I've finally moved from the cars wanted forum to the Charger discussion forum! :cheers: Just pulled the car home yesterday. Lots of work ahead but she's a solid old girl and we're going to make her sexy again! Thanks in advance for all the help! :2thumbs:
VIN and Fender Tag Decode: If ya'll happen to see any issues with the decode please let me know. Trying to document everything that I can! Thanks!
XP29H9G103559
Code Description
E63 383-4 Barrel
D32 H-D A-727 TorqueFlite Trans
XP29 X = Dodge Charger P = Premium 29 = 2 Door Sports Hardtop
H9G H = 383 330HP, 9 = 1969, G = St. Louis, MO, USA
Sequence Number '103559'
A4 Paint Code: Silver Metallic
C6X Interior Trim - Black Vinyl: seat color carpet door panel, instrument panel, headliner
X9 Black Int Door frames
808 Build Date Aug 08, 1968
Order Number: 087552
A01 Light Package
A04 Basic (Radio) Group
B51 Power Assisted Brakes
C16 Console w/wood grain panel
C55 Bucket Seats
G33 Left Hand Outside Mirror - Remote / Chrome
J25 3 Speed Variable Wipers
M21 Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M31 Belt Molding 69-70
N85 Tachometer
R11 Music Master Radio AM
V1X Full Vinyl Top - Black
Looked pretty solid in the craigslist ad. Nice work.
:coolgleamA:
AWESOME! :2thumbs:
Very nice and congratulations, even rough she's sexy and you can't go wrong with silver. ;) I'll add it to the 69 Registry.
Congratulations! :cheers:
Good looking car and great color! Those Cragars look really shiny. Did they come with the car or did you bring them with you to get it on the trailer?
Oh, and welcome to the group! :wave: (as a participant that is)
Beautiful! It really looks like a good starting point from here, congrats!
Thanks everyone. Really excited to have her home and start work. To answer the question about the Cragars.. They were already on the car and need a bit of polishing but otherwise looked good.
Now onto my first question (of many I'm sure). Any suggestions on where to start? The motor and tranny are out so I'm leaning towards brakes and suspension, fuel lines etc.. Things much easier with less stuff in the way. Is that a good place or would I be better off rebuilding the motor and trans first? Thanks!
Quote from: Ghoste on July 20, 2014, 09:25:56 AM
Very nice and congratulations, even rough she's sexy and you can't go wrong with silver. ;) I'll add it to the 69 Registry.
Is the 69 Registry still online?
I've been back and forth with a host this past week as a matter of fact so shortly.
Quote from: NickJ on July 20, 2014, 11:46:33 AM
Thanks everyone. Really excited to have her home and start work. To answer the question about the Cragars.. They were already on the car and need a bit of polishing but otherwise looked good.
Now onto my first question (of many I'm sure). Any suggestions on where to start? The motor and tranny are out so I'm leaning towards brakes and suspension, fuel lines etc.. Things much easier with less stuff in the way. Is that a good place or would I be better off rebuilding the motor and trans first? Thanks!
What do you know about the motor/trans? Have you heard them run, what did the PO have to say? How much $$ you got left? A motor rebuild is probably going to run you a lot more than freshening up the suspension and the brake systems. Which I say would be MUCH easier with the engine/trans out.
For me, if the block/trans are in serviceable order I would go with the suspension/brakes first.
According to PO the motor and trans were both running when they came out and the motor turns freely. I plan on doing the basics regardless and then doing a big build a little later. I definitely think brakes and suspension will be my first project. So much easier with no drivetrain.
Are you going with disc brakes all around?
Definitely the front. Haven't decided on the rears yet. Any advice on kits? Seem to be a wide price range on em.
Quote from: NickJ on July 20, 2014, 06:59:24 PM
Definitely the front. Haven't decided on the rears yet. Any advice on kits? Seem to be a wide price range on em.
Really depends on what size wheels, some of the newer kits will not fit 15" wheels or smaller. My front Baer brake kit that would fit 15" wheels was discontinued. Might try Dr. Diff (Cass), great guy and very knowledgeable on Mopar's.
:2thumbs: congratulations , !! looking forward to seeing more pictures as you progress :cheers: :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Quick questions fellas. I'm picking up some interior parts next week and want to clean what I have beforehand so I can really figure out what needs replaced. Any suggestions on a good vinyl cleaner? It's filthy but mostly intact and I don't want to destroy what I already have. Thanks!
N.
My 68 LeMans interior was covered in mold when I got it. I used simple green and rags (not brushes) to clean the majority of the crap off. Did that a few times and did not experience any fading.
If you have dirt in the grain of the vinyl you can gently use a very soft brush.
