converting 68 to 70

[spoolinhard]

I reeeeeeeally want a 70, but I cant find what I want close to me. I know of a 68 that could be purchased, it is a  318 auto car with all the front sheetmetal either gone or bad. I am just curious of everyone thoughts on making it the way I want it. I have my mind made up, but just want to know others thoughts, as I had a hard time coming to this conclusion.

[Old Moparz]

You will be told....

by DC.com Member Group A:
That if you want a '70 Charger, go find a '70 Charger & leave the '68 alone.

by DC.com Member Group B:
That it's your car, do whatever you want to it, even to put a 6 cylinder from a Nova in it.

by DC.com Member Group C:
The differences between the '68 & the '70 & ask you how detailed you want to be.

by DC.com Member Group D:
To post pics of the '68 you found.

by DC.com Member Group E:
To post pics of the seller's wife, especially if she's hot.   

[JT01]

Im with group A sorry

[tan top]

You will be told....

by DC.com Member Group A:
That if you want a '70 Charger, go find a '70 Charger & leave the '68 alone.

by DC.com Member Group B:
That it's your car, do whatever you want to it, even to put a 6 cylinder from a Nova in it.

by DC.com Member Group C:
The differences between the '68 & the '70 & ask you how detailed you want to be.

by DC.com Member Group D:
To post pics of the '68 you found.

by DC.com Member Group E:
To post pics of the seller's wife, especially if she's hot.  

i'm in all groups

Good  70 sheet metal is more difficult to come by
would like to see pictures  

[GordonGriggs]

  When I had my 68 charger I changed the tail light panel to a 69. I mean no offence to the 68 charger lovers. I really love the car but I just don't like the tailights. Again no offence meant, but the tailights remind me of the signal lights  used sometimes on the back of towed vehicles.

[nvrbdn]

old moparz has it pretty right on the groups. if your on a budget, better find out what parts are available in your area to put it together as whatever year parts are available, or you might end up with a car looking like that cadillac song. good luck with whatever way you decide. and oh, in case you missed the part about pics, i think whatever group we fall in we all want pic's.

[miller]

if your on a budget, better find out what parts are available in your area to put it together as whatever year parts are available, or you might end up with a car looking like that cadillac song.

That would be my charger.... and her name is Vanessa thank you very much!

[Ghoste]

What's wrong with it being a 68?  Fix it up as a 68 and you just might find there are a lot of features about that year that you end up liking.  If not, just pass on it and get a 70, you'll save yourself a lot of money and headache in the process.  

[Darkman]

It will cost more to convert a 68 to a 70, then to buy a 70 outright (including travel to go and see one)

I would wait until a 70 near you becomes available.

[nvrbdn]

mine too miller, got 70 with 69  seats 68 tail stripe. 

[squeakfinder]

     Where's the video for that Cadillac song?


    I first wanted a 69. But, could only find 68's so that's what I purchased. And after owning one for a while I've decided I like the 68 best. I'd consider getting the 68 your looking at, it might grow on you just the way it is, you could always sell it later if things don't work out the way you want.

[nvrbdn]

somebody had posted an address for it in dc.com somewhere. mabey they will bring it back up. its pretty good.

[tan top]

    Where's the video for that Cadillac song?


    I first wanted a 69. But, could only find 68's so that's what I purchased. And after owning one for a while I've decided I like the 68 best. I'd consider getting the 68 your looking at, it might grow on you just the way it is, you could always sell it later if things don't work out the way you want.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxLJkphanN4&feature=fvwrelthis

[1968_Charger]

I say do what you want. Even if it means putting a 70 front on a 68. Look at the steve strope car. Its a mix. To me the 68 has the best front and rear of them all anyway.  

[Mike DC]

Check into the "Dukes of Hazzard" fan base for someone to swap cars/parts with.  They're frequently taking this swap the other direction, from 1970 to 1968-69. 

[Blakcharger440]

You will find tons more parts for a 68 than a 70 that is for sure which helps with the resto. More 68s were produced,more people building them and more parts floating around.   

[spoolinhard]

well sorry guys, pics arent an option. It is owned by a friend of my dads. It is lying on the edge of a field, and it is a ways away. I do like the 68's, but there is just something about the beak of a 70 that gets me.

