Ahhhh Crap.

[Cooperman]

Had to share my agony with a sympathetic crowd.    Luckily the other guy has admitted liabilty so it will be repaired correctly.
The obvious parts are my recently replaced rear bumper, the taillight panel and the quarter, the not-so-obvious problems are the twisted trunk floor and the seriously bent axle. The hard part is I'm in the UK, so shipping a full AMD quarter, rear panel, trunk floor, bumper and a rear axle here from the US will not be cheap. 

Any advice or support will be welcome. And once it's been approved and the work's begun, I'll likely need help with some of the trim. Thanks guys. 

[Lennard]

Damn!

[Kern Dog]

Ouch....That is worse than MYK's car nut still able to be repaired. Good luck.   

[F8-4life]

Poor charger. At least your exaust tip survived.
The guy had to hit the most expensive car around him lol.

[JB400]

Sorry to see that.   How can someone not see a bright orange car? 

[nchrome]

Its hard to see colors when you are texting while driving

[69wannabe]

Sorry bout your charger, hope you get it back together and back to normal soon.

[Mike DC]

Get that body shell checked out for deeper bending damage before you start cutting panels off.  If it has to be pulled back into line, it's usually better to do it with all the bent metal still on it. 

The factory gave a basic set of dimensions for the undercarriage but that's it.  You may want to compare measurements with another mostly original 68-70 Charger if you can find one locally. 
 

[NHCharger]

Ugh.That's hard to look at. Sorry to see that.
Make sure they put that on a frame machine and get it back to factory spec

[Alaskan_TA]

It looks just like a real episode car now, drive it as is! 

[orange383]

If the rear axle has moved then the rear frame rail must have moved as well so lots of work ahead.
I would recommend http://www.jcamericanautos.co.uk/
I haven't used them myself but have seen their work. They are well known in the MMA in the UK.

[orange383]

Ok just read your post again and work has already begun. Hopefully it's in good hands.
Try rockauto for trim. I've used them before from the uk with no problems.

[Bronzedodge]

Get that body shell checked out for deeper bending damage before you start cutting panels off.  If it has to be pulled back into line, it's usually better to do it with all the bent metal still on it. 
The factory gave a basic set of dimensions for the undercarriage but that's it.  You may want to compare measurements with another mostly original 68-70 Charger if you can find one locally. 
 

X2 on what Mike DC said here.  You might want to look for an older craftsman, coachbuilder type guy over there.  If it is pulled correctly, much of the damage will come out - may only have to replace the crumpled back corner.

[tan top]

 bummer    sorry to see this

[69rtse4spd]

 , don't forget to check the guts in the rear window, never know.

[Edelbroke]

Looks like the passenger door still has a nice gap. Easy fix

[Cooperman]

Thanks Guys for the words of encouragement and advice - very much appreciated. 

None of my local bodyshops are prepared to give me an estimate until the insurance loss adjuster has looked at it and decided what is to be repaired. I feel I already have a fight on my hands. 

I've identified the panels that it will need, and I've found an AMD agent that will ship to England. None of this is really for me to figure out of course, but I figured that it wouldn't hurt to give the bodyshop a lead on where to get the right parts for the estimate.

My 8 3/4 axle is toast, and I saw that Classic Industries do a complete assembly from drum to drum with a 3.23 Suregrip for $3500. I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives, but until the Insurance people decide what they're doing, I want to make sure everything is covered.

I will need a used right hand lamp housing. Lenses are available as new reproduction but I can't see housings anywhere. Any suggestions?

I had a closer look today, and it seems my 8.5in Vector wheel rim is slightly out of shape.    I hope to get this repaired locally, as there are very few of the originals (not repops) in the UK.

, don't forget to check the guts in the rear window, never know.

69rtse4spd, what did you mean by this bud?

Thanks again guys. Appreciate the guidance! 

[Cooperman]

Forgot to mention the hood hinges are all bent out of shape. The hood was up (and I only just got out from under it) when the impact happened, so the hinges have over-extended and distorted. Are the AMD ones any good or should I try and locate a good used pair - presumably any late 60's B body will use the same hinges? 