Then get some tire foam (black magic or something) and soak the pieces. Let the foam sit on there for a little while (couple hours) then was with simple green again to get the residue off. The foam will bring the color back.
Finally use whatever vinyl protectant you prefer on the cleaned item.
Thanks 65! Just what I needed. Had some simple green but was worried about bleaching the color out.
UPDATE 1:
I've met some really great guys lately. Seems that the Charger family is deep and full of genuinely nice people. First I linked up with the owner of a beautiful 66 Charger. He volunteered to help weld in my new trunk pans.. Score! Next I met another awesome guy with a sweet ass 70. He had a ton of parts laying around so I picked up a new vinyl top, carpet, headliner, and 2 piece trunk pans all brand new for $400! :cheers: Heading down to his place next weekend to pick through the other odds and ends he has. I have to say that this community we all belong to is truly amazing and I appreciate everyone's help so far. Great advice, great people! :2thumbs:
Sincerely
N.
Awesome find. I believe G33 is a remote mirror
Update #2
Interior is out and the floors are solid! :cheers: I only found 2 pin holes (one driver's side, 1 Passenger side) Otherwise they looked great. The absolutely ancient Almond Joy wrapper was a nice little bonus.
Great car to start with :2thumbs: keep posting and updating us :popcrn: :popcrn:
Successfully separated the engine and Trans.. Motor is up on the stand and first round of parts ordered. Need to do a little garage cleanup today. Parts Everywhere!
Nice Score. Not sure what your work space is like but if it's a two car garage you need to have good plans to keep things organized. Here's how I would tackle it. I would start with the under hood stuff. Take off one item at a time and restore it. Battery tray, brake booster? M/C. brake lines wiper motor, wiring etc. Clean the bolts and tape to restored piece. As you take them off put in a plastic tote. Keep a list of parts needed to order and buy when you have a nice order or hit the shows to save shipping. Once the under hood is all restored, pull the front clip. You can clean up the motor, blast exhaust manifolds, change intake, and I would add aluminum water pump and housing. While there change the timing chain and add a cam if you want. Once the front end is off, clean and sand engine compartment and paint. Re=install all your restored parts. Pull the k-member and suspension and blast and rebuild it. If you think you want to handle like mine, get a reinforcement kit from firm feel for the kmember and weld it in while you have it out. Use rock auto for Moog suspension parts. Rebuild the trans yourself. It's pretty easy, just get a service manual. In fact that would be item 1, service manual. Don't know your skill set but start sanding the fenders and hood after a good pressure wash or have them media blasted or dipped. Same with grille support and bumper breackets. Once engine compartment is painted, suspension rebuilt and engine cleaned up and tranny rebuilt, put them all together andput the in from the bottom.
Get an angle grinder with wire cup brush and got to work on floor pans and epoxy prime them. Save up for or clean door panels and dash stuff. But don't be taking all that apart till motor is back in and running so you can go for a little ride. Sand and epoxy the roof. I would get a long peice of pvc and roll the headliner and vinyl top on them to start getting the wrinkles out now. Make sure you put vinyl top on before headliner so emblems can go on.
I could go on, but thats how I would start this project. BTW nice avatar, I'm honored. Mike
Mike,
Wow it sounds to me like you have done this before. An excellent plan to follow.
Benji
Mike,
Thank you for all the tips! I've started some of that already. Spent most of yesterday cleaning the garage (2 car) and cataloging the parts I've removed so far. I ordered some POR-15 and will start cleaning and grinding parts in the next week or so. It's going to be a long road ahead but I'm really excited to finally have a Charger.
As for the avatar.. If that's yours I'm truly jealous. The first day I brought mine home I was googling pictures of Silver/Gray Chargers for a direction to go and yours was by far the nicest I saw! :cheers:
Nick
Latest Pic... Getting ready for the pressure washer.
Hers and His
Nice find on your car. How about Silver and red :cheers:
That's gorgeous. Is that the A4 silver? That's my paint code but mine is so faded it almost looks greenish gray. Was curious as to what it was supposed to look like
It is a AA1 Silver. It is actually a stock Mitsubishi color from abut 2004. When its time for a repaint I will be going with the same color. I likes it allot. :icon_smile_big:
nice project. :2thumbs:
Thanks Everyone! Some good books showed up at the house today.. We're really cookin now! :2thumbs:
Quote from: Benji on July 28, 2014, 06:53:05 AM
Mike,
Wow it sounds to me like you have done this before. An excellent plan to follow.
