How I found, then bought my new ride

[68RT4ME]

I snagged myself a new ride at the MOPARS with BIG Daddy Show . A really cool guy was selling parts at the show. He was also advertising a numbers matching 1969 Charger R/T 440 4spd car. I didn't think my wife would go for it since we already have the 71' so I asked the guy if he would consider some kind of trade. He said he might consider it but had a possible buyer already and would rather sell the car outright. We were talking and it turns out he lives 12 miles from my house. He invited me over on Monday to see the car but said that the possible buyers were going to be there too in order to check out the car as well.

I got there just as they were leaving but they still hadn't made the deal and wanted to get back to Rhode Island to show another friend the pictures they had taken and who as it turns out, would have been the real buyer. So I'm standing there with my wife and this guy is going over every inch of the car with me. He took allot of time to point out everything both good and bad (Very few bad). Though I wanted the car very badly, I was hesitant to trade away my finished car for a project. The thing was that this guy already had every conceivable item needed to finish the car, all brand new in the boxes. Everything from floor pans to the trunk floor, New quarter panels which the car really doesn't need to window felts, all rubber seals, carpet, headliner, door panels, pads... You name it, he had it.  .

Too many projects he said. Need to cut back. My wife suddenly steps in and says " How bout we just buy the car outright right here, right now and we keep the 71' too" She goes on to say, "I know you've always wanted one of these but it would be a shame to trade or sell the 71' " She looked at this guy and says "SOLD".  About now is when I damn near fall over. I would have never thought she'd go for this. I go by (68RT4ME) because I'm a 2nd Gen fan first and formost and a 68 is my all time favorite but this car is so complete and really not all that big a project. The hardest part will be the body work and paint and we already have a guy that will be doing that.

This morning, I took the day off from work and we went to get our new buddy. These are a few pict of it. I cannot be thankfull enough to my lovely wife, a true MOPAR lady who totally gets me even though I will never get her....lol. My birthdays next month and this covers that, Christmas, Fathers Day... and a host of other days for years to come. I not only get to owns this terrific car but, I also get to keep my '71 too. The car is now safely in my garage, title in hand and insured. I will update from time to time on the car as we begin to put her back to as new Original condition.

I understand that most guy's have a tradition to name their car. In this case, May I introduce the newest member of our family, named in honor of my lovely wife, "DIANA"

[Silver R/T]

cool project

[remta1]

nice story ,  congrats on the new ride 

[69bronzeT5]

Awesome man!!!! Nice find!!!!!! Its sweet that you get the 71 and get the 69 too! Your right, it dosent look like the car needs quarters...the right fender need abit of work though. I like the colour too!

[Brock Samson]

Totally cool kiss your wife for me and tell her Dave sent ya! 

[71ChallengeHer]

That's so awesome. So whatca getting your wife for X-mas?

[69bronzeT5]

So whatca getting your wife for X-mas?

After what she got him.....he's gonna have to get her a Challenger

[kylem4711]

thats awesome.   how much?

[bzabodyn]

awesome car! doesn't look like much at all to get her up and going!

send you a PM btw!

BZ

[supserdave]

Awesome story, gotta love T5.

[69bronzeT5]

gotta love T5.

Why thank you! Its good to know Im loved around here



Just kidding, I know your talking about the colour of the car

[68RT4ME]

thats awesome.   how much?

It's damn sure not for sale again...lol  As for the purchase price? I'll keep that to myself so's to not attract the attention of Mr Taxman.

Her Christmas present? Still working on that but the pressure is on 

[PocketThunder]

Holy Crap that is a nice deal.   

Can i give your wife my wifes phone number??     

[terrible one]

Great looking car man, and that's awesome that your wife was down for the cause! It sure does look solid! I'd drive it as is!

[700jfm]

 

[bull]

Cool car, very cool wife. Keep 'em both.

[kylem4711]

thats awesome.   how much?

It's damn sure not for sale again...lol  As for the purchase price? I'll keep that to myself so's to not attract the attention of Mr Taxman.

Her Christmas present? Still working on that but the pressure is on 

so basically you paid a lot and dont want to say....     

[Fitz73Chrgr]

Is that Oldsmobile parked on the front porch?

[moparsons]

Can i give your wife my wifes phone number??     

Me too   You're a lucky man!!!!

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Nice ride & my usual line to new 69 owners....

