BUTCH'S 1969 DODGE CHARGER PROJECT

My Father-in-law(Butch) purchased this 1969 Dodge Charger SE 383HP brand new when he was younger and drove the car for about 6-7 years. This was their family car. He never sold the car and after discussing the situation with his wife, I have decided to do the restoration. The car spent it's last few years before I got it in my Father-in-Law’s nephew's barn. The car was hauled to my place Sept. 2002. The best part is that the car has never be molested by any humans, and is basically 99% intact. However, the car sure has taken a beating from the mice and the usual rust!!!
Now, the real kicker of the story is that My father in law has no idea that we are doing this. He has always talked about redoing this car someday, but his 'someday' never seems to come. He is a very busy independent building contractor. He has (and still does) always talked very highly of this car and someday get it running again. I do believe he would just have a heart attack if ever goes out to the barn to see it someday and find that it is not there. But, as his brother put it, "he is going to have a heart attack either way, whether he goes out to the barn and sees that it is gone or when you give it to him all done. Either way the man will have a heart attack." So, if everyone can keep this secret for a few more months, it should be quite a SUPRISE!!!! I may have to keep it for a few weeks, just so I can drive it, but I know my wife would not stand for that very long.

Here we will post a picture progression of the restoration of Butch's beloved Charger. As you can see it started with a definate "barn fresh" appearance.

The pictures are fun to look at, but there is still no way to duplicate that 'mousey' smell!!!! OFF TO THE BODY SHOP WE GO!!

Three years later the car was finally returned to Butch on his 60th Birthday. He literally just about feel to the ground when it was unveiled in front of him. Complete SHOCK might be an understatement. And yes it was a bit emotional. As I look back over the last 3 years at all the hours, hard work and money spent, I would do it again in a heart beat. You just can not put a price on the reaction that was witnessed and the true gratitude felt. Even a week after the unveiling, he is still flying high on life right now.

burnsr@mchsi.com