Benji
Once in 16 Days with my brother.
http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=Projects&Number=7641219&page=3&fpart=all
Welder and accessories, POR-15, and lots of goodies showed up today. Time to really get to work! :cheers:
Go for it, and we all love pictures... :cheers:
Gotta luv old cragars on a charger....... :icon_smile_cool:
Just got back from a Dallas parts run. Ton of great stuff! Cooking with gas now! :2thumbs:
and best of all.. :cheers:
nice group of parts. :2thumbs:
Great looking project, good luck with it :)
Excellent! Welcome to DC.com!!
Another builder thread, my favorite! Looks like a really solid starting point, should be nice when done.
Are you keeping the original color combo? Modified? :popcrn:
I think I'm going to go modified.. Still silver but slightly darker and I'm still on the fence about the vinyl top. I think the black/silver would look great but I'm leary of putting vinyl back on her. In other news, worked a little rust removal today and inventoried a bunch of parts. Going to start cutting and prepping the new pans next.
Not much new to report.. The In-Laws are in town and screwing up my schedule..LOL Did manage to strip the headliner bows, door panels, and vacuum up a lot more insulation, dirt, and rat turds. Also stripped all the wiring back to the dash. Going to start cutting and prepping for the new trunk floor. Hopefully ready to install by next weekend. Pans and extensions are in, crossmember due Friday. :2thumbs:
It's great when big boxes of goodies show up at your door. :woohoo:
Question: What's that long flat bar of steel with the bolts going thru it for at the kick up area on your trunk floor? :scope:
:popcrn: :popcrn:
That flat bar was the previous owners attempt to reinforce the rear crossmember which had started to rust badly. It'll be going away when I do the floor/extensions/crossmember combo.
Diff out.. Only a few stray exhaust brackets to remove and then I can start cutting out the rusty trunk floor. Found out the rear end isn't a sure grip. The question now is whether to keep it for now or just leave it out until I find a Dana or an 8 3/4 Sure Grip...Hmmmmm :scratchchin:
Started cutting out the trunk today. Didn't get as much done as I would have liked but we're makin progress. :cheers:
Nice project! Isn't it quite easy to add a sure-grip to an open 8 3/4 rear?
.. Infact if I google "add sure grip to existing 8 3/4", it does seem I remembered right..
Yes, it's just a 3rd member swap. Was hoping it was already a Sure Grip. Easier and cheaper that way. :icon_smile_big:
Managed to get the rest of the trunk floor out today although I still need to tackle those damn extensions. I truly feel for you guys that have to do entire floors.. If I see another spot weld I'm going to go crazy!
Everything looks pretty solid. From what I have seen on restoration threads on this site there is isually some work to be done around the base of the wheel tubs. That area looks pretty good.
Yeah, They're not too bad. Probably going to replace the bottom 1" or so to be safe.
More cutting today. Rotten chunk of quarter and right side trunk extension. Also, managed to clean up the pans for primer. We're getting there. Slow but sure... :2thumbs:
Left side extension out today and started grinding spot welds off the frame rails. Hoping to finish cutting and grinding this weekend then weld thru primer and POR-15 next in preparation for welding... We're getting there! :2thumbs:
Finished cutting today. Got a lot of my grinding done and test fitted the pans. Still a little more prep to do including weldable primer and POR-15 but I think they'll be done in about 2 weekends.. Damn job, wish I had more time to work on my girl! :cheers:
:2thumbs: Great job! It's coming along.
Hey All,
Started a restoration page on Facebook if anyone is interested. I'll still be posting updates here since DC.Com is the best resource on the net!
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Very nice! Subscribed. :2thumbs:
:popcrn: lots of work getting done very quickly , pace your self , dont burn out too early.
:2thumbs: walk away when you get frustrated, great car to start with :2thumbs:
Thank you! I'm trying my best to pace myself. I think after I get the trunk floor in I'm going to take a break. Maybe inventory parts and relax for a bit. I'm sure the wife would appreciate it too. :icon_smile_big:
Just a tip : I blasted and epoxy primered the top of the trunk (I mean the underside of the deck filler panel) trough the floor when the trunk floor was out of the way.
I also removed the goop from the quarters with a torch and a putty knife before putting in the new floor.
its alot easier to acces that way.
I went trough this myself earlier this year (also did my lower valance along with the end caps and lower quarter patches).
Its alot of fitting and tweaking but when its in place and you spray the primer on you will feel pretty satisfied.
Doing a fine job there! :yesnod: :2thumbs:
Thanks for the encouragement and the tips... I've been thinking about it alot since I got the cutting done and I think I'm going to throw the Diff back under her so I can push her out and pressure wash, prep, and prime the whole trunk up to the package tray before welding. Definitely think you're right and it'll be much easier with no floor. :2thumbs:
You've come a long way in a short time, nice work!
