How to/where to source parts for 68' to 69' conversion

[STIG]

Hey guys,

I know 'a lot' of you are against it but I've found something that I'm potentially going to buy, but I need to know how to & where to source the parts necessary for the; 68 to 69' front grille conversion, the side indicators and taillights (necessary for a complete 69' conversion). If anyone could recommend somewhere they know of where I could get (even some of) these parts, it would be greatly appreciated - I do not care where they are as long as they're in excellent condition/available.

Once again, I know you think it's mutany, but it has to be done as this is a very good opportunity if the deal does go through!

Please help!

Cheers 

[Ghoste]

If it's a deal too good to pass up, why not flip it and use the money to buy a 69?  You could source the taillight panel from AMD and the tail lenses can be had in the repro market but the rest of the 69 specific parts you will pretty much have to source through the used market I think.

[Cooter]

Grille will be your only hang up be it a 68, or a 69'....Grilles seem to get pricey if in good condition. There are some repro parts for grille, but as mentioned, are pricey.

[STIG]

Hey Ghoste, a legitimate 69' hasn't come up in over a year of searching (the ones I've spent thousands on inspecting have either had lots of rust, bondo patches or just been too expensive in general for the quality of vehicle). I'd have a look in person, but being on the opposite side of the world makes it a little harder, so finding one locally is quite rare!


Cooter, we'd do whatever has to be done at this stage. If it's pricey, that's just something we'll have to factor in but it'll need to be done. So if anyone knows of someone selling a tidy 69' front grille, let me know! 

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I'd buy a 1969, no matter the perceived "good" deal. Too much BS to convert, then the seats are different, too

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Hey Ghoste, a legitimate 69' hasn't come up in over a year of searching (the ones I've spent thousands on inspecting have either had lots of rust, bondo patches or just been too expensive in general for the quality of vehicle). I'd have a look in person, but being on the opposite side of the world makes it a little harder, so finding one locally is quite rare!


Cooter, we'd do whatever has to be done at this stage. If it's pricey, that's just something we'll have to factor in but it'll need to be done. So if anyone knows of someone selling a tidy 69' front grille, let me know! 

I've found a couple Chargers in this same time period, and passed on several more, because I am picky. They are out there. You just have to look all the time. But I understand your disadvantage of being overseas. Keep the faith 

[Ghoste]

It can't be that inexpensive to clone it into a 69 either.  I suppose if you just do taillights and grille you get out not too badly depending on the price of hacking off the 68 tail panel, welding in the new one and then repainting but if you did it properly and gathered all the little parts from dash pad to side reflectors it had to be quite an undertaking, no?

[Troy]

*Assuming* you want it to look like a 69 in every way, you need a lot more than sheet metal and grill parts. If you buy a 68 that needs everything then it's no problem but if you buy one in nice condition there's a lot to change. Technically, the doors, fenders, quarters, hood, grill frame, rear valance, tail panel, and dash frame are different. Then there's the wiring harnesses for the different lights and ignition switch. Inside, the console tops, dash, dash pads, door pads, door panels, seat covers, gauge bezels, and shifter knob are all different. The grill itself is mostly the same except for the center plastic/trim and the hood latch mechanism so if you can get a 68 with a nice grill you're most of the way there. However, even the headlight vacuum canisters are slightly different between the two. If you don't have to pay to import a car then you're way ahead of the game I guess - but now you'll just have to import a giant pile of parts so it may be a wash. I say you're better off buying a nice 69.

Troy

[rebby]

*Assuming* you want it to look like a 69 in every way, you need a lot more than sheet metal and grill parts. If you buy a 68 that needs everything then it's no problem but if you buy one in nice condition there's a lot to change. Technically, the doors, fenders, quarters, hood, grill frame, rear valance, tail panel, and dash frame are different. Then there's the wiring harnesses for the different lights and ignition switch. Inside, the console tops, dash, dash pads, door pads, door panels, seat covers, gauge bezels, and shifter knob are all different. The grill itself is mostly the same except for the center plastic/trim and the hood latch mechanism so if you can get a 68 with a nice grill you're most of the way there. However, even the headlight vacuum canisters are slightly different between the two. If you don't have to pay to import a car then you're way ahead of the game I guess - but now you'll just have to import a giant pile of parts so it may be a wash. I say you're better off buying a nice 69.

