Just picked this one up...I really couldn't help myself. UPDATED 8-29-17

[Dans 68]

I was perusing my local Craigslist, and saw a '68 for sale that was a few hours away.

"Factory four-speed AC car 383 motor car is disassembled all parts are there bodywork is 90% done no rust floor panels replaced do not take emails call or text first buyer with cash gets the car"

I talked to the seller, took a road trip the next day with cash and closed the deal. It will be a bit of a project, but when it is done...wow. I may have to sell the other '68 to keep wifey happy, but my teenage daughter said she wants it. We will see.  

Dan

[Dans 68]

.

[cdr]

LL1  that is AWESOME     

[303 Mopar]

Looks like a great project!  Did it come with number engine and trans?

[6bblgt]

383 4bbl 4-spd A/C & 3.55s  

[fy469rtse]

  great find ,
4 speed bigblock car , looks to be a great starting point
will be a track lock centre unless its been replaced ,
start a thread on its build once you get started

[CB]

great Dan

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Great score!

[tan top]

good deal       

[Dans 68]

Looks like a great project!  Did it come with number engine and trans?

Unfortunately no. Both long gone. But I will be going back up to see the seller and visit a previous owner - I hope to chew the fat, talk mopars and history and see what happened to the drivetrain.

383 4bbl 4-spd A/C & 3.55s 

When I saw the fender tag I broke out with a big smile. And a Wow.    Nice assortment of options. 

great find ,
4 speed bigblock car , looks to be a great starting point
will be a track lock centre unless its been replaced ,
start a thread on its build once you get started

The pig looks like it has never been removed - the right rear wheel was locked up (probably the parking brake) so it would not spin. But the left rear wheel spun the input shaft of the 742 (I don't know what that means-no deep thinking on my part yet). I didn't count the revolutions to get the gear ratio...I will when I see the car again. I will be posting lots of pics and comments when it gets some TLC.

I attached the fender tag break out. It also has a tic-toc-tach and wood grain steering wheel. LL-1 paint, 383 4-bb, 4-speed, A/C, 3.55 gears, power disks up front, 26" radiator.... I'm only slightly smiling here....

Dan

[DeltaV]

I like it. Great project. Congratulations.

[blinkey]

   What did you pay for this rat

[bull]

Nice! I like all the options. You going with the turquoise?

[Dans 68]

   What did you pay for this rat

Isn't that kind of asking how much you make?       I may say later if people really want to really know. I didn't steal it, but I think I did well for what I got. 

Dan

[Dans 68]

Nice! I like all the options. You going with the turquoise?

Yep. And I'm keeping the vinyl off it.

Dan

[Dino]

I love it!  What a great find!   

[Dino]

I love it!  What a great find!   

[Dans 68]

Here are some more pics. Head rests also!

Dan

[Dans 68]

.

[6bblgt]

looks like the ratio tag is still bolted to the center section  turquoise needs that black vinyl top 

'68 Charger was non-HP 383 4bbl (383HP in a b-body was Road Runner & Super Bee ONLY)

NO steel belted tires in '68 - they would've been F70-14 Goodyear SPEEDWAY "white stripe"

[cbrestorations]

looks like the ratio tag is still bolted to the center section  turquoise needs that black vinyl top 

'68 Charger was non-HP 383 4bbl (383HP in a b-body was Road Runner & Super Bee ONLY)

NO steel belted tires in '68 - they would've been F70-14 Goodyear SPEEDWAY "white stripe"

i have a 68 383 H code vin and 62 code fender tag charger with the original engine still, steel crank, 906 heads and an HP stamp on the ID pad?

[VegasCharger]

Great score Dan

Looks like it has that California sheet metal

'68 Charger was non-HP 383 4bbl (383HP in a b-body was Road Runner & Super Bee ONLY)

This is an ongoing debate that never seems to have a clear valid point.

Debate: 1968 only: Charger: 383 4bbl: Is it an HP or non HP?

Here's what I've gathered from internet sources.

383 4bbl Auto A/C or non A/C = non HP 330 horse power
383 4bbl 4 Speed non A/C = HP 335 horse power
383 4bbl 4 Speed A/C = ? (never could find this documentation)

6bblgt you are correct on the 383 HP in the RRs & SBs

Sorry Dan for the HiJack.

Again great score!!!!!

[Mopar Nut]

Nice score, congrats!

[TPR]

Good on you.
This will look sweet when done.

