Identify this carburetor?

[rodneyramjet]

I don't know if this is the original carb or not.  I thought that at some point my step-dad had put a 4 barrel on this but then went back to a 2 barrel after we moved to California in the mid 70s.  VIN is XP29 G8B....

How hard is it to rebuild a carb like this?  Is it worth it or should I buy a new one?  I would like to keep it as original as practically possible. 

Gas leaks out of the side of the carb when I pour gas in it while trying to get the car started for the first time in 33 years.  That makes me nervous so I think I need to fix this before trying to start the car again.  I think I can make out the number "4578S" on the thin metal tag that is attached to the side of the carb.  Any advice is much appreciated.

[XH29N0G]

I think it is a Carter BBD series carburetor. I see a similar one described (different numbers) in my 1970 factory service manual.  If you do not have a factory service manual for your car, that is something I would look into getting or accessing.  The 68 (which I believe you have from the first part of your VIN) is, I think, online and can be searched for.

It looks like rebuild kits are available. New gaskets  will likely fix the leaks, but I do not know what else might be needed, cleaning etc...  Someone here will have an idea. 

Good luck bringing the car back to life.  It will be satisfying when back together.   Mine spent several 10 + year blocks of time parked, but never 33. 

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

That's a Carter BBD 2 barrel and would have been the original carb. on a 383 non high performance engine. They are very basic carburetors and are very easy to clean up and rebuild. My 71 has its original BBD on its 383 and new gaskets and accelerator pump are all its ever needed. If you have never rebuilt a carburetor before I can't think of an easier one to start with.

When you disassemble it be careful not to loose the little check balls ( they look like little ball bearings). Lacquer thinner makes a good cleaner. Throw the parts in a container of thinner and let them soak a while. Before you take it apart, run the two idle mixture screws in until they just barely seat and count the turns. When you reassemble things reverse the procedure and get the idle mixture screws back where they were to get you started. Blow out all the passages with compressed air after the parts come out of the thinner.

A factory service manual is what you need.

[rodneyramjet]

Thanks kindly Charger fans...this is great information!  I will definitely get a service manual as well!