1968 Charger RT Build Estimate

[charlie45]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum here, and am interesting in getting a 68 Charger.

First off, my compliments to all you guys for having such great forum. Really an amazing resource of information on these cars here...

So, I had a 68 Charger when I was 16 (currently 32), and I've regretted selling that car tremendously ever since then (especially considering how much they have gone up in value since I sold it...)

Anyways, I've decided that I want another 68. However, I have particular modifications in mind (i.e. I don't want a 100% original spec car) to make it a good street performer as well.

Here are few of the things that I would ideally like:

- Hotchkis TVS Suspension with good performance shocks
- 440 Engine with about 500hp for reliable daily use
- Tremec 5 speed transmission
- Wilwood Big Brakes F/R
- A good set of headers and exhaust system
- Flaming River Steering Box
- Sure Grip Differential
- American Racing Custom 500 wheels
- Black Interior
- Black Exterior (maybe with white RT stripes)

I would like it to be an RT (not clone).

So here's the question: How much would a good restorer/builder ask to build this car??? Obviously, I just want to get estimates from you guys, since you have experience in what a project like this should cost.

Thanks in advance!

[cdr]

a lot  ,it just depends on how much metal work the car needs,a shoot off the hip   40 to 50,done right

[bakerhillpins]

Anyways, I've decided that I want another 68. However, I have particular modifications in mind (i.e. I don't want a 100% original spec car) to make it a good street performer as well.

[snip]

I would like it to be an RT (not clone).

If you don't want an original spec car why does it matter if it has an XS in the VIN? 

You might find most of what you want in a car that is already running and then you can upgrade to the stuff that isn't there.

[Mike DC]

       
Step #1 - figure out how nice you want the overall fit & finish of the car to be.  Shop for a car with something near that body/interior.  Don't sweat the colors & options as much as the overall condition of the metal parts. 

You are better off buying the body condition you want and adding the mechanical stuff later.  If you want a solid black car, then you should shop for a solid car of any color and assume you will have to paint it black.  DO NOT buy a black rusty car and pay to make it solid again.  Etc. 


Step #2 - much less important than step #1 - pay attention to the mechanical go-fast stuff you want. 

   

[JB400]

If your just going to have someone else build it, why not buy one already done.  Plenty of them out there.  Bolt your parts on that you want on there and have fun.  It'd get you on the road a lot quicker and save you the headaches of getting one built.  Especially if you go to a bad shop.

[68X426]

want to get estimates

$43,589.16

By the way, welcome to the forum. 

[bull]

want to get estimates

$43,589.16

By the way, welcome to the forum.  

Unless you go with a Hans Luedtke restoration, then it's half that. Until you figure out how bad he botched it and it costs you another $45k to fix it right.

[Homerr]

There are really 3 costs that you are asking about, if I have this correct -

1.  Cost of a '68 Charger

$500 rusted hulk to $50-100,000 one that is close to what you want already

2.  Cost of paint/bodywork/labor

$0 for a cherry black/black car to $50,000 for a rusty hulk missing parts

3.  Go-fast parts

$0 for one that is already there to $40,000? for all the go-fast stuff done by pros with high shop rates


The labor cost is the part you won't really be able to recoup.  So, the labor is where you can save a ton if you buy something that is close where someone else already put the money in it.

[elacruze]

want to get estimates

$43,589.16

By the way, welcome to the forum. 

+1, if your driveline is already in good shape.

[charlie45]

Thank you guys for all the insightful feedback thus far.

I should clarify that I'm based in Germany. Hence I was contemplating having the car completely done by someone in the states and then shipping it over here...

Alternatively, you all make a valid point of buying a good "platform" car and then doing all the aforementioned modifications. However, I would have to do that here in Germany since it is too much of a hassle for me to go to the states, buy the car, then find the shop to have the work done, then have it shipped over, etc, etc....