Please take the time to register the car


www.1969chargerregistry.com

[Charger_Croatia]

That's a cool story and nice ride! Congratulations! 

[remta1]

man i thought i was first to reply ......beaten by 4 seconds ( silver r/t ) 

[BMOTOXSTAR]

 

[bmoparmofo]

Nice ride and congrads from another T5 owner

[TruckDriver]

 

[hemi68charger]

Holy Freakin' T5 Charger R/T Batman !!!!

Andy, dude, you did good......... As you said on the phone this morning, it's ALL MY fault.. hehehe    <sniffelling> I'm so proud of you....

.... I know we talked extensively about the car, but I didn't realize she was as straight and complete as she is... Looks like my DANA and your DIANA will enjoy each other's company..... We've come a long way since our high school days together and now, you're on the verge of catching up with me !!!!!!  Now I REALLY wish I had WHITEY back. The two of us cruising in our '71s or '69's would be so cool.... Never in a million years would I have thought you and I would own Chargers so similar... Never say never.... I can't wait to help get her up and going, now I really wish we didn't live so far from each other.. Just as well I guess, our wives would never see us......... lol   But then again, we would always be at one or the other's house...

We'll get things all squared away, get the right parts and components and she'll be up and going for next years Garlit's show........

We two sure have some cool and understanding wives.....

Troy

[68RT4ME]

thats awesome.   how much?

It's damn sure not for sale again...lol  As for the purchase price? I'll keep that to myself so's to not attract the attention of Mr Taxman.

Her Christmas present? Still working on that but the pressure is on 

so basically you paid a lot and dont want to say....     

Basically.... Not your business, but thank you for your interests in my finances 

[hemi68charger]

thats awesome.   how much?

It's damn sure not for sale again...lol  As for the purchase price? I'll keep that to myself so's to not attract the attention of Mr Taxman.

Her Christmas present? Still working on that but the pressure is on 

so basically you paid a lot and dont want to say....     

Andy's my best friend, we go back a LONG way..... We talked a lot about the car... He paid $50 for it.. 

[68RT4ME]

Holy Freakin' T5 Charger R/T Batman !!!!

Andy, dude, you did good......... As you said on the phone this morning, it's ALL MY fault.. hehehe    <sniffelling> I'm so proud of you....

.... I know we talked extensively about the car, but I didn't realize she was as straight and complete as she is... Looks like my DANA and your DIANA will enjoy each other's company..... We've come a long way since our high school days together and now, you're on the verge of catching up with me !!!!!!  Now I REALLY wish I had WHITEY back. The two of us cruising in our '71s or '69's would be so cool.... Never in a million years would I have thought you and I would own Chargers so similar... Never say never.... I can't wait to help get her up and going, now I really wish we didn't live so far from each other.. Just as well I guess, our wives would never see us......... lol   But then again, we would always be at one or the other's house...

We'll get things all squared away, get the right parts and components and she'll be up and going for next years Garlit's show........

We two sure have some cool and understanding wives.....

Troy

Yup old buddy, we go way back and I'm proud to have you as my friend......make that brother. I know you'll be there to help me out and keep me straight on this. I want to stay original here as much as possible but, not to the extent that your going on your '68 (Man are you anal)......lol

The hunt for whatever may be needed starts real soon. Trying to decide how far to go here whether a rotisserie resto of body resto. It needs a small area on the frame done just behind the right front tire. Also, I have the complete interior for it. All brand new in the boxes but in black and the seats are already re-covered in black. The car however, calls for saddle tan interior and a saddle tan vinyl top. I heard that color is not available so for now, I'm leaning toward staying with the black interior and black top. The wife says we could buy the proper interior if I want but to spend the money when we already have the whole interior seems kinda unnecessary. We'll see.

Some here asked me to register the car in the '69 registry. My understanding from the man I got it from is that it is already registered there. I will confirm this ASAP. Thanks to all of you on your posts with the kind comments and compliments to my wife. Yup, she's the real keeper here and I'd bet she'd be willing to help out those of you who's wives are let's say,..... Difficult?....


Lastly, I don't discuss money. Not my business as to what someone spends, loses, earns or whatever. I never ask except for when we're talking about parts or guesstamates as to what one might expect to pay for a service or parts. I'm not trying to be rude in my previous post but simply feel it's not appropriate to ask someone. If they want to volunteer that information, then by all means do so. I just don't and hope no one is offended...

