What's THE Difference? BETWEEN a real Hemi-car or Car with a Hemi ( in it )

[500Jon]

Met a real nice guy yesterday with some Hemi-cars...

I was trying to tell him the difference between Real Hemi-cars and Mopars/Cars with Hemi's bolted in!

Wasted my time methinks.....

What's your opinion please?

My thoughts are, the Hemi has to be put in by the guys on the production line and then STAMPED on the Vin to say they had!!!

Not some guy in a shed bolting hemi's into 440/383/318 Mopars etc...

[b5blue]

Hey John.....I was thinking the difference is 60-70 grand! 

[myk]

Personally, I would never refer to a car or anything else by the measurement of its intended use, despite what the VIN or whatever says or its configuration as it sits.  

For example, I refer to my car as a Charger with a 440, not a 440 Charger.  I don't call my revolver a 357 Magnum, rather a Ruger GP 100 chambered in .357.  Finally, if I was lucky enough to be married to Playboy Playmate Kylie Johnson, I wouldn't refer to her as the 32DD's, instead.....actually yeah I wouldn't mind calling her that.  Carry on folks...

[500Jon]

Good points already!

Over here in LiMeY-Land, any and all Mopars should have 440's or a Hemi, if you can find one cheap...
Anything else is seen as demolition derby material LOL!
(Well that's what non-Mopar people think...)

Folks think that fitting a hemi into a Mopar will double or even treble its value!
They say its easy to do, so why didn't they all come with hemi's???

This then invites the thought, why weren't more hemi cars built?
Its only a $750 option back in the day, that must have been about a months wages for most Folks LOL!!!

[Troy]

I think you wasted your time over something pointless. The difference is only valid when selling or if you have an insurance claim.

If I had a "real" Hemi it would sit in the garage looking pretty. If I stick a Hemi in my 318 car I'd drive it every chance I get. So the difference is I wouldn't be afraid of destroying a piece of history and people would get to see a really cool car that (if original) would rarely be on the road. To 99% of the general public it's a Hemi if it has a Hemi under the hood (and sometimes even if it doesn't).

Troy

[Mike DC]

 
What's the difference between a baseball that Babe Ruth signed, and a baseball with a perfect perfect copy of Babe Ruth's signature on it? 

[2592 creston]

     These cars were made to be driven....I would dive it like i stole it!!!!!

[charge69]

Well, I do drive mine and agree that these cars were meant to be driven. However, there is a bit of "paranoia" associated with driving an original Hemicar, especially with the original motor!  I bought this car from the second owner way back in the mid-70's and drove it regularly until about 1982 when I put it away for a future restoration. Back then, I drove the s#*t out of it and loved every minute!  Today, not so much hotrodding but, I still love it! The attention on the street it gets is a bit disconcerting !  Most people have no idea what they are really looking at though!!

However, you should see their face when I open the hood!

[ws23rt]

I feel the same as you on this.
The general public these days see the car and the body style but generally are in the dark about the history of the hemi and how rare it was in the day.

I remember meeting a few in the eighties that new about these cars and my hemi RR was the only hemi car they have ever seen on the road.

As far as these cars were made to be driven?----- Sure they were. I and many others did just that.
My hemi coronet is in the garage because of that. It is something I brought forward from my past that is great fun to own but driving it today like I drove when I was hoping to own this car is not happening.

An original hemi car was rare in the beginning and I see no rational reason to drive a rare piece of history as if it was stolen.

That's what the clone car market is for.

[charge69]

Believe me, it isn't driven like it was "stolen" anymore!  The times it does get driven, I might get a little "aggressive" with the loud pedal on occasion but, paranoia sets in well before it gets, as we say, abused and put up wet!  This car will never see rain again, not even on an open trailer!  When I can justify an enclosed trailer and storing it (I cannot store one at my place), it might get to see a little more of the U.S. Until then, a local drive every now and then is all it gets!

It, absolutely, was great fun to drive this Charger very aggressively back in the '70's and I almost never drove it around without someone "curbing" me to look at it and try to buy it. Lots of offers that were tempting but,  it's still mine and I long to drive it like I did back in the old days ! Ha ! I won a few street races and lost a few but they were always impressed with the original HEMI.

