And yes, to those wondering... it did not get painted. The entire car got powder coated.   Take that rust!  99% of that car is sealed up. This chassis is going to outlast me so long as I don't wreck it!

Thanks Kevin.   

The car just had some surface rust here and there. The worst thing I've found after blasting it were some small pin holes in the driver's side floor pan. It was the original paint (save for the engine compartment) so there wasn't many chances for a surprise bondo job either. At any rate I think my progress is going to slow back down a bit. Now I'm at the really expensive part that I can't do alone. The wife keeps reminding me its an "Expensive Hobby", but she is one of my biggest supporters so it keeps moving along. She actually restored my dash bezel & gauges and a few other parts. She doesn't mind getting out there and working on it.

I know its not chrome, but it's a damn sight better than it used to be.


The guages almost look like new! (wished they all worked like new.... lol)


I've been searching for a loaner rotisserie for a few months now and have only found a loaner turn cart. I am looking into fabricating a subframe connector and possibly some torque boxes so it would make a world of difference if I could spin it on its side instead of welding above my head. Not to mention the fact that I could get the left over media out of the car... every time i touch it that stuff creeps outta the frame.

If anyone happens to live out in the San Joaquin / Stanislaus county in California who has a loaner let me know!

Yes, those are electro-luminescent gauges. They litet up nicely before I took them out, hope they still work!  lol

Well the stuff I have coating 75% of the body is Cardinal - H304 GR312 Epoxy Primer powder coat so it will be replaced by spray on epoxy primer if I grind any off. Main difference is the coverage area and the cure time. At least thats what I've been told. I'm not an expert by any means.

I've given some thought as to which brand of subframe connectors to use and I am leaning towards the sqaure tubing which is only welded to the frame. I have read a few reviews and the 3 sided laser cut connectors like US Tools has available depends on the thin sheet metal on the floor. This does stiffen then chassis but it still allows the chassis to twist more than a solid square tube would.

I do like the thought of it looking more like a stock frame but I want to put a hemi in this one day so I want more strength.

Gotcha, I'll do that. Definately do not want to have the body twisted and weld those in wrong.

As far as color goes I'm working out a strategy with a local body shop owner on getting a black finish similar to what I have on the engine compartment. I'm hoping he is as enthusiastic as me and puts forth his best effort when the time comes. He mentioned this will be the first 66 Charger he has ever worked on and seems to be excited about the prospect. Someone had a car painted and had obviously taken some time on the paint job. A member of the SPI paint forums posted this pic and its what I'm aiming for:



Black with a mirror finish

White seats / Door Panels / Sail Panels

Black everything else pretty much. Loads of chrome on a 66 Charger too. It would look nice with the black.

I've been debating about what type of hemi to go with. My step father is encouraging me to just get a stock 426 Crate Engine from Mancini. I've given thought to tracking down a fuel injected build and putting a computer in the car that is akin to the new cars out now. I would love the capability to drop to 4 cylinders when just cruising. Pipe dreams though... I had a nice chunck of changed put away for this restoration and blew most of it on a hospital bill.

I have had asthma all my life (born a premy) and a few months ago something aggitated my lungs so bad they swelled up and I almost suffocated. Been working side jobs and under the table for almost a year now since work slowed down so that meant no insurance. Had to fight em to get them to adjust the bill since I ain't an insurance giant. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff they try to charge you for....

Anyhow, just keep on truckin. I'll get my hemi one of these days, be it a stock or one salvaged from a newer car that had frame damage. Suggestions on the engine are more than welcome also.

 

That's great that you were able to find one locally.    I never thought to borrow / rent equipment using Craigslist, but it's a great idea.   It's also cool you met some nice people, you never know what other kind of help you might need or be able to offer them!

Nice project! Keep om pounding away and it will get done. My first car took me 6 years to get back on the road after I started on it.
Steve