68 CHARGER PRODUCTION NUMBERS

[68rustbucket]

First off hello , I am looking at buying a 68 charger project car (would be huge project)that has a 383 (4brl) with a four speed and in this add(http://www.oldride.com/classic_cars/627030.html) it says there were less than 300 383 4brl 4 speed chargers were made and was wondering if this was true. Ive looked for production numbers but can only find 69 charger production  #s.  Also i was wondering how much a corect restored car would go to. Now that car in the add seemed cheep to me but of course it  wasn't totally stock.

[68rustbucket]

Another question is the 4brl h code 383 a 383 magnum.(the owner calls it a 383 magnum)I might not answer back right away i am going to be out of town for the next week but i can read when i get back

[JimShine]

The only figure I have ever seen was 19,021 4 bbl 383 1968 Chargers built (both manual and standard). Like 1969, the 383 was a popular engine size. In 1969 I believe the total 383 count (2 and 4 bbl) was more than 318's. I wouldn't be surprised if it were the same in 1968.

[Arthu®]

He is correct according to Govier, he counts 259 383-4 4 speeds in 68. Bull might have more info, if I am correct he also has one. But I am sure he'll pitch in.

Arthur

[68rustbucket]

Now another question any clue how many of those are orange with a black vinyl top. This car also has stripes on the hood in by the inlets/scoops was that factory or dealer (or just custom)

[Arthu®]

The stripes on the doors are definitly custom and hood as well I believe since I believe the hood option was not available until mid 69. But some other more knowledgeable members can jump in here.

For the rest of the production #'s I have no idea. Sorry.

Arthur

[Troy]

We had production numbers on the old site but I haven't put them here yet. There were two versions of the 383 available in a standard (non R/T) Charger in 1968 - 2bbl and 4bbl. The 383 4bbl and 440 in the R/T were both referred to as "Magnum" engines to designate performance models. A 4-speed was rare for any Mopar so the numbers are going to seem very low.
383 2bbl: 21,455 total, 74 4-speed, 21,381 auto
383 4bbl: 19,013 total, 259 4-speed, 18,754 auto
To clarify Jim's point:
318 2bbl: 33,514 total, all auto

The first thing to check is the VIN number. Any Charger will have "XP29" as the first four digits and the sixth digit is an '8' in 1968. The fifth digit is the engine code so a 383 2bbl will have a 'G' as the fifth digit and a 383 4bbl will have an 'H'. The transmission code is only found on the fender tag and build sheet though so if those are missing it's tough to prove the car is original. You really need to find the build sheet and/or fender tag for this car because orange paint was not available in 1968. There is a "Charger red" which is reddish orange and could be faded OR there were a small number of "Bengal" Chargers made to commemorate the introduction of the Cincinnati Bengals football team. These were all special ordered with a brighter orange paint with black interiors and black vinyl tops but also had specific badges. There were no hood stripe options available in 1968.

As for value, rarity doesn't always translate to expensive. A 4-speed car will definitely be worth more than an automatic - usually anywhere from 10-25%. However, a 383 car will be worth less than an R/T car simply because the R/T was the top dog (440 or 426 Hemi were the only engines). The 4-bbl 383 cars will be worth more than the 383 2-bbl cars for the same reason. I have been looking for a 4-speed car for a while and have missed out on a couple. I'd be willing to give up a project or two to get one...

Troy

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Now another question any clue how many of those are orange with a black vinyl top. This car also has stripes on the hood in by the inlets/scoops was that factory or dealer (or just custom)

A Bengal Charger? 

[69CoronetRT]

We had production numbers on the old site but I haven't put them here yet. There were two versions of the 383 available in a standard (non R/T) Charger in 1968 - 2bbl and 4bbl. The 383 4bbl and 440 in the R/T were both referred to as "Magnum" engines to designate performance models.

The 68 data book shows the 330 horse as the engine available in the Charger while the 335 horse 'performance' 383 was listed for the 68 Super Bee.

69/70 383- 4 speed Chargers have been found with the orange 335 HP engine. I haven't run across any 68's with a documented 335 horse install but research continues....

[Troy]

Yeah, that's why I said there were only the two 383 options for the Charger (2bbl and 4bbl).

So, is the 330 hp not considered a "Magnum"? I'd still say it was the "performance" option for non-R/T Chargers but it's entirely possible that I screwed up the terminology. It's been forever since I did any research so I was trying to be careful about only stating what I was pretty sure about.

Troy

[dodgecharger-fan]

Now another question any clue how many of those are orange with a black vinyl top. This car also has stripes on the hood in by the inlets/scoops was that factory or dealer (or just custom)

A Bengal Charger? 

That's the first things came to mind when I read that. 

edit - just read the ad - original colour was blue.....

[JimShine]

Do the stripes cover the entire indent from windshield to recess, or is it just enough to black out the recessed area of the turn signal light?

[OldGuy]

Looks like it has a 26" radiator with a fan shroud - which is not stock for that set up.  The 383, 4-speed, 4-bbls came with 22" radiators.  Looking into the engine bay, 22" inch radiators for that year had the upper hose connection just to the right of the filler neck and cap.  Also, the overflow hose went off to the left instead of the right.  The shroud was included if the car had A/C.  Can't tell by the firewall if there are A/C connectors.  Need a picture of the dash to see if there are A/C vents and A/C controls.

[SHARP68]

Looks like it has a 26" radiator with a fan shroud - which is not stock for that set up.  The 383, 4-speed, 4-bbls came with 22" radiators.

Not true it came on mine its on the fender tag as heavy duty cooling, no A/C w/fanshroud 18 spline HEMI 4-speed, 3.55 suregrip, AM 8 track, all #matching original color was sunfire yellow w/black vinyl top which I here is a rare color combo if anyone can shed some light on that would be great.  Also, does anybody know about the '68 Charger registry I would like to find out more on the numbers of these 

[OldGuy]

Now another question any clue how many of those are orange with a black vinyl top. This car also has stripes on the hood in by the inlets/scoops was that factory or dealer (or just custom)

If I understand what you are asking as far as the stripes on the hood - the "inlets/scoops" are indentations/depressions in the hood for hood mounted turn signals.  Looking out of the windshield, the turn signals were placed in the face of the depression.  If the turn signals were not optioned, then a plug was inserted where the turn signals were supposed to go.  A tape strip was usually placed over the indentations (4), including the plug, if no turn signals.  If turn signals were optioned, then the tape covered the indentations on both sides of the turn signals.  (see pic - there should be a little piece of tape on the outside of the turn signal indicator)

[Troy]

Now another question any clue how many of those are orange with a black vinyl top. This car also has stripes on the hood in by the inlets/scoops was that factory or dealer (or just custom)

A Bengal Charger? 

That's the first things came to mind when I read that. 

edit - just read the ad - original colour was blue.....

Looks like it has a 26" radiator with a fan shroud - which is not stock for that set up.  The 383, 4-speed, 4-bbls came with 22" radiators.  Looking into the engine bay, 22" inch radiators for that year had the upper hose connection just to the right of the filler neck and cap.  Also, the overflow hose went off to the left instead of the right.  The shroud was included if the car had A/C.  Can't tell by the firewall if there are A/C connectors.  Need a picture of the dash to see if there are A/C vents and A/C controls.

That's not the car he's talking about. That was an example to ask about the production numbers.

Troy

[triple_green]

No oranges in 68 except special order.

383-4's in Chargers were called HP not magnum. 68-70.
5 HP less than magnum.

[69CoronetRT]

No oranges in 68 except special order.

383-4's in Chargers were called HP not magnum. 68-70.
5 HP less than magnum.

If you look at the posting, the 335 is called the HP motor.

Here's the only thing that makes sense to me on the 383-4bbl cars:

In '67 and earlier, the HP designation was given to the 4bbl cars as a way to distingusih them from the 2bbl engines. This same thinking applies to the '71 version of the 383 as there was no variant to the 71 edition like there was 68-70.

From 68-70 only, the HP designation was used for the Road Runner/Super Bee/Dart/Barracuda 383-4bbl 335 horse variant that came with the same high lift cam and valve train, windage tray, etc as the 440HP engines plus any different carb, distributor specific to that set up.

I guess I'm unclear as to the use of the term "Magnum" too. Does anyone have any period advertisement that uses the term "Magnum" to refer to the 68-70 383-4bbl in a generic form, meaning any 383-4bbl, as opposed to a specific application to a Super Bee or Dart?

Please tell me more about the special order orange engines in 68....

