68 Charger

[Darkman]

Hey Guys!

I am from the land Down Under and new to this forum! I have loved the charger from the original Dukes of Hazard days and have been keen to get one. I am a big fan of the 69/70 Charger but can get my hands on a 68 R/T. I have 1 little question, can the 69 Charger rear lights fit on the 68? I am not keen on the round lights of the 68.

Looking forward to your replies

[Troy]

Welcome to the site!

You'll have to cut out and replace the tail panel so please don't buy a real R/T and then swap the tail lights. Either find one of the not-so-rare models or buy a 69 (or even a 70 since the tail lights look the same).

Troy

[Darkman]

Thanks for that!

I'll keep an eye out for a 69 Charger then. Not too fussed whether it is an R/T or not, as here in Australia, these cars aren't too common and will turn heads anyway.

All I am after is a complete rolling chassis and body. No engine/gearbox neccessary. As long as it has all the panels, bumpers, grill and seats. Anyone willing to sell 1 

[Khyron]

welcome and good day

see, i fought the urge

Good luck on your search!

[bull]

We'll take that 68 R/T. Send it back! And welcome to the site.

[Khyron]

tell ya what, you send me a 73 Ford Falcon XB GT and maybe we'll talk

[Darkman]

Was that the XB coupe? There are plenty here for next to nothing. I'm happy to send one to you if you send me a 69 Charger  

Did your post just change from 74 XB to 73 XB GT???

[Khyron]

yes, i was wrong on the year, sorry my friend

I have been told the 74 would work.

you folks have a set of bad ass cars down there too 

[Dans 68]

...You'll have to cut out and replace the tail panel so please don't buy a real R/T and then swap the tail lights. Either find one of the not-so-rare models or buy a 69 (or even a 70 since the tail lights look the same).

Troy

Good save, Troy. 

And welcome to the site, Darkman.

Dan

[charger Downunder]

Welcome darkman good to see another Aussie member.

[Darkman]

Thanks for the welcome guys!

Well the decision has been made! It's going to be a 69 Charger

[bull]

Thanks for the welcome guys!

Well the decision has been made! It's going to be a 69 Charger

Good. Not too many members here are fond of cut and paste Charger modifications. Most will say it's easier and more acceptable to just buy what you want rather than make what you want.

[tan top]

       
hello & welcome DM

[G-man]

Welcome to the site darkman, I left you a PM.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

[Darkman]

Good. Not too many members here are fond of cut and paste Charger modifications. Most will say it's easier and more acceptable to just buy what you want rather than make what you want.

Well unfortunately, I can't just go to a scrap yard and find what I want. I have access to a couple of 68's (one being an R/T and the other a plain 68), but 69's in Australia are difficult to find. My last option is to buy in the US and import, but even then, it is difficult to find one that hasn't already had the works done to it.

Thanks G-man. I have replied to your PM

[J-440]

  I'm surprised that none of ya'll have told Darkman to buy his 68 and then just order a 69 tail panel from Year One and weld it in.  Wassup, you guys slippin' in your old age?

[TylerCharger69]

The thought was dispensed once it was brought up that an R/T car shouldn't be hacked up.  Now...if it were a base model car, well...I think it's a bit more acceptable.  However...I'm sure many have changed tail panels and grilles on 68 R/Ts for the General Lee factor and I'm also sure that many have cringed at the mere thought of altering an R/T car.  I wouldn't do it....Base model??  Who cares....lol

[Khyron]

 I'm surprised that none of ya'll have told Darkman to buy his 68 and then just order a 69 tail panel from Year One and weld it in.  Wassup, you guys slippin' in your old age?

we didn't tell him that because we have been telling him NOT to....

[Dans 68]

...and I'm also sure that many have cringed at the mere thought of altering an R/T car.  I wouldn't do it....Base model??  Who cares....lol

I do. If it is a rare 4-speed car then don't do it. A 318 or a 383 auto, you go right ahead. 

Dan

[Chad L. Magee]

...and I'm also sure that many have cringed at the mere thought of altering an R/T car.  I wouldn't do it....Base model??  Who cares....lol

I do. If it is a rare 4-speed car then don't do it. A 318 or a 383 auto, you go right ahead. 

Dan

I agree....

BTW, welcome to the site Darkman.......

[Darkman]

Well, my 68 Charger has arrived in Aus and has cleared customs. It is now waiting for me to go pick it up. Unfortunately it won't be until next weekend  before I can go get it.