TPR

[orange383]

Nice!
Glad to see you are going with the turquoise. My car is also originally turquoise with a vinyl top and like you I'm going with the turquoise and leaving the vinyl off.   

[Back N Black]

Nice find! car looks solid. 

[66FBCharger]

Looks like a great find! Good luck.

[Charger-Bodie]

Very cool car! Did you ever get the accident damage repaired on the red car?

[bakerhillpins]

LL1  that is AWESOME      

Damn straight  

Dan,  You lucky bum...

Nice! I like all the options. You going with the turquoise?

Yep. And I'm keeping the vinyl off it.

Dan

That's going to look soooooooooooo sweet.    To bad it's got black interior. White would have been extra awesome.  

Might want to look into the bondo vs leaded quarter to roof seam argument. I recall that non vinyl top cars were leaded, vinyl were bondo.

[Dans 68]

Very cool car! Did you ever get the accident damage repaired on the red car?

Well, there is a back story on that. Short answer, no. This year though.  

Dan

[Dans 68]

...Might want to look into the bondo vs leaded quarter to roof seam argument. I recall that non vinyl top cars were leaded, vinyl were bondo.

Yeah, I've been thinking about that. But having a welded seam, with a bit of filler versus leaded should not make any difference as that joint should be locked in. I'm open to all arguments on that.

Dan

[Charger-Bodie]

Very cool car! Did you ever get the accident damage repaired on the red car?

Well, there is a back story on that. Short answer, no. This year though.  

Dan

I've wondered that a few times.....

[Dino]

...Might want to look into the bondo vs leaded quarter to roof seam argument. I recall that non vinyl top cars were leaded, vinyl were bondo.

Yeah, I've been thinking about that. But having a welded seam, with a bit of filler versus leaded should not make any difference as that joint should be locked in. I'm open to all arguments on that.

Dan

Here's my two cents on that.  From the factory they used some type of putty that wasn't quite like body filler.  Hence the noticeable seam coming up through the vinyl top after a while.  Modern fillers, especially the metal types, will be as strong if not stronger than leaded seams.  But properly done there is nothing wrong with either.  My suggestion would be to clean up the seam and at the very least lay a weld bead in there to remove any doubt that this will flex.  If you have the skills then I suggest cutting the original seam out altogether, and replacing it with a new piece of formed sheet metal to make a seamless transition.  No need for fillers or lead at all.

[Kern Dog]

   What did you pay for this rat

Isn't that kind of asking how much you make?       I may say later if people really want to really know. I didn't steal it, but I think I did well for what I got. 

Dan

Some may get offended by the question but the answer helps others when they are looking to buy. To keep the price a secret seems selfish to me, as if to say
Na, na...Na na...I have it and YOU can't afford it.
That may not be the case but it annoys me when people (Not necessarily the OP) buy a desireable car, chat it up about the condition, options, etc then just say "I got it for a fair price."
I really mean no offense to the OP, just stating an opinion.

[Dans 68]

   What did you pay for this rat

Isn't that kind of asking how much you make?       I may say later if people really want to really know. I didn't steal it, but I think I did well for what I got. 

Dan

....it annoys me when people (Not necessarily the OP) buy a desireable car, chat it up about the condition, options, etc then just say "I got it for a fair price."
I really mean no offense to the OP, just stating an opinion.

Actually, I said I did well for what I got.      But to answer your question, I paid $12,000.00. Lots of factors went into that price, so it should not be used to set the market by any means. But I do hope that tidbit helps you and others in your search.

Dan

[Dans 68]

...turquoise needs that black vinyl top 

Hmm, I respect your opinion, Dan. I'll look into possibly keeping the vinyl.

'68 Charger was non-HP 383 4bbl (383HP in a b-body was Road Runner & Super Bee ONLY)

NO steel belted tires in '68 - they would've been F70-14 Goodyear SPEEDWAY "white stripe"

Yep, I blame the obviously faulty decoder I used - it was non-Charger specific. 

[tan top]

...Might want to look into the bondo vs leaded quarter to roof seam argument. I recall that non vinyl top cars were leaded, vinyl were bondo.

Yeah, I've been thinking about that. But having a welded seam, with a bit of filler versus leaded should not make any difference as that joint should be locked in. I'm open to all arguments on that.

