers and trim- go with a silver or similar color that would wear well. Could also consider a wrap if you wanted graphics on the car- could be easily changed every few years and improve with technology.

[Homerr]

I would definitely ask for several recent references and call them up and get the full skinny on how much things were quoted vs. how much they cost and how they turned out.

I've read a little about people liking Restorations by Julius lately.... http://www.rbyj.com/  I'm sure there are others.

[myk]

$250 large?  Well even with that much of a budget you can expect the final cost to be a lot more.  I applaud your effort and hope you go through with it.  Keep us informed...

[fy469rtse]

There's a lot you can do which dramatically improves the handling and performance of these cars,
In order that I would do that car if it were mine
Us car tool chassis connectors
Hemi torque box's
Bottom plates to front lower control arms , also add the ears to lower control arms near torsion bar pivot,
Tubular upper control arms , so more caster can be put into wheel alignment ,
Or replace k frame with lighter tubular , rack and pinion steering
Upgrade the front sway bar, add rear sway bar,
Go for the full rear upgrade,  I haven't seem it on here yet except for the viper builds , but it could be done by the right people, independent rear suspension with out butchering body frame too much , made fabricated so it could utilise old suspension mounting points ,
Add the above and see how far you want to go , you my find you get half way through this list and are happy enough with upgrades,
By the assembled mega squirt injection system , get that installed , this car will be transformed pro tourer
Or stuff this list and go order that pro tourer

[JR]

I'm all for the pro touring treatment, but I have to ask the obvious question.

If you want to cut, section, chop and shorten the body to mimic this one, and have a six figure budget, and don't mind modifying the car to the point where resale will be a problem, why not buy the black car already completed and skip the whole two year build time?

I'm sure they'd listen to offers on it, considering its been for sale ever since it was completed years ago.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

For 250 large, you can buy a nice 68-70 Hemi Charger, a new Hellcat & still have money left over. If you go the RK route  and spend 250 large with them, you'll have a car that's worth about 65-75 large when you grow tired of it.

[DC_1]

For 250 large, you can buy a nice 68-70 Hemi Charger, a new Hellcat & still have money left over. If you go the RK route  and spend 250 large with them, you'll have a car that's worth about 65-75 large when you grow tired of it.

[six-tee-nine]

For 250 large, you can buy a nice 68-70 Hemi Charger, a new Hellcat & still have money left over. 

[six-tee-nine]

Oh btw, dont fuck up the great lines of a Mopar B body like the guys in the link you posted.

If you want a shortened body, then start with a Challenger.

[marshallfry01]

Oh btw, dont fuck up the great lines of a Mopar B body like the guys in the link you posted.

If you want a shortened body, then start with a Challenger.

[68pplcharger]

For what it's worth I'm building a "Pro Touring" 68 Charger. I kept the old school 440 (highly modified) and Put a ProCarger blower on it and pumped out some impressive horsepower and made the motor very streetable. I used an A833 hemi trans with a gear vendors overdrive unit. The front brakes have six piston calipers on 14" rotors up front and a hydratech hydroboost system. The front suspension is all modified stock or after market replacement, but it's still the stock style up front. The rear has a 94 Z28 rearend (11" rotor and four piston calipers) so I could utilize the torque arm suspension. This car handles like a new vette. The cost doing everything myself was about 45,000. That's the finished price. Not sure what level your skill set is, but thought I would give my 

i.e it can be done relatively cheap compared to the ridiculous price I've seen for these cars if you buy them already done.

[Mike DC]

        
I agree if you've got the budget you should probably make an offer on the modified '68 in the photo.  Nobody has bought it and it's already been repainted once in attempt to increase the appeal.  No telling how far they might come down on that price after several years.  

Even if it's just a starting point it would save you a bundle.  If you don't want the drivetrain it has then you could sell it to offset some of the cost.  If you want a '69 then it would be an easy body conversion.  Etc.




