66 charger project ( brought it) (Update)

[Mikesmoparperformance]

Hi Guys,

I got a question. What would you do if you're dream car is a 69 dodge charger? And a friend offert you to buy his 66 charger project car? Buy it or not? I'am thinking of buying it He has a engine with it 383
It came with a 383 form the factory . He got it form a 67 newporter

Here are some photo's of it

[ODZKing]

How much?   

[bobs66440]

First gen Chargers are EXTREMELY expensive to restore due to the lack of availability of many parts. It looks to me like this one needs just about everything, so it will not be cheap...even if you do all the work yourself. And resale is not very good, so getting a return on your investment is unlikely.

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom...I love first gens...but it's just reality. You would have to get it very cheap or near free to make it worth while IMO. There are complete/finished or near complete finished ones out there selling at reasonable prices that will cost far less in the long run...

[66chargertoy]

I'm a little confused about your initial question, but correct me if I'm wrong, you mean that your friend IS willing to sell you this car . If so, depending on the price, and hopefully all the parts are there and accounted for, that looks to be a big project. Don't get me wrong, any mopar project is great, but I think there are better first gens out there to start off with. Thrust me, if I had to start over again, it would be a complete running charger that needed some work. If your dream car is a 69, it won't take you long before you get frustrated working on something else.

[billschroeder5842]

Stick with your dream of the '69. Whatever challenges you will face with the first gen will be more frustrating and expensive than you want due to your compromise.

[71green go]

I love the 1st gens...and I would take that on in a heart beat.....I was also looking for a 68/69 when I came across my 71 R/T...I am so glad I bought it, My plans are to keep it, but now I have a stepping stone if I want to buy my 68/69 I can sell my 71 and get the car I wanted....however I think I will keep it for a few years.
Depending on your budget, this car looks allot more solid than allot of the 2nd gen cars I have seen....so maybe less sheetmetal work?
Go with your heart.....could take years to restore and you have to make sure your enthusiasm will stay with you..

[Mikesmoparperformance]

How much?   

He is asking 1,500 euro's for it that is about 2.032 dollars. I live in the netherlands. Most of the trim is there except for the trim on the fenders but i don't need that. He has a new backwindow en tail lights! So that is good. Most of the interior is there to. On the photo the left door is missing the cover for it. But he has it. The console he has to. The car is well kept indeed just Littel rust on the back fenders, floors are solid. It only needs a repaint and restore the engine offcourse. Engine has 75.000 miles on it.

[Mikesmoparperformance]

Some photo's




Looks good?

[Mikesmoparperformance]

I'm a little confused about your initial question, but correct me if I'm wrong, you mean that your friend IS willing to sell you this car . If so, depending on the price, and hopefully all the parts are there and accounted for, that looks to be a big project. Don't get me wrong, any mopar project is great, but I think there are better first gens out there to start off with. Thrust me, if I had to start over again, it would be a complete running charger that needed some work. If your dream car is a 69, it won't take you long before you get frustrated working on something else.

Sorry if i make it sound that way. Yes my friend has this car. And he can't finish it because he must go the barcelona for work. Most of the parts are there. he is only missing some parts in the back of the interior. I have seen 66 projects and most of them where more compleet, but had more rust on them then this one has on it. Well I would rather to the same and buy a running charger yes . I have thought about that to. But I'am a Charger and Mopar guy so i love all the cars. With a 69 i feel better but this 66 makes me think ? If i can make this work that a 69 would be no problem to restore later on in life

[Mikesmoparperformance]

Stick with your dream of the '69. Whatever challenges you will face with the first gen will be more frustrating and expensive than you want due to your compromise.

Thanks! I think i'am better of yes. But some how the 66 says to me restor me? The car comes from texas and has not been on the road for about  27 years! The windows stickers says 1986 it was last registered.

[Mikesmoparperformance]

First gen Chargers are EXTREMELY expensive to restore due to the lack of availability of many parts. It looks to me like this one needs just about everything, so it will not be cheap...even if you do all the work yourself. And resale is not very good, so getting a return on your investment is unlikely.

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom...I love first gens...but it's just reality. You would have to get it very cheap or near free to make it worth while IMO. There are complete/finished or near complete finished ones out there selling at reasonable prices that will cost far less in the long run...

What is the most Expensive part on the car? Most parts you can get. But soms will be hart to get i know i hoop to find stuff on Ebay? I was thinking about restoring it drive it for a while and trade it for a nice 69 charger? 
The moste expensive is i think the paint? Yes there are better ones i have seen that on ebay. But most of them need also a paint job to look great. So that makes me think? This car is allready apart so i only need to get it to the paint shop. Or is that to easy thinking?

[Mikesmoparperformance]

I love the 1st gens...and I would take that on in a heart beat.....I was also looking for a 68/69 when I came across my 71 R/T...I am so glad I bought it, My plans are to keep it, but now I have a stepping stone if I want to buy my 68/69 I can sell my 71 and get the car I wanted....however I think I will keep it for a few years.
Depending on your budget, this car looks allot more solid than allot of the 2nd gen cars I have seen....so maybe less sheetmetal work?
Go with your heart.....could take years to restore and you have to make sure your enthusiasm will stay with you..