Troy

I was thinking the same thing. Between 68 and 69 there are a pile of differences. If it were me, I'd just build the 68 and enjoy it as a 68 while still looking for a 69. In a way, that's what I've done. My favorite of the 3 are the 68 but I came across a 69 first so that is the one that I'm building. Perhaps one day I'll get a 68? Each year has it's own unique touch that really should be enjoyed for what it is.

That said, in the end it's your car and if you'd prefer a 69 and are willing to convert the 68, that's your call. If that is the case, take a close look at Troy's post and decide what parts will need to be swapped and what "inaccuracies" are acceptable. Generate a list of the parts that you want to swap and start sourcing parts one by one. Good luck!

[C928BRAN]

if you do convert it, its still a 68 with 69 goodies. it is no different than putting R/T emblems on. it dosent make it an R/T, but people do it. seems to me you would have alot of money tied up in changing it to a 69, than leaving it a 68. i think the 68 is a very cool car, and i have a 69.

[Ghoste]

If you drive it for a bit first you just may discover you like the differences enough to keep it as it is.

[JB400]

I agree. If you really really want a 69, maybe you just need to lower your expectations on what they are for the price.  Beggars can't be choosers.  Drive the 68 the way it is first.  Don't just drive it once and then want to change it.  Drive it everyday, (weather permitting) for a month, and then make your decision.  Or, buy the 68, drive it, enjoy it, and when the right 69 comes along, get it.  Just the thrill of owning a 2nd gen is well worth having.

[STIG]

Wow, thanks again for all the responses guys! I want it to look like a 69' because it'll be converted into a GL clone. It is a tidy car though and has around 10k original miles on it.

I understand there is quite a fair bit involved, but if I can save around 30k on this, I can spend the difference making it a heck of a nice clone. We'll see anyway, almost convinced enough not to do it but I'll see what happens after looking at it and go from there. Might end up holding off! Though I'd need to fly to the States in person to check out the 69s because it's getting absolutely ridiculous with how much we're spending with no result 

[Ghoste]

Unless you can find a trusted set of eyes over here.  That could save some headache for you. (and money)

[JB400]

If your just building a GL, do what Warner did. Change the grill, tail panel, and fill in the marker lights and have fun.  Don't sweat the small stuff unless you just like the looks more better.

[Troy]

So you're going to take a fairly nice, 10k mile 68 and hack it up to make a 69 GL? You may very well be saving money - until you need to sell it and your potential pool of buyers becomes tiny.

Troy

[Ghoste]

Very true.

[JB400]

So you're going to take a fairly nice, 10k mile 68 and hack it up to make a 69 GL? You may very well be saving money - until you need to sell it and your potential pool of buyers becomes tiny.

Troy

For me, no way.  As I stated earlier, I personally would keep it a 68 and enjoy the car the way it is.  Only fix what needs fixing.  And when the right 69 comes along. get it and make it a GL.  But, it's his car and his choice. I'll either give him a thumbs up or just shake my head.

[myk]

I had no idea there were that many differences between the '68 and the '69.  I have a feeling that the 'OP was just looking to swap out the grills, tail, and delete the side marker lights and be done with it.  Conversely, I've always wanted to turn my '69 into a '68 clone.   Hey 'OP, want to trade parts?  Lol...

[JB400]

I assume that it wasn't you that wanted to turn a 68 into a 69.  If what you said in the last post is true, just swap cars.  It'd save everyone the aggravation and everyone would get what they want.  everybody wins.  Just like it should be.

[myk]

I assume that it wasn't you that wanted to turn a 68 into a 69.  If what you said in the last post is true, just swap cars.  It'd save everyone the aggravation and everyone would get what they want.  everybody wins.  Just like it should be.

Nope, not me.  Are you guys getting aggravated?  Lol.  Honestly I wouldn't trade my '69 for all of the Mopars on the planet.  The grill/tail light treatment is as far down the list of 'mods as it can get...