[GordonGriggs]

 If the car is just sitting in a field I think it would be better to do something with it even if its modified. Charger's just sitting outside in a field is always a sad site.

[FLG]

If the car is just sitting in a field I think it would be better to do something with it even if its modified. Charger's just sitting outside in a field is always a sad site.

I agree, better to get it and do what you want than have it waste away in a field...or maybe do a trade with someone who has a 70 that wants a 68

[kab69440]

Buy the car, mash any parts you like together and go with it. It's perversely entertaining to watch purists cry!

I do agree with one thing, though...     If you want a 70 and you don't have the parts on hand, start with a 70. That stuff is just too hard to find!

[bill440rt]

1) Buy the car.

2) Sell the car to someone who wants a '68!

3) Buy a '70.

Old Moparz has definitely layed out the groups on this topic.
There are just too many differences other than exterior sheetmetal you'll have to deal with to do it properly. I mean, getting everything to work together without looking like a cobbled mess.

[Troy]

I say either avoid it all together or buy it and flip it. If you want a 70 just buy a 70 - they aren't impossible to find. As stated, finding the right parts and doing all the work to convert it will be much harder and cost a lot more in the long run. In the end, you'll have a car that's very difficult to sell (if you need to).

Here's my "reality check": if you're looking to buy this car because it's "cheap" and you have a small budget then absolutely do NOT buy it. I see a lot of "projects" where the owner is in way over their head and needs to sell - but they've half mangled the car and no one else will take it on. If you buy a 70 (even a project) with all the parts you can at least keep motivated by visualizing the final result. If it takes you two years to track down parts before your car even looks right you'll need one heck of an imagination.

Troy

[Richard Cranium]

Shock therapy may be the only cure.

[69 OUR/TEA]

Shock therapy may be the only cure.

One of my fav movies!!!!!!

[spoolinhard]

I say either avoid it all together or buy it and flip it. If you want a 70 just buy a 70 - they aren't impossible to find. As stated, finding the right parts and doing all the work to convert it will be much harder and cost a lot more in the long run. In the end, you'll have a car that's very difficult to sell (if you need to).

Here's my "reality check": if you're looking to buy this car because it's "cheap" and you have a small budget then absolutely do NOT buy it. I see a lot of "projects" where the owner is in way over their head and needs to sell - but they've half mangled the car and no one else will take it on. If you buy a 70 (even a project) with all the parts you can at least keep motivated by visualizing the final result. If it takes you two years to track down parts before your car even looks right you'll need one heck of an imagination.

Troy

I am looking at buying this car because its cheap. I should have told a little about myself first as I think you may be getting the wrong impression about me. I am a very skilled body man and metal worker. I do everything myself except for machine work. I am currently doing a rotisserie restoration on a 70 t/a that I bought years ago stripped of everything that was T/A specific. i have been painstaking tracking down these parts and purchasing them, so I am no stranger to a good scavanger hunt. Although I think I have heard enough to be discouraged, as I do not want to go through this hassle again. I do think that anything being done with the car is better than it sits. It is pretty rough but I don't think that it deserves to rot away on the edge of a field. Chargers are very hard to come by in my neck of the woods. This is actually the only one I know of that is lying around. The cheap is also appealing to me as the T/A is bleeding me dry and I can't afford to shell out 4-5 K for a more complete one, although I am well aware that I will have more into it in the long run.

[Troy]

I see. T/A parts are definitely harder to find than 70 Charger parts. However, there are a lot more similarities with a standard 70 Challenger than there are between 68 and 70 Charger. The tail lights, tail panel, tail panel trim, side marker lights (and holes for them), doors, hood, hood turn signals (or delete plates), front fenders, front bumper, grill, front valance, headlight motors and wiring, dash frame, upper dash pad, gauge bezels, some gauges and switches, door panels, upper door pads, front seats, console top, and shifter/handle (if you want a 4-speed) are all different.

