1969 Dodge Charger Resto-mod

When you ask motoring enthusiasts who were able to see and drive the second-generation Dodge Chargers, they may likely say that the 1969 Dodge Charger was the best looking car of all time. The 1969 Dodge Charger was also one of the most recognizable cars ever, being featured in the TV series “Dukes of Hazzard” as the orange car named “General Lee.”

The 1969 version carried the same powertrains from the ’67 model. There was the 318 cubic inch V8 engine with 230 horsepower, a 440 cubic V8 rated 375 horsepower, 383 and 426 cubic Hemi. Transmissions were either 3-4 speed manual or 3 speed automatic.

The Dodge Charger may be a beautiful car but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need any enhancement. The following are some of the areas where the Dodge Charger is often modified:

1. Engine

The engines of the Dodge Charger in 1969 are good enough for everyday driving in today’s standards but those who want more power can replace any of the original powertrains. One common engine for the Dodge Charger is a souped up 6.1 liter Hemi mated with a five speed automatic transmission. Other Dodge Charger hot rods feature a Gen III Hemi that churns out a mind boggling 1,000 horsepower.  Doing so gives the Dodge Charger 1969 a supercar performance coupled with the car’s classic look.

2. Transmission

The original Dodge Charger has a four-speed manual transmission system.  Overhauling the transmission system can change the way the car’s engine delivers all those power to the wheels. A six-speed automatic transmission can make the 1969 Dodge Charger faster and easier to handle when on the road.

3. Suspension

Overhauling the suspension of the Dodge Charger 69 model can make the car a lot more enjoyable to drive, and for passengers and the driver not to feel every bump on the road. Adding shocks, torsion bars, sway bars, heavy-duty rear leaves, and extra large wheels (17 or 18 inch in diameter) could do the trick.

This should result in a firmer ride; one that won’t hurt passengers over the long haul. The bigger sway bars and torsion bars also minimize body roll. Lowering the car a couple of inches also helps by changing the center of gravity.

4. Exteriors

While the Dodge Charger was beautiful, there are still several areas of the exteriors that can be improved upon.  One is the elimination of the two vertical supports found on each side of the license plate area, giving the car a cleaner overall profile. A customized LED tail light assembly also gives the car a modern rear profile.

Repainting the Dodge Charger can also restore the once-beautiful look of the muscle car. There were several high impact colors used in the Dodge Charger back in 1968 like bright green metallic and orange. There’s really no need to paint Confederate flags on the Dodge Charger to make it more stunning. And the quality of modern base/clear coat paint is far better than paints of old.  

The 1969 Dodge Charger will rank as one of the most popular cars not just of its generation, but of all-time. Hence hot rodders will always be on the lookout for this model.