Considering a 68 Charger. New to Mopar. Several Questions.

[Orange_Crush]

Here are my (random) questions:

1. Any specific 68 parts that are hard to come by, that I should make sure are there? What parts are REALLY hard to find or expensive to replace?

Pretty much anything between the fron bumper and back bumper(including the bumpers).  Sounds tongue-in-cheek, but the sad fact of the matter is, Mopar parts are rare and expensive...especially when it comes to something as desirable as a Gen 2 Charger.

2. Any things I should ask about the car that might infer something is wrong?

Not really.  Just know what to look for.  First, Check that the stampings on the trunk lip and core support match the VIN tag.  Check for evidence of a wreck (wavy frame rails, bad alignment, inner fenders or frame rails with obvious cuts or welds.  Check for floor pan rust as well as rust in the rear frame rails (use an awl or icepick to check for soft metal in the frame rails).  I gurarntee that a 5500 dollar '68 Charger that looks like that one will have a LOT of questionable rust repair under that pretty paint so, Caveat Emptor.

3. Since it's a 4-wheel Drum car, who makes the best, most straightforward disc conversion? I'm OK with drums in the back, but I want discs on the front for sure. I plan to dirve the car a lot. This is a must for me. I see SSBC and MP Brakes make conversions but often I know on the GM side there are specialty shops that have better kits.

Master Power brakes www.mpbrakes.com  Not as flashy as SSBC or Wilwood, but a good, straightforward, reasobably priced, and VERY complete kit.  Also, very easy to work with.

4. What about suspension and handling? Whats the best source for Charger handling parts? These are torsion bar cars, right? Do they have sway bars? What's the best combination to get crisp, more modering handling. Again, not road-racing but a good, tight, modern feel.

You can get the torsion and sway bars just about anywhere.  Flaming River sells a good quick ratio steering box or if you want to spend big bucks on handling and steering, go to Magnum Force or AlterKtion and get one of their K-member replacements.  They allow you to change to rack-and-pinion steering, Coil-over shocks, and tubular, fully adjustable control arms.  They make these big barges handle...but its big money.

5. I was told the car is a factor AC car, but is missing a lot of the AC parts in the engine. How hard is this to find and get back to working?

Just go with one of CLassic Auto Air's kits.  More reliable than the factory units as well as lighter and better looking.

6. I love the looks of these cars, but I'm really a fan of the 69 style taillights. How hard is it to convert to the 69 lights? Is there a repro kit? Does it require cutting/welding? This is not a mandatory but I'd like to know how hard it is.

Its more work than you want to get into, just leave it alone.

Any other thoughts or advice on the car would be great. I hope to be posting more about the car once I can convince the wife!

Thanks!

Just be careful...that car looks a little too nice to be selling for 5500 bucks.

Good luck and enjoy.

[19Charger68]

Welcome to the site and congratulations on your purchase.  I hope the remaining restoration goes smoothly and turns out well!  Great to see another 68 getting a good owner!  Best wishes!

[Corellian Corvette]

Thanks very much! I'm sure I'll have many more questions as it goes along.

[jwilk01]

I am not sure if anyone else noticed this but that rear view mirror is way to forward.  I don't even think you will be able to look at it when in the car.  Just kinda stuck out to me, but the rest of the car look great!!  Congrats love seeing another 68 charger around here.

Later
Josh

[CaptMarvel]

  Welcome to the brotherhood of 68's. It's a great year to have alot of fun with. Just be patient, Chevy and Ford guys have the luxury of buying almost everything needed for a complete frame off resto at Wal Mart (Ok, a little exagerated)  We have to look a little harder, but the end result is way more satisfying than to see the blue ovals and bowties done to death (again and again...)

[Corellian Corvette]

Try restoring a 1965 Oldsmobile 442 sometime! - based on what I'm seeing it's a lot easier to get Charger parts than Olds parts! You guys don't have it so bad. Try being an Olds or Buick owner.

I always seem to choose the cars that present the most challenge - and you're right it's always more satisfying! 

However, in my mind nothing beats the look of these cars and I'm so excited to get it I can't contain myself!

[Brock Samson]

interesting the sails are too narrow, the stripe is too forward and the mirror too,.. anything else?..
Welcome to the club! 

[Corellian Corvette]

What do you mean by "the sails are too narrow?" What part is that?

[Mike DC]

   
Ummm . . . I think he was referring to the rear "sail panels," meaning the rear roof pillars as they sweep backwards at the sides of the rear window. 

I don't seen anything visibly off in the pictures, but you're saying the rear chrome trim wasn't fitting so maybe the bodywork there has issues?  Can't tell without seeing it in person.