[STIG]

Sorry, just got back home. Myk, yes, I would definitely be interested in doing that (if we go ahead with the deal)... you'll be the first to know! I got distracted today and ended up buying something else for the collection, so that took up a fair chunk of the day... I'll be going to see it tomorrow, so we'll see what happens

[JB400]

I assume that it wasn't you that wanted to turn a 68 into a 69.  If what you said in the last post is true, just swap cars.  It'd save everyone the aggravation and everyone would get what they want.  everybody wins.  Just like it should be.

Nope, not me.  Are you guys getting aggravated?  Lol.  Honestly I wouldn't trade my '69 for all of the Mopars on the planet.  The grill/tail light treatment is as far down the list of 'mods as it can get...

[djcarguy]

i think,,, junior member  ,,,with stolen name from tv show=====troll   68 ta 69,,,,,less than 10,000 miles,,,,hack for d.a .h car====dumb   arse's  of hazzard??
?   totally kill resale and screw up a low mile car???      fly over,cause its cheaper than  pay for inspect?

                 low post count and is D.O.H.    FAN,,,dumby'S out of hazzard,,is it that big of deal on other side of WORLD? :

[myk]

Ok, can someone point me to the nearest exit?

[JB400]

Ok, can someone point me to the nearest exit?

Once your in, there ain't no gettin out.

[STIG]

i think,,, junior member  ,,,with stolen name from tv show=====troll   68 ta 69,,,,,less than 10,000 miles,,,,hack for d.a .h car====dumb   ass  of hazzard??
  total kill resale and screw up a low mile car???      fly over,cause its cheaper than to pay for inspect?

                 low post count and is D.O.H.   NUT FAN,,,dumby'S out of hazzard,,that big of deal on other side of WORLD?

This is New Zealand, try find a scammer here mate. Plus you should work on that punctuation a bit 

[Fred]

Ok, can someone point me to the nearest exit?

I'm right behind you. 

[JB400]

Ok, can someone point me to the nearest exit?

I'm right behind you.  
So's something else

[kikgas01]

69`s are around.

[Darkman]

STIG, look up Shermatt America. Give Matt a call and discuss what you are after and what budget you have.

[STIG]

STIG, look up Shermatt America. Give Matt a call and discuss what you are after and what budget you have.

Cheers, Darkman. I'll look into it now  

[ACUDANUT]

So you're going to take a fairly nice, 10k mile 68 and hack it up to make a 69 GL? You may very well be saving money - until you need to sell it and your potential pool of buyers becomes tiny.

Troy

I Agree, Why destroy a nice 68...IMO, if you can't find a 69, try a 70 Charger.  Heck, I would trade my 70 Charger, for a 68.

[elanmars]

go to autotempest.com and do a search...I've been finding a few good '69s here and there that seem to be in pretty good shape, running and only needing minor stuff here and there.

[Dino]

Let me start here by saying that whatever car you buy, it'll be yours and only your opinion matters.  If you buy a 68 and convert it into a 69/GL then that is your business.  You may not find much support for it but that's not your problem.

For what it's worth, here is what I would do.  Forget about inspections, they cost money and they don't mean a damn thing anymore.  Honestly you can't fly over to check out every car you find, that's just nuts, so when you do find a nice 69 post a thread asking if any members are close by to check it out for you.  We do it all the time here.  That way you'll have someone who actually knows Chargers check it out and take lots of pictures.

As stated before, if the 68 is that nice then drive as is or flip it.  I'm not shy to do mods on mine but converting to a different year is a bit much for me.

Are you that set on building a GL?  A lot of us have been there.  I wanted a GL when I had my 68 many years ago but didn't do the conversion because it was a 68 and I'm glad I never did. 

As time went by the need for a GL faded and now I wouldn't dream of building one, and I have a non matching numbers run of the mill 69 which would be ideal for a GL.

[cdr]

 

As time went by the need for a GL faded and now I wouldn't dream of building one, and I have a non matching numbers run of the mill 69 which would be ideal for a GL.

