TAC Spotlight => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: FormTA on November 03, 2022, 03:41:07 AM
-
So even though this will be a long slow project *especially since I'm just collecting parts right now) I decided to start a thread to keep all of my ideas and pictures in one place.
I asked on here if you guys would be interested and if you thought it would be ok to start a thread on a non Pontiac build. This is a mix mash build that many folks won't like but to me it's what makes me happy and I enjoy the process. Here goes...
I always like cars from movies, hence the reason I have a black 79 trans am and parts to a Delorean.... I am not brand loyal, I just love cars. The orange car from a 79s TV show was one of them. I enjoy being able to hop in my TA and just drive it anywhere, anytime (I LS swapped it and I love it). Purchasing a real 1969 Dodge Charger is almost out of the question as the cost of Mopars is out of this world. Guys are getting 25k for a pile of rust where only the vin plate and title are good.... And I know rust, my formula was almost unsavilable. So I had heard a few years ago the stunt guy who does all the jumps for Dukefest was tired of killing Chargers and he wanted a safer car to jump. So he took a 1999 Crown Vic and purchased all AMD sheet metal and built a 1969 Charger. It worked so well others have now started do it. Problem is, you can't get sheet metal now, I think demand and Covid have pinched that and original parts are like gold. I saw a FB market add for a hood for 4k. 4k for a hood!!!
Update, I have decided to look for a 2012 or so charger to build this body on. That way it will all be a charger of some sort. Yes the wheelbase is off but i will adjustthe wheel openins to make it fit. With the lengthof this car you will not noticethe 3" difference.
So I joined a FB group for body swap chargers a while back and recently a guy posted a front clip for sale for $600. As I want to have functional doors (unlike what guys do, they weld just skins to to body on the CVGL, Crown Vic General Lee). The price was right and he was not far from me. So I picked this up. Not the engine, that's a Pontiac, the 69 Charger front clip. It's in pretty good shape. I'll use the cowl, hinge pillers and windshield posts. The A pillers are not available repop so if you want functional doors you pretty much have to have a real charge to cup up. Well I have the part I need and I didn't kill a real Charger.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52474528433_deb52d6fbe_z.jpg)
Once I got to the guys house I find out he and a friend of his have a few more parts they want to get rid of for reasonable money. So I cane home with a decent hood, driver fender, valance panel, roof and trunk lid.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52474447180_32b4910396_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52473483007_bec17fb6af_z.jpg)
I found a near perfect set of tail lights on ebay so, into the collection those went.
That was last month. Well the other dayas I was searching classic industries I found they had got in the tail panel and the duchman panel (part in front of the trunk lid). So I grabbed those.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52473960551_aa6100aea9_z.jpg)
Today I'm driving back to the guy I got this stuff from as he is now selling me a pair of doors. So stay tuned for more parts collection.
-
Love this build! I'd say that any threads that will bring traffic to the site is a great thing, but that's my opinion.
-
I'm with Ryan :-D
-
I agree with Ryan and Mike, keep the updates coming Luke!
Plus I am a big fan of 68-70 Chargers.
-
Will it have a "Rebel" flag on the roof? :lol:
-
I plan to just do the 01 and have a sticker made that says "The General" for the roof.
I picked up these doors today for $50 a piece! They have glass and internals plus perfect trim on the top that cost around $300. So I feel I stole these.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52476043220_dfa8bb3e58_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52476127548_9afeb059d3_z.jpg)
-
I love it, the general is ALMOST as iconic as the Trans Am.
-
I guess you can tell by my screen name that I'm interested in watching the thread....lol. If you don't know about it, there is a place in Alabama named Stephens Performance. Ted Stephens and I have been car buddies for most of our adult lives, and he owns Stephens Performance. He is the largest distributor of AMD sheet metal in the country, and will have the most up to date info on what's available or will be available again in the future. Ted is also a Trans Am fan and collector. If he has or can get what you need, you could pick it up at The Mopar Nationals in Ohio to save shipping. The Mopar Nats are held at National Trails Dragway outside of Columbus every year, the 2nd weekend in August. The swap meet at that show may also be a good source to look for parts. The best days are Friday and Saturday.
I hope this helped some. I check in here every few days since I will soon be starting a resto on my 77 Trans Am SE, so I will check back in on this thread. :)
-
Thanks! That really does help. I am collecting parts right now ad I'm I'm deep with mt 49 ford F1 crazy project (also posted on this site as these guys are like friends after years of being on here).
I am waiting it out right now for the AMD quarter panels. I really don't care if they are 68 or 69, I'll just alter them. If I don't source them by now I will definitely order them from him if he has them. I'm in the Toledo Ohio area so running to the show to pick them up would be awesome to save some money. Thanks again for the info!
