Who said copper can’t rust? This once-beautiful copper-colored Charger shows enough rust to scare anyone, and what you can’t see might be even more frightening. A non-original motor and automatic transmission further complicate the path to restoration. This 1969 Dodge Charger in Saint Louis, Missouri’s main claim to fame is the M51 code “Power Sunroof with Vinyl Top” along with other options. The auction listing here on eBay has garnered over ten bids and a market value above $9000. What looks like a non-original hood made be kinked from over-stressing rusted springs, a common problem with long-parked cars, especially in the rust belt.
Surface rust suggests the vinyl came apart from the moving panel before being removed from the rest of the roof. Pieces of white vinyl are visible in other pictures, and that would look sharp with the copper paint, but a white top would be unusual paired with an all-black interior. Body tag codes (such as V1W for white top) apparently don’t help in the case of a sunroof car because the vinyl top was done as part of the sunroof installation by ASC in Detroit, Michigan. This car’s order number (beginning in 928) denotes a sunroof car.
The G code 383 cid (6.3L) two-barrel V8 made 290 HP (gross), a fine choice for this mid-sized Dodge. The seller claims the Charger came with air conditioning, though neither a compressor or legible fender tag code confirms this. Thanks to stockmopar.com for help with the fender tag decoding.
Options of note on this forgotten muscle-car include dual power seats, tinted glass, center console, three-speed variable wipers, and AM Radio with 8-track player. For decades this Charger would have been passed over as too far gone. The sunroof certainly adds interest, as only 260 XP29 base Chargers received that option in 1969, but never underestimate the power of “Mopar Madness” and the cry to “Save them all!” Would you save this one?
White vinyl top and sunfroof is groovy.
Someone might be able to automate the restoration of these rotten Chargers. They all start off the same, a rough assemblage of mostly rotten parts. What’s the company that makes new Camaro and Challanger shells. There seems to be a crying need for a Charger shell too.
Auto metal direct (AMD installation center) will take your rusted Mopar, camaro or chevelle and build it from the frame rails up. They did a chevelle for me and all the gaps lined up great. The sheet metal replacement is just half of restoring this car. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dCu5xVBvv5E
Wow. That’s some Daytona they decided to save. He has a focus on the end result.
“Challenger not Challanger” Sheesh! What happened to the editing function we had until recently?
i knew what he ment.
Second generation Chargers are and have been in high demand as well as commanding premium prices for cars many people would hardly blink at. A factory equipped M51 car is a unicorn. Even in much worse condition, and being upside down in your investment, there are still many of us that would take on this project in a heartbeat. Once restored, this well equipped Charger would be stunning. I hope it finds a good home to someone who appreciates it for what it is. Anytime there is a factory Sunroof equipped Mopar for sale, you have my attention. Great find!
My news feed had a story on a green sunroof Charger last week. It was just as bad as this one.
@Paolo…That would be Dynacorn…A while back, I brought this subject up and a heckler responded, “stop wining and start grinding.” And since there is no alternative, I’m beginning to take his advice. I’ve started grinding…but I havent stopped wining.
They do all rust in the same places!! Someone could make a good living welding these back together!!
Why didn’t the general lee have a power sun roof?
I don’t know, tell us, why didn’t the General Lee have a power sun roof?
@Arthell64, nice link attached. In my youth I worked as an aviation structural mechanic on A-4F, J’s, so I really appreciate the level of attention to detail this shop performs…👍👍👍
Yet another victim of the insidious Dark Lord of Oxidation. :-(
whew doggies rotten from the top to the bottom. If you decide to take it on, good luck. Stay safe!
Cheers
GPC
This is the second 69 to surface this week with a factory sunroof. Chris Birdsong who knows more about these cars than most people has a turquoise one he us fixing. The entire roof is rotted. This car here is a money pit. Guess what? A close friend has a 70 Charger. Total rust. He bought all new AMD metal. Total crap. Nothing fits without a ton of work.
All the signs of a true AC car are present. Really no need to see the tag to figure that out.