The fact is, heavily modifying a 2nd-gen Charger shape = FAIL.  People have been trying it for almost 50 years and there probably still isn't one example - not ONE - that most people agree came out looking good.  



Think about it - 50 years.  No successful alterations to the basic shape.  

That's like if it was 1982 and nobody had ever yet made a popular '32 Ford custom.  Or it's 1999 and nobody has yet improved the lines of a '49 Merc.  IMO after 50 years of failures it's time to declare it a bad idea.  

[JB400]

That's what I tried to tell the guys over at the Roadster Shop on that 68 abomination they just got done.  Their Camaro's look great, the Charger, not so much.  If you're going to do body mods, keep them small and subtle.  You might get away with doing a chopped roof, but I wouldn't go too drastic with it.

http://www.hotrod.com/news/the-roadster-shop-1968-dodge-charger-is-a-custom-classic-at-sema-2014/

[chargerman69]

Or the last hemi charger http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,114820.0/topicseen.html

For 250 large, you can buy a nice 68-70 Hemi Charger, a new Hellcat & still have money left over. If you go the RK route  and spend 250 large with them, you'll have a car that's worth about 65-75 large when you grow tired of it.

[Fitz73Chrgr]

Holy crap, please don't...

[Kern Dog]

One car on this planet like that black one is too many already. That is a hideous turd. It destroys the flowing lines that these cars are blessed with. I recall seeing it in one or more of the Mopar magazines and simply looking at it pissed me off.
It was  a sacrilege what those assclowns did to that car. Just because you can[/i do extensive custom metalwork doesn't mean that you should......

[Ghoste]

And look at all the success these guys have had selling their Frankenstein's abortion after they spend giant cash and grow tired of it.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

For what it's worth I'm building a "Pro Touring" 68 Charger. I kept the old school 440 (highly modified) and Put a ProCarger blower on it and pumped out some impressive horsepower and made the motor very streetable. I used an A833 hemi trans with a gear vendors overdrive unit. The front brakes have six piston calipers on 14" rotors up front and a hydratech hydroboost system. The front suspension is all modified stock or after market replacement, but it's still the stock style up front. The rear has a 94 Z28 rearend (11" rotor and four piston calipers) so I could utilize the torque arm suspension. This car handles like a new vette. The cost doing everything myself was about 45,000. That's the finished price. Not sure what level your skill set is, but thought I would give my 

i.e it can be done relatively cheap compared to the ridiculous price I've seen for these cars if you buy them already done.

Sounds like fun to me. If I had the fabrication skills, I would certainly consider something like that, but alas, I don't. The point I'm trying to make is that paying a firm to create something like this for you is financial suicide.

[68pplcharger]

For what it's worth I'm building a "Pro Touring" 68 Charger. I kept the old school 440 (highly modified) and Put a ProCarger blower on it and pumped out some impressive horsepower and made the motor very streetable. I used an A833 hemi trans with a gear vendors overdrive unit. The front brakes have six piston calipers on 14" rotors up front and a hydratech hydroboost system. The front suspension is all modified stock or after market replacement, but it's still the stock style up front. The rear has a 94 Z28 rearend (11" rotor and four piston calipers) so I could utilize the torque arm suspension. This car handles like a new vette. The cost doing everything myself was about 45,000. That's the finished price. Not sure what level your skill set is, but thought I would give my 

i.e it can be done relatively cheap compared to the ridiculous price I've seen for these cars if you buy them already done.

Sounds like fun to me. If I had the fabrication skills, I would certainly consider something like that, but alas, I don't. The point I'm trying to make is that paying a firm to create something like this for you is financial suicide.