Dan

Here's my two cents on that.  From the factory they used some type of putty that wasn't quite like body filler.  Hence the noticeable seam coming up through the vinyl top after a while.  Modern fillers, especially the metal types, will be as strong if not stronger than leaded seams.  But properly done there is nothing wrong with either.  My suggestion would be to clean up the seam and at the very least lay a weld bead in there to remove any doubt that this will flex.  If you have the skills then I suggest cutting the original seam out altogether, and replacing it with a new piece of formed sheet metal to make a seamless transition.  No need for fillers or lead at all.

 what Dino said    , that seem  only has a few spot welds , from the factory ,   I cleaned mine out  , &  migged up the whole seam  , even though I put a vinyl  back on  !!   no more flexing there  

[Kern Dog]

Thanks to the OP. 

[viper r/t]

   What did you pay for this rat

Isn't that kind of asking how much you make?       I may say later if people really want to really know. I didn't steal it, but I think I did well for what I got. 

Dan

Some may get offended by the question but the answer helps others when they are looking to buy. To keep the price a secret seems selfish to me, as if to say
Na, na...Na na...I have it and YOU can't afford it.
That may not be the case but it annoys me when people (Not necessarily the OP) buy a desireable car, chat it up about the condition, options, etc then just say "I got it for a fair price."
I really mean no offense to the OP, just stating an opinion.

Comes across as sticking your nose in places...

[OldGuy]

So, is this a new find of the 259 that were produced, or has it already been accounted for in the ones we know of?

[cavemanno1]

Wow,another LL1  !Mine is LL1 and i will leave the vinyl off.I think that color looks fantastic and mine will have a white bumble bee stripe!
$12k?!Now i don't feel too bad paying 10k for my '68 r/t 4 speed rust bucket.Although yours is in much better condition!

[Dans 68]

So, is this a new find of the 259 that were produced, or has it already been accounted for in the ones we know of?

New one. Makes 77 of the 333 (74 2-bbl, 259 4-bbl) '68 Charger 383 4-speeds that I have seen/have documentation on. 

Dan

[bull]

I'd ask you why you bought this but I know the answer because I'd do the same thing if I could. My problem is I only have room for one Charger so rather than quit at one Charger I need to find more room.

[Dans 68]

 

I'd ask you why you bought this but I know the answer because I'd do the same thing if I could. My problem is I only have room for one Charger so rather than quit at one Charger I need to find more room.

Dan

[bakerhillpins]

So, is this a new find of the 259 that were produced, or has it already been accounted for in the ones we know of?

New one. Makes 77 of the 333 (74 2-bbl, 259 4-bbl) '68 Charger 383 4-speeds that I have seen/have documentation on.  

Dan

IIRC it's one of 6 that is a 68 383 4bbl 4spd with AC!   I was looking hard at these cars back when I was looking for a charger and I think this makes 5 of them that I have seen now. Or is it 4... LOL so much for my memory. I almost bought the maroon one out of SC off ebay and even put a little effort into the QQ1 one from Detroit. I think I sent any info I had to you Dan.  Your find and the one out of the Bruce Cliche VT yard are the 2 recent ones. The one out of VT was a total mess and ended up on ebay after someone pulled it from the yard. I knew about it for a few years and kept thinking about going up to try to pull it but I knew it was in horrible condition I stayed away to keep myself out of the doghouse...

[69rtse4spd]

Nice find, you would love the black top, really sets that color off. Have a 69 Q5, with black top, look at a few other car Pict's. in that combo.

[Dans 68]

Nice find, you would love the black top, really sets that color off. Have a 69 Q5, with black top, look at a few other car Pict's. in that combo.

You'll be happy to know that I've decided to go with the black vinyl top. Should be gorgeous.... 


Here are a few pictures from today. I picked up the parts that I could fit in my truck. More trips to follow. The rear bumper and Ca black plate, and lots of misc items. I took a pic of the trunk lid underside to show off the original color.    I'm liking it more and more.   

Dan

[Dans 68]

...and 4 more pics I took today.

Dan

[cdr]

you did good !!! 

[wingcarenvy]

Great buy there. 383 4 speed Chargers (H code) are a rare duck and in my yes very desirable. I looked at one in Virginia 10 years ago that was a clean original. I say good on you and you did get it for a great price. My buddy had one in high school without A/C, his grandparents bought it new. Today he still owns it and its still one of my favorites. I will dig up a pic when I get home and post it.

[cdr]

Here is one for sale, is this a known one Dan ?

https://www.proxibid.com/aspr/1968-Dodge-Charger-2-Door-Hardtop/28890672/LotDetail.asp?lid=28890672&rfpb=0

[Dans 68]

Looks like a new one. Nice to see!

