Full Build: Molding a classic 1969 Charger into the Perfect Hellcat

Our 1969 Dodge Charger plus a Hellcat swap equals a near perfect Mopar. Detroit Muscle goes hunting for a Mopar in the hopes of turning it from an Alabama backyard bucket into a showroom showstopper.

To transform this build into the perfect Mopar, we started with its looks. After 48 years, some of the body panels needed some serious repairs and replacement. Once the body was back in shape, the Charger received a Midnight Black makeover coupled with a standout Bloodred interior.

To match its good looks, we dropped a 707 horsepower Hellcat Engine and a 6-speed manual transmission for some tire shredding performance. Paired with upgraded suspension and brakes, this Mopar was ready for any street or showroom.

The finished build came out so well we decided to take it to auction, and you won’t believe how much it sold for. Since then, the Hard Charger has become one of PowerNation’s most iconic builds to date, and we are pumped to finally show off the full build to you all.

Follow POWERNATION Everywhere:

00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:24 Finding our Charger and Build Plan
00:08:24 Basic Tune Up and Repairs
00:18:41 Body Work Begins
00:38:18 Mopar 440 and 4-Speed Trans Teardown and Rebuild
01:11:56 Suspension and Brake Rebuild
01:45:43 Body Work, Prep, and Paint
02:47:17 Hellcat Engine and 6-Speed Trans install
03:06:32 New Suspension and Brake Install
03:15:29 Interior Revamp and Finishing Touches
04:35:40 Mopar Nationals and Mecum Auction

[mikedimaio]

Ended up watching the entire build straight through, incredible work guys, but I have to admit, I was devastated when you sold it.

[aaron]

I love that this build started off as a nice retro build then the hellcrate comes in and the entire build becomes radical.

[daltoonybob]

I love watching the full build on youtube. I haven't had cable in like 7 years so it's really great. Though I have a bone to pick with the transmission rebuild. Y'all said there was a magnet on the drain plug. Then pulled out brass ware parts. Brass is not magnetic. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Zinc is added to the copper to make it more corrosion resistant. Both metals are nonferrous. Thanks-

[d.f.]

The perfect musclecar begins with this body!
BLACK, perfect! Dream car. Dream Build!
I love how you guys go right for the throat of building things the right way. No excuses. I worked on cars before and I've watched a lot of rebuilds but here, I'm seeing how things are done the right way, many times, for the first time.
I would have been tempted to keep it in flat black primer.

[ScreamingSicilian]

The best build they've ever done. Such a beautiful car

[jeremiahgood]

Thank you powernation this is the Christmas gift I need I've never seen this project before. So thanks for putting this on YouTube

[geofferyclifford-gcje]

Tommy’s the only one I watch or pat on engine power glad they finally made a full bull of the charger

[jfink]

Tommy is the best! I just discovered Powernation and will be watching 100%! One quick thought. The guy who had the car probably did the best he could with the body work, with his talents, tools, and money.

[superglx]

Wow almost a 5 hr video! Good job guys can't wait for a nice Saturday relaxation of powernation 👍❤️

[accessmexico]

4:38:27 You missed, Felipe Massa (historic F1 driver) amazed by your car, there is no better compliment for your great car. awesome job and thanks for sharing the hole process.

[amirhajimirzs]

Thank you Very much Power Nation!!!This is awesome

[roberthudson]

Just watched 5 hrs of YouTube video. I learned I want to talk like the Commercial Break guy in real life - at Work, at the Pub, Grocery checkout, etc...

[ronphillips]

I absolutely love the cars from my high school days. But I no longer have the time or patience to work on them every time I want to drive them. A full modern built classic is my dream.

[evankingston]

The whole build was awesome guys. I love the car and everything you did to it. If I had the money and opportunity, it would be mine!! Cheers lads.

[malikmcdowellswreckedatv]

When my investments take off and make me a small fortune, I will do this exact build except with a 68 R/T for my father. He once had one but sold it in 1988 to prepare for my arrival. I would love to see that smile on his face again like from the stories my mom would tell me about it.

[gsmith]

this is awesome, got it running in the background while I’m working on my cars sitting in the shop. Love the inspiration.
go do something. You live every day you die once..

[MrRollie]

Really great model
In middle high school
I used to build a lot of model cars
I took
A 1965 doge charger
Widened all well-walls
I got some really great looking wheels
Chrome.
Redesigned the rear deck including an additional wind damping wing on the rear trunk.
Added extra Wide tries to fill the rear
Wheelwells
Added a black vinyl top painted the car lime green when I was done it was a showpiece!

[jameskeal]

I don't usually like watching such long videos. But this build I just couldn't pass up watching. I estimated it if sold would bring $150, 000 /200, 000 - + dollars. It's not a bad guess.
Great job done!

[QuigzDrifts]

Excited for this one, I always learn something from Tommy and Marc

[philc]

The provenance of having the entire build on video by master craftsmen added to the value of this beauty. Surprised it was 2019 Dallas Mecum.