Rusty Restorer: 1968 Dodge Charger

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The next owner of this 1968 Dodge Charger is going to need to break out the grinder and the welder because this is a car that has some rust issues that will need to be addressed. However, these issues are not as bad as those that we’ve seen on some Chargers here at Barn Finds, so it’s a car that could be worth the effort. That’s a judgment that I’m going to leave up to you. Located in Florence, South Carolina, you will find the Charger listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the opening bid for the car at $13,900, and while there have been no bids up to this point, there are 66 people who are watching the listing.

Originally finished in Light Green Metallic, it appears that the Charger was also fitted with a vinyl top, although we don’t know what color this was. The top hasn’t been the rust trap that we often see on these cars, as the areas around the rear windows and drip rails look solid. Rust issues can be found in all of the floors, including the trunk, and in both quarter panels. The owner is including a new driver’s side quarter with the car, so at least that’s a start. Looking under the car also reveals a reasonable coating of surface corrosion, but it does appear that the Charger is structurally sound.

When we look at the interior of the Charger, it really is going to be a case of breaking out the wallet to bring it back from the dead. One positive is the fact that the dash pad is free of crack, but that is one glimmer of light in an otherwise dark interior. The owner admits that the passenger seat is missing, and it looks like everything else will require restoration. This includes the dash, which looks like it has been cut to fit an aftermarket stereo at some point. One thing about this photo though is that you can see the extent of the rust issues in the floors.

Under the hood are a 318ci V8 and an automatic transmission. It isn’t clear whether these are original, but the owner does say that the motor does run. However, the car doesn’t move under its own power. This is the point in the listing where I had a bit of a giggle because the owner suggests that the buyer “bring a wench and trailer to take this car home.” Personally, I’d probably take a winch instead, but maybe that’s just me. The other thing that is visible in this photo is rust in the battery tray, so I’d be giving the surrounding area a good check to make sure that things in that area aren’t too bad.

From my perspective, I can see that a fair amount of work is going to be required to bring this Charger back to life. There is no question that it would be possible to do it because we’ve seen cars in worse shape revived. If this were an R/T, or a verified numbers-matching car, I’d say that it would be well worth the effort. Otherwise, I’m really not so sure about its viability. What do you think?

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Comments

  1. CapNemo CapNemo

    Well, at least the dash pad is free of crack!

    Like 10
  2. 8banger DaveMember

    Although it my run, it sure ain’t stopping.

    Like 6
  3. Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

    If I brought my wench she would tell me “keep going and don’t you EVEN stop for that thing!”

    Like 8
    • Little_Cars

      Bring a wrench instead. To grab those period-correct AR slotted mags.

      Like 0
  4. dogwater

    ashes to ashes dust to dust

    Like 4
  5. david

    Turn it into a general lee!

    Like 3
  6. TimM

    We can fix it!! My fathers got an ultimate set of tools!! He’s a TV repairman!!!!

    Like 3
    • MoparDude

      I would love to see something like this fixed up. Even though it isn’t a R/T you could still, like, put a Hellephant in it.

      Like 1
      • TimM

        It would be cool to see it back on the road again! It would only happen after a minimum of $70,000 worth of time, work and parts!! I think the last tremec 5 speed I bought was around $3000 what does a hellcat motor go for??? Then you need the computer and wire harnesses!! Every body panel on this car needs to be worked!! After days of that comes block sanding to get it straight again!! Then paint!! We’ll paint depending on what way you go can be costly and time consuming!! Any car can be great again if you have the money to do it!! I was just looking at a coyote motor for a 73 bronco!! The reality is that the drive train needs to be upgraded too!! To much power for the stock axels!! The motor alone was $10,000

        Like 1
    • Dave

      You’d need Fix-It Felix and his golden hammer to fix this one! Myself, I’d bring a wench, leave the trailer home, and bypass Florence for Myrtle Beach.

      Like 1
  7. Karl

    To qoute a statement from another car here “it sure looks like a pile of work for that money” the car is nothing special in any way!

    Like 0
  8. Barry

    66 people watching to see who is dumb enough to pay that much.

    Like 4
    • 36 Packard

      Crush it and put it out of its misery.

      Like 4
  9. Moparman MoparmanMember

    Another serious case of “Barrett-Jackson-itis”!! :-)

    Like 4
    • Del

      I agree with 36.

      Crushing this would be a necessary mercy killing

      Like 3
      • Zeikell

        News flash for all you fellas that think it should be crushed this car is a classic 68 dodge charger yeah it might not be the prettiest but it has a bunch of potential and when I’m done fixing it you all can eat your hearts out

        Like 2
      • The Tin Man

        Zeikell, we wish you the best of luck and success. A few of us have gone the rout you are about to go and found it too arduous, disheartening and expensive to repeat, but a sincere high 5! to you for taking it on. Go for it!!

        Like 1
  10. Dave

    take the 13 off the price and let’s talk. You’re gonna need an AMD catalog and you’ll be on a first name basis with the UPS guy

    Like 0

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