5 months of looking, waiting, looking, deciding, waiting, looking, asking, begging, looking, buying and waiting. Oh well, one more week then out comes the grinder and welder       

[Brock Samson]

  Great! Don't forget the Pictures! 
   yep, it's hard to find a '69 everybody wants them, the '8s?..  not so much...     

[Dans 68]

  Great! Don't forget the Pictures! 
   yep, it's hard to find a '69 everybody wants them, the '8s?..  not so much...     

Are you trying to get me to post more?   

Dan

[Charger´69]

Well, my 68 Charger has arrived in Aus and has cleared customs. It is now waiting for me to go pick it up. Unfortunately it won't be until next weekend   before I can go get it.

5 months of looking, waiting, looking, deciding, waiting, looking, asking, begging, looking, buying and waiting. Oh well, one more week then out comes the grinder and welder      

Well I know how you feel, because I bought my ´69 from US beginning of december 2009 and I got it here to Finland end of april 2010!!! Damn it was a long time to wait it to arrive here!!  

There was several delays and reasons why it was coming here so long time, when I bought it, estimated arrival time was beginning of february 2010 so it delayed MUCH and waiting felt like years to me... But, I got it, I love it and it was everything I was told to, so I´m very satisfied after all  

And DON´T change ´69 tail lights to it, it is mentioned to be ´68 and it´s great too as it is (of course not se great than ´69 but...   ). At first I was planning also to change front grille of my ´69 to ´68, but when I saw my Charger at last I really wouldn´t want to do nothing like that anymore. In my opinion ´69 should look like ´69 and ´68 should look ´68. Both are nice as they are  

[Darkman]

Don't worry guys! The more I look at the 68's, the more I dislike the 69's   

It will stay a 68 front and back (minus the side marker lights, door/trunk locks and wheel arch trim). The vinyl roof will go and the trim around the sails panel too. Shaved bumpers (thought about shaving the door handles but decided they will stay). Already have the round LED brake lights for it as the original ones have melted and the centre bit has sagged. 17 inch rims up font, 18 inch at the back, deep dish type rims (most likely a 5 spoke type of rim), and as low as legally possible. Disc brakes front and back.

Inside will be a different story though - converted to right hand drive, custom dash panel (most likely with digital guages), original AC will go and replaced with under dash unit (due to the RHD conversion), under dash brake boosters, Holden Commodore fully electric front bucket seats (leather), rear seat upholstered in leather to match front, restored centre console, new carpet, custom door trim with power windows, decent (not crazy) custom stereo, central locking, tinted windows. I'm also messing around with the idea of paddle shift on the steering wheel for the transmission and putting in retractable seat belts front and back.

Colour will be a whole different story though. Still undecided. I would like either a darker metallic blue with a purple pearl to it, black with a purple pearl to it, or a deep plum crazy purple. I saw a plum crazy plymouth GTX clone that had reflected different shades of purple in different angles of light. It looked insane. I'm not sure if that was a standard Plum Crazy or a slightly altered mix. It will be a 2 stage paint job though

[Charger´69]

Don't worry guys! The more I look at the 68's, the more I dislike the 69's   

It will stay a 68 front and back (minus the side marker lights, door/trunk locks and wheel arch trim). The vinyl roof will go and the trim around the sails panel too. Shaved bumpers (thought about shaving the door handles but decided they will stay). Already have the round LED brake lights for it as the original ones have melted and the centre bit has sagged. 17 inch rims up font, 18 inch at the back, deep dish type rims (most likely a 5 spoke type of rim), and as low as legally possible. Disc brakes front and back.

Inside will be a different story though - converted to right hand drive, custom dash panel (most likely with digital guages), original AC will go and replaced with under dash unit (due to the RHD conversion), under dash brake boosters, Holden Commodore fully electric front bucket seats (leather), rear seat upholstered in leather to match front, restored centre console, new carpet, custom door trim with power windows, decent (not crazy) custom stereo, central locking, tinted windows. I'm also messing around with the idea of paddle shift on the steering wheel for the transmission and putting in retractable seat belts front and back.

