1968 Dodge Charger Restoration - Episode 31 - Trunk Pan Install

Hello and welcome to my channel! I want to introduce my 1968 Dodge Charger project car. This car requires a complete restoration and I will do my best to document the process in what will be a long series of videos.
In this episode I start by finishing the work needed to section the trunk pan. In total I pulled 5" out from the center between the wheels--2 1/2 inches from each side. Then I drill out ALL of the plug weld holes, deburr them, and prep them for install using weld-thru primer. The job of installing the trunk pan took about 16 hours in total. It's a BIG JOB!
Next up is final welding in the wheelhouses, blasting and epoxy of the C pillars, then finally installing the deck filler, rear quarters, and tail panel for good! Progress is happening quick! Please subscribe to stay up to date!
If you'd like to support the channel, please check out our merch below! Also follow me on Instagram for more pictures of the build. @Rust_Bucket_Restos

[@timvilleneuve7244]

One preserved marriage, one lost beverage, and about 185 spot welds! Great job. I jumped ahead and watched your Barracunna video. Can't wait, thanks.

[@cesarmagdaleno6009]

I’d rather watch your channel over any streaming service. I say 243 holes. Keep up the good work.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother!

[@johndeffenbaugh5709]

Waiting for my rockers to come in then I can go back to episode 1 lol and binge watch all over again

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Right on! I covered them in an earlier episode too! Good luck with your build!

[@johndeffenbaugh5709]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 oh yeah I've been following ya since the beginning you and I have chatted a few times

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

🤘🤘

[@karlstarr9440]

You have me hooked. I really appreciate how meticulous you are with this project.😊

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks man, I appreciate it!

[@greggonzalez7396]

I noticed a real sense of satisfaction after completion of the trunk pan. Great video

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Tell you what, this was a HUGE job. I was exhausted at the end of this video. Makes everything else seem easy in comparison!

[@desotodigger4743]

Great Video, really enjoy watching the progress. Give T-Ball a hug for me. and I would count 172 spot welds.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

T Bone will be joining me on Q&A this week! Thanks for watching!

[@elcodude621]

THX for this vid! Great help on my 68 Roadrunner. Now I can start on this project...

[@bradsrestorations1085]

You're making excellent step by step videos. Thanks for sharing all the details that goes into the build.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Brad! 🤘🤘

[@WANIEWAN2]

This is the kinda guy you want working on your car

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for watching! 🤘🤘

[@PhillyRoadtech]

amazing work, i estimate 200 plug hole in the trunk pan assembly alone and one energy drink.

[@johnpowell7222]

David great job. Your Dad told me about your channel. Rick is my cousin we grew up in Detroit till they moved. Doug is my little brother. I am the one who joined the Navy and living in Fla now. Great job

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks man! 🤘🤘

[@petergiarratano3812]

I'm addicted, Can't get enough and will continue wait for the next video.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Stay tuned!

[@natebean151]

Happy see wife helps to.. always nice have family join in fun

[@nathanielpotanko7880]

Love the progress the car has come so far not many people would have saved this car and I'm gonna guess 150 spot weld holes

[@davidb0126a]

1:06 Your shop area is looking nice. Great looking garage! 👍

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks man! Definitely a work in progress

[@stevenduering7155]

675 and the piece of merch I want is the charger😂

[@seanposey9708]

You're making some real progress! It's really coming along nicely! Great job and keep up the good work! Can't believe you spilled your beer though. Up here in Canada we call that alcohol abuse! 🤣😂

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

We call it the same thing here! I was heartbroken when I noticed! It was my last one too! 🤬

[@robertbonesio5498]

I will say you had 386 welds to do. Dang……….. lol Great job looking good!!!!

[@faninblack3]

I’d say 380 hole in that trunk pan . I think I’m almost as excited to see this done as if it was my own almost!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Metal work should be done in a few weeks! Can’t wait!

[@toms1348]

I've seen guys cut the trunk pan in half to get it installed. It's a tight fit when the rest of the metal is in place. This is definitely one of the most labor intensive part of the restoration(if not the most). PS....caught the beer spill incident there.....nice!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Definitely the most labor intensive part to date! I’m happy the metal work is almost wrapped up!

[@steveosteen1815]

168 holes nice work

[@joevergnetti767]

Amaze-balls! There has to be 2500 easy…once it’s done it’s done!

[@samperras]

Gettin there buddy

[@TheTorchred9885]

301 plug welds Bob!