It had the original Black steelies on it and narrow tires. Only one original wheel cover was there when I bought it and I took it off and put it in the trunk with the other paraphernalia I found there such as big surf fishing weights and drove it around with just the black steelies on it.  The most common comment I got was "the car would look great with a set of mags on it!"  Ha !  Now I have the Cragars on it but I still have all 5 original wheels with 4 of them with Firestone F70-15 Fiberglass Wide Oval tires in the garage with a set of 4 N.O.S. '69 HEMI wheel covers there in the original Chrysler box and the wheel covers in their original sleeves and I am afraid to put them on! Oh well !  It looks nice with the Cragars!

[1974dodgecharger]

I still have the, 'oh shit' face when I see it on the interent, lol...

Well, I do drive mine and agree that these cars were meant to be driven. However, there is a bit of "paranoia" associated with driving an original Hemicar, especially with the original motor!  I bought this car from the second owner way back in the mid-70's and drove it regularly until about 1982 when I put it away for a future restoration. Back then, I drove the s#*t out of it and loved every minute!  Today, not so much hotrodding but, I still love it! The attention on the street it gets is a bit disconcerting !  Most people have no idea what they are really looking at though!!

However, you should see their face when I open the hood!

[2592 creston]

I feel the same as you on this.
The general public these days see the car and the body style but generally are in the dark about the history of the hemi and how rare it was in the day.

I remember meeting a few in the eighties that new about these cars and my hemi RR was the only hemi car they have ever seen on the road.

As far as these cars were made to be driven?----- Sure they were. I and many others did just that.
My hemi coronet is in the garage because of that. It is something I brought forward from my past that is great fun to own but driving it today like I drove when I was hoping to own this car is not happening.

An original hemi car was rare in the beginning and I see no rational reason to drive a rare piece of history as if it was stolen.

That's what the clone car market is for.

     That's your opinion and i respect that!  I just think that you should get the most enjoyment that you can out of them.While Im sure you enjoy looking at it in your garage with the occasional outing,you would enjoy it ten fold if you drove it more. We are only here for a short while i say go for it!

[Nacho-RT74]

my opinions:
about the initial question...
the VIN and factory parts related. You'll be sure it got no changes or mods to get in it the Hemi.

About drive it as if it was stolen...
Depending... you got the bucks to fixed if gets damaged and you don't care if happens? go for it. Mechanical parts are still around. Body parts are the same than drive a Clone, or /6, 318 or whatever engine into. BUT did you get the money for that ?

MYSELF ? If I restored sure I'd drive it. My Charger ( when it was in one piece LOL ) is a driver and if was an Hemi, sure I'd do it too. Like it was stolen? maybe not on streets, but yes on highways as far the safety allows me... we know brakes on those days were like they are now ( even less on USA cars ), and even my car got some brake upgrades, doesn't ever stops and handle like the Mercedes W116 on stock parts I drive at this moment LOL

However if I was got an unrestored allmost survivor low miles car, maybe I'd try to keep it safe

I think it depends of the car history

[500Jon]

Mixed opinions already!

I think that a REAL Hemi-car is probably worth twice as much as 440 R/T, in a relative same condition.
Folks that put Hemi's in anything but a Hemi-car think that it will double the value!
Its better to fit a hemi into an R/T car because it will be specifically built to take it.
Putting Hemi's into 318 cars is probably a very bad idea without doing all the upgrades...

[Troy]

Mixed opinions already!

I think that a REAL Hemi-car is probably worth twice as much as 440 R/T, in a relative same condition.
Folks that put Hemi's in anything but a Hemi-car think that it will double the value!
Its better to fit a hemi into an R/T car because it will be specifically built to take it.
Putting Hemi's into 318 cars is probably a very bad idea without doing all the upgrades...

Depending on year and model, a factory Hemi car is worth much more than double.

A decent clone is worth about what the car would cost plus about 70-80% of the cost of the motor. There are exceptions of course!

Even R/Ts didn't get all the Hemi "upgrades". At best you got bigger brakes (which weren't all that great) and stiffer springs. If you had already planned on replacing those components there's no difference between starting with a base model and an R/T - except price to get in the door.

Troy

[charge69]

Yeah, HEMI cars are rare and special components relegated to "HEMI-ONLY" pieces by the factory should be on every one of them.