Colour will be a whole different story though. Still undecided. I would like either a darker metallic blue with a purple pearl to it, black with a purple pearl to it, or a deep plum crazy purple. I saw a plum crazy plymouth GTX clone that had reflected different shades of purple in different angles of light. It looked insane. I'm not sure if that was a standard Plum Crazy or a slightly altered mix. It will be a 2 stage paint job though

Interesting project indeed 

But two things that I don´t understand why.. First, how are you going to shave bumpers? Do you take them off or just modify those? And second, why you want to put digital gauges to old classic car?  I love those old school gauges and I wouldn´t even think to upgrade those to something what is used in Toyota Prius etc. 

I think that you should build your car just the way you want it because it´s your´s Charger, but there is some things that I don´t understand at all that why you´re going to do those things 

[Darkman]

You can get digital guages that look old school. That decision will be made when the conversion is done. Either way, I will be converting the speedo from mph to kmh so the guages are going either way. This car will be driven regularly (almost a daily driver) and I don't want to be thinking about converting mph to kmh and I want to be comfortable. To register this car on the road in South Australia in left hand drive, it needs to be restored to full original. No offence to those with original Chargers, but I don't want another Charger that looks the same as everyone elses! I can do what I want to it if it is converted, hence my decision. IMO, if you restore the car to original, then donate it to a motor museum and don't drive it. I want this car to be driven and noticed, appreciated for what it is and what I have done to it. My tastes are different to yours and I will do to the car what appeals to me and not the general opinion of others (sorry again if this offends), although advice from members here will be considered. If some do not like what I am doing, then I would prefer and appreciate if they don't post questioning/attacking what I am doing. I do not want to be made to feel guilty because I haven't done a complete resto. The car will be new from ground up and be driven as it was intended. As I said, apart from the rims, from the outside, the car will look like a 1968 Dodge Charger. Who's going to see inside the car when I'm driving it anyway?

What I meant about shaving the bumpers is removing the bolts from the out side so that they are nice and smooth

[Charger´69]

Sounds very cool project 

Don´t understand me wrong, I was just interested to know how you have planned to build your car, I like everything what is different because original museum cars is seen already 

Do it like you want to, this project is something that I´m going to follow with big interest 

Oh, and I was thinking first that you´re going to put that kind of digital gauges to it like K.I.T.T. had in 80´s  Those would be cool if those look like old school and still are digital 

[Darkman]

Thanks for your input. Believe me I know the difference between genuine questions and people just being difficult, but I thought I would just clarify my position before I go further  . Charger Steve has these guages in his 67 Charger. They use the original bezels and look fantastic (this is the post http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,19711.msg775910.html#msg775910).

It will be a long process (as most of you already know), but one that I am eager to commence.

My car will look very similar to this (kcederwall08's Charger) (from the outside) but most likely Plum Crazy or a derivative of.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,6.msg790502.html#msg790502

[Bob T]

gidday Darkman, well done finding a 68 and getting it over, what happened to the 68R/T you were chasing earlier? too rusty or too much dough?
Much as I can appreciate an owner wanting to personalise their own car with high tech, I like my 68 low tech factory 

Kiwi Bob T 

[PocketThunder]

Can you post up a picture of this car you bought Darkman?  

Read thru this thread.  A few of the modifications you mentioned are done to this members car.   

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,19141.0.html

Paul

[Darkman]

gidday Darkman, well done finding a 68 and getting it over, what happened to the 68R/T you were chasing earlier? too rusty or too much dough?
Much as I can appreciate an owner wanting to personalise their own car with high tech, I like my 68 low tech factory 

Kiwi Bob T 

Felt guilty in hacking up an R/T. Plus the R/T needed more body work

Can you post up a picture of this car you bought Darkman?   

[Darkman]

Well I have returned from my road trip, 15 hours each way. I also returned with an empty trailer! The car was far too rusted for the price (which was way too much) and needed more work than suggested. Below is the add of the car (I added the TRUTH to it)

This Charger is better than it looks and is a genuine Black Plate Californian Charger not a back east hillbilly rust bucket (probably a west hillbilly rust bucket). Charger has all original panels and has never had a major accident (bull, the rear driver's quarter was cut an replaced, badly, and about 10mm layer of bog all over the panel. The trunk floor was not fixed either so it didn't match the rear panel). Interior floors are excellent except for passenger front which has rust probably due to heater core leak (need new floor section). Trunk floor has rust but no major holes (no major holes, but LOYS and LOT of little holes so a new trunk floor is needed). Left hand quarter has had a repair and right hand quarter needs a patch due to rust (and has a big dent so a new quarter is needed). Very solid bodied Charger which has never been repainted in jambs or trunk. Under the hood it is all original except for wrong booster and master cyclinder. Options include factory air conditioning with all A/C components under dash complete.. Charger also has power steering and bucket seats and centre console. Windows are tinted glass. Note under the mexican upholstery still reside the original bucket seats. Engine and trans are missing but there are a few items in the boot that belong to this car -- Inlet manifold, exhaust manifolds, water pump, tailshaft and heads.
Best value restorer Charger in Aus ($17,000 NO WAY is it best value).

