'68 383 HP 4-barrel with 4-speed numbers matching...UPDATE (not good)!

[Dans 68]

I just wanted to share the start of what is to be a wonderful and probably (certainly!) painful journey with my newly purchased Charger. The particulars are listed here on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300166664938 and with a photo below; I pulled the trigger (stepped on the gas?) on the auction early this morning. A road trip to San Diego is in my immediate future to collect my diamond in the rough. Can you tell I'm excited?  I plan to take lots of pictures (and post them, of course), read lots of topics and ask lots of questions. A 1968 Charger, with a 383 4-barrel and 4-speed transmission, all numbers matching. My dream car (who needs a 440?  ).... A California car (you have to love the restored plate the seller did) with hopefully low miles. This i don't ever plan to sell (I had to convince my better half that if I met my maker  before her,  she could easily sell it for big dollars...my master plan is to make her love (is love is too strong a word for a car site? Nah, we have girls here...) it as much as she loves me. 

I know it is a lot to ask, but please give me your  . That is what is great about this site...we are a slightly disfunctional, but happy, family!

Geez, I'm so excited...

Dan

[68charger383]

Whats not to like, great car, Congrats  on the purchase of this rare car.

[RD]

wow!  looks like a good foundation to start with.  12,500 seems like a lot, but your geographic location most likely warrants the price.  The seller did a good job with description.

overall, I would be excited just as you are now.  what was the key buying point for you?  the 4 spd?

[moparstuart]

Whats not to like, great car, Congrats  on the purchase of this rare car.

great project have fun

[Charger-Bodie]

that unit was on my ebay watch page! congradulations!!!

[BMOTOXSTAR]

 

[BMOTOXSTAR]

RAre you gonna' keep the SE?

[Dans 68]

what was the key buying point for you?  the 4 spd?

I'd have to say yes. It is an added bonus that the 383 is an HP motor.... 

[Dans 68]

RAre you gonna' keep the SE?

No, unfortunately the SE needs a new home. 

[69charger2002]

man why didn't you buy mine.. it's on ebay also.. way cheaper.. and it's in the same condition. his just "looked" better..

[xp29f8b]

Congrats! Looks like it's ready to get up n go. Now ya need to get it's 2 front teeth for christmas 

[Charger_Fan]

Wow, that seller did a FANTASTIC job showing all the matching numbers! I wish more people would do that.
I like his other detailed pics too, along with tons of descriptive detail aboout the car. I don't think you'll get to San Deigo & see much that wasn't covered by the description.

Congrats on your score, it looks beautiful!!

[Dans 68]

man why didn't you buy mine.. it's on ebay also.. way cheaper.. and it's in the same condition. his just "looked" better..

That was yours? I thought about it, but the location AND black interior (and parts) got me. Good luck with it. 

Dan

[Fitz73Chrgr]

Congrats!  I like that car, too bad those wheels don't come with it.  My dad had a 383 HP 4speed back in the day, so hopefully we'll get another one someday.  If we weren't restoring a 73 right now, I'd be very interested in 69charger2002's car. 

[gers1968rt]

hey,good luck on this car. my first charger was a 68 383 4 bbl and 4 speed car. I didn't know then (1980) that it was a rare car. I wish I still had it.

[TUFCAT]

Looks like a great car for the money Dan. That ebay seller did a great job with his pictures and information. That's the way to sell a car   I'm sure you will get EXACTLY what was advertised there.....Congrats dude,  that has the makings of a very nice car!  By the way, when you said  (who needs a 440?) ...I tend to agree. The right combo of internals these days can net you a very potent (matching number 383) that will rival a stock 440 from back in the day.  Just costs a bit more to build than a stock 440.   BTW, I'm sure you will let us know if the car varies from the description....'caus I'd be very surprised given that much upfront credibility shown by the seller to point out the problem areas. 

[kylem4711]

nice car,   need some work though.


why did you step it up and get a 70 rt 440 4-speed pistol grip?   




o wait, i just bought one of those.

good luck on your car and post lots of pics!!!

[TruckDriver]

Congrats!  I like that car, too bad those wheels don't come with it. 

nice find

[blackcharger]

I think you scored a great deal. I'd try hard to keep those wheels and tires.it looks awsome.if  I may suggest a color scheme........and keep us posted!

[Dans 68]

I think you scored a great deal. I'd try hard to keep those wheels and tires.it looks awsome.if  I may suggest a color scheme........and keep us posted!

Thanks! Those wheels and tires could be mine for an extra $800...they do look good...I may re-think my position on those...what say all?

As far as a color scheme, your suggestion is my first choice!

Dan

[BB1]

Black 

[bull]

Congrats! And welcome to the 383/4spd/'68 club. There are a few other members here, myself included. I've got the old Inland shifter too and to the dismay of some I plan on keeping it.

[Dans 68]

Congrats! And welcome to the 383/4spd/'68 club. There are a few other members here, myself included.

Thanks, Bull. I'm certain to have a few questions of you in the upcoming months. 

I've got the old Inland shifter too and to the dismay of some I plan on keeping it.

Why not keep it? It is original, and can't be much sloppier than the Hurst unit. I'm trying to climb fast on the learning curve, and have read that the inland shifter was an early production line usage in the '68's. What was your build date? Mine was born December 1st (and I'm guessing '67 as the build year as I can't believe they were still making ordered '68's in December 1968) and apparently has the hurst shifter.

Dan

[bull]

I've got the old Inland shifter too and to the dismay of some I plan on keeping it.

Why not keep it? It is original, and can't be much sloppier than the Hurst unit. I'm trying to climb fast on the learning curve, and have read that the inland shifter was an early production line usage in the '68's. What was your build date? Mine was born December 1st (and I'm guessing '67 as the build year as I can't believe they were still making ordered '68's in December 1968) and apparently has the hurst shifter.

Dan

Some people really hate the Inlands and often refer to them as the guess-a-gear shifter. That's ok with me. It's all part of the experience IMO. My car's build date is Jan. 8, '68 and yes, the Inlands were used early in the '68 production run but no one really knows how long they lasted. I'm guessing it was into March sometime but I have no proof of that.

[ryan053]

ive got a 68 383/4spd also.  Lots of fun and youll get plenty of people hooting and hollering at you when your driving that around.  good luck with it.  Does anyone know the production numbers for the 383/4spd combo?

[Charger_Croatia]

Congratulations on your new ride!

[Dans 68]

Congratulations on your new ride!

Thanks! I'm about ready to call it a day, and it appears that you are just starting yours...good morning to you!.

Dan

[bull]

ive got a 68 383/4spd also.  Lots of fun and youll get plenty of people hooting and hollering at you when your driving that around.  good luck with it.  Does anyone know the production numbers for the 383/4spd combo?

1968 Charger
383/4bbl/4spd -- 259 produced
383/2bbl/4spd -- 74 produced

[68RT4ME]

Very nice find. Considering what all it entails, I'd say you did great. Love those '68's. Congrats and best wishes with it. As the new owner of a newly aquired '69, we're both in for some fun times. 

[Tom_440]

Congrats! Nothing like buying a cool car from Ozzie! Have fun with it.

[69bronzeT5]

Congrats man on your newly used 68

[marcel68]

Concratulations

I have a 68 Charger 383-4bbl myself. Completely restored over five years to complete original condition. I'm happy that people appriciate this engine and carb configuration as well. The 440 is fantastic but some attention for this engine is well deserved.

Marcel   

[twenty mike mike]

Some people really hate the Inlands and often refer to them as the guess-a-gear shifter.

That might explain why, when I raced a '68 Hemi Charger in my '69 340 GTS, he missed all three shifts. Every time he shifted, I'd get up to his door, and away he went again after finally getting it into gear. And all this time I thought he just couldn't drive.

Great score Dan, wish I'd had the bucks available to get it, especially since it was local.

[Dans 68]

Great score Dan, wish I'd had the bucks available to get it, especially since it was local.

Thanks! So where exactly on the left Coast are you?

Dan

[OldGuy]

Welcome to the 68, 383, 4 BBl, 4-speed Club

Finishing up a little body work, and getting ready to paint ours.

[Dans 68]

Welcome to the 68, 383, 4 BBl, 4-speed Club

Finishing up a little body work, and getting ready to paint ours.

Wow...looks like I'm in good company!  back at ya!

Dan

[Dans 68]

Thanks for all the kind words, Guys! As it turns out I'm taking to the road (about 16 total hours driving, give or take a few) trip this Saturday to pick my new toy. I will be taking lots of pictures (before, during, and after the trip) and will post them as soon as possible when I get back. I know how you all like pictures.....   It will be an exciting day, for certain! 

Dan

[remta1]

nice score , what colour are you gonna paint it ....grab the rims they look good  ?

[Dans 68]

nice score , what colour are you gonna paint it ....grab the rims they look good  ?

Well, Black, of course? The original color is FF1 (light metallic green) but in conjunction with the black interior and black vinyl roof, it seems appropriate.

I may still pick up the wheels and tires...I have not decided. 

Dan

[SeattleCharger]

    68, right on.   I really like the wheels, specially the size combo of them, good stance, looks tough, I would get em.
     I would love a 4 spd.    the price seems good considering it runs and drives,

[ryan053]

since we are showing pics heres my beater.

[SeattleCharger]

since we are showing pics heres my beater.

Nice car   , its all relative, unless you are joking, because compared to my car that is a #1 show car

[The70RT]

Good luck Dan. Looks like a decent one to do. Have a safe trip bringing her home 

[Dans 68]

Long story short, it was not what I expected. 

The owner seemed like a decent fellow, and I believe that he offered the car with a good faith description. I could be off base here, but the rustiness of the car was way beyond my abilities and wallet to bring back. I will post a dozen or so photos in the following posts.

My trip to San Diego went off with out a hitch, and 9 hours after I left home I arrived. We (the owner and I) went over the entire car, and checked numbers on some of the items, i.e., manifolds, engine, transmission, etc. We talked about the incorrect 055 radiator (should be an 043), the incorrect carburator (was for an A/C car), and the lack of a serial number on the engine. No idea why... update...it is numbers matching.

The frame seemed generally o.k., except I put my finger through a section of the frame by the k-member. Not good. What other unseen problems await? The roof had a few holes in it. It seemed every panel or structural member on the car had serious rust issues.

I told him straight out that the description he had on eBay was off, and that I could not pay what we had agreed to. He concurred, but still wanted too much to make it worth my buying it.  I told the owner that IF it was mine,  I would have to strip the car, media blast it and then start fixing the damaged areas. No other way to do it.

I told him if he was going to re-list it, to add better and more photos and descriptions. He again agreed and was going to do just that. I am still in shock  , and a little sad over not getting the car. If I had picked it up I honestly think It would had needed at a minimum 200 hours in the body shop to get right, and I did not want or need that type of project. If you do call the owner (pm me).

So I left carless, got stuck in in San Diego and L.A. traffic, and rolled back home about 2:00 am Sunday morning. What the hell, it was an adventure! 

Dan

[Dans 68]

more...

[69bronzeT5]

Sucks to hear that man. There are always more out there

[Dans 68]

still more...and the only words of wisdom I can offer is to check out the car in person before you buy! Enough said....

Dan

[blackcharger]

holt crap! he wanted $12 grand for that? that looks more like a car from back east that was buried in road salt. how does a west coast car get that rusty? sorry it wasn't what you expected, but at least you just wasted time. you coulda been one of those people that send the money  and get a POS delivered. I know these cars are worth alot, but for $12 GRAND it shouldn't need much of anything. there's alot better cars out there for that kind of coin.

[Charger-Bodie]

that sucks!!

[bull]

I wasn't going to say anything because I didn't want to piddle on your parade but I could tell from the auction pics that wasn't any $12k car. Now that I see your pics I'd say that's barely a $3k car. It's worse than what I expected, and I'm very synical. I'm glad you got out of it though. That's way more work than you want. I could see just the body work (no paint) running upwards of $20k if you hired someone to do it.

What I would do now if I were you (not that you're looking for advice) is try finding one that's mid-restoration or spend twice as much as you bid on this one and get one that's finished or real close to it. I suspect you could get a 383 Charger that's finished for $30k or less. For $12k I would at least want one that's had the body work done on it and/or has no rust issues. If all you have to do is paint, rebuild the engine and reassemble you're way ahead of the game.

[Dans 68]

For $12k I would at least want one that's had the body work done on it and/or has no rust issues. If all you have to do is paint, rebuild the engine and reassemble you're way ahead of the game.

Exactly. It is a numbers matching 383 4-barrel 4-speed, but still too much work. 

Dan

[The70RT]

  That is way out of order for 12. Remember a couple weeks ago Telvis sold his....yeah it was almost done and was gonna start it out on eBay for 17 and someone on here snatched it up....yep it was a killer car. Those are your pics you took/...If so he was sure a scammer if he didn't show the rust.

[Dans 68]

That is way out of order for 12. Remember a couple weeks ago Telvis sold his....yeah it was almost done and was gonna start it out on eBay for 17 and someone on here snatched it up....yep it was a killer car. Those are your pics you took/...If so he was sure a scammer if he didn't show the rust.

Truth be told I was #1 in line for Telvis' car if the other buyer backed out. Story of my year...  

Dan

[The70RT]

That is way out of order for 12. Remember a couple weeks ago Telvis sold his....yeah it was almost done and was gonna start it out on eBay for 17 and someone on here snatched it up....yep it was a killer car. Those are your pics you took/...If so he was sure a scammer if he didn't show the rust.

Truth be told I was #1 in line for Telvis' car if the other buyer backed out. Story of my year...  

Dan

Damn Dan.......... Maybe he should have had a D.C.com auction.......

[SeattleCharger]

Sorry you didn't get the car you were hoping to get, but I am glad to hear that you got out of the deal, phew, 

[TruckDriver]

that looks more like a car from back east that was buried in road salt. how does a west coast car get that rusty? 

From looking at it, I'd almost be willing to bet it was a salt belt car that was taken west by someone who moved there at one time.

HALPG would scoop it up if they seen it

[Lowprofile]

You did the right thing walking away from that car bro. 

[bmoparmofo]

I had a 65 chrysler 300 that had freaky rust on it, it was from florida, but apparently by the ocean, hood front, c pillars were wasted the rest of the car was nice,used to the lower rust as I'm from Michigan,friggin salt water!Glad you didnt lose your wallet on that one,cheaper its worth saving.12 k seems like a lot.Happy hunting!

[terrible one]

Yeah, definitely good to walk away from that one. I'm sure that it would have been hard after driving 9 hours up to go home with nothing, but it's still worth NOT buying it. I drove 7 hours away to get my Charger sight un-seen after seeing many pictures and talking to the seller on the phone, and lucked out. You'll get it!

[68charger383]

That sucks, but you were able to get away and that's all that counts. The search continues:

CA does not equal rust free. Anywhere 5-10 miles near the beach gets the salty sea air year round which will rust through a car faster then any New York salt spreader would. Cars up in Northern CA are prone for rusting also. Its the cars from inland/desert areas that are equal to the Arizona/New Mexico cars.

Here's a few to consider:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/476059303.html

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/car/450075354.html

[Dans 68]

Here's a few to consider:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/476059303.html

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/car/450075354.html

Thanks. I knew about the first one (line has been busy) but not about the 2nd.

Dan

[BMOTOXSTAR]

That is why I would never buy a Mopar sight unseen, pic's can be very deceptive. 
Good thing you did not get stuck with that Charger.

[PocketThunder]

How about the one Travis was selling?  Is it still available?

[Dans 68]

How about the one Travis was selling?  Is it still available?

Nope. But thats o.k. I'm a bit gunshy right now to get back in the game. Give me another day....

Dan

[bull]

Let me tell you, things could always be worse: http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,3692.0.html

[Old Moparz]

Try to look at the non-purchase of this car as something very positive. It's a learning experience that solidifies why EVERYONE should go look at, or have someone they can trust, go look at a car before buying it. Hopefully anyone else who had ever came close to hitting a buy it now, or place a bid on something will think twice after seeing this. There's no excuse or reason a car can't be inspected. If you can't inspect it, then you shouldn't be buying it.

[ryan053]

You definently did the right thing.  Thats insane that he wanted to get 12k for that thing.  Now its going to sit in his driveway and rust away completely because he wont sell it for what its worth and no one will buy it for his price.  keep an eye out on craigslist and ebay and you will find one.  Where do you live?

[Dans 68]

Where do you live?

About two hours south of you. I'll actually be up your way come Thanksgiving (relatives, of course...) I am looking for that one car.... 

Dan

[ryan053]

Mine came out of idaho.  Ill keep an eye out around here for any 4sp 68's for sale.  All i know of right now is a 68 coronet.  Send me a message if you want to meet up when your up here.

[ca 69charger]

Dan, Any luck getting a hold of that one owner of the 68' with the 209 area code. I'm in Isleton(about 30 mi. from Stockton) I'll be in Stockton thursday morning.

Larry

[Dans 68]

Dan, Any luck getting a hold of that one owner of the 68' with the 209 area code. I'm in Isleton(about 30 mi. from Stockton) I'll be in Stockton thursday morning.

Larry

Actually yes. Larry. Scott is the owners name, and it is a 383 2-bbl with a 2.76 rear, A/C, and a '69 grill (don't know why people do that! Although the grill does look decent....). Has minor rust on the floorboards. Please don't go out of your way (it is a original JJ1 gold color with gold interior  and white vinyl top ) but if you drive by give him a call. His number is 209-847-6326. Thanks for any effort!

Dan

[ca 69charger]

Yikes Dan, I just looked at the ad again. $13500 Unless he's willing to come down on that price,i'd probably pass. Looks like you may be in for a minimum of $10G for paint/body. let alone what kind of shape the interior/motor is in.

Larry

[Dans 68]

Definitely too much. And wrong interior color also. 

A lot of the eBay listings look interesting. Fellow members, please peruse their inventory and let me know your thoughts. I "aint" pulling any triggers this week, but next week on who knows?   

Dan