Great story! I have that same thing. If i have something i can't part with it. That is very hard! Yes this car needs very less sheetmetal work. Thank you. If i buy it will be my very first Mopar! and Charger so my  enthusiasm is very high ad the moment. I'am 27 years old so maybe that explains it to.

[wingcar]

Looks like a good project car for a first Generation Charger.  The main consideration with first generation Chargers is that they are complete.   As others have already stated parts are not cheap for these cars, and they require special knowledge and or skills when dealing with the dash and other areas that are particular to these cars.   I have owned both first and second generation chargers, and can attest to the fact that you can quickly become buried with a first generation (read that as spending a lot of $$$$'s).  On the up side, second generation Chargers are rare at most car shows......first generation Chargers, even more so........as a result you will more than likely not have to worry about parking next to another at a show.    Just don't buy it if your heart is really set on a second generation Charger and you are looking to "flip" the car to make money.   I feel they WILL be worth big money in the future.....just not sure how far off that future is! 

[Cooter]

If a '69 Is your Dream, then stick with that. A First Gen. will only cost more and not be at the end of it all, what you REALLY wanted.

[ODZKing]

Can't agree with Bobs66440.  Parts are no more expensive that they are for any other Mopar. (Try restoring a 73).
More and more NEW parts are available everyday than they were even 8 years ago when I did mine.  And what is not, if you're willing to have older parts refurbished or rechromed, they are not much more a problem to restore that a second gen.
Everything is straight forward other than the electroluminecent dash and headlamp issues.
For that price with parts included, I'd grab it.
What I will agree with is this: if it is NOT what you REALLY want, consider carefully. If you are looking as an investment, forget it, you'll never gat back what you have into it. These first gen's are either loved or hated.
They are such a fun car to drive - I love mine, but people who don't like 'em, hate 'em.

[six-tee-nine]

That one is for sale for very loooooong time now.

[bobs66440]

Can't agree with Bobs66440.  Parts are no more expensive that they are for any other Mopar. (Try restoring a 73).
More and more NEW parts are available everyday than they were even 8 years ago when I did mine.  And what is not, if you're willing to have older parts refurbished or rechromed, they are not much more a problem to restore that a second gen.
Everything is straight forward other than the electroluminecent dash and headlamp issues.

Yes, what I was referring to is the gauges which can cost $850 or more, the headlight systems which can be $300-$500 depending on the problem and the tail light assembly which will easily be $1000 with the housing. He said he has a new tail light, so that's a plus. Also, small pieces like hood letters, wheel opening moldings and ridge trim (as well as much of the other external trim) are not available new and prices are frequently in the stratosphere for average used ones. I've seen driver quality full length consoles for $900 bare...no trim at all. Yes, many of the costs are the same as other Mopars, but a lot is also exclusive to the first gens and can deplete the budget quickly. Especially for the return compared to a 2nd gen.

[Musicman]

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom...

Bob... You are the king of Doom & Gloom... Frenzied Paranoia... Hypochondria... Coulrophobia... you name it... your seat belts have seat belts... you live in constant fear.   

[tan top]

 if it were me , i would hold out till you can find a 69  or a suitable second generation , (( although this is coming from someone who could not wait for the charger with the color combo i wanted at 16/17 years of age & almost bought a 68 roadrunner , then thought no & almost bought a 71 Challenger 383 R/T in green go or sassy grass green  what ever the color is called ))) even though my dream had always been a 69 charger R/T    ,  if you decide to take on this project  , its going to take a endless amount of dough to get it how you want  , but then again you really want a 69 ,  could you sell it for a  profit when it finished ?? to fund a 69 !!!  i don't think first generations are as popular as a second generation , more of a selective market / buyer  , no offence to first generation Guys  
besides murphys law , soon as you buy this first generation , next day there will be a 69 forsale , down the street half the price   , joking but i think we all know how things go on times  

[bobs66440]

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom...

Bob... You are the king of Doom & Gloom... Frenzied Paranoia... Hypochondria... Coulrophobia... you name it... your seat belts have seat belts... you live in constant fear.   

Don't hold back, say what you really feel.

[Mikesmoparperformance]

if it were me , i would hold out till you can find a 69  or a suitable second generation , (( although this is coming from someone who could not wait for the charger with the color combo i wanted at 16/17 years of age & almost bought a 68 roadrunner , then thought no & almost bought a 71 Challenger 383 R/T in green goor sassy grass green  what ever the color is called ))) even though my dream had always been a 69 charger R/T    ,  if you de cide to take on this project  , its going to take a endless amount of dough to get it how you want  , but then again you really want a 69 ,  could you sell it for a  profit when it finished ?? to fund a 69 !!!  i don't think first generations are as popular as a second generation , more of a selective market / buyer  , no offence to first generation Guys  
besides murphys law , soon as you buy this first generation , next day there will be a 69 forsale , down the street half the price   , joking but i think we all know how things go on times  