In all reality, it cost just as much to restore a 318 car as it does a hemi, excepting the engine. Restoring an engine is expensive but not enough to bring the cost of the car these days to the difference you will pay for one. A REAL HEMI is just that ........ A REAL HEMI and a HEMI-body that still has the original motor in great shape is getting harder and harder to find.  Even clones, probably numbering as many as original Chrysler-produced cars, aren't exactly growing on trees.

I won't say what I have in mine but I will say I bought it super cheap but spent a LOT of money during the restoration. Who knows, I might be able to tell you just how much an original Hemicar is worth soon. No Auction houses, no "Galen Govier" certification( don't need his blessing to tell it is real), no advertisements on craiglist, just an agreement between two people who love these cars.  Got a fellow down in Louisiana that owns a Dodge dealership and Racing Team that's interested. Catch me at the right time and I might be crazy enough to do it! It will never intentionally be sold to a flipper!

[Nacho-RT74]

One more about value of real Hemi cars. There is a 68 around here which DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING left from original drivetrain, interior etc... just the body shell ( I think not even front suspension is the original ), and is going back to USA, bought by somebody up there just because its Hemi VIN ( and I think 4 speeds... can't recall right now )

[6spd68]

A younger me would've had the; "DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!" additude, with any car. 

Fortunately, at almost 30; my knowledge of classic cars, and their values has increased ten fold.  I can agree with any HEMI/RT owner that would not want to risk driving their car like a pissed off teenager.  They're big money vehicles, that appeal more to the collector/enthusiast.  Why would you want to risk breaking a 60,000$+ car? (Even the smallest chip or dent from a tiny stone will drive a potential buyer away when you're talking big money like that.  Just look how we tear apart "OVERPRICED" Chargers on this forum alone, now times that by all the retards you encounter on Craigslist).  It doesn't make any sense, when more fun can be had for less money going the restomod route.

I've met a few Charger owners who share the same perspective on me.  A guy with a numbers matching 70-R/T-440-6pk car even said he'd rather what I'm doing with my 68 for that exact reason.

[2592 creston]

A younger me would've had the; "DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!" additude, with any car. 

Fortunately, at almost 30; my knowledge of classic cars, and their values has increased ten fold.  I can agree with any HEMI/RT owner that would not want to risk driving their car like a pissed off teenager.  They're big money vehicles, that appeal more to the collector/enthusiast.  Why would you want to risk breaking a 60,000$+ car? (Even the smallest chip or dent from a tiny stone will drive a potential buyer away when you're talking big money like that.  Just look how we tear apart "OVERPRICED" Chargers on this forum alone, now times that by all the retards you encounter on Craigslist).  It doesn't make any sense, when more fun can be had for less money going the restomod route.

I've met a few Charger owners who share the same perspective on me.  A guy with a numbers matching 70-R/T-440-6pk car even said he'd rather what I'm doing with my 68 for that exact reason.

      I agree "at almost 30" I might have been worried about things like that , now in my 50's I say Im going to have fun with the car....most stuff can be fixed!!

[b5blue]

So who can list just what cars, for what years "could have been gotten" with a Hemi for me?    This is a fun topic for me! 

[histoy]

I think you wasted your time over something pointless. The difference is only valid when selling or if you have an insurance claim.

If I had a "real" Hemi it would sit in the garage looking pretty. If I stick a Hemi in my 318 car I'd drive it every chance I get. So the difference is I wouldn't be afraid of destroying a piece of history and people would get to see a really cool car that (if original) would rarely be on the road. To 99% of the general public it's a Hemi if it has a Hemi under the hood (and sometimes even if it doesn't).

Troy

X2!

[500Jon]

The later Hemi cars were built for Hemi's when you ordered a 440.
Disc brakes, booster, thick torsion bars, torque boxes etc. etc. etc...
The earlier cars are just plain 'Jane's' with Hemi's fitted in.
That reflects their lower values I believe?
I can get a 1966 MINT Hemi-car in England for less than $75,000.
I can't even buy a NON Hemi Wingcar for that, even a project car!

If you wanna drive a HEMi car like you stole it, I think best you buy a CLONE!!!