Maybe you should build yourself a pair of these body carriers (can Always buy them from US Cartool)
Much easier then putting the leafs and axle under the car
http://store.uscartool.com/mopar-car-moving-wheel-set.html (http://store.uscartool.com/mopar-car-moving-wheel-set.html)
Ronda is back on all 4s in preparation for her bath. Did about 6 hours worth of cutting and grinding today. Should only be a wee bit more than we can clean and prime for welding! I'm really excited to get these pans in. The first major project is almost complete... Woo Hoo! :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Got about 3/4 of the way through mock up. She's coming along nicely. :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Your trunk floor looks great I'm about to tackle the same project in a few weeks. Good luck and keep the pictures coming!
Pat
fits nice :2thumbs:
Before you tack it in place, make sure to open the hole for the gas filler tube. Its much easier to cut and carfully grind the egdes with the floorpan on the table then in the car with you feet up in the air hanging out of the trunk.
Quote from: six-tee-nine on September 01, 2014, 06:35:11 AM
fits nice :2thumbs:
Before you tack it in place, make sure to open the hole for the gas filler tube. Its much easier to cut and carfully grind the egdes with the floorpan on the table then in the car with you feet up in the air hanging out of the trunk.
It sounds like you found that out the hard way. :icon_smile_big:
Speaking of the holes in the trunk. I had a question I'd like some opinions on. I made a deal with the wife that I'd push the charger into the driveway for the winter (covered of course) so that she could use the garage. Would it be better to leave the pan intact till spring or do you think those holes won't matter?
Thanks!
Nick
I'd leave it. I don't know why, it's just what I would do. :shruggy:
An OK winter under a tarp. I have a few concerns but if the car is bad now then it shouldn't get much worse. Can you store the floor in the attic and throw large pieces of cardboard I the trunk? It would help take up some of the moisture and shield the inside of the car a bit better.
As long as you check on the car from time to time you should be fine regardless.
Quote from: Dino on September 01, 2014, 07:43:28 AM
Quote from: six-tee-nine on September 01, 2014, 06:35:11 AM
fits nice :2thumbs:
Before you tack it in place, make sure to open the hole for the gas filler tube. Its much easier to cut and carfully grind the egdes with the floorpan on the table then in the car with you feet up in the air hanging out of the trunk.
It sounds like you found that out the hard way. :icon_smile_big:
No I did'nt. i knew i was gonna get that comment when I posted it :cheers:
Oh tell your wife that modern cars can stand the weather better than old ones. I had my 69 under a tarp for 1 winter when builing my new shop. I had a leak in the tarp and ended up with water on my floor pans wich killed one section of them. keep it garaged if you can.
Thanks for the advice fellas.. I've tried convincing Household 6 that Ronda should really spend the winter in the garage but she insists that she would like the use of it over the winter.. I plan on working Engine, Trans, and possibly rear end while it's cold but want to make sure and plug all the holes and get her covered before she gets pushed out. I left all the glass in place and the giant hole in the trunk will be fixed by then so I suppose it'll be ok. I also plan on checking on the car at least once a week especially if we get any moisture to make sure everything stays nice and dry.
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Weekend Update: Drilled a million holes and scraped away a 45 year old trunk seal... More parts are on the way, and I think we're ready to weld. :cheers: Think I'm going to need a little break once this trunk is complete. Seeing it come together has been so satisfying but damn was it alot of work!
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/#!/Rowdy69Charger
Christmas in September! :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
:popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn:
QuoteAn OK winter under a tarp. I have a few concerns but if the car is bad now then it shouldn't get much worse. Can you store the floor in the attic and throw large pieces of cardboard I the trunk? It would help take up some of the moisture and shield the inside of the car a bit better.
As long as you check on the car from time to time you should be fine regardless.
She'll be fine for those few months under cover. Mine just took 26 years to rot under a canvas tarp...
(http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af150/Nickrc3/6a065620-d241-4cae-b183-5f3d6276779c.jpg)
Good luck with your project NickJ. Looking forward to progress.
Welding day was a great success. Managed to get about 75% of the trunk welded and done. Saving the right side extension for when I do the quarter patch. I'm pooped but feelin great! :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
More prep on tap this weekend as we prepare the right quarter and extension for welding. Hopefully my seam sealer shows up today or tomorrow and I can finish sealing the portion we did last weekend. Also need to grind off more undercoating (my favorite!) to prep the new shock crossmember for install.. Busy Busy :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
It looks like it on the wheel well, but just to be sure you're priming the parts before you're adding seam sealer right?
Yep, 2 coats of self etching before I applied the sealer. After I grind the welds down and clean everything up a bit I'll prime the whole thing.
