Project '68

[squeakfinder]

Wowser. This looks like a mighty interesting project  . You'll become an expert on the anatomy of these cars with this one. Good luck. 

[NHCharger]

My advice to you is do NOT dip the car, not sure you would recognize what would come out of the tank.

[KSChrgr68]

hadnt planned on an acid dip, not sure how available that would be anyhow around here..  just gonna cut out the bad metal best i can.

[Silver R/T]

it's restorable, it will take a lot of work but it'll pay off in the end

[KSChrgr68]

worked some more on the charger today, took out the parts in the rear tail area (lights, wiring, chrome)  took out both front seats and console armrest, removed both rear tires and the brake drums.  found an old RC cola and pepsi can under the passenger seat, along with 2 eight track tapes, and a penny dated '1968'    

Any tips on removing the back seat? 

[squeakfinder]

   Stick your hands in between the the seat back and bottom. Lift the seat back up and out at the same time. If it still has one you might have to pull the package tray cover to make it a little more easy. Once the seat back is out you'll see that the bottom is bolted down. It also has a couple of hooks towards the front.

[KSChrgr68]

got the lower back seat out, alas no build sheet to be found.. figured as much but hoped till the end.  the rocker panels are shot too.    im afraid this is getting into territory that could be the life or death of the car's shell, im not an experienced welder or fabricator, i know the panels are out there to be bought but... this is a major part of the car...i dont know anyone who can fix this.  I want to myself but I am afraid i will mess something up.   may look into a replacement body, ill keep all the parts i remove..

[PatrickPeeters]

Not for the faint of heart....lot of work........

[1970Moparmann]

Go onto AMD's website and start planning your Christmas list.  They have rocker panels and basically everything else you need. 

[KSChrgr68]

ive been pricing parts, im just worried that i cant do it alone... if i screw this up not only am i out money for the parts, but the body too..

[KSChrgr68]

got back from omaha on a work trip, excited to get back to work on getting the rest of the interior out...

Kitchen sink broke, be spending a good portion fixing that this weekend...

[greenpigs]

   Not sure what it costs but AMD has a one piece front floor that MAY be easier to install than patching everything up. If you go that way, just take your time as thats the best advice I can give. Most of my mistakes get from being in a rush to finish the job.

[ionracer24]

Dont give up man!  all chargers are worth restorin, just take ur time and dont rush it, thats what i'm doin, i cut out all the cancer then when income tax comes........merry xmas to me!!!!!!     

[KSChrgr68]

got the driver front fender removed finally, had to cut the fender off just by the front valance, all the bolts were rusted so bad they wouldnt budge..  cleaned out the entire cab floor, pulled out the rear trunk wiring up to the cab..  vacuumed the intake manifold and engine compartment clean... looks like an engine housing now lol.  started removing the headliner and pillars.   started in on the dash by unscrewing the glove box..  

mystery of the low frame revealed,  A frame on driver side is broken free from front compartment


no fenders!!


the back...ahem seat was nasty


clean!  looked so much worse, the crap on top was flush with the heads from side to side!
(anyone tell me where that spring on top of the carb valve goes?) 

[KSChrgr68]

hoping to get outside this weekend and progress a little further.. hoping to have the rest of the front end removed 

[KSChrgr68]

anyone know where to find accurate measurements of the subframe rear/front rails? pretty much the entire B body measurements?  Going to start cutting body parts off soon, hoping to get something for reference

[Troy]

anyone know where to find accurate measurements of the subframe rear/front rails? pretty much the entire B body measurements?  Going to start cutting body parts off soon, hoping to get something for reference

The Factory Service Manual has a frame alignment diagram.

Troy

[Hemidog]

This one?
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,67999.0.html

[ktneifert09]

Buy a good MIG welder with gas and don't be afraid. Start with parts that aren't critical. You'll get the hang of it. Read all the posts u can from this site. If you're not sure that you're doing something right, ask we'll help. Also, when in doubt sleep on it. I'm amazed at how I come up with the answer when I do that. Last the corollary to measure twice, cut once - fit twice, weld once. Good luck!

[KSChrgr68]

thanks, hoping to get some time in, first actual big cuts to make to get some of the bad stuff out the back

[Wicked72]

REMEMBER! ITS ONLY METAL! You can handle anything it throws at you. Time and money are the only things that can make the project a PITA. Btw awsome find on the 1968 penny! I found a Peso from 1972 in my charger!

[SRT-68]

There will be great honor and pride when you finish this car. It will take 100s of hours. But take pride in the fact that many have bought a charger, but very few have saved one.   

[SRT-68]

It sounds like you travel for work, so start calling pawn shops for a welder. A small miller or lincoln 115-125 amp mig with gas will work and can be had for less than $300. I welded my entire car with one of these. Check ebay as well in the areas you travel to. You will get a good deal because people don't want to ship. Harbor freight has good self darkining (sp) helmets for less than $100 that work very well. Let me know if I can help in any way.

[Al]

  good luck with your project

[ktneifert09]

Welder advice. I shopped all over and the 120 amp welder from Northern tool can't be beat. Quality is great price is great.