1968 Restoration started

[kevink]

Guys, I have taken my Charger to the shop to get the 440 snatched out and rebuilt. While that it being done I am having minor body work done and the car completely repainted. The questions I have for you guys is:
1. What does it hurt on the cars value if I put on headers on an all original car? Should I stick to the factor exhaust on it now?
2. Re-chrome my bumpers or buy replacements? Which is cheaper? Mine are straight just need that new shine. Who is the best to do re-chroming?
3. The 440 in my car is the light blue color. Never been rebuilt or out of the car per the previous owner. Where do I get that exact color to match?

I will have many more questions as I start this process i'm sure. I just figured a lot of you guys have already been through this process and would not mind sharing your thoughts/experiences.
Thanks,
Kevin K.

[jfreakofkorn]

any update(s) ....??

these are just my opinion ...

1) i dunno but it sure would breathe a bit better with headers

2) after market would be cheaper. re chroming them is a bit pricey ( depending on the condition of them )

3) this may help ...  http://www.oldride.com/library/1968_dodge_charger.html

                               http://classic-car-history.com/dodge-charger-history-1968.htm

best of luck 

[Ghoste]

Headers would only the value to the most anal purist and you likely aren't building the car to their specs anyway.  Even at that it won't harm it much and it could raise the value to others so don't sweat that.
Repro's are cheaper than replating it seems anymore but the original are a much better core, so...

[comet_666]

Go with headers, keep the manifolds in storage.

[twodko]

My  .........

Headers.....TTI's IMO.......sound fantastic blowing through stock plumbing and the motor
will breath mo betta'.
The bad news is the cabin of your car will be HOT. If the interior is out if the car spend the money
for DynaMat etc insulation. If the interior is in place and won't be replaced anytime soon, the
cabin will be hot with headers.
If your car is a working AC car there will could be cooling problems with headers. If no AC and you do
run headers consider having the radiator cored and cleaned........the engine bay will be a lot hotter running
headers.

As for the original exhaust manifolds......regardless of what kind, HiPo or RV, KEEP them.
If you decide to reuse them have them media blasted and ceramic coated.

I think the mill should be orange if it's a factory 375hp engine........even if it's a transplant.
Other members will know for sure but if your motor is blue, did it come out of an RV?

Compare the cost of buying repoped bumpers verses having your originals rechromed and the cost of shipping them.
If you find a reputable refinishing shop that's close to you, within driving distance, get them redone.
Ghoste is spot on......originals are thicker and you know they will fit.

Long winded I know........it's one of my skills.  

[westcoastdodge]

I think the mill should be orange if it's a factory 375hp engine........even if it's a transplant.
Other members will know for sure but if your motor is blue, did it come out of an RV?

'68 440 definetly blue

[twodko]

I learn something new just about every time I read the fresh posts here. 

[kevink]

Thanks Guys. I took a few days off last week and tore her completely apart. It is amazing how you car seems to tell you her history with each layer you peel off. I priced the re-chrome ($1500 for both bumpers) v/s about $750 for reproductions for both bumpers. I am excited to get her blasted to see what truly lies beneath the layers. I have not priced the console chrome but I am thinking it will be the same. Probably cheaper to buy the reproductions? Thanks again for the help and I will update you guys as she moves along.

[triple_green]

The repo'ed bumpers I got were not even close to as thick as the originals. I think you should be able to get the originals rechromed for less than $1500 if you keep looking.

The correct 68 turquoise engine paint is P4120752, I was able to get several rattle cans of it from the dealer a few years ago.

I used the factory HP manifold and after stripping them I recoated with Eastwood Factory Gray High Temp Coating 34105Z.

[twodko]

Exactly what triple green said. My car is Q5, I bought a couple DupliColor spray bombs and the
color match was surprisingly close. I just had surface rust on my trunk floor so I hit it with a couple
wire wheel brushes on an angle grinder. Took it to bare metal and primed it with something from
Eastwood and shot 3 coats with the bombs. It's as good as new even 4 years later. Of course I did
this before I had the car painted.

I used the same Eastwood high temp coating after media blasting the manifolds. Same same to
this day. When the coating begins to show the heat I've just touched it up.

I would contact every plating place within 500+ miles....... Reasonable driving distance anyway, for
rechrome bids. $1500 seem steep. 

[will]

I just sent my front bumper to tri-city plating. $40 for shipping, 325 to rechrome, pickup at carlisle. They did the rear and all my bumperettes for right around 500 smolians.

[twodko]

See what I'm sayin'?

[6spd68]

If you go with headers, it may be advantageous to insulate them to reduce cabin, and engine bay heat no?

[kevink]

The charger is now sand blasted and in primer. Amazing what you find stripping a car down like this. Buyers, while looking at a car if you see a small area of concern it is probably twice as big as what you can see from my experience. This is a painful process but I know in the end I will know what is underneath the paint.  I will try to post pictures as I go.

[fy469rtse]

  waiting for photo's yes make this your build thread start to finish

[tan top]

      looking forward to seeing pictures & updates & stuff   

[kevink]

Here are a few pictures of where I am at. 

[kevink]

Making progress.... Started out as a touch up and went to a tear down.

[kevink]

Think your charger has solid floors? Pull the carpet and put a sand blaster to her. These only had minor pitting to the naked eye.

[kevink]

I am truely excited about this car. It is a rare love as you guys know. I am just pumped about having a 46 year old car I can drive anywhere.

[kevink]

One last picture. I will be hitting you guys up very soon for the best place to getting the complete wiring kits along with other things.

[six-tee-nine]

Doing a good job there. 

I hear you about the excitement. I take my own hand(re)built 40+ year old classic over a 150 grand new supercar any day.

[tan top]

           ...........  

[Shakey]

Nice to see another one getting restored!   

Be sure to post lots of progress pics and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions.

The folks here are very knowledgeable and always willing to help.

Best of luck and be patient.

[68pplcharger]