Nick
Quote from: NickJ on September 18, 2014, 08:58:28 AM
Yep, 2 coats of self etching before I applied the sealer. After I grind the welds down and clean everything up a bit I'll prime the whole thing.
Nick
:2thumbs:
Managed to get a little bit done this weekend. Tore out what was left of the shock crossmember and prepped the rails for the new one, then jumped into the trunk to grind down the spot welds along with a little sealer and primer. The plan is to weld in the crossmember, right side trunk extension and quarter patch next weekend. :2thumbs:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Wow dude, looks fantastic!
You've done an excellent job. Hope to see it completed soon.
Started grinding off all the paint and surface rust on the interior floors. Got some more patching ahead of me.... :rotz: A little more than I expected but I don't think it'll be too bad.
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Quote from: NickJ on September 29, 2014, 08:27:10 AM
Started grinding off all the paint and surface rust on the interior floors. Got some more patching ahead of me.... :rotz: A little more than I expected but I don't think it'll be too bad.
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Don't waste your time grinding the rust, just find healthy metal and cut out everything else. Full floor pans seem in order there.
Pretty productive today. Managed to get the tank brackets and shock crossmember welded up. Also, cut out the right side quarter and started test fitting the new one. I figure I have at least another weekend of prep before she'll be ready to weld but we're getting there! :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Nice job! :2thumbs:
Really productive weekend. Managed to finish the quarter panel prep.. Fix the quarter window (Much easier with no quarter!), and start welding the new quarter in place. Taking next weekend off to go to the swap meet. Hoping I can score a third member or even better a fender. :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Nice work!
Where is the swap meet next week?
Thanks
Pat
Thank you! It's in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Largest one in OK, happens twice a year. I'm hoping for some good stuff. :2thumbs:
Nick
Finally made it back home after a few weeks away for work. Time to get back on Ronda and get some stuff done before it gets cold. Managed to grind the welds down on the new quarter and hope to fill and prime tomorrow. I also got my new grill in from Classic Industries. I'm nowhere near ready to install but it's a beautiful piece and it feels good having it up in my attic and ready to go. :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Posted this in the engine section but wasn't getting much response. Hoping something turns up here. Thanks!
Morning all,
Can anyone recomend a good machine shop near Lawton, OK. I'm stationed at Fort Sill and was hoping to tear into the 440 this winter but really have no idea about shops in this area. OKC or North Texas is ok too. Don't mind traveling just want good work. Thanks!
Nick
Awesome progress! Keep the updates coming!
Super productive over the long weekend. Managed to finish up the quarter (for now) and button up a few more things prior to her nap for the winter. Some members on here warned me on burnout and I'm definitely there when it comes to sheet metal. Going to take a weekend off and start tearing down the 440 next.. Might be nice to use a set of wrenches for a change :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Looked like you had some filler over some shines e coat on the quarter. You will want to Remove that or it will eventually peel off.
Coming along though!
New guy here just admiring some of these build threads, especially 1969 Chargers. Great work :2thumbs:
Thanks guys. As for that black gel coat it's definitely coming off. I just needed to throw a little primer on her since she's going to be outside for a couple months. Once things thaw out a bit I plan on finishing a few more rust repairs and then re-sand the entire car in preperation for paint.
Nick
The cold has kept me out of the garage lately but I did manage to get the motor torn down. Everything looked great inside and now it's off to the machine shop. She'll be getting cleaned and inspected and then back home for a mild build. Thinking the hood and decklid will come off today so I can start working them over. I've found that flipping between major projects keeps me from getting burnt out and keeps me chugging along while I wait on parts/money/weather. :cheers:
Ronda's back in the garage and she had an unpleasant surprise for me when I started work this morning... :RantExplode: Any thoughts on the best way to tackle this? The rest of the roof is solid. I've seen patches for the bottom corners but nothing for the top. Thanks Fellas.
The pesky vinyl top gremlins. I have a few spot just like that but have yet to tackle them. As long as the metal is good at the top corner it should be a easy fix!
Good luck!
Pat
Yep we have all been there,
Last one ive done was the same, I cut two strips , one for this obvious holed area, the other was for the window seal area, mine was probably worse,
I cut level with the bottom, top just under the fold line, idea was not cutting right up to edge,
Was to help minimise distortion ,
Take some measurements, I did it not in one strip, but spread it say in four pieces,
Critical that you keep checking measurements,
Reason is that once window go's in and stainless fitted, it will show instantly if roof has moved at all,
Remember to get in and clean up as much to inner when you cut open,
Only chance you will get to attack surface rust crud inside
Oh and great progress, yes I did like you,
When I got burnt out on metal work,
Turned to engine or trans
Thanks for the advice guys... Luckily(I guess) I have a lot of other things to do before I even start tackling that project... In other news, I Got a little work done today. Managed to weld all the vinyl top trim holes plus a few extra holes the factory was kind enough to leave behind. Also, started cleaning up the quarter seam so I can smooth it out. Onward and upward! :2thumbs:
Nick
My project started out on the same rented U-Haul trailer. :2thumbs: :cheers:
Jeff
Those U-Hauls do come in handy. The wife and I are hoping to move to NC after I retire so I think I'm going to invest in my own trailer soon though.