[@paulgilson9876]

Your doing a awsome job ..

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Paul!

[@bobjackels2558]

You sure have lots of patience and even more skills! Kudos!!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother! 🤘🤘

[@AdeReeves]

Excellent work...

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks!

[@scottkovacs7634]

I've been following you on this project since the beginning. And has it come a long way.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Yes sir! Thanks for following!

[@scottkovacs7634]

Yeah I remember when you started the project when you lived here in Ohio

[@barrydevlinred]

Looks great mate your a lucky man lovely wife and kids awesome workshop and a charger to work on living the life bro enjoy it 👍

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I’m a lucky man!

[@dirtyberniesgarage1194]

This is flat out amazing! I found this series last night and “binge” watched for a bit and more will follow tonight. I’ve never seen anyone bring one back that was that far gone. But hey, you now know exactly what you have 🍺🍺

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for watching Bernie! She’s come a long way that’s for sure!

[@fritzramirezjr8144]

Looking awesome.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Fritz!

[@bradcahill7754]

Looking awesome I'm going guess 342 spot welds later and then some lol keep up the good work look forward to seeing the progress on this have fun now get back to welding

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for watching!

[@christophersester1025]

Really good job

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother!

[@wernerkeggenhoff2065]

Great video David. Coming together. Im guessing 236 holes

[@kylekissiar1874]

Love the car man. I can't wait to see your new videos. My guess is 276

[@MikeJBlues]

Awsome job , really enjoy watching you make a new charger. My guess 250 plug welds

[@mightymikethebear]

The body is really coming together. I hope to see you driving this vehicle this summer.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I like your optimism! We’ll see!

[@rhodpomrhod1002]

respect , really great video and work ethic

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother! 🤘🤘

[@rangercwgbear6352]

And she said let there be lite and the welder came to lite lol cant wait so close to having the rolling rolller

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Can’t wait!

[@gabrielantoniomartin7995]

Cómo siempre Excelente trabajo amigo Saludos desde Argentina

[@DScaglione.]

Amazing!!! Love how putting together a giant metal puzzle with grinders, fire sticks and some good ole patience all comes together!!! Had to watch it with my welding helmet on 😂 Great job Sir! Looking forward to the next step. God Bless 😎

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

A lot of sparks in this one! Thanks for watching brother 🤘🤘

[@davidbrown-55]

You need a nice work table on wheels boss, save your back. Are you going to bodywork the wheel well area and trunk areas you had to splice in? Major major progress.

[@timothyballinger6280]

I have followed along since the first episode and its looking awesome! Your videos has inspired me to do my own body work and I gotta say I've done better than I thought I could have. Your videos has also gave me the confidence to try it myself 👍 thanks bro!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

That is awesome to hear! Keep at it!

[@vincentvioli8756]

Great skills. Love your work. I estimate 220.

[@daleprice8161]

The car is starting to look great man if I was able to I would love to come out there and see that car in person your doing a great job man keep it up

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Dale!

[@chanson1224]

Im going to guess there are 243 spot welds. Keep up the good work!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Close! Thanks For watching!

[@JazzStrat781]

Absolutely amazing job you are doing on this car 👍 love your videos, I'm learning a lot! Best to you and yours 🙂

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Right on! Glad they are helping others! Thanks for watching!

[@mz6364]

Great job and great camera work. I guess 220 holes drilled/punched. 216 plus 4 for luck.

[@malcolmhamilton5200]

Smart pulling out the wheelhouses for access. Never had to deal with rust on these cars, as they were 4, 5 and 6 years old and worthless(gas crisis) when we were picking them up for a few hundred bucks running and rust free. Even then we knew these cars were special as the new cars were already getting butt ugly, slow and expensive. The chassis must be feeling stiffer already? Great to follow what you're doing. Malcolm Ottawa Valley

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

It’s amazing how solid the car gets with each and every piece I weld on. The end of the metal work is in sight!

[@daleprice8161]

On the holes that you were talking about on the trunk pan I'm going to have to say at least 200

[@tokuzumi1]

Number of plug weld holes in the trunk pan; all of them. When can I expect my merch?

[@buffdoc46]

Awesome content. Love seeing all the little things

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for watching!

[@RustyDodgeGarage440]

Great video, I wish I would have had this before I did my trunk pan last year. I hope you show a lot of detail when your rear valance and corners on an upcoming video, thanks

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

That’s the plan!

[@mattt4666]

New guess 325 spot welds

[@sportster1208]

Looking great! Has the trunk deck lid been trial fit for gaps yet? 540 spot welds

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

You know it!