[chargerman68]

great story great wife i have the same kind of wife

my problem is the military just doesnt pay enough for her to do things like that for me and her....


congrads hope to see more of the car

[Brock Samson]

    How'd Diane like my Kiss?.. Kiddin,
  it seems to me if someone wants to discuss money or other personal info, it could be done via a Private Messege,  but i can understand folks being curious about it, we all are trying to keep our fingers on the pulse of the hobby (price of Chargers).
I was told in a post that the tan top vynal is being rebopped, someone posted picks of a sweet T-3, restored with a tan top. i think a search would probably turn it up... mine was once T-3 and Tan. looked alot better then i thought it would, but then again the paints are alot better these days.

[1969chargerrtse]

Man I love that car. Good Luck, you already have that.  Wow, a R/T 4 speed car in T5, man

[Charger_Fan]

What a cool story! The Charger looks like it's in really good condition too, so hopefully it's an easy resto.

Looking forward to progress pics.

[kylem4711]

thats awesome.   how much?

It's damn sure not for sale again...lol  As for the purchase price? I'll keep that to myself so's to not attract the attention of Mr Taxman.

Her Christmas present? Still working on that but the pressure is on 

so basically you paid a lot and dont want to say....     

Basically.... Not your business, but thank you for your interests in my finances 

ha, getting mad?

i didn't know you paid that much....


its a cool car, just asking geesh

[BMOTOXSTAR]

 

[hemi68charger]

thats awesome.   how much?

It's damn sure not for sale again...lol  As for the purchase price? I'll keep that to myself so's to not attract the attention of Mr Taxman.

Her Christmas present? Still working on that but the pressure is on 

so basically you paid a lot and dont want to say....     

Basically.... Not your business, but thank you for your interests in my finances 

ha, getting mad?

i didn't know you paid that much....


its a cool car, just asking geesh

Dude, etiquette dictates it's inappropriate to ask someone what they paid for something. But, if you feel the impulse to ask, ask.. But, don't expect any answer in return and if that's what happens, don't jump to some conclusion to instigate the situation. Andy can defend himself on this, but I read this before he apparently saw it.. Because he's my best friend, I'm saying something... Get some tack fella... And to think, all he said initially was he was going to keep it to himself... Ahh,,,, big clue there.. Didn't you see my reply? I said he paid $50 bucks for it...

Talk about geesshhhh

Troy

[69bronzeT5]

Yea man....theres somethings that people dont wanna say and people should respect that. For example, I asked a guy once how much he paid for his car and he said 'Id prefer not to say' and I replied by saying 'Ok, I respect that. If you dont wanna say than you dont have to". I DIDNT reply by saying "I was just asking for the price, dont have to get all mad, gheessshhhh. I hate you"

[tan top]

  awesome buy  would love to see more pictures

[Charger_Fan]

I, for one, feel that $50 was a smokin' deal. hehe

[kylem4711]

thats awesome.   how much?

It's damn sure not for sale again...lol  As for the purchase price? I'll keep that to myself so's to not attract the attention of Mr Taxman.

Her Christmas present? Still working on that but the pressure is on 

so basically you paid a lot and dont want to say....     

Basically.... Not your business, but thank you for your interests in my finances 

ha, getting mad?

i didn't know you paid that much....


its a cool car, just asking geesh

Dude, etiquette dictates it's inappropriate to ask someone what they paid for something. But, if you feel the impulse to ask, ask.. But, don't expect any answer in return and if that's what happens, don't jump to some conclusion to instigate the situation. Andy can defend himself on this, but I read this before he apparently saw it.. Because he's my best friend, I'm saying something... Get some tack fella... And to think, all he said initially was he was going to keep it to himself... Ahh,,,, big clue there.. Didn't you see my reply? I said he paid $50 bucks for it...

Talk about geesshhhh

Troy

didn't know he was going to send out his goons.....


I AM JUST KIDDING!!!!!!

and it was JUST a question.

yikes.

forgive me for living.

i say he paid 20       

[hemi68charger]

thats awesome.   how much?

It's damn sure not for sale again...lol  As for the purchase price? I'll keep that to myself so's to not attract the attention of Mr Taxman.

Her Christmas present? Still working on that but the pressure is on 

so basically you paid a lot and dont want to say....     