NO SUCH THING AS A RUN OF THE MILL 2ND GEN 

[Dino]

 

As time went by the need for a GL faded and now I wouldn't dream of building one, and I have a non matching numbers run of the mill 69 which would be ideal for a GL.

NO SUCH THING AS A RUN OF THE MILL 2ND GEN 

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to notice that.   

[Ghoste]

Everyone notices it the first time they see one.

[kikgas01]

I just beat a 06 or 07 Charger R/T at a car show with my 69! It felt good too! Lmao.

[JB400]

I just beat a 06 or 07 Charger R/T at a car show with my 69! It felt good too! Lmao.

Congratulations!!!!

[kikgas01]

Thanks!!!!!



Sorry for the hijack, but they really are out there for a good price. All I did to mine was clean it up and really didn`t do that great of a job doing that!

[hatersaurusrex]

i think,,, junior member  ,,,with stolen name from tv show=====troll   68 ta 69,,,,,less than 10,000 miles,,,,hack for d.a .h car====dumb   arse's  of hazzard??
?   totally kill resale and screw up a low mile car???      fly over,cause its cheaper than  pay for inspect?

                 low post count and is D.O.H.    FAN,,,dumby'S out of hazzard,,is it that big of deal on other side of WORLD? :

For the love of God, WTF was this?

[JB400]

i think,,, junior member  ,,,with stolen name from tv show=====troll   68 ta 69,,,,,less than 10,000 miles,,,,hack for d.a .h car====dumb   arse's  of hazzard??
?   totally kill resale and screw up a low mile car???      fly over,cause its cheaper than  pay for inspect?

                  low post count and is D.O.H.    FAN,,,dumby'S out of hazzard,,is it that big of deal on other side of WORLD? :

For the love of God, WTF was this?

Someone that had some issues.  Got to feel sorry for the guy, but he is right.  Why bother changing one year model to make it look like another year unless the car is a custom and you just happen to like this part from this year and that part from that year.

[STIG]

I decided to give the 68' a miss because of what everyone had been saying, it sort of defeats the purpose. I'll keep waiting for a 69' and then convert it to a GL replica. I'll put up a thread if I find something and if someone local to the car could help out, that would be awesome - sure would save a lot of money! I'll have a search through the suggested sites that have been posted and see what's out there 

[Fred]

I decided to give the 68' a miss because of what everyone had been saying, it sort of defeats the purpose. I'll keep waiting for a 69' and then convert it to a GL replica. I'll put up a thread if I find something and if someone local to the car could help out, that would be awesome - sure would save a lot of money! I'll have a search through the suggested sites that have been posted and see what's out there 

[JB400]

I decided to give the 68' a miss because of what everyone had been saying, it sort of defeats the purpose. I'll keep waiting for a 69' and then convert it to a GL replica. I'll put up a thread if I find something and if someone local to the car could help out, that would be awesome - sure would save a lot of money! I'll have a search through the suggested sites that have been posted and see what's out there  

Don't give up on your dreams, you'll find one.

[elanmars]

I decided to give the 68' a miss because of what everyone had been saying, it sort of defeats the purpose. I'll keep waiting for a 69' and then convert it to a GL replica. I'll put up a thread if I find something and if someone local to the car could help out, that would be awesome - sure would save a lot of money! I'll have a search through the suggested sites that have been posted and see what's out there 

Give us the link to that '68 you passed on!

[ACUDANUT]

I think he and the car are oversea's.

[Fred]

Yes he is. He and the car are in New Zealand.

[JB400]

It ain't practical, or cheap I'm sure, but we can bring them back just as easy as they can bring them down there.

[Ghoste]

Not as crazy expensive as you might think either.  No, not cheap, but not stupid expensive.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

However, even the headlight vacuum canisters are slightly different between the two.

What's the difference between the two vacuum cans?

[Troy]

However, even the headlight vacuum canisters are slightly different between the two.

What's the difference between the two vacuum cans?

The 68 has a magnet inside. When the plunger is all the way in it will seem to "stick". It takes a bit more pressure than normal to pull it back out. The 69 will be consistent all the way through the motion since it's only working against the diaphragm.

Troy