Dan

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Once it's done, I'd be happy to take it off your hands. 

[Dans 68]

Once it's done, I'd be happy to take it off your hands. 

Understandable - I saw your other thread.   

Dan

[bigdsul]

Awesome find! I knew of a couple of 1968 chargers out in the Victorville and Barstow area. I found them back in 2005 and 2006. Neither car was for sale at the time and over the next year I kept hitting the owners up but both were firm on them not being for sale.

Did you find this 68 in California?

[Dans 68]

Yep, Northern California, up by Marysville. 

Dan

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

CA cars are the best, usually. Nice and dry, and not baked.

[Dans 68]

Very cool car! Did you ever get the accident damage repaired on the red car?

Well, there is a back story on that. Short answer, no. This year though.  

Dan

It is getting some TLC as I type.... 

Dan

[70B5Cuda]

That will be beautiful when done. LL1 is one of my favorite colors! Kansas cars aren't that clean...makes me wish SoCal/desert cars were closer to me....

[nvrbdn]

Great score. As usual, I'm late to the party.   

[Dans 68]

Thought it was time to revive this topic - I finally made enough room at my home to go up and get her from storage! I spent a few hours Saturday loading up the car in 105 F weather in Oroville, and then carefully drove her home. She stayed tight to the trailer the entire trip. But, given the state of California roads every divot, pothole, depression and ridge was intensively felt. Intensively felt. This was the first time she has seen the sun in probably a decade.

Time to get her on the rotisserie and start massaging her back. I'll start a new thread when I get going.   

Dan

[mariusjh03]

Time to get her on the rotisserie and start massaging her back. I'll start a new thread when I get going.   

Dan, looks great!!! Let me know when you need a hand getting her massaged back! 

[chapel40]

Is the front lower air cowl cut out where the water drains to under the fenders?

[Laowho]

Like the white vinyl and white tail stripe for LL1. Think we're gonna do it on our B5 '70 w/ electric blue interior. Otherwise it'd be no top.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=864&bih=413&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=1968+charger+ll1+blue&oq=1968+charger+ll1+blue&gs_l=psy-ab.3...67819.74676.0.75919.17.17.0.0.0.0.282.2443.5j8j3.16.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..1.0.0.CGX5cK1ie-8#imgrc=EfEOE0Ddmb_HgM:

But we're also a 3,23 with AC--more like a family cruiser--and white seems right there.

[tan top]

Thought it was time to revive this topic - I finally made enough room at my home to go up and get her from storage! I spent a few hours Saturday loading up the car in 105 F weather in Oroville, and then carefully drove her home. She stayed tight to the trailer the entire trip. But, given the state of California roads every divot, pothole, depression and ridge was intensively felt. Intensively felt. This was the first time she has seen the sun in probably a decade.

Time to get her on the rotisserie and start massaging her back. I'll start a new thread when I get going.   

Dan

[ACUDANUT]

Looks like a great project!  Did it come with number engine and trans?

Unfortunately no. Both long gone. But I will be going back up to see the seller and visit a previous owner - I hope to chew the fat, talk mopars and history and see what happened to the drivetrain.

383 4bbl 4-spd A/C & 3.55s 

When I saw the fender tag I broke out with a big smile. And a Wow.    Nice assortment of options. 

great find ,
4 speed bigblock car , looks to be a great starting point
will be a track lock centre unless its been replaced ,
start a thread on its build once you get started

The pig looks like it has never been removed - the right rear wheel was locked up (probably the parking brake) so it would not spin. But the left rear wheel spun the input shaft of the 742 (I don't know what that means-no deep thinking on my part yet). I didn't count the revolutions to get the gear ratio...I will when I see the car again. I will be posting lots of pics and comments when it gets some TLC.

I attached the fender tag break out. It also has a tic-toc-tach and wood grain steering wheel. LL-1 paint, 383 4-bb, 4-speed, A/C, 3.55 gears, power disks up front, 26" radiator.... I'm only slightly smiling here....

Dan

742 ?

[Dans 68]

The 742 pig.

Dan

[alfaitalia]

1-3/4" large stem pinion (aka. '742')
Carrier casting numbers:  1634985 (1957-1964), 2070742 (~1961-1969).
This assembly was replaced by a phase-in of the 1-7/8" pinion starting in the 1969 model year.