Note this Charger is a triple red car -- Red exterior paint, red interior and red Vinyl top (the red vinyl top makes this only one of four made with a red vinyl top) Not true, Dodge Chargers never came out with red vinyl and the Fender Tag stated it was a black vinyl roof

I was glad that I used my experience and not emotion to walk away from this. It was in far worse condition that stated so I didn't take it and got my money back.

I will now source one direct from the US and import it myself.

Anyone know where I can get a 383 auto 68 Charger for about $12 000 in OK condition?

Sorry Dan68, I can't get those plates for you

[charger Downunder]

Hey darkman talk to g_man about his red 68 and its in Australia.

[Darkman]

I messaged ages ago about it, but I never got a reply

[doctor4766]

G'day mate.
That Charger looks like it was from Russell at Just Mustangs.
I bought my '69 from him and actually found his description to be less than factual ie it was a better car than he made it out to be (no rust... that's right, zero)
There have been a couple of project Chargers on ebay here lately.. you might wanna check them out
Alternately there are usually a couple registered cars on the bay at any given time but they're often priced in the 40k bracket.ALthough you prolly know that already.
SA rego laws seem to be very sucky when it comes to LHD/RHD
Makes me glad to be in WA
Good luck in finding a car and all the best in your venture. It'll be worth it

[Darkman]

You are spot on. It was from Russell at Just Mustangs! I'm sure I will find something very soon for the money I have. I will need just a little help that's all

[doctor4766]

Just out of interest I had one of the vendors in the US make me a KMH gauge overlay for my Charger.
Cost me an extra 60 clams at the time for them to custom make it but now they offer MPH and KMH overlays with their kits.

[Bob T]

Well I have returned from my road trip, 15 hours each way. I also returned with an empty trailer! The car was far too rusted for the price (which was way too much) and needed more work than suggested. Below is the add of the car (I added the TRUTH to it)

I was glad that I used my experience and not emotion to walk away from this. It was in far worse condition that stated so I didn't take it and got my money back.

I will now source one direct from the US and import it myself.

Anyone know where I can get a 383 auto 68 Charger for about $12 000 in OK condition?

Sorry Dan68, I can't get those plates for you

Geeez what a pile of "restorers dream " , 15 hours each way, man you must have been ropeable with his description. well done for walking, bide your time, you will do much better in the long run.

Good luck on the hunt .

Cheers Bob T

[68r/t]

I looked at a couple of Chargers that Russel had and they were very overstated on there condition, the guy is full of it,,,,

[Darkman]

I would like to give JB666 a big thanks in this as I have been reading his thread about his GL. I drove 15 hours to get there and didn't want to leave with an empty trailer, but then thought of jeff's battle and burid my emotions.

The worst part of it, is tha Russell thinks he will sell that quickly....I hope for his sake, he does.

[Dans 68]

Well I have returned from my road trip, 15 hours each way. I also returned with an empty trailer! The car was far too rusted for the price (which was way too much) and needed more work than suggested...

Sorry you drove all that way but I'm very happy you didn't get it. That took a lot of strength to turn down...I know. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,35861.msg392695.html#msg392695

...Sorry Dans68, I can't get those plates for you

No worries, mate! We'll keep looking for you.

Dan

[Darkman]

Should the VIN number on the dash plate match the one on the Fender Tag. I'm sure it should, but this one didn't and he couldn't give me a straight answer about it

[doctor4766]

Absolutely!!

[Dans 68]

Should the VIN number on the dash plate match the one on the Fender Tag. I'm sure it should, but this one didn't and he couldn't give me a straight answer about it

Are you talking about a '68? Then no. On a '68 the fender tag contains the S.O. number (shipping order) and has nothing to do with the VIN. On '69 and up the fender tag matches the dash VIN.

Dan

[doctor4766]

If there are two XP29 numbers on the car they should match though right?

[Dans 68]

Yes they should.

