Fairly Complete? 1969 Dodge Charger

Sometimes it’s a matter of perspective. Is the glass half full or half empty? Have you traveled many miles on your journey, or do you have many miles to go? Such is the case with this 1969 Dodge Charger. The seller describes it as fairly complete, and the accuracy of that description depends on your point of view. Regardless of which side of the fence you fall on, there’s no denying it requires plenty of work to return to its former glory. If you feel up for a challenge, it is listed here on eBay in Prior Lake, Minnesota. They set their BIN at $19,950 but will entertain offers.

The original owner ordered this Charger in Dark Bronze with a White vinyl top. It would have looked glorious in its prime, but time has exacted a heavy toll on this classic. The vinyl is shredded, and the paint is well past its best, but that is just the beginning. It carries the rust problems that afflicted many Mopar products from this period. However, it might not be a lost cause. The rear quarter panels are toast, with further rust in other lower extremities, the floors, and the trunk pan. That sounds pretty awful, but the seller says the rails are rock-solid. That suggests there are no structural issues of note, meaning a new owner with reasonable welding skills could source replacement steel to return the vehicle to a rust-free state. They still face a long shopping list because some trim pieces are beyond restoration. However, the tinted glass looks okay under the layer of dust, and desirable features like the distinctive fuel cap and grille with concealed headlamps are intact.

Lifting the hood is when we must analyze the seller’s “fairly complete” claim. The engine bay originally housed a 318ci V8 that produced 230hp. That power fed the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The drivetrain combination provided modest performance, with the journey down the ¼ mile taking 16.6 seconds. Those contemplating a faithful restoration will be disappointed that the engine and transmission are long gone. Sourcing replacements for a faithful refurbishment shouldn’t be challenging, although that may not be the best solution. That opens the possibility of a custom or restomod build, and the right engine and transmission combination could increase this Charger’s desirability. If the buyer happens to have an appropriate engine and transmission squirreled away in their workshop, that’s ideal. Otherwise, it may require some research to determine the best solution. Crate motors are readily available, and comparing their specifications with recent sales results could provide the most informed choice. Sometimes the most expensive engine doesn’t offer the best solution. I found an aluminum head Max Wedge 522ci stroker churning out 650hp for $15,000. However, will that add enough to the car’s potential value to justify the cost compared to an aluminum-head 440 stroker producing 525hp for $8,700? That’s why I highly recommend thorough research because it could prevent the builder from wasting thousands of dollars they will never recoup.

The Charger’s interior reveals a further tale of woes, requiring plenty of TLC to present at its best. The Fender Tag confirms the original owner ordered it trimmed in Tan vinyl, with bucket seats, a console, and an AM radio with an optional rear speaker. The original back seat and some trim pieces are present, but the black buckets are a later addition. I spotted some console parts in the supplied photos, along with other hard items like handles. However, everything requires restoration or replacement, meaning the buyer should consider starting this aspect from a blank sheet of paper. It is unlikely to be cheap, and it is a further factor requiring consideration when assessing the potential value of the finished product.

This 1969 Charger undoubtedly represents a significant project build, requiring a dedicated new owner to see it to completion. Some may see it as beyond salvation, but we have seen more decrepit vehicles revived at Barn Finds. Returning the body to a rust-free state entails plenty of cutting and welding, but steel exists to achieve that goal. The loss of the original engine and transmission means it can never be numbers-matching. That raises the question of what path potential buyers may choose. The BIN price means a faithful refurbishment is probably financially questionable, leaving a custom or restomod build as the most obvious choice. In previous articles, I’ve discussed how modified cars are worth whatever someone is willing to pay, and that’s the dilemma facing this classic’s next owner. The chances are it could be a financial black hole, or choosing the right specifications and approach could reap significant rewards. What are your thoughts on this crusty Charger?