Street Legal TV’s 2011 Project ’69 Dodge Charger R/T "Killer Kong"

[Rustymuscle]

Kicking Off 2011, Street Legal TV's Project Car Will Be a 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI R/T (Non-Original). Read The Article HERE!



With all of the high-octane, supercharged, turbocharged, nitrous-fogged, multi-port fuel injected, and methanol-fed project vehicles here at powerTV, there is little to appeal to the bare bones, keep-it-simple-stupid bad ass muscle car enthusiasts. No line-locks, trans brakes, or electronic rev limiters. Just a heavy breathin' carburetor or two topping a big cube plant with a lumpy solid mechanical-lifter cam, a hard-snapping automatic, and backed with a stout no-nonsense low-gear rear.

With not enough oomph to make it an R/T and not enough doodads to qualify as an "SE" (Special Edition), this T7 Tuscan Bronze '69 Charger was as middle-of-the-road as they got. Damaged in a front-end collision with a motorcycle in the late 1980′s, the car needed plenty of work. The grille plastic was past salvaging, the fenders and hood had been replaced, and to our best assessment, there wasn't a square foot of straight sheetmetal on the car.



This Charger will answer whether a '69 HEMI Charger running on pump gas 91-octane can be driven in Southern California traffic – or back-and-forth to Vegas – all with a full interior and make regular 10-second passes while driving back-and-forth from the track.

Light 'em up,
Kevin

[CB]

 
I'd love to hear and see that car in action

[BigBlockSam]

looks tuff 

[Blakcharger440]

What is the size of the rear wheel and tire on that 69 Charger?
It would be great to know what the specs of the HEMI are as well.

Looking good!

[Rustymuscle]

Right now, its sitting on an old pair of Hoosier 30x9's. They're tight but they fit amazingly well. We're keeping the finer details of the powertrain under wraps until the article comes out in a couple months.

[daveco]

Love the look

[Cooter]

Not hard to hit all those goals when you have a sponsor...try doing that on a budget of around $15K in the whole damn thing...That paint and body job alone would gobble up half that....They mention all those "Record breaking" things these cars did back in the day, over 40 years ago..Well, most of those cars were raced by Dick Landy, Sox And Martin, Herb McCandless, etc. ALL of which were FACTORY BACKED racing teams...(Read Sponsor)..



Nice to see a Mopar in the Chevy and Ford dominated scene, but It's almost a moot point when you consider the $$$ it's gonna take to do what they claim was done so "easily" Back in the day...."Old School" has a bunch of different meanings evidently...To me it means just that..Cars being built in the back yard, with not so badass engines, running not so badass timeslips, making not so badass HP anf Torque...This will be a $50K car when done IMO...I pop an engine, I'm DONE for about 2 years until the funds are there again... These guys popped engines left and right, all they had to do was go into the trailer and get another Hemi....

It better be able to be "Driven in city traffic" and such for that kinda money...

[Rustymuscle]

We've be providing a complete fiscal breakdown of the build. No, it won't be a $15K car as few complete Dodge Chargers are. But we have pinched our pennies where it counts. We did most all of the metal work ourselves, all the disassembly and reassembly, and while it might look good in pictures, our paint job was a cheap-o $3,800 job (there are plenty of chips and flaws).

Of course, the big ticket item is the engine. Building a HEMI, even out of old retired race parts scoured off of eBay and Racing Junk still can add up to an expensive motor. I think the problem is that people compare the cost of restoring and/or rebuilding a Mopar to that of a Chevrolet. Don't. By their sheer numbers and aftermarket backing, the cost is nearly half that of a Dodge.

[Cooter]

$3800.00 = El-cheapo?? Just what I'm referring to...IMO, "El-cheapo" paint jobs cost around $1000.00, and that's for the cost of paint in "kit" form, BC/CC....

Hemi= Have Excessive Monetary Income...

[Rustymuscle]

Everybody's price range is different, Cooter. Plus, there wasn't a single square foot of straight sheet metal on this car. $3,800 is pretty cheap when you start asking around. But yes, had we done ALL of the body work ourselves and painted the car in our side yard with some plastic sheeting hanging off the roof of our house, then yeah, it could've been cheaper.

And I'm not saying HEMIs are ever cheap. I'm saying we saved our money in other places to afford to spend the money on a HEMI, because that's the engine we knew we wanted. Could we have built a 451cui RB Wedge for nothing? Yeah, and it would've made plenty of power. It's all subjective.

[ccr-host]

A 1969 Hemi Charger? Wow! What a great idea for a TV show!! 