[Edelbroke]

Make the guy that hit you buy a set of these Ring Brothers hinges.

https://ringbrothers.com/1966-1970-b-body-billet-hood-hinge-kit-air-frame-1819.html

[hemi-hampton]

Make the guy that hit you buy a set of these Ring Brothers hinges.

https://ringbrothers.com/1966-1970-b-body-billet-hood-hinge-kit-air-frame-1819.html

And how are you going to make him do that?

[69rtse4spd]

Pull the rear panel off & see if any of the window lift arms are bent. 

[Cooperman]

Pull the rear panel off & see if any of the window lift arms are bent. 

Ah! Thanks for the tip my friend. All windows were rolled down at the time - do you think that would make it more or less likely that the mechanism is bent? Ironically I'm not supposed to dismantle it until it's been inspected. The right rear window still rolls up and down ok now, but I agree - it wouldn't hurt to know for sure. Thank you! 😎

[70 sublime]

Just curious but can you tell us how it happened ?
You did mention you had the hood up and had just got out from under the hood
Was your car on the side of the road or at a car show or

[Cooperman]

Just curious but can you tell us how it happened ?
You did mention you had the hood up and had just got out from under the hood
Was your car on the side of the road or at a car show or

Of course Sublime.

I'd been out to see friends and as it was around sunset I headed home. On the way home the car coughed and died so I coasted along for a few seconds, and I soon realised that I needed to get off the road quickly. I bumped the left wheels up in the grass alongside the road and pulled in as tight as I could - without power. The right side wheels were still just on the tarmac.
I opened the hood to see if there was anything obvious. Opened the trunk to see what tools I had.  A car was coming towards me from the opposite direction so I leaned into the engine compartment and used the light from his headlamps to see for a second or two before it passed by. Then I heard a second car so I stepped back to make sure both cars would get past, except they didn't. The guy that hit me initially said my lights were off, but then admitted that the oncoming cars lights were so bright that he was blinded, pulled to the left to avoid him and hit me. Impact speed was between 40 and 45 mph.

That's about it. Could have been avoided if my car hadn't crapped out. Too late now!

[70 sublime]

Just lucky no one got hurt

Sounds like it was just a true accident wrong place at the wrong time

PS just noticed the 68 side marker light

[Montclaire]

I have to wonder how bad the damage would have been if the trunk lid was closed at the time of impact.   

[67440chrg]

Oh man im sorry to hear of your bad luck. At least no one was hurt. I hope your car is fixed well and you are back on the road soon.

[Cooperman]

I have to wonder how bad the damage would have been if the trunk lid was closed at the time of impact.   

I wondered that too.     I just wish the hood had been closed. 

[Cooperman]

PS just noticed the 68 side marker light

When you're located so far away from the good stuff, you make do with what you can get!

[69rtse4spd]

Your welcome.

[Kern Dog]

All those cars are on the wrong side of the road.

[alfaitalia]

PS just noticed the 68 side marker light

When you're located so far away from the good stuff, you make do with what you can get!

It is a 68 with a 69 grille though isn't it? Or it would be G reg...not F?

[Cooperman]

PS just noticed the 68 side marker light

When you're located so far away from the good stuff, you make do with what you can get!

It is a 68 with a 69 grille though isn't it? Or it would be G reg...not F?

Yes, it is a '68 - that's an 'F' reg. '69 would be a 'G'.   

[orange383]

PS just noticed the 68 side marker light

When you're located so far away from the good stuff, you make do with what you can get!

It is a 68 with a 69 grille though isn't it? Or it would be G reg...not F?

Yes, it is a '68 - that's an 'F' reg. '69 would be a 'G'.   

My first 68 Charger was an early build built in 67 so had an E plate.

[alfaitalia]

You only get that if you can prove when it was built.....if not ....like me...you get a plate commensurate with its model year. 67 E, 68 F, 69 G etc etc

[Cooperman]

Just looking at this photo, would anyone care to suggest which mechanical parts should be replaced?

I think it's axle case, axle shaft, U-bolts, bearing, oil seal, back plate, drum, shoes, possibly cylinder and shoe hardware, the right side shock absorber is touching the axle case so is possibly bent, the spring is bent, the wheel is buckled and the tyre has a bulge... Is there anything I've missed? Do you think the Suregrip diff pinion will have been affected by the impact? What about Driveshaft UJ's and trans rear seal? 

