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Discussion Boards => Charger Discussion => Topic started by: professor-patrick on July 27, 2010, 07:15:02 PM

Title: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on July 27, 2010, 07:15:02 PM
Just finished today - getting alignment tomorrow, then road test.  Can't hardly wait for the wind in my hair!!! Mopar Nats - here we come...
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: TylerCharger69 on July 27, 2010, 07:17:49 PM
Say!!!   That came out really nice!!!  Good luck at the nats!! :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: JT01 on July 27, 2010, 07:38:55 PM
SWEET
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: A383Wing on July 27, 2010, 07:42:28 PM
 :drool5:   :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: MoparManJim on July 27, 2010, 07:48:34 PM
That looks great!  :drool5: :2thumbs: :cheers: :coolgleamA: 

Hey at least a charger didn't die!
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: miller on July 27, 2010, 08:11:28 PM
How can anyone say a convertible charger looks bad when done in such a manner as this!
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: 41husk on July 27, 2010, 08:16:19 PM
WoW!!  That looks great  :2thumbs: :drool5:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: R2 on July 27, 2010, 08:19:46 PM
nice,,,,
is there a top for it if needed ?
Nice job,,,,cant wait to see it at the Nats.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on July 27, 2010, 08:32:11 PM
Nope, no top at all.  Just an enclosed trailer, custom made car cover (thanks to California Car Covers), and hidden floor drains.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Ghoste on July 27, 2010, 09:25:54 PM
It will be interesting to see it in person.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: jaak on July 27, 2010, 09:40:11 PM
Very nice looking Charger! BTW...I'm really digging the color combo too  :2thumbs:

Jason
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: oldcarnut on July 27, 2010, 10:47:45 PM
Looks like a nice job  :2thumbs:
Quote from: professor-patrick on July 27, 2010, 07:15:02 PM
Can't hardly wait for the wind in my hair!!! Mopar Nats - here we come...
I have a vert just not the hair :lol:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: 70charginglizard on July 27, 2010, 11:10:45 PM
 :cheers:

That looks awesome.

Very nice job! :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: tan top on July 28, 2010, 03:02:04 AM
 :coolgleamA:  nice work !!  looks good  :coolgleamA: :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: ChargerSG on July 28, 2010, 04:21:10 AM
Quote from: oldcarnut on July 27, 2010, 10:47:45 PM
Looks like a nice job  :2thumbs:
Quote from: professor-patrick on July 27, 2010, 07:15:02 PM
Can't hardly wait for the wind in my hair!!! Mopar Nats - here we come...
I have a vert just not the hair :lol:

Hahaha  :icon_smile_big:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: 1969chargerrtse on July 28, 2010, 05:33:23 AM
That is cool. :coolgleamA:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: NYCMille on July 28, 2010, 05:53:38 AM
Now THAT is a nicely done car!! VERY COOL!  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: BrianShaughnessy on July 28, 2010, 06:00:58 AM
 :2thumbs:

Really nice job!
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Arigmaster on July 28, 2010, 06:56:38 AM
VERY COOL!
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Old Moparz on July 28, 2010, 08:53:01 AM
Quote from: professor-patrick on July 27, 2010, 07:15:02 PM
Just finished today - getting alignment tomorrow, then road test.  Can't hardly wait for the wind in my hair!!! Mopar Nats - here we come...



Looks really nice, congrats.  :cheers:

Was it originally a Charger, or a B-Body ragtop?  :shruggy:

Do you have larger pics? I have a rusty '68 Coronet convertible I'm planning to use for a Charger convertible one day.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on July 28, 2010, 09:02:17 AM
It was originally a charger.  I've seen the conversions using a convertible, but didn't want a top at all.  I'll be posting some larger pics on my website shortly. www.scotlea.com

Thanks everyone - I appreciate your support on this unusual build.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Brock Samson on July 28, 2010, 09:41:29 AM
 Very Cool!  Congrats on the compleation, i see the handles are shaved the seats are different the spoiler is enlarged and the side markers are '69s, dual fuel fillers and that's I'm sure just some of the Mods...  It's like one of those sunday paper quiz drawings "What;s Different?.. :scratchchin: What else?...