[OldGuy]

Looks like it has a 26" radiator with a fan shroud - which is not stock for that set up.  The 383, 4-speed, 4-bbls came with 22" radiators.

Not true it came on mine its on the fender tag as heavy duty cooling, no A/C w/fanshroud 18 spline HEMI 4-speed, 3.55 suregrip, AM 8 track, all #matching original color was sunfire yellow w/black vinyl top which I here is a rare color combo if anyone can shed some light on that would be great.  Also, does anybody know about the '68 Charger registry I would like to find out more on the numbers of these 

I stand corrected - yours is probably a rare set up then-with the heavy duty cooling option, Hemi 4-speed and 3.55 suregrip.  Most of the set ups I have seen and heard about had the regular cooling system with a 22" radiator, A833 23 spline- 4 speed with 3.23 rear. 

Mine is SS1 yellow, black vinyl top, yellow wheels with dog dishes.  Don't know how rare the color combo is, though.

Galen V. Govier decoded my fender tag and provided the following info:
1968 Charger, 383, 4-bbl manufactured:  19,013
automatics:  18,754
4-speed: 259

However, Wayne Wooten of TDC decoded my build sheet and provided me with the following info:
"While I agree with all of Galen's code plate breakdown, I do not agree with his production figures.  Chrylser option and accessory reports for 1968 were crossed up to say the least.  But the following has been confirmed and I am still researching for a final answer:
96,108 - 1968 Chargers were built
92,470 - were sold in the USA
74,886 - were XP29 models.
296 or 222 of these were 383, 4 bbl, 4-speed.  The descrepancy comes in their drivetrain breakdown section.  TDC has registered 873 - 1968 Chargers.  568 are XP29.  9 confirmed 383, 4 bbl 4-speed."

[OldGuy]

We had production numbers on the old site but I haven't put them here yet. There were two versions of the 383 available in a standard (non R/T) Charger in 1968 - 2bbl and 4bbl. The 383 4bbl and 440 in the R/T were both referred to as "Magnum" engines to designate performance models.

The 68 data book shows the 330 horse as the engine available in the Charger while the 335 horse 'performance' 383 was listed for the 68 Super Bee.

69/70 383- 4 speed Chargers have been found with the orange 335 HP engine. I haven't run across any 68's with a documented 335 horse install but research continues....

69CoronetRT
I know we've had an ongoing discussion on the other post of the 335hp vs 330hp 383cid engines for 1968.  I mentioned on that post that Galen Govier decoded the #62 on my fender tag as a 383 - 330hp.  My build sheet is coded 709 for that engine.  However, I was just looking through the decoding notes of my buildsheet from Wayne Wooten, TDC and he says the 709 code on the build sheet is for a 383 - 335hp   So if those two guys can't figure it out or agree - it's really going to take some research.

[bull]

I see two B-body versions of the 383 that would have come with a 26" radiator. This list does not distinguish between the regular cooling system and the heavy-duty system but the '68 repair manual does.

2698034   1965   B   19   225    MANL   HTR
2898035   1968   B   19   225    BOTH   HTR
2898036   1968   B   22   225    AUTO   A/C
2898037   1968   B   22   273 318    MANL   HTR
2898038   1968   B   22   273 318    AUTO   HTR
2898040   1968   B   26   273    AUTO   A/C
2898041   1968   S   26   318    AUTO   A/C
2898043   1968   B   22   383    MANL   HTR
2898044   1968   B   22   383-2    AUTO   HTR
2898045   1968   B   22   383 440   AUTO   HTR
2898047   1968   B   26    440   MANL   HTR   WITH 492
2898047   1968   B   26   383 440   AUTO   A/C
2898048   1968   B   26   383    BOTH   HTR   WITH 358
2898048   1968   B   26   426 HEMI    BOTH   HTR

[OldGuy]

I see two B-body versions of the 383 that would have come with a 26" radiator. This list does not distinguish between the regular cooling system and the heavy-duty system but the '68 repair manual does.

