Quite a few of the second-generation Dodge Charger cars seem to cross our paths here at Barn Finds and in all conditions, everything from A-OK just as they are to complete projects with every nook and cranny needing attention. This 1969 Dodge Charger here on eBay definitely leans in the project direction, and while I have no doubt that there’s some potential here, this one does present a couple of odd challenges that I’m curious to find out how our readers would address. Obviously, I’m not the only one seeing promise, as 22 bids have already driven the price up to $19,500, and some good news is the reserve has already been met so it will be going home with the high bidder. The B-Body is in Wahoo, Nebraska, about an hour west of Omaha, should you want to go check it out in person first.
This one will never have a numbers-matching drivetrain again, as the original 383 is nowhere to be found, so if you happen to have a spare Mopar big block laying around you’re already headed in the right direction. It’s nice to be able to see full the engine compartment, which appears to be overall structurally sound, and the front-end components down below aren’t looking all that bad either. It’s also sweet that this was a 4-Speed car, and I hope whatever direction the next person chooses to go in that the 3-pedals remain.
One of the things I found a bit strange about this Charger is the rust, in particular on the quarters, as most of these cars seem to rust more in the bottom of these panels initially. The seller does say that they have been patched, so apparently the rust did previously extend farther down than we’re seeing it now, but what’s still there seems extensive and higher up than we typically see on these cars. Do you continue the patching upward, or just go ahead and replace the entire panels? Another repair the seller says a previous owner made was patching the floors, which seems like a decent job from above, but when you look from down below things appear a bit wonky and questionable.
Of what’s remaining inside, maybe the instrument panel can be saved, but unless you like J.C. Whitney steering wheels this one’s going to need to be returned to a factory item. And the seller makes it clear that WYSIWYG, so no extra parts such as the seats will be included. There’s a lot of work to be done on this one, and I hope it gets into the hands of someone with the skills to get this Charger back on the pavement. Can you see any potential here?
Holy mackerel-that’s a lot of rust! Wait, it’s not a Marlin..but it does look like it was found in the Salton Sea partially under water, judging by what’s been painted over and what’s been replaced. Someone may want this as a parts car, or may have the resources to bring it back to a drivable condition such as body shop for a quick fix and flip, or maybe a major shareholder in 3M/Bondo.
Love the 2nd & 3td gen Chargers but this one would be a money pit unless the buyer is a patient metal fabricator with LOTS of time to avail.
AMD makes almost every piece of sheetmetal both inside and out for these 69 Chargers. Of course I would think this is all the money for this one at this time, in order to buy the metal and fit everything then find all the missing stuff to replace, in order to even break even. You would just about have to do most of the work yourself, or it’d turn into a labor of love if you had to farm it all out. Simply bite the bullet and buy one done…lot less headaches and you’ll only cry once!
Wow, wish I had bought all these that were available back in the late 70’s, complete with big blocks, interiors and running? All for under $1,000 apiece at the highest. These were considered bad handling piles of junk by many back then and the only people who bought them were those who couldn’t afford the new Mustangs, Monte Carlos, Cutlass’s….etc…etc. with their posh interiors, fuel saving engines and landau roofs!
i would say the high rear quarter rust is from a poorly done rear end accident repair. the floor work is typical rust shop make it safe and get a sticker. cut the rust out then weld in patches from the top and seal the edges. no one sees the bottom when you’re driving. so we can do it quicker/cheaper this way instead of seaming in patch panels with the matching bead rolled reinforcements.
it a big project but quite salvageable. no bones about it. it won’t be cheap but cheaper than a done one especially if you are capable of the diy path
When the person who buys this is done restoring it should get the appropriate vanity plate.DEEP POCKETS. Could’ve bought number of cars in way better shape for a lot and I do mean a lot less than this. Then again that was 40 yrs ago. Should a could a . Who knew?
You could probably find one in a junkyard that needs just as much work for 1/10th the price.
Is that Earl Shieb blue paint??
(Only the seasoned veteran enthusiasts will understand)
around here it was maaco. huge factory pack color chart behind the counter.
you want the 399 special pick one of those.
they ad it inside taped and he was painting in about an hour and a half
Was it $49 or $99 for a complete spray ?
I will paint any car for $29.95! Earl Schibe special. I had a friend get one. They basically painted everything including some of your windows! If you did the bodywork and your own taping you actually got a acceptable paint job. It took about 60 days to dry hard enough to wash!🤣
It just so happens that I have a 1969 383 with 906 heads and a 727 transmission sitting in my basement 4 sale
Perfect candidate for a Pro Street build
this car has a lot of bondo on it and good luck finding interior parts there’s an arm and a leg, at $23,400. and it’s not even a real R/T what a joke and I can tell ya if you don’t do a majority of the work yourself you will be into this car for over $100,000. it’s truly unbelievable how many people can just throw good money away!!