   :popcrn:   :2thumbs: 
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: 71ChallengeHer on July 28, 2010, 09:44:51 AM
It's looks beautiful,  very well done.  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Dans 68 on July 28, 2010, 09:54:19 AM
Now That is a good looking car.  :2thumbs:  Cudos to you. Nicely done.  :icon_smile:

Dan
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on July 28, 2010, 10:03:27 AM
Here's a list of a few of the modifications:

Roof removed (obviously)
Window channels filled & upper door panels removed and painted so there is a seamless transition from outside to inside
Firewall smoothed and cowl extended - removed wiper motor and "flattened" firewall where the indentation for wiper motor was
Inner fenders smoothed
Cowl smoothed - shaved wiper arms and cowl vents
Door handle and locks shaved - no locks now, no point.  Reach in to open doors.
Used 69 fenders and quarters because I like the 69 side markers best
Used 68 grille and taillights because I like those best
Quarters are "flared" starting at the door jamb - when attaching new quarters, pulled the back of them out 1.5 inches on each side -effectively widening the rear of the car 3" - this allowed for "tubbing" the outer wheelhousing to fit a larger tire.
Rear spoiler enlarged 1.5 inches taller and smoothed into fender and decklid.
Added functional pass fuel filler.
Subframes connected with 2x2 square tubing, frame cradle 1 5/8 round tubing connects subframes and triangulates to subframe and rear framerails to add rigidity lost when roof was removed.  Subframes connected to body as well with 1 5/8 round tubing.
Door jamb "wedges" from early camaro/firebird convertible were added to strengthen door jamb when shut - prevents any binding - but none has occured so far.
Bumpers smoothed and painted.

You can see the process of building this car on my website www.scotlea.com.

Thanks.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Brock Samson on July 28, 2010, 10:15:19 AM
very, very cool like I said, but man, that is one heck of a bright dashboard!  :o your gonna sear your retinas the first bright sunny day! wish i could see her in person, and Great website BTW, very impressive.  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Khyron on July 28, 2010, 10:28:59 AM
Fantastic! Looks like a rolling piece of....... art :D


well what did you think I was going to say ;)
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: moparstuart on July 28, 2010, 10:54:24 AM
awesome   :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: noff57 on July 28, 2010, 11:08:00 AM
I'm ready to see it a NATS.  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Finn on July 29, 2010, 03:11:15 AM
The widening and the shaped dutch panel make a huge difference imo!
Very nice work man!
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Mike DC on July 29, 2010, 04:04:28 AM
 
Best looking 2nd-gen convertible I've ever seen.  It's the only one so far that really pulls it off IMHO. 

The widened rear end turned out better than I expected.  Looks natural.  And I like the dual gascaps.


I would have kept the vent windows on the doors, though.

Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: ChargerĀ“69 on July 29, 2010, 05:32:19 AM
IĀ“ve never seen nice topless 2nd gen Charger but THIS IS NICE  :coolgleamA: :2thumbs: Very cool Charger  :yesnod:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Wicked72 on July 30, 2010, 08:48:39 PM
Wow she turned out awsome! Honestly I didnt expect it to look so good! :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: mauve66 on July 30, 2010, 08:57:16 PM
very sweet roadster :cheers:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: jeryst on July 30, 2010, 09:07:35 PM
Well, I dont like it.





:2thumbs:I LOVE IT! :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: drifter69 on July 31, 2010, 09:59:09 AM
That thing looks " BAD ASS ". Who's silver did you go with on the car?
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: mopar73 on July 31, 2010, 02:20:19 PM
That car looks AWESOME!!!!
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on July 31, 2010, 04:12:21 PM
The silver is Bright Silver Metallic - matches my 06 Ram.  The charcoal on top is a Mazda color.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Charger-Bodie on July 31, 2010, 04:13:12 PM
Quote from: professor-patrick on July 31, 2010, 04:12:21 PM
The silver is Bright Silver Metallic - matches my 06 Ram.  The charcoal on top is a Mazda color.

PS2 is a great silver. Very clean.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: G-man on July 31, 2010, 06:12:41 PM
Doesnt look like a charger anymore considering its the roof that  gives the charger a big part of its looks. Now it looks like a brick with wheels.

