68 charger Temperature

[jefferson]

Hey folks, finally got my 68 charger ! Im stoked, pictures will follow in the next week or two, bit of work needing doing on her but she is gorgeous and im in love
quick question, im not use to these old cars obv and i drive a newish one, so the temp gauge is always sitting on half, i noticed on my charger after having her on and driving a little she was sitting on more than half. i know these cars run hot as its got a big 440 engine in her but isnt anything more than half bad? I cant remember the exact temp she was sitting on as it was yesterday but i noticed the line was over the half way mark, got me a tad worried. Is this normal for these chargers?

Cheers fellas much appreciated.

[Oneofthesedays]

I can't offer any help with your temp but I would like to say congratulations!  I bet that's an awesome feeling. One I hope to experience some day. Care to share how you got the car?  Just wonder what's best by way look for those that are being offered. Be it ebay, Craigslist or auction. Enjoy

[WHITE AND RED 69]

440's run anywhere from 170-210 depending on accessories. Halfway on the gauge is 200 so a little over isn't too bad depending on how you are driving it. Once it gets up to 215 and up its time to shut it down. 

The stock gauges are not known to be the most accurate. Most add a mechanical gauge just to be sure.

[Challenger340]

Hey folks, finally got my 68 charger ! Im stoked, pictures will follow in the next week or two, bit of work needing doing on her but she is gorgeous and im in love
quick question, im not use to these old cars obv and i drive a newish one, so the temp gauge is always sitting on half, i noticed on my charger after having her on and driving a little she was sitting on more than half. i know these cars run hot as its got a big 440 engine in her but isnt anything more than half bad? I cant remember the exact temp she was sitting on as it was yesterday but i noticed the line was over the half way mark, got me a tad worried. Is this normal for these chargers?

Cheers fellas much appreciated.

Let me guess ?
You are running a 190* F Thermostat.

[jefferson]

Sorry mate. New to all this car talk? What do you mean 190 thermostat? It still has the original gauges from the factory if that is what.you mean. Im just wondering what temp the car should be sitting at when its been running for a.good while. Yesterday the line was over the halfway mark on the temp gauge and i just.thought anything.over half isnt good but thats only because i own new cars so had me concerned. Thats all
Cheers.

[8WHEELER]

Can you read the numbers on your gauge? as said, most of these cars are fine, running between 180-210. 180-190 is about strait up. I have a 440 in a 68 that tends to read 210 after it gets warm, and stays there, that is with a 180 degree thermostat located on the top of the water pump. After the engine was broken in, I checked that temp reading with my laser reader I have. Just about every place on my engine and radiator read 180, so I now no my gauge is 30 degrees off.

Dan

[OldGuy]

Go with a 26" radiator and shroud if you don't want to use a push/pull fan.  Also, 160 or 170 degree thermostat...If there are no other issues that would cause overheating, and you don't need to stay with the original look, a 26" aluminum radiator with shroud will keep it running cool all day long.

[John_Kunkel]

i noticed the line was over the half way mark, got me a tad worried.

Not to worry.

[jefferson]

Thanks fellas, few more things to get fixed on my 68 and she will be on the road

Wiring issues also atm, front lights arent working nor are the 2 lights on the bonnet, the front open up but no lights, so got a loose wire or fuse issue somewhere, also starter motor is jammed, have to have that rebuilt. Eventually only way to turn the car off is to disconnect the battery lol. Could hear a strange ticking noise when i was playin  around with her starting and turning her off when i got her a few days back.

So shes at the mechanic now having a whole work over. Few more weeks.

[jefferson]

Also another question. My 68 has a 70 console, dash and interior in it, which thats fine, The ignition to turn her on is still on the dash not the steering column just is missing the flasher button, ive been told the 70 flasher button is on the steering colum, i swear i dont see it, i figured because mine isnt on the dash next to the brake light, it must be on the steering column as most of the inside seems to be of a 70 charger, but where abouts on the steering column do i look?
The indicators work, flick them up and down on the left side but nothing to flash both tail lights in case i break down.

Sorry, as i live in Australia, pretty hard to go and look at other chargers and see where everything is and how its supposed to be etc.

[moparfan53]

Also another question. My 68 has a 70 console, dash and interior in it, which thats fine, The ignition to turn her on is still on the dash not the steering column just is missing the flasher button, ive been told the 70 flasher button is on the steering colum, i swear i dont see it, i figured because mine isnt on the dash next to the brake light, it must be on the steering column as most of the inside seems to be of a 70 charger, but where abouts on the steering column do i look?
The indicators work, flick them up and down on the left side but nothing to flash both tail lights in case i break down.

Sorry, as i live in Australia, pretty hard to go and look at other chargers and see where everything is and how its supposed to be etc.

If your ignition switch is in the dash, I think the steering column is still the original '68 one. Here is picture of a '70 column. I circled the flasher switch. The lettering is worn off the knob so I also put the picture from the '70 dealer data book to show the lettering.

Congrats on your purchase!