Agreed

[hatersaurusrex]

That's what I tried to tell the guys over at the Roadster Shop on that 68 abomination they just got done.  Their Camaro's look great, the Charger, not so much.  If you're going to do body mods, keep them small and subtle.  You might get away with doing a chopped roof, but I would go too drastic with it.

http://www.hotrod.com/news/the-roadster-shop-1968-dodge-charger-is-a-custom-classic-at-sema-2014/
[/quote

I don't hate the look of that car - even though the front end is over the top.  The problem isn't the  body panels, it's the boring ass paint.  It looks like someone dipped it in gray navy boat paint and has no blacked out acccent areas or striping to accentuate anything.  It just looks like someone poured gray goo on it.

[68pplcharger]

One car on this planet like that black one is too many already. That is a hideous turd. It destroys the flowing lines that these cars are blessed with. I recall seeing it in one or more of the Mopar magazines and simply looking at it pissed me off.
It was  a sacrilege what those assclowns did to that car. Just because you can[/i do extensive custom metalwork doesn't mean that you should......

Couldn't agree more,I like the cars look the way it is... Just needs more power, overdrive and be able to handle in the corners while providing me with fresh A/C 

[Mike DC]

Back to the original poster's questions,

I know you've got money but this sort of thing is really a money-waster in most cases.  IMO you should look into buying someone's project in this vein that is already partially or wholly done.  Modify or redo it as necessary to fit your wants.

The trend of combining an old Charger & a modern Charger/Chally's undercarriage is 6-7 years old now.  That's enough time to cause some of the builders/owners to be open to selling.  You could probably write a very big check, and get a car that cost the original owner a much bigger check than that.  Not to mention saving yourself a couple years' waiting on a build.  Even if a certain car is not advertised for sale it might be worth making some offers. 


Most of these builds were basically a stock modern Charger/Chally with the older skin on it.  That works.  Take that, have it repainted/redone to suit how you want it to look, and then you are left with souping-up basically a stock modern car (with a ton of "body kit" mods!).  Between the factory Hellcat and the aftermarket stuff that shouldn't be anything too difficult to get done.

[JB400]

That's what I tried to tell the guys over at the Roadster Shop on that 68 abomination they just got done.  Their Camaro's look great, the Charger, not so much.  If you're going to do body mods, keep them small and subtle.  You might get away with doing a chopped roof, but I would go too drastic with it.

http://www.hotrod.com/news/the-roadster-shop-1968-dodge-charger-is-a-custom-classic-at-sema-2014/
[/quote

I don't hate the look of that car - even though the front end is over the top.  The problem isn't the  body panels, it's the boring ass paint.  It looks like someone dipped it in gray navy boat paint and has no blacked out acccent areas or striping to accentuate anything.  It just looks like someone poured gray goo on it.

That is one of my biggest complaints about this particular car.  I like the tail lights, they done a great job on those.  Flushing the rear bumper and painting it body color made the rear end look flat and boring.  Doing the door scoop looks kind of childish, as if they didn't know what to do, but wanted to do something.  Shaving the drip rails looks nice, and gives it a 500 look to it.  The hood looks like they welded a 67 Mustang hood on top of the stock 68 Charger hood, and added the billet inserts.  Why they squared up the front end, and then beveled the leading edge, don't know.  It makes the front end look dull.  Painting the grille surrounds body color makes the grille look more recessed than it is, which loses the custom grille.  The front valance looks ok for what it is.  The hockey stripe is a nice touch, but it's also lost in the dull gray paint, which is a shame.  The Camaro interior needs to go.  It's nicely done, but doesn't fit a Charger.

[erlendch]

Thanks for all the input guys. I realize that the build time might be the biggest issue here. Which is why finding an car that is already built would be better. Any leads there is much appreciated. The problem is that I have quite particular taste and imo most pro-touring cars are tacky and overdone. The '68 from Roadster Shop looks horrendous. To reiterate, I'm looking for a car that drives like a new one, but looks like the original. I do like the shortened '68 from RK Motors tho, and Mike DC's suggestion on making an offer on it is prob my best bet. Although that would require some work; changing front and back to '69 look, gold paint job, black vinyl top, put rear lights under bumper back and original exhaust pipes, ah and rocker panels.. That would pretty much be the look I am going for.

