My new patina'd RR1 burgundy 1968 Charger ("Ribeye")...mostly original paint

[darbgnik]

I'm feeling really good. I have been working out to build strength. My back, chest, legs, and biceps/triceps all came back fast/strong but since the surgeon unhooked all the back (rotator cuff) muscles that tie into the shoulder and sewed them back into the cadaver's attachments, the geometry/tensions aren't quite right. As a result, I can't lift my right arm above shoulder height and I don't think it's going to come back since i did 9 months of therapy (3 days a weeK) to get this far. To illustrate, I have worked up to being able to do unassisted 4 pull-ups (although left arm does about 60%), but I have to use my left arm to lift my arm up to the bar to grab it. It makes working under a car or under a dash quite difficult as I'm basically one handed.....But I am NOT COMPLAINING!! I'm happy to be alive and to have the range I have. Thanks for asking!

That's absolutely the best way to look at it! Congrats on the recovery! And still being around to talk about it!

[VegasCharger]

Nice find!!   

Great nickname.

Is it 383-4? H code? That's what mine is.

Glad to see back.

Question, any chance you'd be willing to sell the trailer hitch that came with your '68??

Lime green arrows in pic is what I would need. Bumper support bar (U shaped), hitch and rear frame rail crossover bar.

Thanks

[70B5Cuda]

I haven't decided what to do with the hitch. I actually thought it was pretty cool and that I might keep it....we shall see

[VegasCharger]

I haven't decided what to do with the hitch. I actually thought it was pretty cool and that I might keep it....we shall see

I want to get one to tow a trailer to the swap meets and still be able to take the Charger. I really want a period correct looking hitch like yours in the pic. Sure I could get one fabbed, but I like the nostalgic look. Even if it requires you to drill holes in your bumper. I have 2 rear bumper cores if and when I land a bumper hitch.

[b5blue]

You check eBay? Shipping is high but they are out there.

[timmycharger]

Congrats!  looks amazing!

[chargervert]

Looks like a good solid project car, glad to hear that you are doing well.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

That's got a great look to it. Are you going to clear it? What's the plans for wheels & interior?

You got some great builds going on. The roadrunner over on protouring is looking awesome too!

[70B5Cuda]

That's got a great look to it. Are you going to clear it? What's the plans for wheels & interior?

You got some great builds going on. The roadrunner over on protouring is looking awesome too!

Thanks! The roadrunner is getting some major attention right now. Trying to make a big push on it this year. I'm really excited to drive that thing.


For now, the Charger is just getting some wax and I'll wait to see how it holds up. I am currently on a 4 week furlough from work so I am getting some stuff done on the car. I stripped the roof to bare metal and I removed the rear window to clean up the rear window channel, replace trim clips, patch some holes, etc.

[INTMD8]

Awesome find, love the look 

Just my opinion but I think clear coating patina ruins the look.  Takes it from looking authentic to fake.  Agree with just waxing it.

[TexasStroker]

Nice project...it does look like a ribeye!  Looking forward to seeing the progress!

[70B5Cuda]

I tried to remove the vinyl top glue with 3M adhesive remover and acetone but the glue was not coming off so out came the DA.

[375instroke]

Awesome find, love the look 

Just my opinion but I think clear coating patina ruins the look.  Takes it from looking authentic to fake.  Agree with just waxing it.

Exactly. For instance:
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,114356.msg1635413.html#msg1635413

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Do I see lead in the roof-quarter seam instead of the normal cheap Bondo?

[Nacho-RT74]

My 74 was filled with lead... well my car was assembled in Vzla thought

[70B5Cuda]

Do I see lead in the roof-quarter seam instead of the normal cheap Bondo?

You are correct. I've seen that several times recently. The fender tag options were burgundy paint, black vinyl top, and white interior....so it came with vi yl top from the factory.

[375instroke]

Is this an early car?  Was '68 the first year for vinyl tops?  I wonder if some bean counter came up with using Bondo after examining the process.

[69 500]

if you have found bondo on anything from Ma Mopar before 1972 somebody else put it there, assembly line only used lead until 72 after that I have no info.

[chargervert]

if you have found bondo on anything from Ma Mopar before 1972 somebody else put it there, assembly line only used lead until 72 after that I have no info.

That statement is not correct, I have had atleast 50 1968 to 1970 Chargers that had factory bondo on the roof seams underneath of factory installed vynal tops.

[68RT440]

My April built '68 had Bondo in the seam. I was the one who removed the factory vinyl top when I started the restoration

[Todd Wilson]

My 71 had bondo on its seem. That stuff was a pain to get out!

[70 sublime]

Only lead I have ever seen is at the bottom of windshield post to the cowl area

[Troy]

Awesome car!

Too late now but a product called "Goof Off" will take that glue off the roof. Not to be confused with "Goo Gone" which is useless. Lighter fluid works too but it has some hazards...

My blue (early) and bronze 68s have leaded seams. My black 1968 (late, built in May) had bondo.

Troy

[375instroke]

Awesome car!

Too late now but a product called "Goof Off" will take that glue off the roof. Not to be confused with "Goo Gone" which is useless. Lighter fluid works too but it has some hazards...

My blue (early) and bronze 68s have leaded seams. My black 1968 (late, built in May) had bondo.

Troy

We are only talking about original vinyl top cars, right?  I think it's understood that all painted roof cars were leaded, and generally thought that all vinyl top cars were Bondoed at the roof seams.

[bakerhillpins]

Burgundy with white interior is gorgeous.   Paint is coming out beautiful as well.  Nice find.

Goo Gone has it's uses and sun baked dry rooftop stuff is not one of them. I use it (Goo Gone) all the time to remove old adhesive from interior components and stuff that's more delicate. Pinball parts too. Goof Off is more aggressive and can strip paint, I've seen plenty of folks use the wrong stuff and destroy pinball playfield artwork.