[Troy]

The later Hemi cars were built for Hemi's when you ordered a 440.
Disc brakes, booster, thick torsion bars, torque boxes etc. etc. etc...
The earlier cars are just plain 'Jane's' with Hemi's fitted in.
That reflects their lower values I believe?
I can get a 1966 MINT Hemi-car in England for less than $75,000.
I can't even buy a NON Hemi Wingcar for that, even a project car!

If you wanna drive a HEMi car like you stole it, I think best you buy a CLONE!!!

Um, no. That's incorrect about how they were built.

Value, in many cases, is based on production. A full third of all street Hemi cars were produced in 1966 alone. They made so many engines in 1966 and 1967 that they didn't really need to make any more for 1968! The 1971 Hemi cars are the rarest. Many Chrysler cars were redesigned in 1968 which made them desirable to a larger segment of the public. Muscle cars hit a peak around 1969-1970 so just about any manufacturer's offering from those years brings more money than the earlier or later ones.

There are far fewer wing cars than there are Hemi cars - especially Daytonas. They appeal to a different audience as well so the comparison isn't really valid. T/A Challengers and AAR Cudas can sell for a lot of money too - just not always to the same people who like a Hemi or wing car.

There's a recent thread on a 1969 Hemi Charger that has mostly been driven as it was intended for a very long time so, it's possible. It's not the only one either. Would I do it? Probably not. We'll see whenever I get one!

Troy

[familymopar]

Yeah, HEMI cars are rare and special components relegated to "HEMI-ONLY" pieces by the factory should be on every one of them.

In all reality, it cost just as much to restore a 318 car as it does a hemi, excepting the engine. Restoring an engine is expensive but not enough to bring the cost of the car these days to the difference you will pay for one. A REAL HEMI is just that ........ A REAL HEMI and a HEMI-body that still has the original motor in great shape is getting harder and harder to find.  Even clones, probably numbering as many as original Chrysler-produced cars, aren't exactly growing on trees.

I won't say what I have in mine but I will say I bought it super cheap but spent a LOT of money during the restoration. Who knows, I might be able to tell you just how much an original Hemicar is worth soon. No Auction houses, no "Galen Govier" certification( don't need his blessing to tell it is real), no advertisements on craiglist, just an agreement between two people who love these cars.  Got a fellow down in Louisiana that owns a Dodge dealership and Racing Team that's interested. Catch me at the right time and I might be crazy enough to do it! It will never intentionally be sold to a flipper!

Carl,  don't sell that car without calling me!  I know a place where it would look REALLY nice!

[charge69]

Well, I am in no hurry to sell it but I will contact you when I am ready.  As I remember, you haven't even seen the Charger in person yet !   We will have to remedy that soon!

[familymopar]

Well, I am in no hurry to sell it but I will contact you when I am ready.  As I remember, you haven't even seen the Charger in person yet !   We will have to remedy that soon!

I have not seen the Charger yet, which is a travesty given the proximity.  Maybe at one of the meets this year I may see it.  Maybe we can get a few folks to carve out a charger section at Longhorn this year.  Heck, from what I recall, we could push your car there if we had to since I think that show is in your backyard.

[charge69]

Ha! "push it there" !  I am only about a mile from the show but, that might be a long push !   It would get driven there.  Just have to sort out the "carb" problem. I am guilty of just starting it every so often and not pulling the carbs to try to diagnose the problem but, my old azz needs to get out there and fix it! I suspect it is the float levels or a too aggressive fuel pump overpowering the needles and flooding the engine.  Awesome fun driving it around!

Hopefully, I will get it to the Nifty 50's show a time or two this spring!  Either way, you need to see it. Maybe even come by the house to view it!

Oh, and back to the subject at hand:  The vast majority of people at a show would never know if the Hemi was the original power plant or not but, as the owner,  the owner would know and probably drive it accordingly.  Original Hemicars with the original Hemi engine it was born with are a rare sight for anyone.  I would rather they see it at the gas station (all too frequent ) or driving around town just enjoying the day and the ride!

When it does come time to sell, the original Hemi will generate more excitement and money.

[Ryan.C]

I thought I read somewhere that HEMI cars and convertibles had torque boxes installed. Is this true?

[Troy]

I thought I read somewhere that HEMI cars and convertibles had torque boxes installed. Is this true?

