68/69 grille Question

[dreamcatcher]

I just aquaired a 68 charger through some horse trading.It is sporting a 69 grille instead of a 68.Question ?? Can I just replace the center and use these headlight doors?If I did this what all parts would be needed?This grille is very nice with no cracks I can find.What would it be worth if I sell it to get the right grille?

[Mopar Nut]

When I was selling my 68 Charger shell, I was offered $1,000.00 for the whole grill. Depending on the condition, you should get around that for it. I don't know about replacing the center.

[no318]

The hood latch is different.  Not saying it isn't interchangeable, but is not the same.

[hatersaurusrex]

I can see the reason someone would put 69 taillights on a 68 car, or a 68 grille on a 69 car... but putting the 69 grille on a 68 is just ugging it up.

[Tilar]

It would have to be damn nice to fetch $1000 for a grill. You see restored ones on ebay stop bid at $750 - $800 and never make reserve.

[Slowpoke]

The last show i attended a month ago had three 69 grills for sale in good to restored condition.
The prices ranged from $1200 to $1750. The 68 grills there were going for $200 to $300 less for similar condition.
dont know if they were selling but thats what they wanted for them.

[dreamcatcher]

I think this whole front clip might be 69.The front fenders are for sure as the side markers are wrong.I dont care about concorse..but want it all 68.This grille is in very good original condition for sure.I was in hopes that I could keep the head light doors and just change the center.I will post pictures and see if anyone else can see other 69 parts in the front end.

[kab69440]

Yes, you can swap the centers. I would recommend swapping the entire grille, though. The plastic is chintzy and the fasteners do not age well. Dismantling a grille if you are don't intend to completely restore it will leave you exasperated to your wit's end.

[RR70]

the center section will swap out and all the rest will be fine except for the drivers side door. 69 has extra holes in it for a different emblem mount.
Outer trim pieces will swap but the straights will need to be 68's, (long ones).
I can use yours in a trade for a restored 68 if you don't want to tackle it. I've restored around 80 of them up to this point and usually have a completed example
ready for sale at all times. 69 complete with metal shell and all,   $1950 with restored oem trim. $2250 if you want the new trim instead, ready to bolt in. Pix if you need them.  417-581-2699.
if I can help, let me know.
Thanx,  Rod
gswrestorations@aol.com

[Troy]

Technically, the grill frame, hood latch, center section, top and bottom trim, driver's headlight door, and vacuum pods are different. The only parts you really have to change though are the center, latch, and trim pieces. The 69 parts are typically worth more than the 68 parts so you could come out ahead. Disassembling a grill can be dicey as mentioned.

Troy

[rebby]

I may need another 69 center section. If you do end up doing the swap, I can probably find a new home for your old center...

[dreamcatcher]

Thanks...All good information.I am not sure of what all is 68 or 69 on this front end...it appears to have one 68 fender and one 69.I will post some pictures of the whole grille and let you experts tell me what I have.Hood latch openings and everything seem to be right on the grille.Just not sure as I dont know a thing about the 69 line.

[Cooter]

I have converted a '68 to a '69 and the latch is by far the biggest PITA. But, it can be done fairly easily..

[Indygenerallee]

I sold my 69 grille on Ebay this past spring for $950.00 and it had cracks but was fixable.