Hey y'all. Names Mark, 22 from metro Detroit area. Got a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T non numbers matching 383 (out of a '71 cuda). 4/10 suregrip rear end and sadly a 3 speed auto at the moment lol Looks pretty good, and runs great, everything mechanical has pretty much been rebuilt. I'll see if I can post a few pics. Now the questions:

1. I would like to get a manual, preferably a 5 speed. What are some reputable aftermarket transmissions and manufacturers? I'm a weekend cruiser 4-5 months out of the year so I don't need some high end racing trans, but I do like to use the power it's got so I don't want some cheap build. 383 it's got has 390 HP (rebuilt, bored, better heads, not original power) but I'm looking at one day getting a 440 or 426 crate motor in the 500-550 HP range so if there is a model that would work for both so I don't have to swap again that would be great. Suggestions on crate motor builders would be appreciated as well. Currently looking at Caroline Motors.

2. Where are the best places to find original parts? Interior is 95% original and it pretty good condition. However, there are a few mix and matched parts from other years that I would like to swap out.

3. Body is showing its age with cracking paint and one or two rust bubbles on rocker panel. I have no skill at body and paint so will need to have this done. Any suggestions of south Michigan shops who do high quality work, written warranties, and honest pricing?

4. I'm a young guy and I love a lot of the new styles out today, but the old 60s muscle cars are still the best looking. However, I do want to try and customize it at least some to make it stand out. Anybody have any customizations they've done themselves on any old mopars? Just trying to get some ideas for a place to start.

This was pretty long winded, but I wanted to try and get all my info out to help with any suggestions. I'm a young guy trying to learn what I can from all those with experience. Thanks in advance and if you have any advice, suggestions, comments, or anything else related or unrelated it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

 

Welcome to the site..... Car looks stunning !!!! very Nice !!!!
TKO for the trans or a Brewer
MRL Performance for the power plant
Year One or Classic Industry's For the interior or Larson's
Cant help you on the paint side....

 

Getting a written warranty on paint and body work on a classic car unless its a complete restoration might be tough.

 

Thanks for info. The tremec tko is what I was looking at. As for warranty on paint, plan is to do a full car strip down to rolling chassis, sand blast, and then send out all body work and paint so hopefully I can get a warranty.