2698034   1965   B   19   225    MANL   HTR
2898035   1968   B   19   225    BOTH   HTR
2898036   1968   B   22   225    AUTO   A/C
2898037   1968   B   22   273 318    MANL   HTR
2898038   1968   B   22   273 318    AUTO   HTR
2898040   1968   B   26   273    AUTO   A/C
2898041   1968   S   26   318    AUTO   A/C
2898043   1968   B   22   383    MANL   HTR
2898044   1968   B   22   383-2    AUTO   HTR
2898045   1968   B   22   383 440   AUTO   HTR
2898047   1968   B   26    440   MANL   HTR   WITH 492
2898047   1968   B   26   383 440   AUTO   A/C
2898048   1968   B   26   383    BOTH   HTR   WITH 358
2898048   1968   B   26   426 HEMI    BOTH   HTR

If I am reading your list right, isn't the 2898048 the only system with a manual transmission and no A/C for the 383cid?  As I recall, most of 383 set ups with the 26" radiator and fan shroud were for A/C cars.

[69CoronetRT]

We had production numbers on the old site but I haven't put them here yet. There were two versions of the 383 available in a standard (non R/T) Charger in 1968 - 2bbl and 4bbl. The 383 4bbl and 440 in the R/T were both referred to as "Magnum" engines to designate performance models.

The 68 data book shows the 330 horse as the engine available in the Charger while the 335 horse 'performance' 383 was listed for the 68 Super Bee.

69/70 383- 4 speed Chargers have been found with the orange 335 HP engine. I haven't run across any 68's with a documented 335 horse install but research continues....

69CoronetRT
I know we've had an ongoing discussion on the other post of the 335hp vs 330hp 383cid engines for 1968.  I mentioned on that post that Galen Govier decoded the #62 on my fender tag as a 383 - 330hp.  My build sheet is coded 709 for that engine.  However, I was just looking through the decoding notes of my buildsheet from Wayne Wooten, TDC and he says the 709 code on the build sheet is for a 383 - 335hp   So if those two guys can't figure it out or agree - it's really going to take some research.

Actually, the other post really helped fill in some pieces of the puzzle and goes to show what can happen when people will share info with each other....Here is a '68 383-4bbl 4 speed Road Runner that has engine assembly 760 which is a different assembly than the 383-4bbl 4 speed Charger. The next one is 68 383-4bbl Automatic Super Bee showing 761; again a different assembly than what the Charger BS shows. It appears that Galen's info agrees what is shown on the various sheets posted.

The more info that can be shared on boards confirming details like this really help all of us....

[triple_green]

69CoronetRT and all,

I just reviewed the 68 Dodge Sales brochure and the 68 Coronet specific sales brochure. You are correct they do not call the 383-4  HP or Magnum. The 440 is called Magnum. They simply call it the 383 4 barrell. The HP rating in both places is 330.

The orange I was referring to in the previous post was body color not engine color. I have never seen an original orange big block until 1969.(except hemi ??)

Mine which was numbers matching and had all of the original components right down to the original carter AVS still had turquoise paint on it.

3X

[Chad L. Magee]

Sorry for the late reply to this topic guys and gals, still on vacation in Kansas this week.....

To clarify Jim's point:
318 2bbl: 33,514 total, all auto

Troy and Jim-  I hate to correct you guys on that point, as there were a handful of 318s that came with the three speed manual on the column (not an automatic as I first assumed when I saw one).  If you check out the factory brocures for the 1968 Chargers, the option is listed but not many chose it.  The last time I talked to Wayne Wooten about them (around Thanksgiving), there were about six known to the TDC registry at that time (including mine, I still need to send him my car's fender tag rubbing).  I am guessing that no more than 50 of those were built as more would have shown up by now if the production was larger.  If I am wrong on the TDC information, please correct me as I am trying to keep track on them due to interest with my car.......

All of the information that I have found on the 1968 Chargers with the 383 4-speeds refer back to Galen's numbers.  I know not many of the 383-2bbl., 4-speeds are left as I have ran across three of them that were completely parted out/cut up for ebay sales (very sad to see).  My rollover project was saved from a similar fate when I bought it up in SD nearly a decade ago.  I figure that probably 15 to 20 of the 383-2bbl. , 4-speeds are left and maybe 50-100 of the other (I have seen one that was used as a RT 4-speed clone and the guy had no idea that his was a rarer factory Charger than what he was trying to clone it into. - He wanted a RT 4-speed but had little $).  That is just my guess and the numbers might be off either way.  Most of the Charger 4-speeds lived hard lives, with most of them modified for racing, very few were kept stock.  If someone can find one with low orginal miles that has not been messed with much, that is definately a keeper in my book.......