[HPP]

Pro touring seems to cover a large range of builds from simply 17"+ wheels to full blown, over the top metal work and pseudo-psychedelic creations like some of these links show.

So I might ask you to question what is it about a new car that appeals to you that you want duplicated in the classic. Is it the ride and handling? is it the easy of firing up the engine and driving anywhere? Is it the lack of squeaks and rattles and a solid think of the doors in a cabin you can hold a conversation in?  Any of these particulars can be addressed with improvement in the systems in your classic without compromising its vintage integrity and not going the full tilt, quarter million $$ custom route.

If you really don't want to mess with improving the original at all and want to do a full tilt custom modification to a 1 of none build in the high dollar range, then here are some builders to look at;

Steve Strope and Pure Vision Design;  http://www.purevisiondesign.com/

Ring Brothers; https://ringbrothers.com/

Troy Trepanier and Rad Rides; http://www.radrides.com/

Bobby Alloway and the Roadster Shop; http://roadstershop.com/

[erlendch]

Those are some good questions HPP. Let me try to answer them below:
So I might ask you to question what is it about a new car that appeals to you that you want duplicated in the classic. Is it the ride and handling?
Yes!

is it the easy of firing up the engine and driving anywhere?
Yes!

Is it the lack of squeaks and rattles and a solid think of the doors in a cabin you can hold a conversation in? 
Yes, especially this part!

Thanks for links, I'll look into them now.

[erlendch]

       
(...) Nobody has bought it and it's already been repainted once in attempt to increase the appeal.  No telling how far they might come down on that price after several years. (...)

How did you find out it was repainted?

[73rallye440magnum]

I've done rework on RK projects and my experience would encourage you to not do business with them. 

[Stevearino]

       
(...) Nobody has bought it and it's already been repainted once in attempt to increase the appeal.  No telling how far they might come down on that price after several years. (...)

How did you find out it was repainted?

Former incarnation

[JR]

       
(...) Nobody has bought it and it's already been repainted once in attempt to increase the appeal.  No telling how far they might come down on that price after several years. (...)

How did you find out it was repainted?

That's pretty well known. When the car was originally built and was being shown in the magazines, it had a two tone black/gold paint job, and a custom mesh grille. It went up for sale a few months after that. It never sold like that, so they went back and changed those details to disguise the body modifications more as a regular Charger.

I think you may be the only other guy in the entire world that likes the sound of a chopped/channeled/shortened second gen, so the black car already done would be perfect for you, seriously.

Please, buy that one instead of chopping up another. You can repaint it, change the tail panel, and add a 69 grille insert WAY cheaper than building one from scratch.

[Stevearino]

       
(...) Nobody has bought it and it's already been repainted once in attempt to increase the appeal.  No telling how far they might come down on that price after several years. (...)

How did you find out it was repainted?

That's pretty well known. When the car was originally built and was being shown in the magazines, it had a two tone black/gold paint job, and a custom mesh grille. It went up for sale a few months after that. It never sold like that, so they went back and changed those details to disguise the body modifications more as a regular Charger.

I think you may be the only other guy in the entire world that likes the sound of a chopped/channeled/shortened second gen, so the black car already done would be perfect for you, seriously.

Please, buy that one instead of chopping up another. You can repaint it, change the tail panel, and add a 69 grille insert WAY cheaper than building one from scratch.

[erlendch]

       
(...) Nobody has bought it and it's already been repainted once in attempt to increase the appeal.  No telling how far they might come down on that price after several years. (...)

How did you find out it was repainted?

That's pretty well known. When the car was originally built and was being shown in the magazines, it had a two tone black/gold paint job, and a custom mesh grille. It went up for sale a few months after that. It never sold like that, so they went back and changed those details to disguise the body modifications more as a regular Charger.

I think you may be the only other guy in the entire world that likes the sound of a chopped/channeled/shortened second gen, so the black car already done would be perfect for you, seriously.

