Gone to the Darkside

[NHCharger]

Some of you know I was looking for a 68 project for a Bullitt clone. I posted a thread the other week asking for opinions on a Charger I looked at in RI. After that I got two pm's from members who were selling their 68. One from a member in Concord, NH only one hour away. Checked it out last Sunday. After 2+ hours of going over the car we struck a deal. I blasted home, got the trailer, picked up the car and had it home in my shop before the wife knew I had a new project

Story on the car. Someone started restoring it in 99, in 03 they died and the car sat until last year when Eric bought it. He was intending to do a Bullitt clone but with a young family he realized he would need to farm most of it out. Along with the car was all the receipts for the resto, over 9k, not including any labor.

The good: Car is mostly complete, missing some items that should be easy to p/u at Carlisle, was partial disassembled when I bought it. Has replacement quarters, one fender and door from a donor car from Steven's Performance in AL. Went all over the car with a magnet, surprised at how little filler is present, found 3 or 4 small spots where it's heavy. Could find no patches or bad spots in the frame. Under side had very little undercoating which is surprising for the northeast, so I was able to get a good look at it. New gas tank, new Legendary interior door panels and seats, new headliner. Some new exterior trim pieces, new front bumper and parking lights. The engine is now a 440, originally a 383-2bbl. Did a compression test on the engine, was near perfect. 8 3/4, 3.23SG, 727A.

The bad: There's enough small holes that I need to replace the floor pans, trunk floor is shot. Rear valence and both end caps need to be replaced. Wiring looks  so I'll replace all the harnesses. Dash area needs attention. Lots of little things that will add up need attention.

Car has drum brakes. I'm considering swapping to disc.

I know some members told me I should be looking for a southern rot free car but I don't fly so that limits my choices. Plus I won't buy a car without looking at it in person.

I'm going to attempt to do all the work myself including the paint (maybe). I already talked to my bodyshop guy, he said he would guide me along.

Some pics before I start the dis-assembly process. Well I already started 

[NHCharger]

more

[NHCharger]

last

[terrible one]

Wow looks real nice!  Welcome to the dark side 

[charge-it]

Nice Charger! I'm right up the road from you here in Maine. Here's my bullitt tribute, recreation, clone....

[Bob T]

A good find , well done, looking forward to seeing this thread develop     .
Nice car too PepParts 

[Highbanked Hauler]

  Looks like you got a quality car to start with there Brian and that's half the battle, like I'd have to tell you right. Are you going to do anything as far as the AC but I imagine  there must only be a few days a year where you need it right?    good deal!!!!

[bakerhillpins]

 

Glad you found what you were looking for. Good luck on the project. about 5 months to Carlisle... better get movin!  

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Nice score! 

[7chargers]

Congradulations looks like a great starting point, and you have the right set up in the North East (insulated garage) to do the work!

[Charger_Fan]

Looks like an excellent foundation to start with, way to go! I bet those shelves in your garage won't be looking that empty much longer.

[1969chargerrtse]

Wow!!  Your garage is huge.   Nice project car.

[NHCharger]

Like your 68 Charge-it. Where abouts in Maine you located? I need to look over a done 68 to see what I'm missing so I can get my list for Carlisle started.

Al, only time I need A/C is sitting in traffic at Carlisle.

Bryan, booked my room last week I'm trailering down my 71 this year since I'll be hauling parts back. Did that once with my 72, ended up removing the back seat to slide the bumpers thru from trunk. was a fun 500 mile ride home.

Yes the garage is oversized. I'm a contractor and built it myself over the span of three years.

Troy/Chris. Now that I'm a member of the 2nd gen club will you show me the secret handshake

[Troy]

Looks nice! Hopefully it doesn't end up being too huge of a project.

There's no traffic at Carlisle if you're on my schedule.

I have a few 68 Charger parts...


Troy

[NHCharger]

I have a few 68 Charger parts...

Troy

[bakerhillpins]

Bryan, booked my room last week I'm trailering down my 71 this year since I'll be hauling parts back. Did that once with my 72, ended up removing the back seat to slide the bumpers thru from trunk. was a fun 500 mile ride home.

I guess I should book my room since the boys have asked several times in the past few weeks if we were going again this year. 

Let me know if you ever need an extra hand and I can make the trip over. 

[71ChallengeHer]

Awesome. Congrats 

[twodko]

Good for you bro. That car is gonna be a blast to restore! Keep us in the loop. 

[Khyron]

Looks nice! Hopefully it doesn't end up being too huge of a project.

There's no traffic at Carlisle if you're on my schedule.

I have a few 68 Charger parts...
Troy

I hate you

[TeeWJay426]

Looks like you did good, Brian! Fair price, and a good starting point. I'm having a serious case of garage envy right now, BTW.....

[Highbanked Hauler]

I have a few 68 Charger parts...

Troy

   WOW I have to agree

[six-tee-nine]

Dark side?


Buying a 2nd gen is leaving the dark side !

She looks nicer than you described..... good luck with it.

[hemigeno]

There's no traffic at Carlisle if you're on my schedule.

or on my schedule either  


Nice score, BTW!!

[HOTROD]

PaRtS  .

[greenpigs]

Looks nice! Hopefully it doesn't end up being too huge of a project.

There's no traffic at Carlisle if you're on my schedule.

I have a few 68 Charger parts...
Troy

I hate you

I see a 69 grill...so is that not worth much since it isn't correct for a 68? Or is it trading fair?