1968 Dodge Charger R/T: Restoration Guide

Are you ready to bring the iconic 1968 Dodge Charger R/T back to its former glory? This guide provides an in-depth look at restoring this classic muscle car, covering everything from initial assessment to the final details. The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T, with its bold design and powerful performance, is a prized possession for any car enthusiast. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the restoration process, ensuring your Charger R/T retains its value and historical significance.

Why Restore a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T?

The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T holds a special place in automotive history. Its sleek lines, hidden headlights, and powerful engine options, including the legendary 440 Magnum and the iconic 426 Hemi, made it a symbol of American muscle. Restoring this car is more than just a project; it's a way to preserve a piece of history and experience the thrill of driving a true classic.

Benefits of Restoration

• Preserving History: Restoring the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T allows you to keep an iconic vehicle alive for future generations.
• Investment Value: A well-restored Charger R/T can appreciate significantly in value, making it a sound financial investment.
• Personal Satisfaction: The process of bringing a classic car back to life is incredibly rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Initial Assessment: What to Expect

Before diving into the restoration, a thorough assessment of your 1968 Dodge Charger R/T is crucial. This step helps you understand the scope of the project, identify potential challenges, and create a realistic budget and timeline.

Evaluating the Car's Condition

• Body: Inspect for rust, dents, and overall structural integrity. Pay close attention to areas like the floor pans, rocker panels, and trunk.
• Mechanical Components: Check the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems. Note any missing or damaged parts.
• Interior: Evaluate the condition of the seats, dashboard, headliner, and door panels. Determine what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Creating a Restoration Plan

• Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on the project. Factor in the cost of parts, labor (if outsourcing), and unexpected expenses.
• Establish a Timeline: Break down the restoration into manageable phases, such as bodywork, engine rebuild, interior restoration, and final assembly.
• Prioritize Tasks: Decide which aspects of the restoration are most important to you. Focus on addressing critical issues first.

Bodywork and Rust Repair: The Foundation of Restoration

The bodywork phase is often the most time-consuming part of a restoration, but it's essential for achieving a show-quality finish. Rust is the enemy of classic cars, so addressing it promptly is crucial.

Rust Removal Techniques

• Media Blasting: Abrasive blasting, such as sandblasting or soda blasting, can remove rust and paint quickly, but it requires careful masking to protect areas you don't want to damage.
• Chemical Stripping: Chemical strippers can effectively remove paint and rust. Always follow safety precautions and ventilation instructions.
• Manual Removal: For small areas, use wire brushes, grinders, and hand tools to remove rust.

Body Panel Replacement and Repair

• Welding: Welding skills are essential for replacing rusted panels or repairing damage. Practice on scrap metal before working on your Charger R/T.
• Panel Alignment: Ensure that replacement panels align correctly with the existing body structure. Use clamps and fixtures to hold panels in place during welding.
• Body Filler: Use body filler to smooth out imperfections and create a seamless finish.

Engine Rebuild: Bringing the Power Back

The engine is the heart of your 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. Rebuilding it ensures it performs as it should, delivering the power and performance the car was known for.

Engine Disassembly and Inspection

• Document Everything: Take detailed photos and notes during disassembly. Label all parts to ensure proper reassembly.
• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean all engine components using a parts washer or solvent.
• Inspection: Inspect the block, heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, and other components for wear, cracks, and damage.

Engine Rebuilding Process

• Machining: Send the block and heads to a machine shop for boring, honing, and valve work.
• Assembly: Assemble the engine using new parts, such as pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, and seals. Follow the manufacturer's specifications for torque and clearances.
• Testing: After assembly, test the engine for compression and oil pressure.

Interior Restoration: Creating a Comfortable Cabin

The interior of your 1968 Dodge Charger R/T contributes significantly to the overall driving experience. Restoring the interior involves replacing or repairing seats, the dashboard, headliner, and other components.