-
Don't shoot me, but many decades ago I too was into Mopar's. I owned a 67 Dodge Coronet RT and a 69 Super Bee, also a 72 Dodge Dart. Staying in the Mopar family, I also had a 1970 Road Runner. One of my brothers used to live in Dublin Ohio, so I managed to attend the Mopar Nat's, well worth it.
Luke I am a little confused about parts interchangeability on your second-generation Charger. The first generation was 66-67 and second generation was 68-70. I am not aware of any body panels that interchange between Gen I and Gen II?
-
That was a typo. I'll go back and fix it. Thanks.
The 68 had the small round markers and 69 the rectangle.
-
So, I check AMDs stock everyday and the other day a 1970 right quarter panel showed in stock so I ordered it and a lower rear valance panel and the door jam latch panels.
Talk about packaging! I had then shipped to my work because I knew they would be big but dang. This quarter panel is a mile long.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52662751251_e4d1484195_z.jpg)
Unlike Kerry, I did open the panels but I forgot to get a picture...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52663188300_72fc3d5343_z.jpg)
I still need a driver side quarter and something for a roof. Speaking of that, I am headed to Indiana to pick up a roof section from a roadrunner. They are almost the same as a Charger but the back glass and quarter area is different. My plan is to manipulate this area and turn it into a charger roof. Most of the inner structure is the same and the windshield and side glass is the same so it should be do able.
On a side note, I have changed direction in my mine a bit. I am going to look for a 2012 or there abouts year to build this 1969 body on. Mopar power and interior. I figure with this much money in it it should all be a charger of some year. The wheelbase is off by 3" buy I saw a Daytona built on a 2009 Charger chassis and he mover the rear wheel opening only and with the long quarters you couldn't tell.
-
Luke, you likely already know this, there is a company that takes current model Chargers and finishes the exterior to look like a 68-70 Charger. I saw one roll across the auction block for Mecum in Kissimmee last month. I thought it sold for over 200K. The current Charger is probably a superior chassis to the old Ford Crown Vic.
-
FYI, I guess they use carbon fiber. Looking at the pictures the proportions look a little different from a real 2nd generation Charger.
Here is a link,
https://moparinsiders.com/meet-the-carbon-fiber-bodied-c68-carbon-from-exomod/
-
Ya, I just red that. Thanks! I got my roof section but while I was there he talked me into buying a 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner.... It is a hulk but I need the inner quarter structure and trunk hinges and I'm sure other parts. He really twisted my arm at $200. Could it be saved, probably but a Roadrunner just isn't worth the same money as a Charger. Again, I need the inner structure which is 90% the same as a Charger. The problem is, it is a 9 hrs round trip and I didn't bring my car hauler so now I have to go back.....
-
I think that's a great move building it on that charger platform. Nice score on the parts! I'm sure the Mopar fans will look the other way that you will be destroying two cars to build a third. 8)
-
Wow I admire your energy level. And looking forward to this build as well. I too am geeky about movie cars. I had always thought if I hit the lotto it would be cool to have a collection of tv/movie cars. What you have going on makes my next project look like a walk in the park.
-
It's all unrealistic optimism.... I have pipe dreams and then slowly try to make them reality. This will be a long project, some of you will never see it completed.... I have to build the dar F1 first and I am not moving very fast on it....
The only reason the Charger is moving is because I am finding parts and they don't come up often and when they do they are crazy expensive. So, if I see a good deal or a part I will need, I grab it.
-
Nice score on the parts! I'm sure the Mopar fans will look the other way that you will be destroying two cars to build a third. 8)
Hence the reason the build is posted on a Trans Am site :-D
-
Just so there are some pictures. Here is the roof section I picked up. (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52664869856_8e0266a604_z.jpg)
Here's the Roadrunner but he has since pulled the front clip, doors and trunk lid. I'm just getting the rolling shell.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52664878571_39c77ce472_z.jpg)
-
Looks like a good score on the RR., from the picture it looks to be in decent shape.
And, you must have a very understanding wife!
-
Well..... This recent acquisition took some smoothing over..... I still may be sleeping on the couch tonight though... :(
At least I'm indoors :-D
-
Well..... This recent acquisition took some smoothing over..... I still may be sleeping on the couch tonight though... :(
At least I'm indoors :-D
I recommend taking her out for a nice meal and some dancing.
-
HA, I had to laugh at your last post. Reading things up to current, all I could think about was boy, your wife has way more patience and understanding with you than mine does for me. I need to get my TATA finished before my next project starts, the only reason she was on board with the one in waiting is because it came to me through her office. I am sure once I start 'beating panels' the attitude will change though.
-
This is a really cool build and in true spirit of hot rodding - taking what you have and can find to make something else!
