1969 Charger Build.

[NickJ]

I've finally moved from the cars wanted forum to the Charger discussion forum!    Just pulled the car home yesterday. Lots of work ahead but she's a solid old girl and we're going to make her sexy again! Thanks in advance for all the help!

[NickJ]

VIN and Fender Tag Decode: If ya'll happen to see any issues with the decode please let me know. Trying to document everything that I can! Thanks!

XP29H9G103559
Code   Description
E63   383-4 Barrel
D32   H-D A-727 TorqueFlite Trans
XP29   X = Dodge Charger P = Premium 29 = 2 Door Sports Hardtop
H9G   H = 383 330HP, 9 = 1969, G = St. Louis, MO, USA
Sequence Number '103559'
A4   Paint Code: Silver Metallic
C6X   Interior Trim - Black Vinyl: seat color carpet door panel, instrument panel, headliner
X9    Black Int Door frames
808   Build Date Aug 08, 1968
Order Number: 087552
A01   Light Package
A04   Basic (Radio) Group
B51   Power Assisted Brakes
C16   Console w/wood grain panel
C55   Bucket Seats
G33   Left Hand Outside Mirror - Remote / Chrome
J25   3 Speed Variable Wipers
M21   Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M31   Belt Molding 69-70
N85   Tachometer
R11   Music Master Radio AM
V1X   Full Vinyl Top - Black

[73rallye440magnum]

Looked pretty solid in the craigslist ad. Nice work.

[Baldwinvette77]

AWESOME! 

[Ghoste]

Very nice and congratulations, even rough she's sexy and you can't go wrong with silver.  I'll add it to the 69 Registry.

[bakerhillpins]

Congratulations! 

Good looking car and great color!  Those Cragars look really shiny. Did they come with the car or did you bring them with you to get it on the trailer?

[Ghoste]

Oh, and welcome to the group!    (as a participant that is)

[terrible one]

Beautiful! It really looks like a good starting point from here, congrats!

[NickJ]

Thanks everyone. Really excited to have her home and start work. To answer the question about the Cragars.. They were already on the car and need a bit of polishing but otherwise looked good.
Now onto my first question (of many I'm sure). Any suggestions on where to start? The motor and tranny are out so I'm leaning towards brakes and suspension, fuel lines etc.. Things much easier with less stuff in the way. Is that a good place or would I be better off rebuilding the motor and trans first?  Thanks!

[NickJ]

Very nice and congratulations, even rough she's sexy and you can't go wrong with silver.  I'll add it to the 69 Registry.

Is the 69 Registry still online?

[Ghoste]

I've been back and forth with a host this past week as a matter of fact so shortly.

[bakerhillpins]

Thanks everyone. Really excited to have her home and start work. To answer the question about the Cragars.. They were already on the car and need a bit of polishing but otherwise looked good.
Now onto my first question (of many I'm sure). Any suggestions on where to start? The motor and tranny are out so I'm leaning towards brakes and suspension, fuel lines etc.. Things much easier with less stuff in the way. Is that a good place or would I be better off rebuilding the motor and trans first?  Thanks!

What do you know about the motor/trans? Have you heard them run, what did the PO have to say? How much $$ you got left? A motor rebuild is probably going to run you a lot more than freshening up the suspension and the brake systems. Which I say would be MUCH easier with the engine/trans out.

For me, if the block/trans are in serviceable order I would go with the suspension/brakes first.

[NickJ]

According to PO the motor and trans were both running when they came out and the motor turns freely. I plan on doing the basics regardless and then doing a big build a little later. I definitely think brakes and suspension will be my first project. So much easier with no drivetrain.

[Mopar Nut]

Are you going with disc brakes all around?

[NickJ]

Definitely the front. Haven't decided on the rears yet. Any advice on kits? Seem to be a wide price range on em.

[Mopar Nut]

Definitely the front. Haven't decided on the rears yet. Any advice on kits? Seem to be a wide price range on em.

Really depends on what size wheels, some of the newer kits will not fit 15" wheels or smaller. My front Baer brake kit that would fit 15" wheels was discontinued. Might try Dr. Diff (Cass), great guy and very knowledgeable on Mopar's.   

[tan top]

   congratulations ,  !!   looking forward to seeing more pictures as you progress 

[NickJ]

Quick questions fellas. I'm picking up some interior parts next week and want to clean what I have beforehand so I can really figure out what needs replaced. Any suggestions on a good vinyl cleaner? It's filthy but mostly intact and I don't want to destroy what I already have. Thanks!

N.

[1965gp]

My 68 LeMans interior was covered in mold when I got it. I used simple green and rags (not brushes) to clean the majority of the crap off. Did that a few times and did not experience any fading.

If you have dirt in the grain of the vinyl you can gently use a very soft brush.

Then get some tire foam (black magic or something) and soak the pieces. Let the foam sit on there for a little while (couple hours) then was with simple green again to get the residue off. The foam will bring the color back.

Finally use whatever vinyl protectant you prefer on the cleaned item.

[NickJ]

Thanks 65! Just what I needed. Had some simple green but was worried about bleaching the color out.

[NickJ]

UPDATE 1:
 
   I've met some really great guys lately. Seems that the Charger family is deep and full of genuinely nice people. First I linked up with the owner of a beautiful 66 Charger. He volunteered to help weld in my new trunk pans.. Score!  Next I met another awesome guy with a sweet ass 70. He had a ton of parts laying around so I picked up a new vinyl top, carpet, headliner, and 2 piece trunk pans all brand new for $400!    Heading down to his place next weekend to pick through the other odds and ends he has. I have to say that this community we all belong to is truly amazing and I appreciate everyone's help so far. Great advice, great people! 

Sincerely
N.

[Cncguy]

Awesome find. I believe G33 is a remote mirror

[NickJ]

Update #2

Interior is out and the floors are solid!    I only found 2 pin holes (one driver's side, 1 Passenger side) Otherwise they looked great.  The absolutely ancient Almond Joy wrapper was a nice little bonus.

[fy469rtse]

Great car to start with keep posting and updating us   

[NickJ]

Successfully separated the engine and Trans.. Motor is up on the stand and first round of parts ordered. Need to do a little garage cleanup today. Parts Everywhere!