Images: DodgeCharger.com

It would seem that the minute we announced our Killer Kong ’69 Charger project, we’ve been noticing more and more ’69 Chargers springing up! Of course, that’s just a trick of perception, but we’ve been really impressed with the examples of late-60’s Mopars we’ve been stumbling across, particularly this wild street machine in the works. Spotted over on DodgeCharger.com, forum member “yeahitsgotahemi!” out of Chandler, Arizona, is putting together – in his own garage, no less – one mean ’69 R/T.

Starting with a rough original R/T car, “hemi” conducted quite a bit of metal fabrication and repair to get the Charger back to into completion. Typical for second generation Chargers, the rear window sill, Dutchman panel, trunk and portions of the lower quarters needed to be replaced.

While chewing away with a plasma cutter and tin snips, “hemi” went ahead and opened up the rear wheel tubs, mini-tubbing the rear by a couple inches. The modification required that he relocate the rear spring perches.

Next came a set of laser-cut sub-frame connectors and a self-fabricated roll cage with 1 3/4-inch DOM on a JD bender with Chris Alston’s Chassisworks pin joints. “hemi” also fabricated up a trunk block-off panel, and closed up the firewall, removing the A/C, heater and wiper motor (along with the wiper holes in the upper cowl).

With all the tin work completed, “hemi” carted the Charger off to media blasting. Once back, he jumped into the body work. “After a year and three months, the body is no longer an eye sore,” “hemi” announced on the build thread.

To ditch some weight, “hemi” opted for a fiberglass Glasstek Six-Pack style hood. Mated to hinges, “hemi” noted, “I thought about getting a lift-off hood, but then I decided that it would be a huge pain to have to lift it off every time I wanted to get under the hood.”

“I was originally going to go with Sublime, but after I saw a Viper, I changed my mind; and I’m really glad I did,” he explained. The color might be familiar to those who love the 2008 Viper; it’s called Snake Skin Green.

To offset the vibrant green, “hemi” kept with the custom look and had all the chrome powdercoated black, even the vent frame and door window stainless is black. He states that most of the stainless however, will be polished up and kept virgin, so some black and “shine” will be found where appropriate.

Inside the trunk and underneath, he had the Charger sprayed with Raptor liner. For the interior, he made the glovebox from aluminum (which we’ll be doing for Killer Kong for our ignition box and fuses), cleaned up dashpads and painted with SEM, and rebuilt the steering column. The guages are planned to be replaced with new Autometer dials.

“As far as suspension goes, I’m keeping the front mostly stock.” Right now, the green Charger sports a Flaming River manual steering box and rag joint, turning a set of Wilwood discs. Out back, a new Dana 60 will be filled with a Detroit Locker and ride on a set of Cal-Tracs and monoleaf springs.

But what has really sparked people’s interest are the wheels and tires. They are 15×6 and 15×12 Billet Specialties Street Lites that “hemi” had anodized bronze wrapped in Mickey Thompson S/Rs; 8-inch wide fronts and 15-inch wide (and 29-inch tall) in back. “Definitely a different look, which is what I was going for,” he smirked.

While the original plan was for a gnarly HEMI plant, budget and parts availability constraints have made a “monster 440-stroker Wedge: a far more doable alternative. Behind the powerplant will be a reverse manual valvebody 727 which will spin a Dana 60 with a Detroit Locker with 4:10 gears.

While this promises to be one of the baddest Chargers on the road, the interior will have a lot of stock parts, including the rear seat, door panels and upper pads, although “hemi” is considering different front seats, “I’m thinking some corbeau BAJA seats right now, but I’m not sold on those yet.”

This ride is far from finished, so do yourself a favor, if you love classic Dodge Chargers, join the forum and read along as this snake gets its fangs!