At least you are aware of the amount of time, effort, and money you'll be looking at. If it were me, I'd put the money into the T/A and search for a 70 later. Aw, who am I kidding, I'd buy the 68 and stick it in the back of the garage for "some day" (I had 11 cars last year but I'm down to 7 now so I have room). If I were you and had your skills I'd consider making the 68 into a driver and selling it to fund the 70. The 68 is worth more. The market is down right now and will likely stay that way - at least in the near term. There was a numbers matching 70 R/T floating around for about $12k that I think is still available. It's all there, is titled/registered, and is currently drivable (which means you could get a loan if necessary).

Troy

[spoolinhard]

I find it interesting how there were more 68's made yet they are worth more

[Troy]

I find it interesting how there were more 68's made yet they are worth more

So you disagree or you're not sure how something "less rare" could be worth more? Of the second generation cars (68-70) the highest number were made in 68 and the fewest in 70 but, overall, the 69s command the most money. It's personal preference. I know the 70 owners get all bent out of shape when they realize that all those cool options and high impact colors don't really mean much to some people. Don't get them started on Daytona clones either...

Troy

[TK73]

Shock therapy may be the only cure.

One of my fav movies!!!!!!

Just finished the book for the 1st time... good read!!

[six-tee-nine]

Well First of all, if you want a 70 then buy a 70 or wait till you have other funds or better options to buy what you want. The idea of "omg i have to buy this one because tomorrow they will be all gone" is a wrong idea......
Waiting wont kill you and the Chargers are already 40 years on the planet and they will last for several decades (I hope).

The only way I would get into the 68 is when you can do some sort of buisiness. I mean buying it VERY cheap. Then decide if the car is worth saving to pass it along and make a slight profit to buy a better 70.
If the car is too far gone (since it sat in a field) you can always part it out and maybe sell alot of good stuff (trim, grille stuff, glass, maybe even a good roof shell).

Just for fun, try and locate a good and complete 70 grill for your conversion with an undented bumber, as less cracks as possible in the plastic parts and with the correct electric actuators....... good luck and i hope you have deep pockets.

[spoolinhard]

I find it interesting how there were more 68's made yet they are worth more

So you disagree or you're not sure how something "less rare" could be worth more? Of the second generation cars (68-70) the highest number were made in 68 and the fewest in 70 but, overall, the 69s command the most money. It's personal preference. I know the 70 owners get all bent out of shape when they realize that all those cool options and high impact colors don't really mean much to some people. Don't get them started on Daytona clones either...

Troy

No, I agree. I was wandering why the 70's werent selling for as much. I wonder if the general had anything to do with the popularity of the 69's?

[spoolinhard]

Well First of all, if you want a 70 then buy a 70 or wait till you have other funds or better options to buy what you want. The idea of "omg i have to buy this one because tomorrow they will be all gone" is a wrong idea......
Waiting wont kill you and the Chargers are already 40 years on the planet and they will last for several decades (I hope).

The only way I would get into the 68 is when you can do some sort of buisiness. I mean buying it VERY cheap. Then decide if the car is worth saving to pass it along and make a slight profit to buy a better 70.
If the car is too far gone (since it sat in a field) you can always part it out and maybe sell alot of good stuff (trim, grille stuff, glass, maybe even a good roof shell).

Just for fun, try and locate a good and complete 70 grill for your conversion with an undented bumber, as less cracks as possible in the plastic parts and with the correct electric actuators....... good luck and i hope you have deep pockets.

For the most part I agree with what you are saying, and yes, I have noticed what kind of prices the grills command.

[jobbless]

my buddy made his 70 a 68. if that is what you are into, iif i had a 70 i would have made it a 68 also.

[Richard Cranium]

my buddy made his 70 a 68. if that is what you are into, iif i had a 70 i would have made it a 68 also.

Which of you is which?   

[bull]

If you're that impatient go buy a Chevy. Mopar is not the right brand for impatient people.

[69rtse4spd]

Well First of all, if you want a 70 then buy a 70 or wait till you have other funds or better options to buy what you want. The idea of "omg i have to buy this one because tomorrow they will be all gone" is a wrong idea......
Waiting wont kill you and the Chargers are already 40 years on the planet and they will last for several decades (I hope).

The only way I would get into the 68 is when you can do some sort of buisiness. I mean buying it VERY cheap. Then decide if the car is worth saving to pass it along and make a slight profit to buy a better 70.
If the car is too far gone (since it sat in a field) you can always part it out and maybe sell alot of good stuff (trim, grille stuff, glass, maybe even a good roof shell).

Just for fun, try and locate a good and complete 70 grill for your conversion with an undented bumber, as less cracks as possible in the plastic parts and with the correct electric actuators....... good luck and i hope you have deep pockets.

Know where there is a perfect grill, but you have to buy the car to get it, 5500.00 firm. The rest of the car is not worth it. .

[jobbless]

I always wanted a 68. when I was 17, 16 years ago. I traded my real solid one owner 70 satellite for a 69 charger. i ended up selling it, because I wanted a 68. If I had the chance to go back, I would have made the 69 a 68. It took me 15  more years to get a 68.

[Mike DC]

     

If you're that impatient go buy a Chevy. Mopar is not the right brand for impatient people.

Very true.  Dealing with Mopars always means waiting and searching for things.   

[Old Moparz]

I always wanted a 68. when I was 17, 16 years ago. I traded my real solid one owner 70 satellite for a 69 charger. i ended up selling it, because I wanted a 68. If I had the chance to go back, I would have made the 69 a 68. It took me 15  more years to get a 68.

That's fairly the same situation I am in currently. I've always figured it was best to work with what you already own, or have easy access to, or what you can truly afford. For me the budget plays the biggest part, which is the reason I have a '68 instead of the '69 I would really rather have. I was in the process of gathering '69 Charger parts to convert my '68 Coronet convertible into a Charger convertible, when I decided I needed a complete Charger shell to work from to save time & work.

I watched ebay & other sites for months, & the only car that was within my budget & worth buying, was the '68 Charger that I own now. It turned out that I changed plans after getting the car since it's 100% rust free with all new sheet metal & way too nice to cut up. It did need the entire nose since it was missing, so I bought '70 fenders, a nose cone with the rest of the Daytona parts to turn it into a Charger Daytona. A lot of people will tell me to find a '69 to do it & to leave the '68 alone, but I don't care, it's what I already have.

It was a no brainer, the price of the rust free '68 when I got it, was less than what most parts cars go for that aren't even worth buying in the first place.

[spoolinhard]

If you're that impatient go buy a Chevy. Mopar is not the right brand for impatient people.

Maybe you are being sarcastic, I honestly dont know. MOPAR to the core, I can't help but get a little ticked at a comment like this. It makes me think that you have read nothing else that I have posted.

I come from a mopar or no car family. Born and raised. There will be no brand x consideration. I am envious as hell, and have wanted a chager ever since I sold (and regretted selling) my 68 r/t. I have wanted one back ever since. Can't blame a guy for that can you?  I also own a Neon srt-4, an 88 shelby z daytona, an 87 shelby charger, a 69 roadrunner, and my afforemention 70 challenger T/A, which if you read anything of my post on the car (with my experience) perhaps you would not have asserted yourself so strongly.

Regardless, to keep this from turning into a flame thread please stay on topic as this seems a silly thing to argue over. Just had to speak my peace.

[stripedelete]

If you're that impatient go buy a Chevy. Mopar is not the right brand for impatient people.

Maybe you are being sarcastic, I honestly dont know. MOPAR to the core, I can't help but get a little ticked at a comment like this. It makes me think that you have read nothing else that I have posted.

I come from a mopar or no car family. Born and raised. There will be no brand x consideration. I am envious as hell, and have wanted a chager ever since I sold (and regretted selling) my 68 r/t. I have wanted one back ever since. Can't blame a guy for that can you?  I also own a Neon srt-4, an 88 shelby z daytona, an 87 shelby charger, a 69 roadrunner, and my afforemention 70 challenger T/A, which if you read anything of my post on the car (with my experience) perhaps you would not have asserted yourself so strongly.

Regardless, to keep this from turning into a flame thread please stay on topic as this seems a silly thing to argue over. Just had to speak my peace.

And you're going to call yourself a "Mopar Guy"?  Sorry, but in order to that we are going to need 1) at least 500 words on running a slant six under impossible conditions.  2) proof that you owned at least one Dart with a torn torsion bar mount.  ( can also be included in slant six story) 3) a story about your uncle's cousin's brother's friend's dad going the dealership to buy a Polara wagon only to have the dealer try to sell them a Daytona or Superbird for $1,200. 

Then maybe........

[bull]

If you're that impatient go buy a Chevy. Mopar is not the right brand for impatient people.

Maybe you are being sarcastic, I honestly dont know. MOPAR to the core, I can't help but get a little ticked at a comment like this. It makes me think that you have read nothing else that I have posted.

I come from a mopar or no car family. Born and raised. There will be no brand x consideration. I am envious as hell, and have wanted a chager ever since I sold (and regretted selling) my 68 r/t. I have wanted one back ever since. Can't blame a guy for that can you?  I also own a Neon srt-4, an 88 shelby z daytona, an 87 shelby charger, a 69 roadrunner, and my afforemention 70 challenger T/A, which if you read anything of my post on the car (with my experience) perhaps you would not have asserted yourself so strongly.

Regardless, to keep this from turning into a flame thread please stay on topic as this seems a silly thing to argue over. Just had to speak my peace.

You asked for opinions and I gave you mine. If you want a '70 then I would exert some patience and find/buy a '70; leave the '68 alone. That's my opinion.

[spoolinhard]

If you're that impatient go buy a Chevy. Mopar is not the right brand for impatient people.

Maybe you are being sarcastic, I honestly dont know. MOPAR to the core, I can't help but get a little ticked at a comment like this. It makes me think that you have read nothing else that I have posted.

I come from a mopar or no car family. Born and raised. There will be no brand x consideration. I am envious as hell, and have wanted a chager ever since I sold (and regretted selling) my 68 r/t. I have wanted one back ever since. Can't blame a guy for that can you?  I also own a Neon srt-4, an 88 shelby z daytona, an 87 shelby charger, a 69 roadrunner, and my afforemention 70 challenger T/A, which if you read anything of my post on the car (with my experience) perhaps you would not have asserted yourself so strongly.

Regardless, to keep this from turning into a flame thread please stay on topic as this seems a silly thing to argue over. Just had to speak my peace.

And you're going to call yourself a "Mopar Guy"?  Sorry, but in order to that we are going to need 1) at least 500 words on running a slant six under impossible conditions.  2) proof that you owned at least one Dart with a torn torsion bar mount.  ( can also be included in slant six story) 3) a story about your uncle's cousin's brother's friend's dad going the dealership to buy a Polara wagon only to have the dealer try to sell them a Daytona or Superbird for $1,200.  

Then maybe........

haha!
Well I'll do my best.
1. We inherited a volare that had a gas tank full of varnish smelling gas, and a slant 6 in it. We dropped a battery in it and it chugged to life.

2.No dart but we had a 318 Scamp back in the day. My dad did a burnout with me and my friend in the car. My friend said "my dads vette can't do that"

3. My dad passed up  a trade with his aspen r/t for a wrecked superbird. Can't blame him though, he loved that R/T. And I probbably wouldnt have been born if he had. Thats how my parents met. They were both cruising, my dad in his aspen r/t, and my mom in her roadrunner volare Does it get any more mopar than that? I am a mopar child!

[TX9H6E4CUDA]

Some of the posts here make me..

[Patronus]

I cant say what your budget actually is, but seriously, these cars just aren't that much $$. If you have the skillz you say then your a professional. And skilled professionals usually tend to make money. Score and flip the '68 and make a few pesos, you'll save a Charger and make someone else's Mopar dream. Im a firm believer in what goes around comes around.. and you'll have your '70.. 

[BrianShaughnessy]

I find it interesting how there were more 68's made yet they are worth more

So you disagree or you're not sure how something "less rare" could be worth more? Of the second generation cars (68-70) the highest number were made in 68 and the fewest in 70 but, overall, the 69s command the most money. It's personal preference. I know the 70 owners get all bent out of shape when they realize that all those cool options and high impact colors don't really mean much to some people. Don't get them started on Daytona clones either...

Troy

FWIW...     finding '70 front sheetmetal, grill and all the rest would be a giant expensive PITA.     
The selection of 70 fenders and hoods decreases with every Daytona clone created.     To repeat what I was told by an AMD rep,  there's no plans to do 70 fenders or hoods.

If you really want a 70...   just be patient and be vigilant checking out all the sources.

[G-man]

GROUP E is still waiting on THOSE pictures.

