Solid Project: 1969 Dodge Charger

We’ve seen a recent influx of Mopar projects at Barn Finds, with some showing more promise than others. This 1969 Dodge Charger shows promise because it is a solid vehicle with a healthy V8 under the hood. It isn’t roadworthy, but returning it to that state as a short-term goal looks achievable. Spending the time and effort to regain its youthful good looks would be worthwhile because it would receive plenty of favorable comments in that form. The seller has listed the Charger here on eBay in Cleveland, Tennessee. Bidding has scorched its way to $20,699, although that figure falls short of the reserve.

Some cars lead a colorful life, and this Charger has done so literally. The existing Red and White paint combination isn’t original, and there is evidence it wore Blue Metallic at some point. However, digging deeper reveals the original owner ordered it in Code F8 Dark Green. Those days are long behind, with the car’s history suggesting the color changes occurred before the seller purchased it in 2005. Stripping away the existing paint to achieve a high-end finish would seem worthwhile. It would provide the ideal opportunity to assess and potentially eliminate small areas of filler identified by the seller. The indications are this wasn’t applied to hide rust problems, and the existing exterior steel penetration appears minor and patchable. The trunk pan has rotted, but a new two-piece replacement is included. The floors and rails are rock-solid, although heavy surface corrosion suggests that media blasting the underside to prevent further deterioration would be wise. The only other identified rust is the typical area in the front inner fender below the battery. The grille is cracked, requiring either repair or replacement. The remaining trim looks like it might be salvageable, and although the windshield is cracked, the rest of the glass should be okay.

One mystery with this Charger is whether it is numbers-matching. The seller seems unsure but confirms that the car features a 383ci V8, a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, an 8¾” rear end, and power steering. The original 383 would have produced 330hp, making this a potent package capable of hitting 129mph. We know from the listing the V8 wears an aftermarket Edelbrock carburetor, but any other potential changes aren’t mentioned. The previous owner fitted a selection of new suspension pieces, although potential bidders must remember that this car has no brakes. The seller states the issue rests with the master cylinder. However, returning the vehicle to active service could be possible without breaking the bank if that proves to be the only mechanical shortcoming.

The Charger’s interior is essentially complete, but it needs a similar level of TLC to the exterior. A retrim would be the most obvious solution, although the shopping list will extend to a factory radio and a replacement for the cracked wheel. The bill for such an approach is unlikely to leave change from $2,500, and some people draw a deep breath when quoted a figure of that magnitude. However, it is worth remembering that it represents a one-off expense. If the new trim is installed correctly and treated respectfully, it should still present nicely many decades from now.

We are used to seeing Mopar projects from this era with significant rust issues, but this 1969 Dodge Charger is an exception to that rule. Its rust needs are relatively minor, and many of its shortcomings could be tackled in a home workshop to minimize project costs. It has attracted fifty-seven bids, confirming that people like what they see. Do you like it enough to join the bidding war?