However, I love the work that was put in to get the car to that standard. And since its obviously been a dream of yours to do, its a dream well done  :2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on July 31, 2010, 07:28:24 PM
I agree that it's not as quickly identifed as a Charger, and it is pretty square overall, but you are right - it was something I wanted to do, and I'd already "saved" enough Chargers from the scrap pile that I felt it wouldn't hurt to cut one up this time.  The top was trashed and would have had to have been completely replaced - not a hard job, but it would have been just another Charger.  Sometimes you have to throw convention to the wind and try something completely different to keep yourself sane.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: aone415 on August 01, 2010, 10:14:27 PM
Killer Car! :drool5: :drool5:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: jeryst on August 02, 2010, 01:57:17 PM
Quote from: Mike DC (formerly miked) on July 29, 2010, 04:04:28 AM
 
I would have kept the vent windows on the doors, though.


I agree. I think vent windows would give it a more finished look.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on August 02, 2010, 02:38:38 PM
I debated on keeping the vent windows or not.  In the end I didn't see any reason to keep them.  My initial thoughts were they would help to support the A-pillars (windshield) at highway speed, but I was able to reinforce the A-pillar internally and at the cowl.  Eliminating them also allowed me to completely seal the doors.  Keeping the vent windows would have required the opening in which they are inserted to be larger than the actual vent window (if you've ever removed these you know what I mean).  Eliminating them let me close the top of the doors completely and also eliminated a vertical line (the backside of the vent) on the side of the car.  Again, just personal preference.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Highbanked Hauler on August 02, 2010, 06:48:51 PM
Quote from: professor-patrick on July 27, 2010, 07:15:02 PM
Just finished today - getting alignment tomorrow, then road test.  Can't hardly wait for the wind in my hair!!! Mopar Nats - here we come...


   Excellent  work :2thumbs:  what did you use for the deck lid and the tops of the quarters? Is it sheet metal?
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: chargergirl on August 02, 2010, 07:07:54 PM
Truly slick looking car...absolutely beautiful!
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on August 02, 2010, 09:24:15 PM
It's all metal - a lot of it!
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Brock Samson on August 03, 2010, 12:15:13 PM
I personally think you need not make any apologies or rationalizations for building a Custom.  :shruggy:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Patronus on August 03, 2010, 09:05:44 PM
Probably the nicest 'vert Charger I have ever seen. The two-tone really sets if off... and the shaved vent windows...
Very nice, best of luck at Nats
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: scatpack69 on September 28, 2010, 07:48:04 PM
A friend of mine in Mass has a 70 Charger RT SE he made into a convertible complete with a top. He used a Satellite convert I think. Looks awesome.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Magnumcharger on October 27, 2010, 05:07:27 PM
And now - it's on the chopping block!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-Charger-68-69-70-Charger-Roadster-Natl-Awards-Magazine-Car-/290492838254?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43a2b8f16e
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Just 6T9 CHGR on October 27, 2010, 05:13:44 PM
Had a small pic & write up as well in this months Hot Rod
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: professor-patrick on October 27, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
The plan all along was to sell it.  I enjoy building them more than anything.  Each project funds the next one....
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Darkman on October 27, 2010, 07:11:06 PM
Good luck with the sale  :2thumbs:

Doesn't seem like a bad price considering all the work that went into it
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: mauve66 on October 28, 2010, 10:13:24 AM
seems damn cheap to me, but of course i dont have any money for my own project
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: Highbanked Hauler on October 28, 2010, 01:01:57 PM
Quote from: mauve66 on October 28, 2010, 10:13:24 AM
seems damn cheap to me, but of course i dont have any money for my own project

            Me too !!!!!!! :rotz:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: A383Wing on October 28, 2010, 09:08:31 PM
Quote from: Highbanked Hauler on October 28, 2010, 01:01:57 PM
Quote from: mauve66 on October 28, 2010, 10:13:24 AM
seems damn cheap to me, but of course i dont have any money for my own project

            Me too !!!!!!! :rotz:

me 3
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: MoparManJim on October 28, 2010, 09:12:12 PM
Quote from: A383Wing on October 28, 2010, 09:08:31 PM
Quote from: Highbanked Hauler on October 28, 2010, 01:01:57 PM
Quote from: mauve66 on October 28, 2010, 10:13:24 AM
seems damn cheap to me, but of course i dont have any money for my own project

            Me too !!!!!!! :rotz:

me 3

make that me 4.
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: PatrickPeeters on October 29, 2010, 05:03:09 AM
Cool, like it!
:2thumbs:
Title: Re: 68 69 70 Topless Charger is DONE - PICS!!!
Post by: djcarguy on October 22, 2016, 03:41:28 AM
 :popcrn: :cheers: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: