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.

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. — ESPN Fantasy Football: Your Ultimate Guide To Victory

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. — Samuel L. Jackson: Life, Career, And Impact

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:

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. — Cubs Vs. Giants: Baseball Rivalry Deep Dive

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!