Revell '68 Dodge Charger R/T (UPDATED 8/13/10)

[TurboKitty]

"I love the '68-'70 Chargers in gold" Mr Too :

droooool :lol: :lol:

I think I should build a series of Gold Mopars, hmm IDK. There are a lot of High Impact Paints and other colors they look so good in...

[Brett Barrow]

Muscle Car Review ran a Charger issue in Nov. '08. One article was a '68-'69 Charger Spotter Guide, which featured 2 Charger R/T's, both auto's, and both restored by acknowledged Charger expert Phil LaChappelle. Here is the photo comparing engine compartments. Let your conscience be your guide

edit - forgot to mention - scalefinishes has Chrysler Turquoise - http://scalefinishes.com/engine.html

And the Plymouth equivalent of "Magnum" is "Super Commando"

Edited July 29, 2010 by Brett Barrow

[Scalper]

I am diggin the dog dish caps.. your build is looking good.

[DRG]

Being a person that appreciates raw talent when I see it means I appreciate your postings. Your eye for colors and detailing is great.

Keep up the great work and keep posting them.

[TurboKitty]

Being a person that appreciates raw talent when I see it means I appreciate your postings. Your eye for colors and detailing is great.

Keep up the great work and keep posting them.

thank you, that means a lot! It's positive reinforcement for me to continue building models, and to push myself further with each one

[TurboKitty]

Just wanted to add Michelle & Brett, that it appears I've learned something I was mistaken about, & that's always good!!

lol no harm done, I will always admit when I'm wrong about something and I definitely enjoy the challenge of making sure I'm doing something correctly (no matter what I'm doing). Speaking of Galen Govier, I have learned TONS from that man. I've had the chance to speak to him at the Mopar Nationals as he was looking over an OE Gold '69 Charger 500. He is a walking Mopar guru for sure! Also very kind in person

[Brett Barrow]

Just wanted to add Michelle & Brett, that it appears I've learned something I was mistaken about, & that's always good!!

You're right that you can't always trust resto's, but there are some people that I will always take their word on it. Muscle Car Review is my favorite 1:1 mag because they only feature top-notch period-correct restorations and survivors, and if something is wrong or goes against convention, they'll usually make a note of it in the article. I just wish they would get with the 20th Century and get a website!

Edited July 30, 2010 by Brett Barrow

[whale392]

As to the 383 Hi-Po getting the 440 intake, heads, and cam............2 out of 3 aint bad! Think about it real quick; how could the 383 wear a 440 intake? 383 was a 'B' block (b standing for 'Big'), the 440 was an 'RB' block (standing for 'Raised Big). Deck height differences made the 440 intake and 383 intakes different widths. Now cams and heads; no problem.

You can go right down to your local Chrysler dealer parts dept and get the correct color in spray can, along with the Street Hemi Orange, Race Hemi Orange, Chrysler Engine Red, Sonoramic Commando Gold, and basic Black. How do I know.....dad worked for a dealer from 1986-2003, and has been exclusively Chrysler Products since 1960. Having two HemiCars and a myraid cornucopia of other big-block cars helps just a little as well (he is the original and only owner of his 66 Plymouth Belvedere2 Hemi/Auto car. He ordered it in December of 1965 and took delivery on March 3rd 1966).

And factory literature (especially pre-production ads and posters/dealer brochures) are loaded with incorrect products. Take my 1965 Dodge Coronet500 for example. I have many of the ads and quite a few dealer promos/literature for it. Several photos show the CORONET500 fender badges mounted forward on the fenders while others show them mounted just behind the front wheelwell openings. BOTH of my 65s had the badge behind the fenderwell opening and one was an early build while the other was a mid-year build. Never completely trust factory literature.

Anyway, nice build so far.

[Brett Barrow]

As to the 383 Hi-Po getting the 440 intake, heads, and cam............2 out of 3 aint bad! Think about it real quick; how could the 383 wear a 440 intake? 383 was a 'B' block (b standing for 'Big'), the 440 was an 'RB' block (standing for 'Raised Big). Deck height differences made the 440 intake and 383 intakes different widths. Now cams and heads; no problem.

You can go right down to your local Chrysler dealer parts dept and get the correct color in spray can, along with the Street Hemi Orange, Race Hemi Orange, Chrysler Engine Red, Sonoramic Commando Gold, and basic Black. How do I know.....dad worked for a dealer from 1986-2003, and has been exclusively Chrysler Products since 1960. Having two HemiCars and a myraid cornucopia of other big-block cars helps just a little as well (he is the original and only owner of his 66 Plymouth Belvedere2 Hemi/Auto car. He ordered it in December of 1965 and took delivery on March 3rd 1966).

And factory literature (especially pre-production ads and posters/dealer brochures) are loaded with incorrect products. Take my 1965 Dodge Coronet500 for example. I have many of the ads and quite a few dealer promos/literature for it. Several photos show the CORONET500 fender badges mounted forward on the fenders while others show them mounted just behind the front wheelwell openings. BOTH of my 65s had the badge behind the fenderwell opening and one was an early build while the other was a mid-year build. Never completely trust factory literature.

Anyway, nice build so far.

There are 2 383's, a B-block and an RB-block - oops, my bad, 383 RB's were '59-60 Chrysler only. I've got other references that mention the use of 440 intakes on 383's so there must be some merit to it.

Edited July 30, 2010 by Brett Barrow

[TurboKitty]

Ok, I think we've covered that in '68 the 440 was Chrysler engine blue, lol. I will update this hopefully with better pictures of the car in it's current state next week. It's my boyfriends Birthday this weekend and I won't be getting anything done on any of the cars I'm building right now. I won't be able to finish this one for another couple of months I think. As far as originality and correct finishes & whatnot, I will trust the sources I have, since they have never let me down. I've been given some new ones, and if I need to I will go to them. Thanks again for all the comments, I am pretty proud of this one

[whale392]

Yes, I am well aware of that Brett.......but the 383 RB was 1960 and it was a truck engine. If you want to go that route, the 350 (1958 only), 361, 383B, and the 400 were all 'B' engines; and the 383RB, 413, 426 (Hemi and wedge), and the 440 were all 'RB' engines. Then we have the truck engines that were considered industial (even if they were B/RB based). And if we REALLY want to get technical, the early 'A' (1951-56ish) Poly engines and the 1950s Hemis were all the same block (as heads would interchange). later Poly 'A' engines (318 and 325cid) could not accept Hemi heads. And to confuse the matter more, the 'LA' series (273, 318, 340, 360) were something else (considering that the Poly 318 and the wedge 273 and 318 were available side-by-side for several years just adds to the confusion).

Yes Brett, I did grow up Mopar. I AM aware of the RB 383; but it has NO bearing on the above topic. Not meant to be an arrogant cuss here or sound like a know-it-all, but this is/was my LIFE.

[TurboKitty]

not many of the 383RB's around and it was a pretty limited thing.

383HP's got the 440 heads and cam, but like mentioned by Brad not the intake which was different and wouldnt have fit.

Michelle, keep up the good work! i'm not real big on dog dishes and steelies, but i do think it looks good with them on there. the Minilites if you do decide to go that route will be a cool and different wheel to see.

Dave

thanks Dave I think the steelies look best on sleeper cars lol. I'll be getting a couple sets of Minilites for this car and for another project I have yet to start, not sure if I'll put those on an AAR 'Cuda or Challenger T/A though...

as far as who's right & wrong or whatever regarding the Mopar engines, please take it to each other's PM if you must continue. I would like this thread to be about the car I'm building, and if new people want to check it out, I don't want for them to have to go through lots of posts that don't really have much to do with this specific build. Thank You

Edited July 30, 2010 by MB_ChargerChick

[Brett Barrow]

Yes, I am well aware of that Brett.......but the 383 RB was 1960 and it was a truck engine. If you want to go that route, the 350 (1958 only), 361, 383B, and the 400 were all 'B' engines; and the 383RB, 413, 426 (Hemi and wedge), and the 440 were all 'RB' engines. Then we have the truck engines that were considered industial (even if they were B/RB based). And if we REALLY want to get technical, the early 'A' (1951-56ish) Poly engines and the 1950s Hemis were all the same block (as heads would interchange). later Poly 'A' engines (318 and 325cid) could not accept Hemi heads. And to confuse the matter more, the 'LA' series (273, 318, 340, 360) were something else (considering that the Poly 318 and the wedge 273 and 318 were available side-by-side for several years just adds to the confusion).

Yes Brett, I did grow up Mopar. I AM aware of the RB 383; but it has NO bearing on the above topic. Not meant to be an arrogant cuss here or sound like a know-it-all, but this is/was my LIFE.

No problem, I realized my mistake as soon as I wrote it and immediately edited it. That same issue of MCR has a '68 numbers-matching 383ci/330hp and they mention the "383 boasted the heads and intake from the 440 Magnum". There's several related threads on Mopar DG's and sites, all I'm saying is the myth had to start somewhere. The two intakes look identical in shape and design, and without knowing casting/part numbers or measuring the width would be near-impossible to tell apart.

And to get back to the relevant topic, according to Paul Herd's "Charger, Road Runner and Super Bee Restoration Guide" all '68 B-body 383's and 440's would have been Turquoise.

[charlie8575]

Well, this was interesting to say the least. My theory: it's a mass-produced product and goofs happen, and Chrysler, like Dave said, made plenty of them. Call it turquoise and call it done.

Too bad someone dropped a 440 in the 318 car; it drives me nuts to see reality being altered like that. Soon, we'll not have any mainstreamers left, which to me is more tragic than anything else. Not everything had big blocks and all the go-fast goodies. For something fun, I'd love to see someone do a bone-stock restoration on one of the 500 or so Slant-Six Chargers made in 1968!

Those exhaust trumpets will look nice on that car, Michelle. I agree with the idea of a piece of tubing hit with some polish. My suggestion would be to get some jeweler's rouge or valve-lapping compound, a good soft cloth, and polish the whole length of the tube before cutting it up. You might be able to make it conical with the use of a reamer or similar cone-shaped device. If you try it, make sure you get moderately-thick wall tubing to make sure you have enough material to redistribute.

Charlie Larkin

[TurboKitty]

For something fun, I'd love to see someone do a bone-stock restoration on one of the 500 or so Slant-Six Chargers made in 1968!

Those exhaust trumpets will look nice on that car, Michelle. I agree with the idea of a piece of tubing hit with some polish. My suggestion would be to get some jeweler's rouge or valve-lapping compound, a good soft cloth, and polish the whole length of the tube before cutting it up. You might be able to make it conical with the use of a reamer or similar cone-shaped device. If you try it, make sure you get moderately-thick wall tubing to make sure you have enough material to redistribute.

Charlie Larkin

I would love to build a Slant Six Mopar! I just never looked to see if any kits had that engine, or if it was produced in Resin. It does seem familiar, maybe Ross Gibson engines has/had it? Also I am going to look into remaking the exhaust out of some metal tubing, my only problem is how to reproduce the bends without pinching the metal, know what I mean? I don't have anything really that I think could heat it enough for me to bend it. Also, how easy would it be to cut and leave a clean edge? I live in an apartment complex, and my dremel tool can be quite loud : / I don't want to tick off my neighbors lol.