You got a point there! I'am looking for a 69 when i was 18 years old and still havend find the one 69 charger i'am looking for to make a General (LEE3) Out of it . So when this came alone i though well maybe i can make something out of it and learn also on the way to work with mopars. I will not make it like factory because the trim on the fenders and doors are gone. I was thinking about a Chip Foose looking 66 charger. No door hendels no trim. Only inside like factor the rest i don't need. Maybe this makes it beter to do? Then to find every part for it.  I can trad it later on for a 69 i would love to do it. But i'am also a guy that can't part with stuff when i have it. So if i do it i think i and up owning two cars . But if i do this i can't not fund a 69 charger for sure

Well i think you right that is most likely the case that a 69 will come up for sale and i will go like this  

[Mikesmoparperformance]

Looks like a good project car for a first Generation Charger.  The main consideration with first generation Chargers is that they are complete.   As others have already stated parts are not cheap for these cars, and they require special knowledge and or skills when dealing with the dash and other areas that are particular to these cars.   I have owned both first and second generation chargers, and can attest to the fact that you can quickly become buried with a first generation (read that as spending a lot of $$$$'s).  On the up side, second generation Chargers are rare at most car shows......first generation Chargers, even more so........as a result you will more than likely not have to worry about parking next to another at a show.    Just don't buy it if your heart is really set on a second generation Charger and you are looking to "flip" the car to make money.   I feel they WILL be worth big money in the future.....just not sure how far off that future is!  

I would do it. To have fun with it. Be the only one on car shows because here in the Netherlands tou only see second generation chargers 68 69 70. 66/67 only 2 or 3 that i know very rare her.  I don't think i will get money out of this car. They are not populaire here in the netherlands and never sell high! Even if it is restored like new! Only with you guys the first Gens are respected.

Go to this page and then to the map 1966 charger. There are only 3 cars Registered but i know that there are more i think about 10 cars. first Gens 4 on the road. And 1 in stored in a garage. the other five unknown but out there some where.

[Mikesmoparperformance]

Can't agree with Bobs66440.  Parts are no more expensive that they are for any other Mopar. (Try restoring a 73).
More and more NEW parts are available everyday than they were even 8 years ago when I did mine.  And what is not, if you're willing to have older parts refurbished or rechromed, they are not much more a problem to restore that a second gen.
Everything is straight forward other than the electroluminecent dash and headlamp issues.
For that price with parts included, I'd grab it.
What I will agree with is this: if it is NOT what you REALLY want, consider carefully. If you are looking as an investment, forget it, you'll never gat back what you have into it. These first gen's are either loved or hated.
They are such a fun car to drive - I love mine, but people who don't like 'em, hate 'em.

I will be refurbised older part every thing that can be re used i will make like new again. The part that are missing like arm rest i must buy new. What can be a problem with the  electroluminecent dash and headlamp? I'am a electrician. That can't be hard to do i think? All dashboard trim is there Yeah i 'am thinking about it. And first i hated it. But when i look close and learn more about it i loved it and though this is a cool car. I also have found out that this 66 charger color is AA1 with red interior.
This is the second most common color combination registered 45 Chargers registered (roughly 6%) that were built silver with a red interior after white with a red interior (47 vehicles).

[Mikesmoparperformance]

Yes, what I was referring to is the gauges which can cost $850 or more, the headlight systems which can be $300-$500 depending on the problem and the tail light assembly which will easily be $1000 with the housing. He said he has a new tail light, so that's a plus. Also, small pieces like hood letters, wheel opening moldings and ridge trim (as well as much of the other external trim) are not available new and prices are frequently in the stratosphere for average used ones. I've seen driver quality full length consoles for $900 bare...no trim at all. Yes, many of the costs are the same as other Mopars, but a lot is also exclusive to the first gens and can deplete the budget quickly. Especially for the return compared to a 2nd gen.

It has all the gauges. So they only need to be check if they work? The Headlight systems is complet but don't know if this works or not? I think not. Yeah he has a new tail light for it. But if he has a houding for it? I don't know yet. The other trim i will not use i think. Maybe only the letters on the hood. The rest i think not I ask him if he got the full length console and he does have it! So that is a BIG + to

This is a picture of the back of the interior



Headlight systems


Underside of the car

[bobs66440]

What can be a problem with the  electroluminecent dash and headlamp?

The dash lighting is electroluminescent, not normal incandescent bulbs. The system is run by an AC power pack that puts out about 280V AC and is prone to failure as it comes from the factory. The basic design of the gauges is vulnerable also because there's a points style voltage limiter that tends to fail and send too much voltage to the gauges and burn them out. The good news is there's a friend of ours, Gibber - The Gauge Doc (http://thegaugedoc.com/) that knows everything there is to know about this and can get any set of gauges to work better than new. He also updates the system with a solid state voltage limiter so there's no danger of power surges.

The headlight system consists of 2 headlight motors, 4 limit switches, 3 relays, one override switch, one headlight switch and a circuit breaker. Any or all of these can cause the lights to not work and tracking down the problem can be a challenge for non-electrically inclined people like me   The motors and relays are the most common causes of failure but all are available.