SPEED's new series Car Warrior's is also doing one this year! This is starting to become a trend.

Good luck! It's a great car to build.

[G-man]

It looks good and nice choice for motor. 

I wish I could find a paint job for 3800. Down here to sand-blast the car and paint it inside and out mirror finished is a $20,000 job. 

[Brass]

SPEED's new series Car Warrior's is also doing one this year! This is starting to become a trend.

Funny, Dan.  Yet there can't be enough Charger love IMO.  (The coverage is still nowhere close to what has been happening with the Bowtie, Mustang, cookie-cutter crowds for decades.)  Chargers are still the menacing dark-horse with fine lines and unadulterated force.  Though it would be nice if someone did a 68 with a wedge for variety sake. 

[daveco]

OK thats it, I'm getting cable!

[Rustymuscle]

Actually Daveco, if you're talking about me and Street Legal TV, we're a 100% free online magazine. But half of our business is video coverage, interviews, and production (hence the "TV" part).

And I promise CCR Host, we're not going to screw this thing up. No 9-inch Fords or TH400 trannys.

[daveco]

...and along with cable will be a decent internet connection...

[R2]

Kevin,

T7 Tuscan Bronze

Is that the color of the car now ? Do you recall what brand paint used ?

Is there a stripe on the back ? (black?)

Looks great in the pictures,,,,,

Looking for some paint ideas for mine,,,,,your car looks sharp,,,,

Doug

[Rustymuscle]

R2, yes T7 is the original factory color code and we really wanted it to keep that 1960's look. Believe it or not, it's just regular ol' PPG paint. After the paint and body work, we did install a black R/T tail stripe as we are making this into an R/T clone.

Your triple black '69 looks great (especially the Drag Stars). Why change it?

[greenpigs]

I like it.

Plus got side tracked by the Tony Defeo blog.

Still why not run a stroker wedge? While those are not cheap to build either it would lower costs. You answered this allready but keeping the budget as low as possible & still meeting your goals is important also. Even if it only shaves 5K off the budget that's BIG money to me. I guess it depends on how deep your pockets are but going with a wedge is more real world.

Not trying to start something just my  

And just so you don't get confused I think this is better than the Hot Rod version with the Stumble Bee.

[Cooter]

Cause then it wouldn't grab the attention of EVERYBODY (This includes the "Ignorant" of cars and the chevy and Ford croud alike)...EVERYBODY knows a HEMI grabs the attention and that's what sells "TV"....

There's a reason you guys went with the HEMI and We all know it..We would just like to see an actual "Real world" build as you described, like they did it back in the day..It doesn't have to make rediculous Power.. But then again, I guess painting cars at home, for $1000.00 wouldn't grab the attention on TV that a $4000.oo Paint job would..just like a 750 HP Wedge isn't gonna grab the attention when fans look at it and ask "That thing gotta HEMI?"....A Big $$ build is Expected to perform the way you guys say it should..Hell, if it didn't, you better like Ketchup and Mustard on those words...

[R2]

R2, yes T7 is the original factory color code and we really wanted it to keep that 1960's look. Believe it or not, it's just regular ol' PPG paint. After the paint and body work, we did install a black R/T tail stripe as we are making this into an R/T clone.

Your triple black '69 looks great (especially the Drag Stars). Why change it?

Thanks Kevin.  
Mine is originally a triple GREEN car,,,,that was re-painted a long time ago,,,paint is getting old,,,,body is very good,,,all original panels,,,actually a calif car,,,and a RT/SE 4 speed 440 car.

I love the black color,,,but have had it over 17 years,,,and might want a change,,,,it's a stripe delete car,,,,but i installed a matte black stripe recently which i like.  496 stroker,,,alum heads,,,solid cam,,,,pump gas car,,,,

Not sure what it is about the T7,,,,,just struck me,,,,and really like that look.......we'll see,,,,,

[Cooter]

I'm diggin' that 'ol '65!! HAd one back in HS...Now THAT'S old Skool...

[R2]

65 Belvedere II,,,strip car,,,451, alum heads, 13:1 compression, foot brake car,,,caltracs,,,,,runs 10.08 @ 133 MPH... thanks for the comments,,,Doug
(sorry to detract from the original post,,,,)

[Rustymuscle]

I think this is better than the Hot Rod version with the Stumble Bee.

Because of this quote, you have become my very best friend.

Actually, a few years back, I fished a high-nickle cast block 440 out of a motorhome. Although Cooter is 100% right, the choice of a HEMI is to draw in a wider audience (and it's a friggin' HEMI, c'mon guys), I was going to do a super cheap 500hp rebuild on the motor for a "Big Block Junkyard Jewels" article (along with a 460 Ford and a 454 Chevy - all out of trucks, station wagons and vans).

I know its not the same, but we've got a LOT of irons in the fire for 2011 and as a Mopar guy at the wheel, I promise plenty of Chrysler content.

[mauve66]

I think this is better than the Hot Rod version with the Stumble Bee.

Because of this quote, you have become my very best friend.

Actually, a few years back, I fished a high-nickle cast block 440 out of a motorhome. Although Cooter is 100% right, the choice of a HEMI is to draw in a wider audience (and it's a friggin' HEMI, c'mon guys), I was going to do a super cheap 500hp rebuild on the motor for a "Big Block Junkyard Jewels" article (along with a 460 Ford and a 454 Chevy - all out of trucks, station wagons and vans).

I know its not the same, but we've got a LOT of irons in the fire for 2011 and as a Mopar guy at the wheel, I promise plenty of Chrysler content.

that's what i appreciate........... i understand the hemi thing for the public (that's why overhaulin stole everyone of my ideas including car, mods, and location for the first gen they did, but my family knew i wanted a stroker wedge and "hated having a hemi like everyone else" so they picked a car that the kid just sold as soon as it was done).

i for one won't complain about your choices, i'm just super glad you picked a mopar (and not a damn e-body at that!!!!)
keep us posted in case we forget to check your site regularly

[Blakcharger440]

Right now, its sitting on an old pair of Hoosier 30x9's. They're tight but they fit amazingly well. We're keeping the finer details of the powertrain under wraps until the article comes out in a couple months.

Awesome thanks for the info. I think its great that you are building a Hemi for the car...just dont hang twin turbos on it or anything really exotic then yall will really catch some flak!

I also like how you are not misrepresenting the car as something it aint like a real Hemi car or something.

[ccr-host]

Actually Daveco, if you're talking about me and Street Legal TV, we're a 100% free online magazine. But half of our business is video coverage, interviews, and production (hence the "TV" part).

And I promise CCR Host, we're not going to screw this thing up. No 9-inch Fords or TH400 trannys.

I'm sure most of the sponsors who kicked in on our build would be happy to give you some support. Legendary Interiors, AMD, Keisler, Ted Stephen's, etc... They're all great companies to deal with and have top quality products. Currie does offer a Dana 60, so you don't have to worry about the Ford 9 inch thing. Be sure to contact Bill Reilly for an Alter-K-tion set up too. His rack front end and rear link stuff is amazing. You'll think you're driving a slot car.

Good luck! Have a blast with it! Let me know if you need any help with sponsors or products. I'll even take it down the strip when its done, if you like!

[firefighter3931]

I'm liking this project ! 

I run 295/65/15 Drag radials on mine and they just fit. 


Ron

[Rustymuscle]

...just don't hang twin turbos on it or anything really exotic then y'all will really catch some flak!

No sir, the only dual induction we're using is a pair of Holleys! And although that new Gen III all-aluminum 426 HEMI is sexy, this is a '69 Charger. Only a Gen II will do.

Currie does offer a Dana 60...

Actually, CCR-Host, that's our first technical article, which will be out in a couple of weeks! We pulled a junkyard Dana out of a *gasp* Ford F-250 and Currie had everything we needed to switch it over for a B-Body! We're spinning some serious gear, so this Charger is gonna leap out of the hole like a scalded dog.

Be sure to contact Bill Reilly for an Alter-K-tion set up too. His rack front end and rear link stuff is amazing.

We thought about the Alter-K-tion K-member, but it didn't fit out "pinching our pennies to save up for a HEMI theme." Plus, Dick and Mike Landy didn't have it, so we figured we didn't need it either. Rather, we cut, notched and boxed our K-member like the good ol' Super Stockers did.

I truly appreciate the offer for sponsor help, and I might even take you up on it in the future. And please email me if you'd like Street Legal TV to cover the progress of your new project car! I gushed over the last one at the SEMA booth (and even published a picture of it HERE!), so I'm looking forward to the next one.

-Kevin

[Rustymuscle]

I was thinking, since CCR-Host let the cat out of the bag a little, I figured I'd drop a sneak peek at the Dana 60 rear project that we're doing.



This housing was yanked out of a '89 F-350 Ford. While we joked about 4.88's on a spool for the street, we're thinking 4.56's spinning a Detroit Locker.

What do you think?