In other news I managed to get a little work done Sunday. It was my Son's 13th birthday and the Super Bowl so I only managed about 2 hours. Removed the valance, bumper, and grill with hopes of finally assembling my new grill from Classic.... Unfortunately I found the left headlight bucket bolts were both broken (The ones in the fender).
Any idea on where I can get replacements? I'm sure I can grind the spot weld and pull it out, just need another flat faced bolt to weld in it's place.. Any help would be greatly appreciated as always fellas. Thanks! :cheers:
Nick
Managed to get a few things done this weekend. Pulled the windshield(without breaking it! :2thumbs:), the dash, and most of the stuff on the firewall. Only a few random pieces left and she'll be completely stripped. Need to start inventorying and figure out what can be fixed, what needs to be replaced, and what I want to sell. Feels good to be making solid progress. :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Been a long time without an update. Had to do some traveling for work and the weather has been a bit of a bear. I did manage to weld in my floor patches and spent a few lovely hours last night scraping off rustproofing with a putty knife. Next step will be tackling that rear window bed and then hopefully sheet metal will be complete. Slow but sure.....right? :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Just came across your build... Nice! Coming along very well nice work
A little advice if you don't mind. Forget the putty knife, use an angle grinder with wire brush attachment for removing the insulation/undercoat. It will come off much faster and cleaner and not damage and scratch the sheet metal. Wear good protective clothing though, after a while the wires come out and will stick in bare skin. Found out the hard way, it was like someone had performed acupuncture on my arms. I have included a picture so you can see the before and after results with the angle grinder/wire brush.
You can get the wire brush attachments from Harbor Frieght, pretty cheap, get a few (large and small) as they will self destruct after a while as mentioned.
Thanks for the tip. I'd actually switched to a wire wheel after the initial scraping. It was just so thick in spots that the wheel just smeared it around. Now that I got rid of the globs I'm in business with the angle grinder. Thanks again.
Nick
There is that mysterious firewall hole again!
Not sure what that thing is for. It just had a black plug from the factory stuffed in there. Anyone know?
Nick
Out of curiosity was it an early build date car? Mine was Oct 68 and has it.
Yep. August 1968
Quote from: NickJ on April 02, 2015, 06:48:52 PM
Not sure what that thing is for. It just had a black plug from the factory stuffed in there. Anyone know?
Nick
We've been trying to figure it out for a while now.
Had a pretty productive weekend. Got the front clip removed and rebuilt the hinges/re-aligned the doors. (Not perfect but much better). Anyone have any tips for fine tuning? I'm about an 1/8" high and it's a PITA to make that small of an adjustment.
Spent soe more time underneath wire wheeling. I only have a small area left behind the rear seat and then the rear wheelwells. Definitely not a job I want to do again anytime soon. I'm hoping to have the floors both inside and out prepped for POR-15 in the next couple weeks.
Nascar at Texas this weekend so no work on Ronda.. I suppose a break will be nice. :2thumbs:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
I hated scraping undercoating and cleaning metal. At one point I was actually laying on my back on my garage floor sand blasting the bottom of my car (car was draped with a tarp sealed to the floor). I had full motocross goggles on with a balaclava and a hoodie. Very... unpleasant. :lol:
Looks great! :2thumbs:
Keep 'em coming.
:cheers:
Jeff
yep in much better shape than when you stated
Thanks guys. Sometimes life, money, and time get in the way so I hop from project to project on her but I figure it all needs to be done and one day she'll be back. :cheers:
Nick
The UPS man brought some goodies today... No more 70's ass up swagger for Ronda :cheers: Still waiting on rustproofing, shocks, and a few other items. Should be a good week for my Charger. :2thumbs:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Suspension/Undercarriage cleanup, re-spray, and rebuild continued today. Hoping to spray the new undercoating and re-hang the rear end sometime this week. The drums still look like poop but they'll be gone with the switch to discs anyway. Overall it feels good to finally check some projects off the list. :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Been productive since my last post. Rear suspension is done, minus the shocks although they are ready to install and I'm ass deep in the front end now. So far so good although there have definitely been some trying moments. I'm hoping to finish up the front suspension over the long weekend and with any luck my disc brakes will be in too. Looking to be a great spring for Ronda! :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
:2thumbs: :2thumbs:
Final torque, tires on, and rear shocks installed. Still have the Hotchkis sway bars to do but overall the suspension, steering, and front brakes are.... DONE! :cheers: Now, if only the rest of the car was. Where's Christine when you need her?
