1968 Dodge Charger on 2040-cars

When I bought the car in the 80’s the pass. rear quarter had suffered  contact with a garage door opening and needed repair. At that time replacement sheet metal was not available so I had the quarter replaced with sheet metal from a 69 Charger. It probably could have been repaired but I was uptight about a bunch of body filler in the car and opted for the more extensive repair.  

When I started the restoration in 2002, the car was completely dis-assembled to a bare shell and media blasted. The car had some minor rust in the rear window channel, a spot under the battery tray, and the trunk floor had scale, but not rusted through. The repairs were made to the window channel and fender apron, and the trunk floor was replaced for good measure. The original spot welds were drilled and plug welded on the replacement metal. It’s really difficult to tell anything was done, nobody has ever noticed that it has been replaced, but does need to be mentioned here. 

The doors, fenders, hood, deck, floor pans, etc. are all original. It still has the original undercoat, everything under the car was in excellent condition so I didn’t see the purpose in removing it. 

Starting on outside, it was a straight clean, well cared for car. The paint and vinyl top are newer (paint was finished around 04 and the vinyl top around 08) everything else on the outside is original. Bumpers, door handles, trim, moldings, tail lights, bezels ,lenses etc. nothing has been re-chromed or replaced, these parts aren’t perfect, but are very nice and seemed to add credibility to the condition of the car I started with. It wouldn’t take much to re-chrome everything if wanted, I just liked the slightly weathered look, it seemed more authentic to me. If anyone is interested, the color is from Holden (GM of Australia) It is Hothouse Metallic  Green found on the Monaro ( what became the modern GTO)  A much more vibrant version of the original green, but not over the top. 

Inside - The headliner, carpet, lower door panels, and seat upholstery have been replaced, the rest was cleaned, dyed black and re-assembled. The seat material is "soft side" leather and vinyl, perforated inserts and solid on the rest, the same type you would find in a modern SRT, but in the pattern and design of the original. The instrument cluster is a painstaking creation using a very modified version of the stock pot metal housing to accommodate a set of auto meter led backlit electric gauges, these were a pre-production set of "GS" series without the "GS" logos they are set at the original angle to the driver, and when not lit, look very similar to the stock pieces. Also the entire inside of the car was epoxy primed and sprayed with Speedliner urethane truck bed liner prior to assembly. 

Electrical and Audio - The car was wired with an EZ wire 21 circuit atc universal kit. Where applicable all the factory terminal housings were re-used ( light switches, heater switch, dash accessories, ext. lighting etc.) to make future replacement simple. The instrument cluster has molex connectors to make removal easier if needed. Alpine head unit with I-pod/Iphone connector in center console and dash mounted USB, MB Quart 6.5" components in doors and deck powered by a Kicker ZX350.4 and two Kicker L5 10" subs powered by a ZX1500. most of which is hidden from view. It does however sound amazing. 

Drivetrain - The Engine is a .030 bored 1972 440, Crankshaft is a 1970 Six Barrel forged piece that has been lightened and internally balanced, rods are from 440 source Hemi style 5140 forged with 7/16 ARP bolts, pistons are Speed Pro Diamond forged coated skirt with Plasma moly rings, Camshaft is a Comp Cams solid lifter 282/290 525/540 on a 110 centerline, Pushrods are custom built pieces from Smith Bros. It has adjustable roller rockers and valve springs from Hughes racing, Valves are 2.14/1.81 Stainless single groove parts from Mancini, Performer RPM intake with Holley 800 cfm Double Pump, Chrysler stock electronic distributor operated by an MSD 6 digital ignition box, Griffin Radiator with custom mounts to use the OE fasteners on the core support, Hitachi mini starter purchased from Dodge. The Trans is a TCI built " pro-street " 727 with an approx. 2800 stall converter, rear axle is the original, it was gusseted and powder coated, then re-assembled with Dana style HD "green bearings" and new seals, The third member is a 489 case 3.55 sure grip assy.  

Suspension - Original type, All moving parts have been replaced ( ball joints, bushings, hoses, friction materials, KYB shocks etc.) I was able to find a new booster and master for '68 disc brake car and upgraded from manual booster, the front brakes and spindles are from a 1974 challenger to complete the disc brake system. The gas tank is new also, with new sending unit and hemi style 1/2 " pick up, and 1/2 steel fuel line to the fuel pump.There is a roll control assy. installed, the harness for it is under the console, I just couldn't find a suitable spot for the switch. Lastly the exhaust is 3" mandrel bent with Hooker Aero chamber mufflers.