Please, buy that one instead of chopping up another. You can repaint it, change the tail panel, and add a 69 grille insert WAY cheaper than building one from scratch.

Agree too guys. Just called RK, their President Joe told me that the car was just sold

[73rallye440magnum]

Unless that car was recently consigned through them, they sold it about three years ago.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Man, that black/gold is fuuuuu-uuuuugly! 

[TUFCAT]

Man, that black/gold is fuuuuu-uuuuugly! 

The lack and chrome and trim also adds to the fuglyness.

[J-440]

 Not to mention the mile high wagon wheel stance.  You can go off-roading in that thing!!  If I were you I'd buy someone else's project then spend a little extra to make it your own.  Pro-Touring cars NEVER hold their resale value.  Also, the Hellcat engine package won't be a crate package for awhile.  And besides, with today's technology you can buy a well built small block with a big turbo that will spank most big blocks and will save you weight.  The good times are here to stay!!

[moparnation74]

Also, the Hellcat engine package won't be a crate package for awhile. 

Purchase someone else's mistake.  That way, if you do get disappointed.  At least you got it at a discount.

[TUFCAT]

Based solely on what I've read and heard.... Hellcat engine technology doesn't render itself easily into a "plug and play" situation so the availability of a crate engine package may never come.

[Mike DC]

                
The Hellcat isn't the only 700 hp street engine ever made.  The right fuel-injected 572" (gen-2) Hemi could probably spank it in every way except Federal emission standards & gas mileage.  

The Hellcat motor is iron-blocked and has big supercharger on top, whereas an all-aluminum old Hemi is around 530 lbs.  So the new motor probably doesn't even have a weight advantage.  

[chargerman69]

Have you seen this 69
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-National-Award-Winning-Charger-Pro-Touring-512-700-HP-V8-5-Speed-A-C-/221626242414?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3399f4156e&item=221626242414&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Have you seen this 69
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-National-Award-Winning-Charger-Pro-Touring-512-700-HP-V8-5-Speed-A-C-/221626242414?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3399f4156e&item=221626242414&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

Buy it now: $179,900.00. 

The sad things is that he probably has far more into it and he won't get anywhere near the BIN price for it.

[hollywood1336]

I definitely agree with the train of thought here, try to find a car where the shortening and chopping have already been done, would be a shame to see it happen to another perfectly good and already beautiful body style.
On another note, my car is documented in the "almost there" thread. I have stuffed a 2001 Gen II Viper motor and 6 speed Tremec under the hood of my 68 Pro-Tourer. Front suspension was completely upgraded to a Bill Reilly unit, 18" Boss wheels with Nitto tires. Rear suspension is Firm Feel. Interior has been completely gone through, I am still finishing electrics though. 6 way electric seats out of an 06 GTO reupholstered in black leather, Original back seat reupholstered in the same leather. Dash is carbon fiber with Auto Meter gauges. There is plenty more and I will have 52k into the build with about 4k in mistakes when complete. I have had the car on the street and am extremely amazed at how the car handles, very flat around the corners and smooth down the road. The acceleration is brutal and the motor extremely reliable, and all aluminum. The car currently weighs 3100 lbs. I didn't shorten or chop and except for the lowered stance it still looks like a beautiful 68 Charger. I give this little history because with a business license and resale license to buy parts at wholesale and including labor I could have built my car for 120k. These 200 and 250k cars are way over priced. It would be a shame to throw your hard earned bonus at a car that will only be worth pennies when it's complete. My car appeals to a limited crowd, had a shortened and chopped it, that crowd would be significantly smaller.
I am a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry and am somewhat of a perfectionist. My car isn't perfect and there are definitely things I would do differently with regards to body and paint on my next build, I have done all the work myself except for paint. I have been to plenty of shows and seen plenty of cars from the so called experts and they all have taken short cuts. Too many to list and completely not expected on a 200k car.
Buy the new Hellcat Charger if you want something shorter and more modern, or the Hellcat Challenger if you want classic lines. Use your bonus to buy a real Hemi Charger, that's smart buying because it will only increase in value.

[Ghoste]

Of course the Hellcat is warranted even for competition use so that might be an advantage as well.

[Troy]

Buying the godawful mess that has already been altered is your best bet. There doesn't need to be 2 of them in the world! And it's been for sale forever because no one else wants it. The things you'd need to change to make it look like a 69 are minor compared to shortening ALL the original sized panels. If you're writing a check instead of doing manual labor figure a shop that's capable of the quality you want is going to charge $100+ per hour. A "normal" restoration back to factory specs can easily be a 1,200 hours and you're wanting to add several hundred (if not another 1,000) hours of hand forming sheet metal to that. Then you want an engine that doesn't currently exist in the after market.

It's a lot easier than that to get a Charger to drive like a new one. Look at Autodynamic's car. Modern Hemi, big brakes, after market suspension, modern sound system and wiring, lots of insulation and sound deadening...

Troy

[Ghoste]

Or appreciate it for what it is and get a new car to be a new car?

[73rallye440magnum]

The black car has been sold for over two years.

[myk]

The black car has been sold for over two years.

To Stevie Wonder, I'm assuming...

[73rallye440magnum]

I spent a fair amount of time around it and it's a pretty cool car. For some reason most people on the site love to rag on it.

[Stevearino]

I spent a fair amount of time around it and it's a pretty cool car. For some reason most people on the site love to rag on it.

Don't know why. That is one great looking ride.

[chargerperson]

I would agree with the other posters, restoring/making your own resto mod is challenging from a financial point of view.  I am living through one for a 67 charger as sentimental reasons overrule financial sensibilities.  It is 6.4L, Tremec 6 speed, RMS suspension, 4 wheel disc, vintage air, full restoration, etc., etc. and the body was in tough shape so price is a little on the high side.  All that being said, I am nowhere near $250K.  The shop rate where I'm at is slightly less than RK Motors' rate of $125/hr at $109 (mechanical work) and $99 (body work) (BTW, wasn't RK Motors $65/hour only 6 months ago? Or am I thinking of someone else?).  Their price is not very reasonable unless they start with a pile of rust for a car.  I suspect the price would be negotiable.  Additionally, if you know what you want, quote the work at a few well known reputable places recommended here or elsewhere.  If pricing/quality is a tie, pick someone near you so you can check on the progress.    If you're anywhere near NYC tri state area you could check out the place I have my car.  They have 69 charger resto mod underway as well though not a significant endeavor as they are retaining original suspension and perhaps transmission as well last time I checked and simply installing a 5.7L hemi.   Car was in incredibly tough shape once it was media blasted.

[erlendch]

I would agree with the other posters, restoring/making your own resto mod is challenging from a financial point of view.  I am living through one for a 67 charger as sentimental reasons overrule financial sensibilities.  It is 6.4L, Tremec 6 speed, RMS suspension, 4 wheel disc, vintage air, full restoration, etc., etc. and the body was in tough shape so price is a little on the high side.  All that being said, I am nowhere near $250K.  The shop rate where I'm at is slightly less than RK Motors' rate of $125/hr at $109 (mechanical work) and $99 (body work) (BTW, wasn't RK Motors $65/hour only 6 months ago? Or am I thinking of someone else?).  Their price is not very reasonable unless they start with a pile of rust for a car.  I suspect the price would be negotiable.  Additionally, if you know what you want, quote the work at a few well known reputable places recommended here or elsewhere.  If pricing/quality is a tie, pick someone near you so you can check on the progress.    If you're anywhere near NYC tri state area you could check out the place I have my car.  They have 69 charger resto mod underway as well though not a significant endeavor as they are retaining original suspension and perhaps transmission as well last time I checked and simply installing a 5.7L hemi.   Car was in incredibly tough shape once it was media blasted.

How many hours will be needed for your build? And what does that translate into months build time? Whats name of shop? Best of luck with, pls share pictures

[chargerperson]

I would agree with the other posters, restoring/making your own resto mod is challenging from a financial point of view.  I am living through one for a 67 charger as sentimental reasons overrule financial sensibilities.  It is 6.4L, Tremec 6 speed, RMS suspension, 4 wheel disc, vintage air, full restoration, etc., etc. and the body was in tough shape so price is a little on the high side.  All that being said, I am nowhere near $250K.  The shop rate where I'm at is slightly less than RK Motors' rate of $125/hr at $109 (mechanical work) and $99 (body work) (BTW, wasn't RK Motors $65/hour only 6 months ago? Or am I thinking of someone else?).  Their price is not very reasonable unless they start with a pile of rust for a car.  I suspect the price would be negotiable.  Additionally, if you know what you want, quote the work at a few well known reputable places recommended here or elsewhere.  If pricing/quality is a tie, pick someone near you so you can check on the progress.    If you're anywhere near NYC tri state area you could check out the place I have my car.  They have 69 charger resto mod underway as well though not a significant endeavor as they are retaining original suspension and perhaps transmission as well last time I checked and simply installing a 5.7L hemi.   Car was in incredibly tough shape once it was media blasted.

How many hours will be needed for your build? And what does that translate into months build time? Whats name of shop? Best of luck with, pls share pictures

Project is still a work in progress but I would guess about 1,100-1,250 hours.  I am trying to retain as much of the original nature of the car (body and interior) as possible so the car will appear relatively stock with only the tires (17 or 18") and brakes visibly different.  Power train of course will be dramatically different.

Name of the shop is Premier Restorations, Sloatsburg, NY (30-40 miles northwest of New York City).  Car is just about to be painted, here are some links to pictures:

http://www.premierrestony.com/#!67-charger/c1mb7 - apologies not very user friendly - have to select "show more" several times to see all.  A lot of metal work pictures with some more interesting ones at the end showing the work on the tunnel for the transmission and picture of engine/front suspension.  Car looked decent on the way into the shop but there was some issues for the cowl and around the taillights to show an example of what can be lurking underneath a paint job

https://www.facebook.com/premierrestony/photos/pcb.1537220596514614/1537220529847954/?type=1&theater a few pictures of the car receiving a new rear end (you can advance through 4 pictures on right or left)

https://www.facebook.com/premierrestony/photos/pcb.1538417339728273/1538417266394947/?type=1&theater not very exciting but here a few pictures of lizard skin application - sound deadener

https://www.facebook.com/premierrestony/photos/pcb.1541881016048572/1541880909381916/?type=1&theater bottom and interior of car painted

[chargerperson]

Here is link to 69 Charger resto mod pictures I mentioned in earlier post.  Apologies for lack of user friendliness as you have to select "show more" at the bottom.  This car is a an example of you don't know what awaits you after the media blasting.  Though there are many other more brave and ambitious restorations where people have tackled cars far worse than this one, the owner was surprised at how much rust was exposed.  He was a recent purchaser and car didn't look so bad pre media blasting

http://www.premierrestony.com/#!69-charger/c1x1b

[WHITE AND RED 69]

It's your money but do you think its really gonna be worth it to spend $50-100K extra just to shorten it?

Best thing to do is keep the body stock (or some minor changes) and concentrate on the drivetrain, suspension, and interior. You will save time and a ton of money skipping the major body mods. You can make the car handle and stop great with what the aftermarket has to offer. Get an interior shop to make the interior nice and comfortable and tell them to go crazy with adding sound deadening material. With an adjustable suspension, modern engine/trans, good brakes, and a nice interior you will be happy.

Check out the year one charger. Supercharged modern hemi, overdrive trans, RMS suspension, and a clean interior. Still looks like a charger and has the reliability of a modern car.