Otherwise, Group B: Ur car do whatever you want to it, however, there is sense in just buying a 70 cause it will save u the $

[spoolinhard]

I cant say what your budget actually is, but seriously, these cars just aren't that much $$. If you have the skillz you say then your a professional. And skilled professionals usually tend to make money. Score and flip the '68 and make a few pesos, you'll save a Charger and make someone else's Mopar dream. Im a firm believer in what goes around comes around.. and you'll have your '70.. 

My parents use to run a family owned body shop. When I was very young I remember BOTH of my parents doing autobody work. My mom was better than my dad from what I remember, although she hated it. We closed our doors when I was an early teen, we still have our shop, we just operate it as a hobby shop. I have been around this kind of stuff all my life. My skills with body and paint work were handed down from my grandfather, through both of my parents. After I got out of college(not for autobody) I worked professionally in autobody for 2 days. Hated it so much that I quit on the 2nd. Im a dreamer and when Im workin on someone elses car, I just can't envision the end product, and me driving it . So I only do work for myself, no big budget. I actually just graduated with my 2nd degree in may, so money is a little tight at the moment.


For all who are concerned, I will still go after the 68 but will leave it a 68. You have won me over.

[spoolinhard]

GROUP E is still waiting on THOSE pictures.

Otherwise, Group B: Ur car do whatever you want to it, however, there is sense in just buying a 70 cause it will save u the $

I can't promise when that will be, but when I get them, they will be posted here. Best I can do.

[1969chargerrtse]

  When I had my 68 charger I changed the tail light panel to a 69. I mean no offence to the 68 charger lovers. I really love the car but I just don't like the tailights. Again no offence meant, but the tailights remind me of the signal lights  used sometimes on the back of towed vehicles.

[1969chargerrtse]

I find it interesting how there were more 68's made yet they are worth more

Simple, more were made because more people love the 68 style.  They are worth more because more people still love the 68 style.  That was easy.

[BIGBLCK11]

I find it interesting how there were more 68's made yet they are worth more

Simple, more were made because more people love the 68 style.  They are worth more because more people still love the 68 style.  That was easy.

Let me just say I like all 3 years, but I think the popularity/sales had more to do with it being the first year of the Charger and the new kick-butt style.  By 1970, it was no longer new, still a big tank and for some reason not everyone likes the front loop bumper as I do???.  The E body(smaller) came along and stole a lot of the thunder, production is cut back.

Also, I do like the round taillights, but I think the 69/70 rectangular lights fit the body better.

[CaptMarvel]

[quote
Also, I do like the round taillights, but I think the 69/70 rectangular lights fit the body better.
[/quote]

I was originally looking for a 69, and found a real nasty 69 SE that I passed on, but then found a great unmolested 68 R/T and bought it...still have to say that I prefer the look of both front & rear end on the 69 a little better, but the round taillights have definately grown on me over the years now and I'd never change the tail panel, would be like losing its personality.. When you think of the round lights as jet exhausts like the desingers intended, it kind of makes sense, the sixties were all about the space race etc..which makes me think of Co-Co Beach and Barbara Eden for some reason..so, 68 styling=beauiful...see my logic?

[BananaDan]

 

My  ...  If you want a '68, buy a '68.  If you want a '70, buy a '70.  If you can't decide, wait.  The 70's and 80's generated enough Frankenchargers and 'custom' jobs.  I don't personally think anymore are needed.

Dan

[Tilar]

    Where's the video for that Cadillac song?


    I first wanted a 69. But, could only find 68's so that's what I purchased. And after owning one for a while I've decided I like the 68 best. I'd consider getting the 68 your looking at, it might grow on you just the way it is, you could always sell it later if things don't work out the way you want.

How about a pic of that Caddy?

[TK73]

GROUP E is still waiting on THOSE pictures.

[BIGBLCK11]

I can understand wanting to work with what is close to you and hopefully it's a good deal.  I guess it depends on how rough it really is.  If the 68 needs a tail panel anyway and a ton just to be saved, then maybe.  Otherwise, if it is in decent shape and will bring some good money, sell it or part it.  Then, put the money towards a 70 in better shape, even if you have to travel some to get it.  Mine was 14hrs one way, but the price was right.