[Brett Barrow]

I would love to build a Slant Six Mopar! I just never looked to see if any kits had that engine, or if it was produced in Resin. It does seem familiar, maybe Ross Gibson engines has/had it? Also I am going to look into remaking the exhaust out of some metal tubing, my only problem is how to reproduce the bends without pinching the metal, know what I mean? I don't have anything really that I think could heat it enough for me to bend it. Also, how easy would it be to cut and leave a clean edge? I live in an apartment complex, and my dremel tool can be quite loud : / I don't want to tick off my neighbors lol.

Tim Boyd did a great series of engine articles in The Other Magazine a couple years ago, one installment was on Straight-Sixes, I'll have to dig up my copy to see what kits he recommended for Slant Sixes. The only one that pops to mind is the MPC Dodge Deora, but I can't remember if that's a good one or a bad one!

[crazyjim]

You can cut aluminum tubing in a small miter box (I have an X-Acto unit), After cutting, use a small, fine file on the cut portion, then carfully run the file over the edge to remove burrs. Finally, take your Z-Acto knife and clean out the inside of the tube. Works for me every time.

I have a Deora screaming to be built. When I do it won't have the slant 6. I think I have a slant 6 in my parts bin too.

[crazyjim]

Way, way, way back, the was the XR-6. It was molded in black plastic as I recall. I think it was a T-bucket with a turtle deck. The cycle fenders were kinda squared off. Had one but it's been gone for a thousand years or more.

[Brett Barrow]

The Lindberg Belvedere and Dodge 330's are Mr. Boyd's recommended Slant Sixes for stock applications. Both are in the current Lindberg line-up, as well as the Model-King run of Belvederes as mentioned.

Since the series was only 1/25th, the Ross Gibson motor was not reviewed.

Edited July 30, 2010 by Brett Barrow

[TurboKitty]

ok, I will check into that tubing, hopefully my local Hobby Lobby has it. I don't think there are any Hobbytown USA stores near me, but I'll look. As far as the Slant 6, I'll remember to check for those kits or the RG engine. It will have to be later, I may put that in a '71 Dart, IDK. I've wanted to built one of those for awhile, either that or a '71 Demon. Once again thanks, much appreciated for the tips

[ROY AVERY]

AS A PREVIOUS OWNER OF A 68 CHARGER RT 440.....MINE WAS BLUE

[crazyjim]

And there's the DuBro tubing bender too. A pic if it is in Romell's '67 Chevelle hot rod thread. HobbyLinc has it for $7.99.

[TurboKitty]

AS A PREVIOUS OWNER OF A 68 CHARGER RT 440.....MINE WAS BLUE

enough, no need to beat a dead horse lol.

I'll be going to Hobby Lobby next week, I'll check it out then. For now I'm going to focus on my boyfriend's Birthday this weekend ; )

Edited July 30, 2010 by MB_ChargerChick

[Romell R]

I would love to build a Slant Six Mopar! I just never looked to see if any kits had that engine, or if it was produced in Resin. It does seem familiar, maybe Ross Gibson engines has/had it? Also I am going to look into remaking the exhaust out of some metal tubing, my only problem is how to reproduce the bends without pinching the metal, know what I mean? I don't have anything really that I think could heat it enough for me to bend it. Also, how easy would it be to cut and leave a clean edge? I live in an apartment complex, and my dremel tool can be quite loud : / I don't want to tick off my neighbors lol.

Hey just want to add my two cents here, youre going about making that exhaust the hard way if you want to make it metal just use solder which can be found at you LHS, RadioShak, Walmart etc.... You see the solder bends really well and once you have the shape you want you can even polish it. heres a link to the headers I made for my chevelle build just scroll down the page a bit. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=31030&st=60

Edited July 30, 2010 by Aftashox

[TurboKitty]

Hey just want to add my two cents here, youre going about making that exhaust the hard way if you want to make it metal just use solder which can be found at you LHS, Radio Shak, Walmart etc.... You see the solder bends really well and once you have the shape you want you can even polish it. heres a link to the headers I made for my chevelle build just scroll down the page a bit. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=31030&st=60

ah, I forget about solder. Learning new stuff all the time thanks!