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Realized it's been awhile since my last post. Managed to chip away at some welding and body work since my last update. Definitely more time consuming than the suspension and brakes but ultimately just as rewarding when you step back and see those body lines! :2thumbs: I still have some more patching to do but the finish line is in sight. I can't wait to get some primer on this thing and block it out. I hate covering up all that hard work with rattle can primer but it's humid in Okie homa right now and the surface rust shows up overnight! :cheers:
Nice Job! :cheers:
It's been awhile since my last update but I've been chugging along. My faithful air compressor finally crapped out 2 weeks ago, so I upgraded and the additional CFM has really helped with the rotary tools. I managed to patch the right side sail and rear window corner (Left side is still on backorder.. :flame:) Also, tore out the Dutchman and started cleaning up and test fitting the new panel. Fixing the rear window channel has been much easier with it out of the way so it'll probably be the last part reinstalled. This project is my last big item for sheetmetal so it's been exciting seeing it come together. Still have some dents to straighten out and lots of sanding to do but I'm hoping to have her in primer by early winter. :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
:2thumbs:
:2thumbs: :2thumbs:
Great work nick, coming along nicely :popcrn:
Great progress, keep the pictures coming and good luck with your build!
Pat
Thanks Pat!
Got a little done in the garage today. Finished patching the top of the window channel ( 2 corners left) and spread a little filler on the left side seam. I believe I can actually see the light at the end of the sheet metal tunnel. :2thumbs:
I'm not completely happy with that window lip but I think a little tweaking and sanding will clean her up nicely. Unfortunately I have to throw down some cheapo primer after I finish on the weekends. Been so humid this year that surface rust seems to pop overnight!
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Good Morning All,
Had a nice productive weekend although now that the weather is getting colder the race is on to button up as many projects as I can before the cold drives me out of the garage. So far it's been really nice in Oklahoma, although it has been a bit rainy and humid. With all this moisture in the air I decided it was time to finish off the engine compartment and get all that bare metal in primer. I used a PPG high build and it went on very nice and should require very little sanding to prep for paint. My goal is to get the old girl completely in primer before the snow flies. Wish me luck! :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Great job, keep up the good work! :2thumbs:
I know how you feel! Been racing against time myself, just finished painting my engine bay. You're on track so don't rush, keep your cool, and do it right. :2thumbs:
Thanks Freddy and Dino,
I'm definitely taking my time. The family and I will be moving to North Carolina next summer when I retire from the Army so my goal is to get her in primer prior to that. Anything extra will just be gravy. I think I'll make it. :2thumbs:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
:2thumbs: looking good :yesnod: :popcrn:
Good Morning Fellas,
Realized I haven't posted an update in a long time. Super busy lately as I prepare for retirement from the Army..6 months left but who's counting??!! :2thumbs: I have been chipping away at Ronda. The body is in primer and I've started DA sanding and ding repair on the doors, fenders, hood, and trunk. The short term goal is to get her all in primer before the big move. I'll feel much better dragging the old girl across the country without any bare metal showing. Overall, it feels great watching that primer go down. Actually feels like I'm getting somewhere. :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Nice build :) I'm doing the same job these days, have a few patches to do myself. Amazing what you find under tons of bondo ;)
Quote from: phantom on January 22, 2016, 10:48:24 AM
Nice build :) I'm doing the same job these days, have a few patches to do myself. Amazing what you find under tons of bondo ;)
True story and both of you are doing an amazing job... :2thumbs:
very nice. did you ever get your door aligned?
Thanks Guys! As far as my doors.. I did get them aligned. I'd say they were within 1/16th of being perfect, then of course I yanked the doors back off to bodywork them. I figure when I bolt them back on I have a good starting point now and I'll tweak further from there.
Nick
Quote from: NickJ on January 24, 2015, 04:14:23 PM
Ronda's back in the garage and she had an unpleasant surprise for me when I started work this morning... :RantExplode: Any thoughts on the best way to tackle this? The rest of the roof is solid. I've seen patches for the bottom corners but nothing for the top. Thanks Fellas.
I have to do this section this spring. Any tips or pics how you corrected? Of all the metal I have to do this one scares me the most for some reason.