Seat Restoration

• Upholstery: Replace worn or damaged upholstery with new fabric or leather. Consider using the original materials or high-quality reproductions.
• Padding: Replace foam padding to restore seat comfort and shape.
• Frames: Inspect the seat frames for rust or damage. Repair or replace as needed.

Dashboard and Trim

• Dashboard: Replace cracked or damaged dashboards or repair them using specialized techniques. Refurbish gauges and instruments.
• Trim: Restore or replace interior trim pieces, such as door panels, console, and headliner.

Electrical System: Ensuring Everything Works

The electrical system is crucial for the operation of the car's lights, gauges, and engine. Restoring the electrical system ensures everything functions correctly.

Wiring Harness Replacement

• Replacement: Replace the original wiring harness with a new one to ensure reliable operation and safety.
• Routing: Carefully route the new wiring harness, following the original paths as closely as possible.
• Connections: Make sure all connections are secure and properly grounded.

Troubleshooting Electrical Issues

• Testing: Use a multimeter to test for voltage and continuity. Identify and repair any shorts or open circuits.
• Components: Replace faulty components, such as relays, switches, and sensors.

Suspension and Brakes: Handling and Stopping Power

A properly functioning suspension and braking system is essential for safe and enjoyable driving. Restoring these systems improves the car's handling and stopping performance. — NFL Defense Rankings 2025: Early Predictions & Top Contenders

Suspension Rebuild

• Components: Replace worn or damaged suspension components, such as shocks, springs, bushings, and ball joints.
• Alignment: After rebuilding the suspension, have the car professionally aligned to ensure proper handling.

Brake System Restoration

• Components: Replace brake pads, rotors, drums, calipers, and wheel cylinders. Rebuild or replace the master cylinder and brake booster.
• Lines: Replace old brake lines with new ones. Bleed the brakes to remove air from the system.

Painting and Finishing: The Final Touch

The paint job is one of the most visible aspects of your 1968 Dodge Charger R/T restoration. A high-quality paint job enhances the car's appearance and protects the body.

Paint Preparation

• Surface Prep: Prepare the body by sanding, priming, and smoothing out any imperfections.
• Masking: Carefully mask off areas that you do not want to be painted.

Painting Process

• Primer: Apply a primer coat to provide a base for the paint.
• Paint Coats: Apply several coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
• Clear Coat: Apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish.

Final Assembly and Detailing: The Finishing Touches

Once all the individual components are restored, it's time for final assembly. This involves putting everything back together and adding the finishing touches that make your Charger R/T truly exceptional.

Final Assembly Steps

• Engine Installation: Carefully install the engine into the car, connecting all the necessary components.
• Interior Installation: Install the seats, dashboard, headliner, and door panels.
• Exterior Trim: Attach the chrome trim, emblems, and other exterior details.

Detailing and Final Touches

• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the car, inside and out.
• Polishing: Polish the paint to bring out its shine.
• Waxing: Apply a coat of wax to protect the paint and enhance its appearance.

Resources and Support

Restoring a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T can be a challenging project, but you don't have to do it alone. Here are some resources that can help: — Two Harbors, MN: Detailed Weather Forecast

Online Forums and Communities

• Mopar Forums: Join online forums dedicated to Mopar vehicles, where you can connect with other enthusiasts and seek advice.
• Classic Car Clubs: Join a local or national classic car club to get support and learn from experienced restorers.

Parts Suppliers

• Specialty Suppliers: Numerous suppliers specialize in parts for classic Mopar vehicles, such as YearOne and Classic Industries.
• Online Marketplaces: Use online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist to find parts.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Ride!

Restoring a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T is a labor of love that combines technical skills with a deep appreciation for automotive history. The journey may be challenging, but the reward of driving a beautifully restored Charger R/T is immeasurable. By following this guide and utilizing the resources available, you can successfully bring this iconic muscle car back to its former glory.

Remember to enjoy the process, learn from your experiences, and take pride in the transformation of your classic Charger R/T. The thrill of the open road awaits! — Norway Vs Moldova: A Comprehensive Match Preview