Mostly, yes. I think there are known instances where something other than a Hemi or convertible got them and also some that slipped through without.

There are a few other frame stiffening pieces on Hemi cars as well (which may or may not also be on convertibles - I'm not an expert).

Troy

[Nacho-RT74]

As far I know, all 4 speeds should got them, maybe they skipped some autos.

[Ryan.C]

As far I know, all 4 speeds should got them, maybe they skipped some autos.

I have seen the underside of a '69 GTX and Daytona both original 4-speed cars that did not have them 

[HPP]

What's the difference between a Rolex and a Timex with a Rolex face? They both say Rolex. They both have machined stainless bodies. They both have adjustable wrist bands. They both tell time. Why does a Rolex cost a 1000x what it costs to get a Time/Rolex when the both look and function the same?

[Ponch ®]

That's because non-MOPAR, non-car people are thinking rationally when trying to figure out the distinction. They have a point. A car with a HEMI is a HEMI car.

The only ones obsessed with "original from the factory" and matching numbers are the collector-types.

[Ryan.C]

I thought I read somewhere that HEMI cars and convertibles had torque boxes installed. Is this true?

Mostly, yes. I think there are known instances where something other than a Hemi or convertible got them and also some that slipped through without.

There are a few other frame stiffening pieces on Hemi cars as well (which may or may not also be on convertibles - I'm not an expert).

Troy

So HEMI cars were diffent than non-HEMI cars

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I have seen the underside of a '69 GTX and Daytona both original 4-speed cars that did not have them 

But were they Hemi cars or 440 cars?

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I thought I read somewhere that HEMI cars and convertibles had torque boxes installed. Is this true?

Mostly, yes. I think there are known instances where something other than a Hemi or convertible got them and also some that slipped through without.

There are a few other frame stiffening pieces on Hemi cars as well (which may or may not also be on convertibles - I'm not an expert).

Troy

So HEMI cars were diffent than non-HEMI cars

There are three stiffening pieces that are on all Hemi cars; automatic and standard...

1. Torque boxes on the front spring perches
2. Flat steel pieces were welded in on the read frame rails by the rear spring shackles
3. A heavier plate welded to the floorpan where the pinion snubber would hit.

[TUFCAT]

That's because non-MOPAR, non-car people are thinking rationally when trying to figure out the distinction. They have a point. A car with a HEMI is a HEMI car.

The only ones obsessed with "original from the factory" and matching numbers are the collector-types.

Check out this HEMI CAR!!!  It's truly spectacular. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JsXwlclGwk

[charge69]

This is a picture of my Hemi Charger on the rotisserie during restoration Not real sure if the rear spring perch extra plate is visible but the other two are there!

[500Jon]

Yep C69.

Torque boxes, extra snubber plate and rear hanger plates(welded in front of diagonals) are there!
Not sure the extra box-section bracing is factory though???

Skid-plate on K-member, front torque boxes and a badge on the door and you're complete!

Little known fact is...71 GTX's got the extra stuff even as a 440 CAR!!!

[b5blue]

What about the A12 plates under the LCA's up stop bumper? 

[A383Wing]

The difference between the cars you ask?

Basically just the 5th digit in the VIN is the simple answer

[TUFCAT]

The difference between the cars you ask?

Basically just the 5th digit in the VIN is the simple answer

  That's the best answer! 

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Here's a good picture of the extra steel add-ons.............

[Mytur Binsdirti]

What about the A12 plates under the LCA's up stop bumper? 

Yes, the up-stop bumpers for the rear axle are different and here's what they look like.....

[charge69]

Yep, better picture.  My Charger still had the extra bracing welded on as my restorer had not fit the new metal to the rear of the car and wanted to make sure everything was square while on the rotisserie.  The complete underside was painted R6 after the bracing was cut off and smoothed over.

The only metal that is original (besides all metal from the rear quarters forward) is the trunk lid, the end caps and the roll pan. Everything else is AMD metal!  The rear frame rails are all original as they were in beautiful condition with just a little surface rust on them. The acid-dip and phosphate coating took care of that!

[b5blue]

I don't need those, but I want them!   I was referring to the about 2 1/2" square 1/4" thick plates that sit between the front lower control arms and the rubber bumper. I bought LCA's off a 70 GTX that had them on there. It took awhile for me to find out they were factory "A12" parts so I cleaned them up and reused them. I'm no pro at any of this stuff but love stumbling across details about what/why/when the factory did stuff. (Like the extra steel bushing around the rear bushing on the upper control arm, just cop/taxi or Hemi also?)  The 727's internals have different parts for 6BBL/Hemi also, correct? Coolers for power steering and extra one for 727?  

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I don't need those, but I want them!   I was referring to the about 2 1/2" square 1/4" thick plates that sit between the front lower control arms and the rubber bumper. I bought LCA's off a 70 GTX that had them on there. It took awhile for me to find out they were factory "A12" parts so I cleaned them up and reused them. I'm no pro at any of this stuff but love stumbling across details about what/why/when the factory did stuff. (Like the extra steel bushing around the rear bushing on the upper control arm, just cop/taxi or Hemi also?)  The 727's internals have different parts for 6BBL/Hemi also, correct? Coolers for power steering and extra one for 727?  

My upper control arms had the collars around the bushings. Don't know whether that was just a Hemi item or not? PS coolers were for 3:55 and lower gear ratios & I think that they started in 1969. The additional trans coolers were for Hemis only.

[69wannabe]

Well, I am in no hurry to sell it but I will contact you when I am ready.  As I remember, you haven't even seen the Charger in person yet !   We will have to remedy that soon!

Dude, I would never sell that car!!!!! It is beautiful and then it's a true hemi car as well!!! If that was mine I would be remembered as the guy that was always smiling and repeating " I win" all the time!!! LOL

[charge69]

Thanks 69wannabe, Don't know if I could really let go of it either but, I am 68 yrs. old and post-stroke in 2010 that left me with permanent left-side weakness and a moderate case of Ataxia (Simply put, a stumble-bum" now) along with a few other problems like bad lower back and peripheral neuropathy.  The little plaque in my living room simply puts it as "Old Age Ain't For Sissies".

Just looking a it and especially showing it to friends combined with a close ride around the area ALWAYS puts a grin on my face and getting rid of it does seem hard to imagine. Showing the Charger to someone is always a thrill a they never fail to have that slack-jawed grin on their face and funny words coming out of their mouth! Yet, every now and then ................................................. I don't need he money to live on but my wife has little interest to even ride in it and I have 4 grandsons, two from each of my children. Two are too young to make a judgment about their stewardship and the two older would just see dollar signs in front of their eyes and sell it.  I would rather  sell it to a real enthusiast and let my wife use the money in her old age and my grandchildren just learn to fend for themselves.  That is, unless they can give me a compelling reason for the Charger to stay in the family and assure me it would not be sold as long as we (my wife and I) were alive.

Although we get along great as a family and we have been married 38 years, My wife is their step-mother and I cannot and will not trust them to care for her in her old age as I will surely pass before her.

Lots of things to think about!  Thanks again 69wannabe for the compliment. I am very proud of how the restoration came out. Most everyone I show it to has never seen a true and original Hemicar and are stunned at it's beauty and brute force of an engine.  It is truly a Snarly Beast

[b5blue]

I don't need those, but I want them!   I was referring to the about 2 1/2" square 1/4" thick plates that sit between the front lower control arms and the rubber bumper. I bought LCA's off a 70 GTX that had them on there. It took awhile for me to find out they were factory "A12" parts so I cleaned them up and reused them. I'm no pro at any of this stuff but love stumbling across details about what/why/when the factory did stuff. (Like the extra steel bushing around the rear bushing on the upper control arm, just cop/taxi or Hemi also?)  The 727's internals have different parts for 6BBL/Hemi also, correct? Coolers for power steering and extra one for 727?  

My upper control arms had the collars around the bushings. Don't know whether that was just a Hemi item or not? PS coolers were for 3:55 and lower gear ratios & I think that they started in 1969. The additional trans coolers were for Hemis only.

Thanks! See now I've learned even more.  (Still not sure what cars/years had Hemi available but I can Google that when I have time.)

[69wannabe]

Thanks 69wannabe, Don't know if I could really let go of it either but, I am 68 yrs. old and post-stroke in 2010 that left me with permanent left-side weakness and a moderate case of Ataxia (Simply put, a stumble-bum" now) along with a few other problems like bad lower back and peripheral neuropathy.  The little plaque in my living room simply puts it as "Old Age Ain't For Sissies".