[firefighter3931]

The Ford Truck housing is bullet proof ! I have one in mine and it's a heavy SOB 

The axle tubes are thick so you'll have to turn them down at the U-bolts. 

We installed a Locker last winter and so far i like it....a bit noisy going around corners but nothing too bad, you just notice it.

As for the 4.56 gearing that sort of depends on the engine combination. If the motor is being built with a high rpm powerband then those gears are fine. Stock stroke Hemi's like to rev. If you're doing a stroker build then you won't need as much gear. Ideally you want to gear it for 200rpm above peak hp going through the traps. 

If you plan to drive on the freeway those deep gears can be annoying....



Ron

[Rustymuscle]

It's been over a month and I've made some pretty good progress on a couple fronts. First, the Dana 60 is buttoned up and installed in the Charger. People - particularly around the office - have been giving me grief for going with 11-inch drums. When I try to explain the positives of drums - and that they're 1/2 if not 2/3rds the price of discs - their eyes just glaze over. Cest la vie.



Next, the 727 is nearly finished and is next to get in. Finally, I'm piecing together a super-duper budget 440 just to get the Charger plumbed up and running right. That should be coming down the pike soon enough. The Dana 60 article should be published on SLTV within a week or two. The Torqueflite will be a few weeks after that. Here's some snap shots soon to be published.



Thanks for the input, fellas!
-Kevin

[69bronzeT5]

 

[Rustymuscle]

Here's another quickie update:

Had the seats recovered and working on restoring the seat tracks. It's raining outside, so the paint is obviously taking its sweet time to dry.





The seat covers have been in boxes since 2004, so the wrinkles are taking a while to relax. Just gotta leave 'em out in the sun a little longer.

I'll have the update up on SLTV later in the month.

-Kevin

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Gotta love the 6-way

[BOSSHEMI]

cool project, so what the plan with the engine. Using parts that were offered back then only?


I restored my 66 Hemi car back to a something like your doing.

[Rustymuscle]

Right now, I'm sort of at an impasse. Basically, we're still working with Mopar and some other suppliers for everything to build a stout 540-plus-cubic-inch elephant. So, until all that sales/marketing crap can get handled, I'm throwing together a insanely budget 440 for another article that will simply put the Charger on the road.

A couple years ago, I fished a high nickle-cast 440 out of a motorhome. I've got a good forged steel crank and plan on a 450-horse junkyard motor article. It'll be pretty funny, as the Torqueflite and Dana are set up for a 650-700 horse motor and I'll be plumbing up the Charger with a mild street motor.

She'll leave out of the hole like a scalded dog, but fall flat on its face soon after.

[Vainglory, Esq.]

Gotta love the 6-way

[yeahitsgotahemi!]

Looks awesome! I love the no nonsense street brawler look.

Will you be going into any greater depth with the Dana 60 article? I'm at the point where I have to purchase a Dana 60 myself, and I'm wondering what the grand total cost for all the work was and what exactly you did yourself/had someone else do. Did you buy new axle ends and align/weld them up yourself? Did you also set up the locker and gears yourself?

I've been looking at buying a complete rearend from moser or strange, and the price is in the +3500 range complete with all the bells and whistles I want, but I would reconsider if the savings are significant and the work is reasonable. Any issues with the Dana 60 build?

Thanks again for the feature article!

M.S.

[tpetty]

Looks great so far.  Will be interesting to see how it all turns out.

[Rustymuscle]

Will you be going into any greater depth with the Dana 60 article?

First, sorry for taking so long to respond. Man, I gotta get the RSS feed...

Yes, the Dana 60 is done and in the car, all for about half the cost of the average aftermarket Dana (I say "average," because there's NO way I could ever pay $3,500 for a rear). Now, there's some bits and pieces like a pair of Cal-Trac bars that I haven't nabbed up yet, but the complete housing is ready to roll (I had to nurse three quarts of gear oil in through the stupidest little funnel while not spilling it down my arms.)

-Kevin

[Rustymuscle]

OK, well for those playing along, HERE is the full-length tech article on our 800-1,000HP Dana 60 Build!



I went with a set of Motive Gear 4.56's (notably less "noisy") and a Detroit Locker over the 4.88's and spool I originally thought I'd run. I've driven a spool on the street (with 4.10s) and thought I'd shrug off the bad street manners in exchange for the constant hook up, plus I don't mind the car being a little obnoxious. It makes it fun.

Scoring the original '89 Ford truck housing for $50 was the biggest score. It's got the thicker axle tubes too, so I know she'll hold up to anything I can throw at it.