WIW? 1969 Dodge Charger, interested in some opinions

[elanmars]

Ok I remember this car being on ebay a few months back but the owner said the winning bidder didn't end up paying and he's still got the car. Here's the info and a link for pics. I'm thinking this could be a solid builder to make a car just the way I want it by upgrading a lot of things like brakes, wheels, suspension, etc for a more pro-touring type of car-but I could be wrong. This is where ya'lls expertise comes in.

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original unmolested 1969 Dodge Charger purchased from original owner in 2009. This Charger has been a Colorado car its entire life and was driven by the original owner until I purchased it. It has been stored inside since and I've driven it on a regular basis. Car runs and drives great for a 40+ year old original. 240,000 miles, clear title, see below for complete list of options.

View many more pictures here: http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k635/pbcamelle305/

The Good (and what I know works):

Engine fires up immediately and runs smooth
Transmission shifts correctly
Brakes work well and car stops in a straight line
Headlight doors open and close correctly
Washer motor and wipers work
Dash is perfect and not cracked
All gauges except clock work
Heater works
All vents work
Both doors shut solid and easily
Car has four new tires
New Oil Pump
Original owner had power steering pump rebuilt at some point
Original owner had valve seats replaced so engine would run on unleaded gas
Original owner replaced the upholstery front and rear at some point
Floor pans, rockers, trunk floor, etc... are all solid. Most of the underside of the car still has the original undercoating intact.
Car has never been repainted and still has the original engine and transmission

The not so good (and what I know doesn't work correctly):

Emergency and turn signals are not currently working. I believe there is a flasher relay and/or bulbs burned out as they were working when I first purchased the car.
Clock in dash doesn't appear to work
There is typical play in the steering when driving down the road. I'm sure it needs new ball joints, etc... to tighten up the front end
Choke occasionally sticks on high idle. Probably time to rebuild the carb
Radio doesn't appear to work but original owner had installed an XM radio so it's probably just disconnected
Console is cracked and has a hole in it (see photos)
Carpet and headliner need replaced (see photos)
Rear quarter panels are rusted in the rear (see photos)
Front fenders have some body damage (see photos)

Parts Included with car:

New Rear Valance
New Rear Taillight Panel
New RH and LH rear quarter panels (because of the dust and reflection on one of the quarters it looks damaged but it is in perfect condition)
Used but in great condition rear quarter end caps
Used but straight rear bumper that's in great shape
Misc badges and chrome pieces that were with the car when I bought it
VIN: XP29F9B28xxxx

X - 1969 - 1970 Dodge Charger
P - Charger
29 - 2 Door Sports Coupe
F - 318 c.i.d/235hp 2-bbl V8 (1968-1969)
9 - 1969
B - Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI
28xxxx - Sequence Number

Fender Tag:

L31 - Hood / Fender Mount Trun Signal - $10.80 option
M21 - Roof Drip Rail Mouldings - standard
M31 - Belt Moulding 69-70 - standard - Chrome moulding on top of doors & quarter panels
R11 - Music Master Radio AM - $61.55 option
V1W - Full Vinyl Top - White - $93.55 option
END - End of Codes

A01 - Roof Trype OR Color: Light Package - $25.95 option:
Ashtray light
Glove Box light
Trunk light
Ignition light w/ time delay
Map light
Headlamp-on warning buzzer

A41 - Charger Spring Special w/ Vinyl Roof - white Hat Special - Avail. only on base XP models:
Vinyl roof in White
Simulated wood-grained steering wheel
Hood-mounted turn signals
Light Group
LH remote mirror
Whitewall tires
Deep-dish Wheel Covers
C16 - Console w/ Bucket Seats - $54.45 option
C55 - Bucket Seats - standard - Optional w/ leather inserts (S.E. Package)
G15 - Tinted Windshield Only - $25.90 option
G33 - Left Hand Outside Mirror - Remote / Chrome - $10.45 option

Y2 - Yellow
C6W - Trim Grade/Style/Color C = Charger, 6 = Vinyl Bucket Seats, W = White and Black
W1 - Upper Door Frame
203 - Date Built 2/03/1969
256196 - Order Number

E44 - 319-2 Barrel - option
D31 - Light Duty 904 Automatic Transmission TorqueFlite - standard

[ACUDANUT]

10-15 K. Tops.  It needs rear quarters and alot of other rust repair.

[paironines]

7-8k. Rust issues, 318,  Being a driver is a plus. Good car to build tho, might be worth 10 if you really want it but thats generous.

[PocketThunder]

7-8k. Rust issues, 318,  Being a driver is a plus. Good car to build tho, might be worth 10 if you really want it but thats generous.

I'm with this guy.

[elanmars]

it's more in the 8k range so this is good to hear. it does come with parts to replace the rusty ones, mostly-and i do know of a local shop here that's VERY reputable and fair priced, which is great.

i don't need a fancy paint job-i can live with flat black for a good long while, as long as the rust is taken care of.

[XS29LA47V21]

    

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,87179.0.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-Dodge-Charger-second-owner-origninal-car-/200687800484?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2eb9ecd0a4

It went to $9500 apparently.  It has some more than normal rust to some people and me, but by colors & and white hat and "driving realably" if that is actually true the under 10k seem like a good deal or maybe a little more even.  If you are not going to drive it for fun and are going towards 440 and other colors eventually, there is likely a better builder out there at 8-15k range.  The interior is not that back compared to many other builders....   I like it, just not for me   

[Todd Wilson]

WOW!   Thats exactly like my 69! Same color! Miles! And everything!   Except mine appears to be more solid in some areas then that car although it has its fair share of the usual rust problems!  Guess I better put mine up for sale for 10g's   or slap it on ebay!


Todd

[Dino]

It needs quite a bit of work but it sure is a nice project!  $10K may be pushing it but it's not out of the ballpark.  If you can get it around $8K that would be pretty sweet.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

 5 grand, up to 7 if I had to have it... 

[elanmars]

If I do get it, my plan would be to take care of the rust first and then have a simple flat black all over it. Put wilwood disc brakes all around, 17" tires all around, upgrade the steering box, suspension and shocks-oh and add A/C so I can ride in it with my kid.

Then down the road I'd replace the 318 with a 5.7 or 6.1 andd other odds and ends to make it more of a "pro-touring" type car, I want the old school beautiful looks of a '69 with some modern convenience and safety..if I need a big block fix before I can afford a 5.7/6.1 swap, then i'd throw in my working 383/727 from my wrecked '69, which still works!! but I think I'll be ok in a 318, I'm more of a cruiser.

Every Charger I've had, whether it was my first-a '73 or the two 69s I've owned, I've made into daily drivers. That would be my goal with this car and if I got it for 8-9k, it would give me PLENTY of room money wise, which would be nice for once!

[Dino]

If I do get it, my plan would be to take care of the rust first and then have a simple flat black all over it. Put wilwood disc brakes all around, 17" tires all around, upgrade the steering box, suspension and shocks-oh and add A/C so I can ride in it with my kid.

Then down the road I'd replace the 318 with a 5.7 or 6.1 andd other odds and ends to make it more of a "pro-touring" type car, I want the old school beautiful looks of a '69 with some modern convenience and safety..if I need a big block fix before I can afford a 5.7/6.1 swap, then i'd throw in my working 383/727 from my wrecked '69, which still works!! but I think I'll be ok in a 318, I'm more of a cruiser.

Every Charger I've had, whether it was my first-a '73 or the two 69s I've owned, I've made into daily drivers. That would be my goal with this car and if I got it for 8-9k, it would give me PLENTY of room money wise, which would be nice for once!

Just one question.  When you look at it, does it feel right?

[elanmars]

If I do get it, my plan would be to take care of the rust first and then have a simple flat black all over it. Put wilwood disc brakes all around, 17" tires all around, upgrade the steering box, suspension and shocks-oh and add A/C so I can ride in it with my kid.

Then down the road I'd replace the 318 with a 5.7 or 6.1 andd other odds and ends to make it more of a "pro-touring" type car, I want the old school beautiful looks of a '69 with some modern convenience and safety..if I need a big block fix before I can afford a 5.7/6.1 swap, then i'd throw in my working 383/727 from my wrecked '69, which still works!! but I think I'll be ok in a 318, I'm more of a cruiser.

Every Charger I've had, whether it was my first-a '73 or the two 69s I've owned, I've made into daily drivers. That would be my goal with this car and if I got it for 8-9k, it would give me PLENTY of room money wise, which would be nice for once!

Just one question.  When you look at it, does it feel right?

a 1969 Dodge Charger feels right to me. no particular options really sway me one way or another-just the car itself and it's good looks and as long as it's a decent ride to work on.

[1974dodgecharger]

5 grand, up to 7 if I had to have it... 

yeah me too, Ill give 6k and drive off.

[69charger2002]

that left rear quarter is a lot of work.. if i was selling it i would ask $9k, if i was buying it i'd pay no more than $6000

[Dino]

If I do get it, my plan would be to take care of the rust first and then have a simple flat black all over it. Put wilwood disc brakes all around, 17" tires all around, upgrade the steering box, suspension and shocks-oh and add A/C so I can ride in it with my kid.

Then down the road I'd replace the 318 with a 5.7 or 6.1 andd other odds and ends to make it more of a "pro-touring" type car, I want the old school beautiful looks of a '69 with some modern convenience and safety..if I need a big block fix before I can afford a 5.7/6.1 swap, then i'd throw in my working 383/727 from my wrecked '69, which still works!! but I think I'll be ok in a 318, I'm more of a cruiser.

Every Charger I've had, whether it was my first-a '73 or the two 69s I've owned, I've made into daily drivers. That would be my goal with this car and if I got it for 8-9k, it would give me PLENTY of room money wise, which would be nice for once!

Just one question.  When you look at it, does it feel right?

a 1969 Dodge Charger feels right to me. no particular options really sway me one way or another-just the car itself and it's good looks and as long as it's a decent ride to work on.

Any 69?  The reason I ask is because when I find a car I like, it gives me goosebumps.  I saw quite a few 69's when I was looking and it never felt right until I found the one I bought, and I saw everything from projets to finished r/t's.  Something just clicked, it's hard to describe.  Maybe I'm just crazy, I dunno.... 

[Old Moparz]

It seems like a good car to start with, but for a 318 car that needs everything redone, that ebay price of $9500 seems too expensive to me. The $6000 that 69charger2002 mentioned seems about right. There isn't a panel on that car that doesn't need to be repaired or replaced, & even with the replacement panels as part of the deal, the labor will be astronomical.

Not to nit pick, but some things I saw that need attention & will not be cheap are.....

• Cracked wood grain steering wheel
• Dented up grille mouldings, including the "I" piece
• Console top plate appears to be drilled to mount that gooseneck holder
• Upper door pads are cracked or bubbled

The good thing, based on the pics, is that the underside looks very solid. This will be a big plus no matter what is done with the car.

[Cooter]

if i was selling it i would ask $9k, if i was buying it i'd pay no more than $6000

There's the truth right there. NUFF said!

[elanmars]

If I do get it, my plan would be to take care of the rust first and then have a simple flat black all over it. Put wilwood disc brakes all around, 17" tires all around, upgrade the steering box, suspension and shocks-oh and add A/C so I can ride in it with my kid.

Then down the road I'd replace the 318 with a 5.7 or 6.1 andd other odds and ends to make it more of a "pro-touring" type car, I want the old school beautiful looks of a '69 with some modern convenience and safety..if I need a big block fix before I can afford a 5.7/6.1 swap, then i'd throw in my working 383/727 from my wrecked '69, which still works!! but I think I'll be ok in a 318, I'm more of a cruiser.

Every Charger I've had, whether it was my first-a '73 or the two 69s I've owned, I've made into daily drivers. That would be my goal with this car and if I got it for 8-9k, it would give me PLENTY of room money wise, which would be nice for once!

Just one question.  When you look at it, does it feel right?

a 1969 Dodge Charger feels right to me. no particular options really sway me one way or another-just the car itself and it's good looks and as long as it's a decent ride to work on.