I have one vehicle in particular that I'm looking at over here Germany. Since you guys obviously seem to know the values of these car fairly well, maybe you can take a look at these detailed pictures, give me your rough estimate what you think this thing is worth or would sell for in the US (just based on the pics). The interior needs quite a bit of work, and I think the seller is asking a bit too much, but I'd like to hear your thoughts...

http://s563.photobucket.com/albums/ss75/smashpalace/Dodge/Charger/?albumview=slideshow

Appreciate your help here, and thanks again for the feedback.

Regards from crazy Bavaria (yes, crazy because of the Octoberfest going on here in Munich...)

[JB400]

Looks pretty decent. Does need some work though.  The guages need some work as does the trim pieces in the interior.  Body looks good.  Depends on how much mud is under the paint.  My estimate  as is $20-27,500.  It looks respectable, but does need work.  Considering your want list, it's a good start.

Do me a favor, enjoy a pint for me

Best of luck getting a car.  Welcome to the group

[Patronus]

I would change a few of those options 
And Germany to boot huh? Good exchange rate eh? I'd love to build ya one, PM me.

[Dino]

I see a lot of mud in that thing.  Seller is Dutch, how many thousands does he want for that?  Seat covers are for a 69, interior needs a lot of work, body is going to need quite a bit as well.  Bottom of rockers and quarters are pretty wavy and you can see the amount of filler on the bottom of the front fender.

Without actually seeing it, it's very hard to put a value on it. If it's a real R/T, numbers matching then it'll have decent value as is but I wouldn't pay a whole lot for it.

I'd also buy a non R/T to keep cost down.  If you're not keeping it stock then what's the point of having an R/T?  Like baker said, forget the XS and find yourself an XP.  My 

[marshallfry01]

If there is no bondo in it I think it would be worth 15-18k. It needs interior work and I'm sure a lot of other details need to be fixed. Always be cautious when buying a car that has fresh paint on it.... That sure will hide a lot of ugly.  On the positive side at least it's running/driving and complete. Just go over the body with a magnet. Good luck to you! And welcome aboard  

[skip68]

Hard to say without knowing about rust.   I'd say $18k to $22k. 

[Mopar Nut]

I wouldn't go over $10,000.00 U.S. if it's not a true R/T.

[NHCharger]

That car looks like a real nice Driver. As stated above it does need work if your a trophy hunter. It's hard to tell on the body where the filler is unless your an expert. They take shots outside that reflect the uneven landscape and when they put it on the lift for close up pics they don't wash the dirt off and the area is dimly lit, which may mean they're hiding something.
In my neck of the woods that car would easily fetch 20k all day long.

[Vainglory, Esq.]

Whatever you think it's gonna be, double it. Then double that.

[Ghoste]

And he isn't joking about that.

[charlie45]

thanks for all the insightful feedback so far. Just a note: It is not an RT-car!

So the guy is asking 27,000 EUR for the car... Yes, exactly: A LOT OF MONEY FOR WHAT IT IS... One has to however consider that these cars sell for a premium over here in Europe. Nonetheless, I'm definitely not going to pay that amount for it...

Although it definitely needs some work, it seems like it would be a suitable platform for the project (i.e. parts) I had in mind, given that the car checks-out to be okay and that the price is adjusted... We'll see, I'll keep you posted...

[JB400]

$32,000 US.  Your right, that car is on the higher end of an appraisal.  But, beggars can't be choosers. 

[Fred]

Whatever you think it's gonna be, double it. Then double that.

  Been there, done that.

[surmanajaja]

thanks for all the insightful feedback so far. Just a note: It is not an RT-car!

So the guy is asking 27,000 EUR for the car... Yes, exactly: A LOT OF MONEY FOR WHAT IT IS... One has to however consider that these cars sell for a premium over here in Europe. Nonetheless, I'm definitely not going to pay that amount for it...

Although it definitely needs some work, it seems like it would be a suitable platform for the project (i.e. parts) I had in mind, given that the car checks-out to be okay and that the price is adjusted... We'll see, I'll keep you posted...

Way too high. I know a few much better cars for sale under 20k ih sweden and in finland, and importing to germany wont be expensive if you want to go that route.

[NorwayCharger]

Buy a Charger in Sweden or Norway.
Get the Body and paint done in Poland.