-
Well..... This recent acquisition took some smoothing over..... I still may be sleeping on the couch tonight though... :(
At least I'm indoors :-D
I know that feeling too well. I think a nice dinner would smooth things over too. Good advice Kerry. :cool:
-
I will add, that the cost of my restoration time and final product of my 77 was having to buy my wife a new mustang convertible. Wasnt all that bad, its HER car but I do get to enjoy from time to time. A dinner out would have been a lot easier on the wallet :shock:
-
Ya, maybe this weekend. I did get B dubs yesterday and she seemed in a good mood (ya, not the nice dinner you are all suggesting). Too bad I'm leaving right after work today to go get the car... I won't make it home until after midnight....
She keeps asking "and what project is this for?" I say the charger (she know I ask for a Charger every year for Xmas, kind of an on going joke) build but it's not even a build I had planned until recently and I didn't think I'd be finding parts this quickly. I say I didn't have it planned because I always figured a charger would be way out of my financial reach plus spending that kind of money doesn't seem like a sound decision. So this is my best attempt creating something close and seems obtainable.
The real problem is where am I going to store this shell and extra roof now.... my 4 car shop is full with the F1, my TA and now my daughters car (she just started driving). My barn out back has the Formula, 67 Camaro, 4 trailers, boat, jetskis, 7 sleds plus other things..... Look at all these projects.... maybe I need to let something go.... na, I need something to do for retirement.
-
You can let that Camaro come live with me :cool:
-
Wow, what a project, you are ambitious if nothing else [:)]
-
Thanks, I think :D
Was a late night. Got back at 1:30am...
Just a quick picture of it loaded in the trailer.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52667962952_ce10fefe48_z.jpg)
-
Wouldn’t it be a lot easier to graft the Charger body panels on to the Road Runner?
-
That's the plan and then cut the finished Charger shell free from the "frame and drop it onto the 2010 LX platform. I want to run the LX drivetrain and interior, pretty much a 2010 charger that looks like a 69.
-
Placed another order for sheet metal with AMD. It was quite a few panels and all are is stock except the drivers quarter. I had them hold the order until it cones in which they said will be June. I didn't want to be hit with two freight charges of $200 and I don't need any of it now so this should be good as long as they hold the other panels too. They said they would so... We'll see.
I unloaded the shell the other day.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52673732421_2224619b8a_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52673731841_3cb325f0e3_z.jpg)
-
What's all of that white stuff on the ground? :cool:
-
Loads of awesomeness!
-
Very excited to see how this turns out! I've had both the LX Charger and Challenger - they were both very nice cars.
Best of luck on your project!
-
Any thing to look for or avoid in the LX line? Any year better or one avoid?
-
Any thing to look for or avoid in the LX line? Any year better or one avoid?
I had a 2017 Charger R/T (5.7L) and a 2017 Challenger Scat Pack (6.4L). I had zero problems with either of them. But those are the only years I have experience with.
-
I watch the stock at AMD like a hawk and I search 68,69 and 70s most parts are the same (at least for what I'm doing). I noticed the other day they got in 2 1968 left quarter panels so I called amd had them substitute the 68 for the 70 I had on order. The only difference is the marker light opening. At this point I don't know what I'm doing for marker lights, I hope to find something rectangular that is cheaper than anything Mopar. As you can tell I don't care if it's correct. So I'll have a 68 and a 70 quarter. Anyway they should be shipped soon. I have rockers, a fener, quarter panel, some miscellaneous panels and other small items and I'm in it for almost 3k. This thing will end up costing a pretty penny but it will be my ideal Charger.
-
That sounds like a win to me!! Built not bought, I love it!
-
Ya, like you I enjoy the process plus I like telling people I built that. When I said I was in it for almost 3k, I ment for just that order.... I will have to add up the last orders and all of the other parts I picked up from FB market, which is a lot. With this order, I have every body panel for the charger. I still need a grill and bumpers but those can wait until I get the body built. Kinda crazy a backyard mechanic is basically building a 69 charger from scratch or of replacement panels....
-
It's funny how excited I get when parts show up. Also AMD has perfected the the art of shipping panels without damage.
I am so excited to start this project but I need to get the 49 Ford somewhat together as it's currently taking up 3 spaces in my shop.
Anyway here are some quick photos of the delivery I took at work today. That is one expensive fender.... I have a decent driver that I am probably going to use but a fresh, clean new passenger one makes me want to get a new driver's....
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52749663869_a5b7fd3b98_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52749912748_5d8ab27093_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52748888807_45fbee68ae_z.jpg)
-
Luke, for most people one ambitious project is more than enough, but it seems you have to have multiple balls in the air at the same time.
Even though this is mostly a Firebird site, I love all cars or for that matter almost anything with an engine in it. One of my favorite cars of all time is the 68-70 Dodge Charger. I vividly remember TV commercials of when the second Gen Charger was released. The Charger is flat out a beautiful car. One of the greatest chase scenes of all time is bullet. When watching the film in the theater for the first time, I felt like I was in the car flying over the crest of every intersection.