Good Morning Everyone,
Super productive weekend, although it certainly started on a bum note. One of the fenders I picked up turned out to be total junk.. 3 inches of bondo on the front and another 2 inches of rustproofing on the backside. :flame: Needless to say I was not happy but it kicked me in the ass a little bit to get moving with what I had. Got the doors, jams, and deck lid in primer and back on the car. I couldn't be happier with how she looks.. Feels like I'm finally making real progress. The hood is up next and I still have to locate another fender but she's getting there! :2thumbs:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Nice. How did you do close the quarter skin to rockers? Lead or filler? I see you closed the roof seam with filler. I'm not really sure what to do myself :scratchchin:
Thanks! I melted the lead out of all the seams (The pillars had started to crack). Then I closed up some of the gap with welds. This was really time consuming in spots but saved me from laying down 1" of filler. Next I did all the filling with Dynaglass, then normal filler, finally dolphin glaze. I'm really happy with the way it came out. A little time consuming but worth it. Good Luck on yours!
Nick
Thanks for sharing :)
Good Morning Fellas,
Not much work lately since I had to go to Texas for work for a couple weeks but I did manage to POR-15 and lizard skin my interior. It feels a little weird jumping around so much but The wife and kids..and my Charger will be moving to Charlotte in the next couple months and I wanted to ensure the old girl was completely protected before I drug her across the country. It's been a bit of a race getting all my ducks in a row with my retirement from the Army, house hunting, and the car but we're getting there slow but sure. Thanks again to everyone that's helped along the way. The finish line is still somewhere off in the distance but I can see it coming together and you guys have been an invaluable help. :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Another week off while the wife and I house hunt in North Carolina. Looks like we'll be living in Concord about 3 miles from the track. This is my kind of town! :cheers:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
How do you like the lizard skin? And how easy was it to put in? Do you think it will keep much sound and heat out of the car?
I really like it so far and it was very easy to apply. I've only sprayed the sound control (ceramic insulation is on deck when I get back from NC) The sound control works great and when you knock on the metal it sounds solid rather than the tinny ring you normally get.
N.
Quote from: NickJ on March 14, 2016, 08:29:12 PM
I really like it so far and it was very easy to apply. I've only sprayed the sound control (ceramic insulation is on deck when I get back from NC) The sound control works great and when you knock on the metal it sounds solid rather than the tinny ring you normally get.
N.
Awesome. :2thumbs: I'll prolly put that in my 70 when I get the new floor put in. You did a nice job btw!
:2thumbs: :coolgleamA: :popcrn:
Morning All,
Been a busy few weeks as I get the wife, kids, and the Charger ready for the big move. One more month in Oklahoma and then off to Concord, NC. Managed to get everything in primer with the exception of the wrecked left fender. Figured there was no sense in wasting primer on a part I wont be using. Then me and the daughter reinstalled the seats, bumpers, heater box, etc.. (I hate doing things twice but big parts are much easier to move in the car). Finally, a buddy of mine brought his 66 over for a new transmission. whew! busy, busy.. This week will see the 440/727 going back in for the move and boxing up tons of parts. I guess there really isn't any rest for the wicked. :angel:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Good Morning Fellas,
It's been a long time since my last post. I'm retiring from the Army in 40 days and have been busy wrapping everything up. I did manage to get Ronda prepped and ready for the big move. Overall it was uneventful which in this case was a good thing. She successfully made the trip from Oklahoma to North Carolina and is now waiting patiently for me to catch up so we can start work again.. I miss her already :-\ Hope everyone is having a great summer and getting those beautiful Chargers out into the sunshine! :2thumbs:
Nick
https://www.facebook.com/Rowdy69Charger
Congrats on the retirement. Charger is looking good! Hope the move goes well.
Thank you for your service and congrats on your retirement!
Pat
Quote from: keepat on July 13, 2016, 07:26:13 PM
Thank you for your service and congrats on your retirement!
Pat
X2! Thank you!
Well folks after an extremely long break it's finally time to restart the Charger project. Fuel system is first on deck. Tank, straps, and lines on order. Excited to get back at it. Garage cleaned out and reorganized. Ronda front and center. Parts ordered. Now we wait.
Well Fellas after an extremely long hiatus I got back to work on the Charger this last November. Lot's of work left to do but we're making progress. I set a goal of 1 year to have it running and driving. Will be far from done but at least able to move under her own power. A small photo dump of the last couple months. Lot's of cleaning and painting (which I despise) but lot's of progress as well. Feels great to be back on it. :cheers:
Busy Saturday in the garage. Managed to get the engine, transmission, and driveshaft installed. This is the first time this car has had a drivetrain installed in who knows how long (Last registered in 1983). Still lots to do but each step feels like a win. :cheers: