Upgrades Made to the 1968 Dodge Charger
Mike and Dixie’s 1968 Dodge Charger went through a complete frame off restoration to bring it back to its former glory. They wanted a car that not only looked like a classic muscle car but also drove like a modern one. So, they upgraded every component of the car to achieve that.
The 1968 Dodge Charger is one of the most iconic muscle cars ever produced. Its powerful engine and sleek design have made it a favorite among car enthusiasts for generations. Mike and Dixie, the proud owners of a 1968 Dodge Charger, wanted to restore their car to its former glory while also incorporating modern technology and features. They set out to create a Charger that looked like it was from 1968 but drove like it was from 2020.
The Restoration Process of 1968 Dodge Charger
Mike and Dixie’s dream of restoring their Charger began with a complete frame off restoration. They stripped the car down to its bare frame and began the process of rebuilding it from the ground up. The restoration process included upgrading everything from the suspension to the brakes to the engine and transmission.
Upgraded Suspension of 1968 Dodge Charger
The first thing Mike and Dixie tackled was upgrading the suspension. They wanted to improve the handling and ride quality of their Charger, so they installed a new top-of-the-line suspension system. This included new shocks, springs, sway bars, and bushings. The result was a Charger that could handle tight turns and rough roads with ease.
The suspension system is one of the most critical components of a car, especially when it comes to handling and ride comfort. Mike and Dixie knew that the stock suspension system of their 1968 Dodge Charger wouldn’t be enough to meet their expectations, so they decided to upgrade it. They installed a new coil-over suspension system that provided better handling, improved ride quality, and adjustability. The new suspension system also lowered the car’s ride height, giving it a more aggressive stance.
Improved Brakes of 1968 Dodge Charger
Next on the list was upgrading the brakes. Mike and Dixie knew that their Charger would need a modern braking system to keep up with its new engine and suspension upgrades. They installed a new brake system that included four-wheel disc brakes with slotted rotors. The new brakes provided the stopping power needed to bring the Charger to a halt quickly and safely.
A powerful car needs powerful brakes. Mike and Dixie upgraded their Charger’s brake system to make sure it can stop on a dime. They installed a new Wilwood brake kit that includes four-piston calipers, drilled and slotted rotors, and high-performance brake pads. The new brake system provided better stopping power and reduced brake fade, making it safer to drive.
Upgraded Engine and Transmission of 1968 Dodge Charger
The heart of any muscle car is its engine, and Mike and Dixie wanted to give their Charger a new, powerful engine that could keep up with modern cars. They opted for a brand new 392 V8 Hemi engine that delivered over 500 horsepower. The engine was backed up with a five-speed automatic transmission that allowed for quick and smooth shifting. The result was a Charger that could go from 0 to 60 in just over 4 seconds.
The original engine of the 1968 Dodge Charger was a 383 cubic inch V8 that produced 330 horsepower. While it was a powerful engine for its time, it wouldn’t meet Mike’s expectations for a modern muscle car. So, they decided to replace it with a brand new 392 cubic inch V8 Hemi engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. To make sure the new engine can handle the power, they also installed a new five-speed automatic transmission that can handle up to 700 horsepower. The new engine and transmission combination provided excellent performance and improved fuel efficiency.
Air Conditioning Upgrades of 1968 Dodge Charger
The 1968 Dodge Charger didn’t come with an air conditioning system, which could be a problem during hot summer days. Mike and Dixie decided to install a new Vintage Air air conditioning system that would provide better comfort and convenience. The new air conditioning system was integrated with the car’s dashboard, making it look like it was factory-installed.
Customized Dashboard and Seats of 1968 Dodge Charger
In addition to the mechanical upgrades, Mike and Dixie also wanted to give their Charger a custom look and feel. They had a unique dashboard designed and installed that included modern gauges and controls. They also had new seats installed that were designed to accommodate Mike’s larger frame. The result was a Charger that looked and felt like it was built just for them.
Black Cherry Paint Job of 1968 Dodge Charger
Finally, Mike and Dixie had their Charger painted with a stunning black cherry paint job. The new paint job gave the Charger a sleek and modern look that was sure to turn heads wherever they went.
FAQs
How long did the restoration process take? The restoration process took about a year to complete. Mike and Dixie spent countless hours working on their Charger, but the end result was well worth the effort.
How much did the restoration cost? The cost of the restoration varied depending on the specific upgrades and modifications made to the Charger. However, it is safe to say that it was a significant investment. Mike and Dixie were willing to spend the money to create a Charger that was truly one of a kind.
Can I restore my own 1968 Dodge Charger? Restoring a 1968 Dodge Charger is a complex and time-consuming process that requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. It is recommended that you seek out a professional restoration shop to complete the work.
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Conclusion
Mike and Dixie’s restoration of their 1968 Dodge Charger is a testament to their love for classic cars and modern technology. Their Charger now looks and drives like a dream, and it is sure to be the envy of car enthusiasts everywhere.