So have you thought about what color you are going to paint it?
-
The plan is General Lee but that may change to black or bullet green. I really want to do the General Lee. I think it will get a crazy amount of attention and I plan to daily it but that may change too.... :-D
-
The Bullet Mustang was green and the Charger was Black, maybe it even had a vinyl top. Not that my opinion counts, but Black Chargers look great!
-
Ya, I knew that. Ya, black Chargers do look awesome but after seeing how much care my black TA takes, I'm not sure I would like that for a daily....
-
One step closer... :-D
-
After buying lots of sheet metal recently myself, I know what you mean about expensive panels. Looking great! Will be the coolest daily driver by far!
-
I don't remember which part of the country you're in but General Lee would not go over very well around here... but I would still go with it :lol: just my opinion.
-
I'm in north west Ohio. I plan to just run the 01 on the door and change the roof name to "The General". It's unfortunate that it offends folks. But it was a part of my childhood.
-
May also want to think twice about adding the flag to the roof. :shock:
-
Ya, I was going to omit that. Just to stay PC.
-
https://youtu.be/DuiNza3Rz6U
This is what goes through my head.
Although the stone chips really make me cringe.
-
Nicely done video.
While I used to enjoy watching the Dukes of Hazard, I am more a fan of the black paint scheme used on the 68 Charger in Bullet.
-
You could paint it blue and call it the General Sherman *ducks*
-
So, I always cruise the Facebook market place looking for a donor car for this project. All I keep seeing is junk with high miles and high price tags
They also all seem to be in the inner city and beat and will probably need an engine. I have to stay with the older ones that use incandescent lights ifbI want to use the stock 69 tail light.
So, anyways, the other day I saw this 06 charger RT with a blown engine but complete and with a pretty good interior. After a painful conversation through FB market place I made plans to pick it up in Indiana about 2hrs from me.
I got it for $900 so it won't bother me to cut it up like it would a 15k car. If I screw it up I won't be out much after I sell all the parts.
So, if all goes well I'll just drop in a new crate motor. Anyway here are the pictures of the disaster.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53387477000_09ae2b942f_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53387349539_e9227a9046_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53386122422_877c367c5f_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53386122417_66ca543510_z.jpg)
-
deleted, sorry wrong post
-
Looks great to me, a nice body style. You can't beat that deal!
-
Well, no matter the body style, I'm cutting it up.
It is growing on me though, it looks mean but a 69 is way better!
-
You can't go wrong for that price!
-
Ya, That's what I thought!
I'm much more eager to cut this up than a 15k car. If it seems to go well I'll order and engine and swap it out.
-
Nice find on the donor Charger. With all these projects going, what do you do with all your spare time?
-
Ya, I have ADHD I think. If my math is correct I'll be 110 years old when I finish them all...
I just love building something that most other people don't have. If nothing else, I really enjoy the build itself, no matter what it is. It just has to get me excited and most of my projects do. My 67 Camaro though is one I have kinda lost interest in but it was my mom's first car (not this one but one like it) and I grew up riding around in one. Also my wife really likes that car out of all of the ones I have so I have to keep it.
-
Looks good Luke. Will make a nice base to start with. That poor car sure had a rough life though.
-
You aren't kidding. I wasn't able to get the mileage to show up on the dash bit after messing around with the wiring I finally got it to power up. It only has 140k on it. Poor thing was beat to death. My son was saying the same thing, I gave the car a hug and told it it would be alright, it's safe now. But then remembered I was going to cut it up. It'll still have a better life with me though.
-
Thats crazy 140k just getting broke in. As much as cars cost it amazes me how many new/sh cars I see that are beat up. Pickups are even worse. I regularly see contractors that will spend 80k on a new super duty and a year later it looks like every body panel is beat up, never washed and the interiors trashed. I just dont get it. I have always taken very good care of my cars regardless of price or value. I just like to drive in something that doesnt look like trash. As far as my work truck, I try to wash it once a week and it is always parked inside. Something pop said years ago that has stuck with me, if a guy cant keep his vehicle decent what does a customer think his work will be like?
-
Thats crazy 140k just getting broke in. As much as cars cost it amazes me how many new/sh cars I see that are beat up. Pickups are even worse. I regularly see contractors that will spend 80k on a new super duty and a year later it looks like every body panel is beat up, never washed and the interiors trashed. I just dont get it. I have always taken very good care of my cars regardless of price or value. I just like to drive in something that doesnt look like trash. As far as my work truck, I try to wash it once a week and it is always parked inside. Something pop said years ago that has stuck with me, if a guy cant keep his vehicle decent what does a customer think his work will be like?
A wise comment from your father. If your drive a neglected junker people will notice, if you drive new 100K pickup they will also notice and maybe question your pricing. Better to have a reasonably clean well maintained vehicle that doesn't draw attention.