I am not responsible for adding those wheel weights by the way. 

[Birdflu]

Judging by the 'twist' in that u-bolt...she took quite a hit! Disassembling the rear end and sticking a line bar through it is the only way to accurately determine if the housing is bent. Once the differential is out and disassembled, you'll also be able to inspect the axle shaft thrust block/spacer. Good luck on your findings!

[Kern Dog]

Looks like a leaky wheel cylinder or brake line too.

[hemi-hampton]

I'd pull the entire rear in one complete unit including leaf springs & totally replace it all at once. why waste time disassembling every little piece. LEON.

[Cooperman]

Looks like a leaky wheel cylinder or brake line too.

Sadly that's gear oil Sir!  

[Cooperman]

I'd pull the entire rear in one complete unit including leaf springs & totally replace it all at once. why waste time disassembling every little piece. LEON.

That's my preferred plan as there are so few 8 3/4 parts and specialists in the UK, but it comes down to the loss adjusters recommendation. My concern is that they try and 'get away' with the parts I've listed but that it subsequently transpires that the Suregrip is toast.

[orange383]

I'd pull the entire rear in one complete unit including leaf springs & totally replace it all at once. why waste time disassembling every little piece. LEON.

That's my preferred plan as there are so few 8 3/4 parts and specialists in the UK, but it comes down to the loss adjusters recommendation. My concern is that they try and 'get away' with the parts I've listed but that it subsequently transpires that the Suregrip is toast.

I agree and think you need to insist that the whole lot is replaced otherwise it could cost you money after the work has been done and signed off. I would also suggest that it is a safety issue as all these parts have been effected in some way by the impact!

[G-man]

Stick a little bondo in the right hand rear quarter, paint over it and slap on HLPAG. Good to go!

[bakerhillpins]

I'd pull the entire rear in one complete unit including leaf springs & totally replace it all at once. why waste time disassembling every little piece. LEON.

I've been trying to figure out how the rear end got bent in this exercise.    Given that the fixed points on the axle are the 2 leaf springs and the drive shaft and that this was a rear offset crash. The only reasonable answer I have is that the left leaf/unibody and the drive shaft acted as the fixed points allowing the striking force to be applied to the right rear wheel and as a result bending the right rear end. This suggests that the drivetrain (driveshaft/transmission and xmember/motor mounts) all took a mighty good hit. I'd personally be making sure all of those components and mounting points were inspected. I'm pretty certain that they are not designed to handle an axial compression force like that.     But then again, I left the widgets to the mechanical engineers. 

[Cooperman]

I'd pull the entire rear in one complete unit including leaf springs & totally replace it all at once. why waste time disassembling every little piece. LEON.

I've been trying to figure out how the rear end got bent in this exercise.    Given that the fixed points on the axle are the 2 leaf springs and the drive shaft and that this was a rear offset crash. The only reasonable answer I have is that the left leaf/unibody and the drive shaft acted as the fixed points allowing the striking force to be applied to the right rear wheel and as a result bending the right rear end. This suggests that the drivetrain (driveshaft/transmission and xmember/motor mounts) all took a mighty good hit. I'd personally be making sure all of those components and mounting points were inspected. I'm pretty certain that they are not designed to handle an axial compression force like that.    But then again, I left the widgets to the mechanical engineers.  

Thanks BakerHillPins... I too have concerns about the driveline. I've already decided that the Suregrip is toast, but I do wonder what damage has been done to the 727. I know they're tough, but it's been subjected to several thousand pounds of impact pressure right up the tailshaft housing.

Amazingly, the Loss Adjuster still hasn't come and seen the car. His assessment has all been done by emailed photos!  

However, the most unbelievable conversation I had today went like this; " The bad news is that the other party is likely to make a lowball offer on your total loss. But the good news is, you can take that £17,000 and maybe even get yourself a slightly NEWER Charger!" Er... How about... No.  

[lukedukem]

Jeez, how many weights are stuck to the inside of that rim.

Luke

[Kern Dog]

"But the good news is, you can take that £17,000 and maybe even get yourself a slightly NEWER Charger!" Er... How about... No. "

NON car people are complete idiots and have zero understanding about our passion for these classics.

[Cooperman]

Jeez, how many weights are stuck to the inside of that rim.

Luke

Like I said under the photo, not my doing!

Hey, maybe the impact has set the wheel imbalance straight! 

[JB400]

Some people are unbelieveable.

[Montclaire]

17,000 pounds sterling is equivalent to $22k US right now.  Tell them to keep counting. 

[Mike DC]

"But the good news is, you can take that £17,000 and maybe even get yourself a slightly NEWER Charger!"

"Sorry about your vinyl Beatles record getting destroyed.  But hey, the insurance money will buy you a newer band's CD."

[Cooperman]

"But the good news is, you can take that £17,000 and maybe even get yourself a slightly NEWER Charger!"

"Sorry about your vinyl Beatles record getting destroyed.  But hey, the insurance money will buy you a newer band's CD."

That's EXACTLY it!! 

[six-tee-nine]

17,000 pounds sterling is equivalent to $22k US right now.  Tell them to keep counting. 

Yeah, and concidering all the new metal this car needs, a full respray to make the car look like it did before the accident and all the necessary parts to make it roadwordy again that amount wont probably be enough even if you do the work yourself.
Import tax fees and shipping costs are a HUGE amount of cash...

[alfaitalia]

No insurance company I've ever dealt with in the UK will pay to paint undamaged panels (I used to work in a body shop)....and with the colour matching technology available these days there should be no need. They matched two panels on my wife's silver metallic 99 SLK Mercedes-Benz perfectly. Unless he has very specialized insurance they will only pay to paint the damaged areas.

[Cooperman]

No insurance company I've ever dealt with in the UK will pay to paint undamaged panels (I used to work in a body shop)....and with the colour matching technology available these days there should be no need. They matched two panels on my wife's silver metallic 99 SLK Mercedes-Benz perfectly. Unless he has very specialized insurance they will only pay to paint the damaged areas.

This will be a problem I think. Almost every panel has paint chipped. I already had a few self inflicted chips on the trailing edge of the driver's door, but everything else is a result of this impact. The quarters, doors and fenders edges all contacted and chipped the paint - as a result of this impact. The hood was up which has made a mess of the hinges when they over-extended, and then it gouged the fender tops and slam panel when it slammed down. The trunk was up and this contacted both sail panels. It needs a full rear quarter on the right side. The worst part is that is a crappy acrylic enamel paint job that just cannot be matched. The metallic particles in the Hemi orange paint are so inconsistently mixed that whatever you do with the paintwork will be clearly obvious. This claim will get messy...

[alfaitalia]

Seeing those pics you might be Ok....you have damage on so many more panels that I thought (rather than just the quarter and bonnet I was assuming) they might see a full spray as the better option. Good luck with it though.

[moparfan53]

...I will need a used right hand lamp housing. Lenses are available as new reproduction but I can't see housings anywhere. Any suggestions?

I had a closer look today, and it seems my 8.5in Vector wheel rim is slightly out of shape.    I hope to get this repaired locally, as there are very few of the originals (not repops) in the UK.

, don't forget to check the guts in the rear window, never know.

69rtse4spd, what did you mean by this bud?

Thanks again guys. Appreciate the guidance!  

There are several housings on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=1969+charger+light+housing&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=1969+charger+housing&LH_TitleDesc=0

That is one of my fears when driving my Charger, of being hit... but... I have it to drive and enjoy... so that is what I do.  

Keep us updated on how things go.

[Ponch ®]

"But the good news is, you can take that £17,000 and maybe even get yourself a slightly NEWER Charger!"

"Sorry about your vinyl Beatles record getting destroyed.  But hey, the insurance money will buy you a newer band's CD."

That's EXACTLY it!! 

not really. unlike a classic charger,  the beatles are overrated. id take the $ and buy a Post Malone CD.

[440]

Seeing this and being overseas myself really makes you want to be sure your car is properly covered for the unfortunate !!!

Over here the parts are at least 1/4 more expensive and the shipping is almost as expensive as the parts themselves.

Good luck on getting it fixed.