Any 69?  The reason I ask is because when I find a car I like, it gives me goosebumps.  I saw quite a few 69's when I was looking and it never felt right until I found the one I bought, and I saw everything from projets to finished r/t's.  Something just clicked, it's hard to describe.  Maybe I'm just crazy, I dunno.... 

well yeah there's a few I've seen where it's like, "whoah, I'd so LOVE to ride in that!" BUT...it's just I don't have the money for them hahaha, like most pro-touring type Chargers I see, I drool, THAT is what I want but I know it's going to just be a matter of finding a decent car as a platform for that and build it slowly that way as I drive it.

But yeah, there was a flat black '69 a few months ago on ebay with a 6.1 hemi, exactly how I'd want a car "done" except the interior back seat and stupid sound system in the trunk...but at 29k, just not within my budget. I think someone in this forum got it-looks like the same car in the post about a guy asking about shipping companies.

so I have to settle more for cars that look ok and I can see the potential in changing them how I want.

[elanmars]

if i was selling it i would ask $9k, if i was buying it i'd pay no more than $6000

There's the truth right there. NUFF said!

Word, I'm passing on the car for that high a price as he's selling it for right now and I appreciate everyone's input, no higher than $6k. Despite it giving me a lot of room money wise to work from (I have 18k to spend, so I'm looking for something in the 8-15k range to have some "in case $hit" money, as no matter if a car is "done" or not, ALWAYS necessary and it's a must), it's better to start with something more solid.

It's a matter of patience right now, as I either see turds, half decent cars going for too much, "done" cars going/being asked for too much, really nice cars way beyond what i can afford, etc. Too many 68-69 Chargers with people selling them thinking it's still 2006 as far as prices go...

[tan top]

 remember this one a while back ,  looks a good car to start with  , at least its not been bondoed up &  a fresh paint job , then big head ache down the road  ,  just look as some on ebay  well over 10
you know what your getting with this car 

[Surf Charger]

Id say be patient and dont pay too much....beleive it or not, there are still some good deals out there. I got my numbers matching 383 for $5800 off of craigslist. Not a spec of rust underneath or on the frame...just a little bit othe lower rear quarters and some random surface spots. Seems like a lot for that car.

[viper r/t]

I agree with what Travis and Cooter said,

But remember, alot of people talk about 2006 prices etc but no matter what, a good car isn't going to be cheap.
I always hear that the bottom fell out, that is until you try to buy back. Don't get me wrong, there are some good buys out there, but good solid cars will bring good money no matter of the recession.

[Surf Charger]

A guy I know in town sold his Superbird back in '93 for $9000. And a '69 Hemi Charger in '87 for $5600. Crazy how much prices have gone up in a decade or two....guess they will only get higher.

[XS29LA47V21]

A guy I know in town sold his Superbird back in '93 for $9000. And a '69 Hemi Charger in '87 for $5600. Crazy how much prices have gone up in a decade or two....guess they will only get higher.

I gave 4500 for my first RTSE in 87, new Tbuicks at 18k almost had mom talked into one, GN in the 20s, it felt like a ton of money buying that old turd RTSE

Carefull what you wish for....

I wish for them to stay obtainable is my opinion, but likely cost of possession will continue to rise..., 

I did cave eventually to a 87T daily driver for 3-4yrs about 7yrs ago, that was fun, maybe I need another?

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

remember this one a while back ,  looks a good car to start with  , at least its not been bondoed up &  a fresh paint job , then big head ache down the road  ,  just look as some on ebay  well over 10
you know what your getting with this car 

Excellent points 

[elanmars]

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/1969-Dodge-Charger-628407.xhtml?conversationId=83585

^this car looks pretty sweet but I'm guessing it's a scam? no reply via email, call and it's the wrong #...or so the lady says. Maybe the guy put it up "for sale" to please the wife..."oh but honey, it's not selling, I haven't even gotten a single call about it!"

[bakerhillpins]

That driveway looks really familiar. I thought it was from IL but ad says OK. After lots of looking you see the guys that just flip and this ad reminds me of one of those guys...  Funny thing is that the flippers in many cases were the best about answering questions and returning emails. 

I looked for close to 2 yrs before I found mine and along the way I realized that calling was the best means of first contact, if they gave a number that is, followed up by an email for some pics if it went well. If no number I would ask for one and a good time to call.  Filtered out a lot of crap fast.