Original 1968 Dodge Charger R/T Restoration

1968 Dodge Charger R/T Restoration

In the Carolinas, we uncovered a remarkable find: a completely original 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. It had the original faded paint, a black vinyl hardtop, and a powerful 440 Magnum V8 engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, showcasing a slice of automotive history. Driven by our love for classic cars, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to revive this vintage muscle car. Follow us as we guide you through the restoration journey, with the aim of sharing our experience working on this untouched 1968 Dodge Charger R/T and celebrating the timeless appeal of these classic vehicles.

Our journey began with a thorough assessment of the 1968 Dodge Charger’s condition. This comprehensive evaluation served as our roadmap for the restoration project, helping us identify hidden issues and plan our approach effectively. With this knowledge in hand, we started the process of dismantling the Charger down to its core—the body and frame. This step allowed us to access every part of the vehicle, ensuring that nothing would be overlooked during the restoration. It’s akin to peeling back the layers to reveal the true essence of the Charger, setting the stage for the remarkable transformation ahead.

We were pleasantly surprised by the condition we found underneath the layers of old undercoating and grime. Despite its age, the car remained structurally sound and in impressive shape. Upon removing the fuel tank, it became evident that we needed to replace the trunk pan. Subsequently, the body shop got to work prepping it for a fresh coat of paint. We decided to stick with the original LL1 Medium Dark Turquoise color.

In the service garage, our focus shifted to the engine. It required a new carburetor, valve cover breather, intake manifold, and several gaskets. After cleaning and painting the block, we reassembled it with new spark plugs, wires, a fuel filter, and fuel lines.

Our goal was to preserve as much of the original car as possible while delivering a beautiful and functional vehicle. We replaced all the shocks and added new u-bolts to the leaf springs. The brake lines were renewed, and the fuel tank received new mounting hardware.

The interior was in great condition, allowing us to retain most of its original elements. We replaced a few cosmetic pieces, such as the parking brake handle and window crank handles. After fitting a new dash bezel kit and glove-box, a thorough cleaning was all the interior needed.

The true transformation occurred in the body shop. After skilled bodywork and hours of prep, the Charger was ready for a fresh coat of paint, breathing new life into it. When it emerged from the paint booth, all the hard work felt justified. With each component reassembled, we moved closer to seeing this beast in action. The paint job was impeccable and affirmed our decision to stick with the factory color. Hours of wet-sanding and buffing added the finishing touches to this showstopper.

The restoration of this stunning and mostly original 1968 Dodge Charger R/T was a memorable project that brought this classic beauty back to life.