Basically.... Not your business, but thank you for your interests in my finances 

ha, getting mad?

i didn't know you paid that much....


its a cool car, just asking geesh

Dude, etiquette dictates it's inappropriate to ask someone what they paid for something. But, if you feel the impulse to ask, ask.. But, don't expect any answer in return and if that's what happens, don't jump to some conclusion to instigate the situation. Andy can defend himself on this, but I read this before he apparently saw it.. Because he's my best friend, I'm saying something... Get some tack fella... And to think, all he said initially was he was going to keep it to himself... Ahh,,,, big clue there.. Didn't you see my reply? I said he paid $50 bucks for it...

Talk about geesshhhh

Troy

didn't know he was going to send out his goons.....


I AM JUST KIDDING!!!!!!

and it was JUST a question.

yikes.

forgive me for living.

i say he paid 20       

[TUFCAT]

Great car....Great story....Even better, the wife who gave you the greenlight     By the way, NICE '71 dude.....and cheers to good wives!

[BMOTOXSTAR]

BTW,
  Post some pic's of that 3rd gen.

[Brock Samson]

"Send in the Goons"... 

[PocketThunder]

"Send in the Goons"... 

Thats what we are here arent we?   

[68RT4ME]

LOL  No goons needed. I'm a big enough fella and can take care of myself but thanks for the back up Bro's.... . Hey kylem4711, We're cool bud no hard feelins Bro.   

Anyway, Heres a link to my '71 for ya BMOTOXSTAR.  http://www.71superbee.com/Andy_Guevarez/  Hope ya like it too. Yup, lifes good when the wife's on board. Got lucky when I snagged her 14 yrs back. I'm thinkin I'll keep'er 

[BMOTOXSTAR]

That 71' R/T is my dream Charger.

[1FastCharger]

WOW, awesome car. I LOVE that color. I found one too that is nearly identical, but cannot afford it. Anyone else with some bucks looking for an RT?

http://www.racingjunk.com/post/995974/69-R-T-Charger-440-4-speed-console-Dana-60.html

[chargerrt]

You are a lucky guy!  Nice ride!

[70charger_boy]

Congrats, I'm from Rhode Island.  The guy that sold you the car, didn't happen to have an orange '68 did he?

[Hemidoug]

Nice ride! BTW...you have a very wise wife (with excellent taste)! Welcome to the "split grill" club! Trust me, they will look GREAT together (I bet you can't guess how I know)!

[68RT4ME]

Nice ride! BTW...you have a very wise wife (with excellent taste)! Welcome to the "split grill" club! Trust me, they will look GREAT together (I bet you can't guess how I know)!

Thanks again guys. Man, thats way cool. Nice combo...

70charger_boy , no the guy doesn't have a '68 among the 8 other cars he has....lol

[hemi68charger]

Nice ride! BTW...you have a very wise wife (with excellent taste)! Welcome to the "split grill" club! Trust me, they will look GREAT together (I bet you can't guess how I know)!

Doug,, Great pic !!!!  I've known Andy for, Lordy,,,,since the 10th or 11th grade (What, about '80/'81?)....... Andy, which one is it? Andy's done a great job "catching" up... I used to rag on him all the time about, "Hey, when are you going to get another Mopar?"... Well, he's come full circle in a relatively short time......

[bullit68]

VERY nice car! i also have a t5 69 rt 4 spd car.mines a tan interior with black top and stripe.btw my wifes a lot like yours,i have 4 cars.lol

[sean68charger]

fantastic , you say project  , man, its only a weekends work to get that back on the road

[68RT4ME]

VERY nice car! i also have a t5 69 rt 4 spd car.mines a tan interior with black top and stripe.btw my wifes a lot like yours,i have 4 cars.lol

That's cool. This one too is a Tan interior car and suppose to be a tan top as well and a black stripe. I'm going with the tan top but the interior was converted to all black and for moneys sake, it's staying that way. It's going to need more than a weekend to finish as I think we're going for a rotissorie resto on this one. First thing I have to do in sell a '65 Buick Skylark Convertible we have. I'm taking that to Daytona for the Turkey Run at Thanksgiving. An awesome show with 5-6 thousand cars hanging around town for 4 days. The car coral alone usually has 2-3 thousand cars for sale. Every kind of car one can imagine will be there. Anyway, as soon as I sell it, off goes the '69 to the body shop and then the real fun begins.   