Dan

[Darkman]

Well, I strongly believe that things happen for a reason! I have just finished discussing what "I want" regarding a 68 Charger and my budget with a US based Aussie car importer and he has already found me a couple of contenders!

For the money I was going to spend on the red rust bucket posted earlier in this thread, I will get a decent driver shipped to my door (and by the looks of it a lot sooner than I thought too). I will post up the pictures of it once the transaction is complete. 

[Dans 68]

 

Dan

[Darkman]

Another 68 Charger leaving US soil.....

We (my US agent and I) put in an offer on a 68 Charger (was a 318 but now has a 383, 727 auto and 8&3/4 rear, so not a rare car) and it was accepted! 

The funds are being transferred as we speak (or write) and it will be heading to LA to be loaded and shipped to The sunny desert of Central Australia (via Adelaide)!

It is not a mint condition car, it has a few minor problems but at least it is complete and with no great effort will be ready for the road.

Pics soon!

PS: Sorry Dans 68, it is not from Cali and doesn't have black plates 

[41husk]

Congratulations Mate !  Nothing like driving a Charger, Enjoy!

[Darkman]

Thanks! And she'll definitely be enjoyed!

[Dans 68]

...Another 68 Charger leaving US soil.....

We (my US agent and I) put in an offer on a 68 Charger (was a 318 but now has a 383, 727 auto and 8&3/4 rear, so not a rare car) and it was accepted! 

Very nice.    Are we a bit excited?     

...PS: Sorry Dans 68, it is not from Cali and doesn't have black plates 

Ahh, dang it....     

Dan

[Darkman]

Excited much?? It feels as if I'm doing this then this  then this again. This is going to be another tough 5 or 6 weeks...

[doctor4766]

Excited much?? It feels as if I'm doing this then this  then this again. This is going to be another tough 5 or 6 weeks...

Mate it'll be worth every moment of waiting I'm sure.
I've had my rebuild big block back for a week now and we're still working through "issues".
I just wanna drive her again but I know if I wait long enough we will have sorted everything and she'll be sweet.
Hopefully in time for the local July 4th cruise!!

[Darkman]

Another episode to the "Charger Saga".

The charger I was meant to buy in Western Massachusetts was all going through until the day came to pay....the guy changed his mind and wante to keep it  

Just when I gave up hope, I stumbled across this add the day i was posted:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1821586606.html

So I have had it inspected and, I believe it has been purchased. Here is a quick video of it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nVKMk5rnYk

Looks like it needs a new roof skin, and some minor panel work but all in all it is exactly what I am after

Hey Dans68...it's a Cali car and by the looks of the add it has black plates  

[Dans 68]

Good luck this time! So you think you purchased it? I hope it works out. 

Dan

[Darkman]

My agent has said that it has happened and he is getting the import approvals to me in the next couple of days

[Laxy]

Hey mate, great to see another 68 coming to Aus - if you end up with that car and want to sell the wheels let me know - I was looking at that ad thinking how much I want a set of those period kidney mags for my 68!! Reminds of me of all the crappy (but awesome) 70's and 80's car chase movies... I know they are not to most people's tastes but I think they look tough as nails.

Good luck with the import.

[Darkman]

Just when I gave up hope, I stumbled across this add the day i was posted:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1821586606.html

So I have had it inspected and, I believe it has been purchased. Here is a quick video of it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nVKMk5rnYk

Looks like it needs a new roof skin, and some minor panel work but all in all it is exactly what I am after

I just got confirmation that this car is mine! I will be getting the import approvals in a few short hours. The car is already in LA getting prepped for packing 

[Darkman]

Looks like another Charger is set to leave your shores very soon....

Just got word that my import application has been approved. So in about a week (hopefully less) the car will be sipping pena coladas on the deck of a ship 

[Piston_Freddy]

Good news! If you get the car, will you drive it as is or start with the tear down right away?

[Darkman]

I hope to start the tear down right away (after a quick spin around the streets  ). I will be converting it to RHD so there is a lot of work ahead of me, including replacing the roof skin.

[Darkman]

Confirmed....Import approvals are on my desk....now just to scan and email them

[Darkman]

All necessary paperwork received, roof skin has arrived, shipping has been paid. Time to get that sucker assigned to a boat   

[dodgey68]

Congratulations   good to see another charger here in aus,  good luck with ya build

[Darkman]

Thanks!

Just got the word that the ship sets sail on the 5th of September!

[doctor4766]

Cool, lets hope it doesn't take the long way round...