Just looking a it and especially showing it to friends combined with a close ride around the area ALWAYS puts a grin on my face and getting rid of it does seem hard to imagine. Showing the Charger to someone is always a thrill a they never fail to have that slack-jawed grin on their face and funny words coming out of their mouth! Yet, every now and then ................................................. I don't need he money to live on but my wife has little interest to even ride in it and I have 4 grandsons, two from each of my children. Two are too young to make a judgment about their stewardship and the two older would just see dollar signs in front of their eyes and sell it.  I would rather  sell it to a real enthusiast and let my wife use the money in her old age and my grandchildren just learn to fend for themselves.  That is, unless they can give me a compelling reason for the Charger to stay in the family and assure me it would not be sold as long as we (my wife and I) were alive.

Although we get along great as a family and we have been married 38 years, My wife is their step-mother and I cannot and will not trust them to care for her in her old age as I will surely pass before her.

Lots of things to think about!  Thanks again 69wannabe for the compliment. I am very proud of how the restoration came out. Most everyone I show it to has never seen a true and original Hemicar and are stunned at it's beauty and brute force of an engine.  It is truly a Snarly Beast

I truly understand, my dad is in his 80's now and he has always loved messing with horses and mules but the last few years have been rough on him and his "cowboy" hobby has kind of diminished but he still has has a pasture full of them but he doesn't do alot with them anymore. Nobody in my family really has cars in their heart like I do so I know how you feel about selling one day and making sure the money goes to where it would be needed the most. A car like your's should surely go to a true mopar man that would respect the car for what it really is!!!!

[charge69]

Thanks 69wannabe,  That's The Plan !! .............. at least, for now !!

[500Jon]

Hi B5Blueman...

Yep I've seen the extra LCA stiffening plates under the bump-stop and the rear UCA bushing rings on my old 69 R/T 440 car!

Its a sad day when Hemi-car owners are being out-lived by their Cars!
If you have a keen family member who wants to carry on the family ownership, THAT'S GREAT!!!
Otherwise its down to a good old (young) family friend or a nice buddy, but he's (she) is gonna older too?
So it may be better to start early in finding a suitable candidate for a future hemi-car owner!

I have already thought of a way out of this dilemma, crush the car on my demise and bury it with me LOL!!!

[Davtona]

Yes, the up-stop bumpers for the rear axle are different and here's what they look like.....

These were not Hemi car only specific. 440 cars with 4 speed / Dana option got these also. At least in 69. More of a 4 speed verses automatic type thing. 69 Hemi Auto with 8 3/4 got the pointed style.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Yes, the up-stop bumpers for the rear axle are different and here's what they look like.....

These were not Hemi car only specific. 440 cars with 4 speed / Dana option got these also. At least in 69. More of a 4 speed verses automatic type thing. 69 Hemi Auto with 8 3/4 got the pointed style.

I stand corrected. 

[ECS]

 
What's the difference between a baseball that Babe Ruth signed, and a baseball with a perfect perfect copy of Babe Ruth's signature on it? 

A better analogy is, What's the difference between a 1927 World Series baseball that Babe Ruth signed and a 1927 regular season baseball that Babe Ruth signed?  Both signatures are real......

A real HEMI Engine is still a real HEMI Engine regardless of whether it's been transplanted into a Car that didn't originally come with it.  The same "transplanted" HEMI Engine becomes more valuable when it has been rejoined with the original vehicle it was assembled with.  It's just the nature of the Automotive Industry.  Intrinsic value versus actual value!

[6spd68]

Here's a good example:
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/ottawa/69-dodge-charger-rt-440-4-speed/1052726287?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Opinions guys?  It's a 440/4spd R/T car, but now has a 426 HEMI...  Claims he still has the #'s matching 440. 

For 75000$; I can see selling the 426 to someone more inclined(I'd try to find the owner of the original car, if it still exsisted), and then using the cash to rebuild the 440 to full glory.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Pretty car, even if it is a '69. 


However, if you sell the engine for as much as 18 large, you're still into a non matching numbers car for upwards of 60 once you get another engine for it.

[6spd68]

In the add, the seller states they still have the matching #'s 440 to go with the car