Troy, we met in 10th grade, 1980. Remember how you were coming off of the    and tripped over your drool  bib then your diaper fell off and you stood there looking at everybody like this  ? I knew then I'd have to watch over you and keep them from taking your lunch money everyday  .........

Bro, I'm just kidding.    Troy for those of you who don't know him, is about the most stand up guy you could ever hope to meet. He's been a loyal friend all these years and shall be my friend for life. Nothing I wouldn't do for this guy. If you know him, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, your missing out. Truely a Good man.

Nice ride! BTW...you have a very wise wife (with excellent taste)! Welcome to the "split grill" club! Trust me, they will look GREAT together (I bet you can't guess how I know)!

Doug,, Great pic !!!! I've known Andy for, Lordy,,,,since the 10th or 11th grade (What, about '80/'81?)....... Andy, which one is it? Andy's done a great job "catching" up... I used to rag on him all the time about, "Hey, when are you going to get another Mopar?"... Well, he's come full circle in a relatively short time......

I've been blessed for sure. My kid, my wife, my friends = good life. 

[hemi68charger]

Dang Andy, you're not supposed to tell them everything.... You're just jealous that I've been able to go faster than you at 800 mph in the F-16 I flew.. 

[68RT4ME]

Well guys, I'm getting started on the restoration of my '69. I took it last weekend to a buddies shop where we spent time this week removing the engine and trans. I'm no mechanic but my friend is letting me help out where I can and maybe learn something along the way. (Lord only knows that Hemi68charger Troy tried to teach me this stuff for years to no avail...lol  ) The engine went to the machine shop. No horror stories there. The engine is already .30 over and very clean inside. Need valve guides and a basic rebuild. We will be changing the pistons to Forged Sealed Power versions and losing the cast pistons found inside. The Tranny needs rebuilt too. Going with a Center Force Clutch setup there.

Tomorrow morning, I'm taking the car to the Paint/body shop where it will spend the next 4-6 months. It looks like I won't have to have them put on new quarters after all. Will need to replace the front pans and the trunk floor of course along with the panel at the base of the rear window. It's going to be stripped down then put onto a rotisserie and blasted. I've been so excited,    I slept like crap all week.  Just a few pics here for now and more to come. Wish me luck. 

[1969chargerrtse]

Great pics, good Luck with the car you lucky son of a gun.

[tan top]

  intresting pictures  , love looking at stuff like this , can't wait to see more of your progress  ..........

[BMOTOXSTAR]

Do you still have your 71' R/T?
Nice progress.

[TUFCAT]

Wow - you work fast!  You gotta love guys who buy cars, and then have the time and money to start working on them right away !

[440fan]

Great car! Looking forward to seeing photos when it is done. Man, you work fast.

[68RT4ME]

Thanks guy's. I really appreciate the encouragement from you all. I must give most credit here to the Mrs. who is all for the resto.. As we married guy's know, it's allot harder to do these projects when they aren't on board. She's been great from the start. We aren't rich by no means but but have been blessed and made some good decisions with money that let's us have this great opportunity. It's why we are striking while the iron is hot so to speak.

Anyway, I feel I've left the body work and paint to some capable hands at least I feel that way right now but, from what I've seen here locally, this crew will do a great job on the car. It's getting the rotisserie treatment but, this will be no trailer Queen. I am going to drive the wheels off it. I will beat on it and if it breaks, we'll fix it. No point in going thru all this just to look at it sitting there. Sure, if and when we go outta state with it, I may put it on a trailer but, soon as we get there, it's off and running. Just hard to travel very far in a non A/C car in todays world especially if it's not necessary.

Today, I spend the morning hand polishing the trim work. Time consumming to say the least but the pieces I did came out really nice. Long way to go but it will save allot of money doing that myself. And yes, I still have my '71 R/T. in fact, I was at a show last night. I won some door prizes and a nice little trophy plaque too. I love my 3rd Gen charger. It won't have to leave us anytime soon. Speaking of my '71, since it's Hemi Orange, does that make it a "Hemi" car?....lol 

Thanks again guy's. You all are great and so supportive. I'm thrilled to be apart of this site. Updates to follow.

[mikesbbody]

what a great wife you have  you should definitly hang on to her! and congrats on the 69  i have always loved your 71 (my favourite charger)