Chargergirl's Charger Restoration Begins

[1969chargerrtse]

Great work.  So where's the love?  What's your story behind the car?  Is it something you always wanted as a kid?

[chargergirl]

It was on a Sunday that Mark, my boyfriend, now husband, asked me to help him tie down a car. The cover had come loose and we needed to check the other vehicles on the lot. We've done that before so it wasn't a big deal...then we go to breakfast at Ace's. (Fried Pork Chop...yum). So we checked the Dart making sure that cover was secure then walk out to the front area and have to remove the cover, of the Charger, to make sure it's secure...supposed to rain later that night so I'm there. We take the cover off the car...there she sits...faded, good interior, and, in my eyes, one of the prettiest land yachts I've seen in a long time. I had never seen a '66 till that day. I fell in love. We went to eat after securing the car. Not another word was said about the car and that didn't seem strange we do stuff like that all the time. It was almost our second anniversary of shackin' up and Mark asked me for the second time if I liked the car...and then..."yeah, but would you drive it"? Absolutely! So he goes on to say, "glad you like it...it's yours! So the trade was in play. We had been collecting parts for a Roadrunner clone for more than a year. That car was more his style and he traded '71 Satellite with enough interior parts to build two cars for this '66. Everything was put on hold until the '65 Belvedere was up and running. Well the Bel is running great now and will be shining at Garlits this year.

I have always loved muscle cars...ALWAYS! I love the way the engine rumbles, the comfort of ride, and the way the doors close solid like my 66 does. I am working with Mark to pull the car apart so she can go into the very skilled hands of "Pure Muscle Restoration" Ray Younkin's crew...you guys will have pics from start to finish of the Charger's comeback. Of course I get to learn how to pull the car apart and quit breathing when we go to pull the windows before she's blasted. This is the first time I have ever done anything like this. I have more help that really knows their stuff between Mark, Ray, and you guys here. So I am looking forward to doing this and praying that I don't FUBAR anything that's expensive or irreplaceable. Shudders! Like this piece...

[bull]

Maybe I missed it but how much rust do you have to deal with? Is there much in the way of reproduction first gen sheet metal out there?

[Belgium R/T -68]

Must be great to share the hobby with your family, good luck with the resto.

Per

[mauve66]

Maybe I missed it but how much rust do you have to deal with? Is there much in the way of reproduction first gen sheet metal out there?

whatever you can steal from a coronet and then bend for the shape you actually want..............

[chargergirl]

I'm fortunate that I don't have a lot of rust to deal with. I searched a bit and realized that Mauve seems to be right. They got floor pans and such but no real sheet metal...wow! I'll ask around to find the best that's out there.

[chargergirl]

These past few years have been really rough. Mom passed away a few months ago and a lot of my steam with her. Always hoped she would make it back...walking again etc...no such luck. So I am jump starting my life again. Spent the last few visiting her in the home. Sold this car to someone who is restoring an original '66 Hemi Charger. It's hard to deal with sometimes but I know she is in good hands. Also letting some other stuff go...will be posting in the sale area. I have had a lot of fun here and have missed you guys and all your wonderful knowledge! I fully intend on buying another Charger...one day.

[Chryco Psycho]

So you git the Charger started o resore it & have now sold it ??
My condolences for your loss , but why sell off the Charger ?

[tan top]

sorry to hear about your mom CG

[JoeyGowdy]

Looking nicer, keep up the great work.

[chargergirl]

Thanks...I miss my mom so much. We were finally at the age where we could be best friends. Why I sold the car is that I have a good job, great company, with crappy pay. Real Estate is doing well but I can make better if I sell homes myself. So sold it for "seed money". Still makes me sad that I had to do that...but we all do what we must.

[NHCharger]

Sorry to hear about your Mom. My Mom lost her three year battle with cancer on May 31. I spent a good part of the summer with my Dad trying to keep him occupied, even took him to Carlisle. My parents only lived 20 minutes away so it's a huge adjustment, especially for my sister.

Just because you don't own a Charger doesn't mean you can't stop by for a visit.

[chargergirl]

Sorry to hear about your Mom. My Mom lost her three year battle with cancer on May 31. I spent a good part of the summer with my Dad trying to keep him occupied, even took him to Carlisle. My parents only lived 20 minutes away so it's a huge adjustment, especially for my sister.

Just because you don't own a Charger doesn't mean you can't stop by for a visit.


Thanks. So sorry to hear about your Mom. It's hard, especially during the holidays when that place setting is vacant. It's awesome that you are watching over your Dad like that. Last three years my mom was here and we cooked together. This year kids are doing things they can't get away from...one in Afghanistan...talking to him right now and it's making my day a lot better. Take care of each other and give thanks for all the memories that we have, good and tough, they make our lives amazing!

[nvrbdn]

really sorry to hear about your news. hope things will get better with time. cars can be replaced. you were just so happy about it and excited as the work started. stick with us.