[@oacumulador]

That many holes. Boy i got tired just watching. You have the courage of a lion! I would guess 196 holes?

[@hotrod1984s10]

280 spot welds!!

[@crbrepairmotorcycles6608]

Have you added up the hrs and time you've spent building this car I bet its quite the labor cost pretty amazing your doing it for yourself

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I don’t want to know… but my guess would be between 1500-2000 hours and close to $30k in parts all said and done.

[@mpkel2003]

210 holes

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

Been waiting patiently for this part! Also, where did you get the music for this episode? Lovin' that blues feel.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I get my music from Epidemic Sound. Thanks for watching!

[@daveshipman2677]

Looking really good now,i have followed you from day 1,much respect to you for all that time and effort you have put in,By the way what was it that you spilt in the trunk area dude,?...look forward the next stage yeah..

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

My last beer! 🥲🥲🥲

[@gunjiweber42]

Enjoyed the video, great prep work. My guess is 175 holes to plug weld !! As a side note, Dylan McCool has a pretty roached Charger, would you ever pursue it ? Just curious 🤔

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Maybe? I have too many projects right now to take anything else on, but who knows what’s in store for the future!

[@donsmith6045]

I'm gonna say 70 plug weld holes

[@RustyWrecks]

got to be 246 plug weld holes there at a guess, heck of a lot of welding.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

A TON!

[@AllisonChainz3718]

My guess is the trunk pan needed... ONE MILLION plug welds

[@danadribnenki8774]

1 million and one is my guess Bob! 😳🤔

[@2007scipione]

great job. When you set you trunk pan, where is your start point. do you go flush with the rear cross member? how do you know if your a 1/4 inch to far forward or 1/4 inch to far to the rear of the frame rails?

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Just make sure your trunk pan fits tight to the radius of the rear frame rails. Also, the trunk pan will only go as far forward as your wheelhouses will allow.

[@itsnotadodgerog2050]

379 spot welds

[@greg6895]

250 👍

[@weaverhchrist]

I'm guessing 217 plug welds total in that floor pan

[@lazarorosales2502]

Great work I have few questions in the mini tubs I’m thinking on doin the same on my 68 superbee just a few questions. did you have to complete eliminate the rear seat belt anchor and also any modifications to the leaf spring mounts will they be in the way of the wheels when the leaf springs be in the way ?

[@darrickcover2200]

1 thousand plug welds 20 drill bits and full spool of wire

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Close!

[@paulcabezola3559]

196 holes

[@michaelasher8084]

When you put the quarters on do not weld the lower rear quarter on the extension you will need the play to line up the corner caps to the corner and the rear valance then use teck screws like ya been doing to get things lined up

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

That’ll be about the last piece to weld!

[@jamiemineer4879]

After removing the entire rear end of the car, was keeping the top section from sagging an issue?

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Gotta keep your quarters fit good on the doors. I had to fight the rear end from sagging for a bit. Once I got my door gaps right, the rest of it all tightened up. Also having the rear cross rail in there for reference helps big time. My suggestion is to fit the quarters, tail panel, and rear cross rail all at the same time.

[@claytonpollard220]

what size drill bit are you useing for the holes in the pan? i’m installing a new pan in my ‘70 here soon and am currently prepping panels and the car

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

3/8 or a little smaller should be plenty!

[@kenny3217]

This is getting really exciting, been watching since the first video when you found it and I can hardly believe how far it has come. Also do you not have any cereal or beer boxes? You are needlessly punishing yourself using corrugated cardboard for templates. Also spilling your beer is alcohol abuse, you should get help.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I need help…

[@jimmyrivera9152]

The frame rail extensions in the rear that holds outside bumper are they AMD ?? if not were did u get them thanks

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

They were actually made by Sherman. I picked them up in a parts deal a long time ago. They fit ok… would recommend amd for everything.

[@stevegeorgiou8104]

Stupid question . The 68 charger has 2 different pan designs they sell . Did you get the “early 68” or “late 68” design and what’s the easiest way for me to tell which one I have on my 68 charger?

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

AMD only sells one floor pan for all 66-70 B bodies. I’d go that route and eliminate the guess work. & it’s a perfect fit!

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

178 holes

[@wastingmymoneyonmotorcycles]

I would have liked to see a few more breaks in the work with some explanations when you switch between tasks. You're going for long stretches without saying anything. If you have to do the same thing twice (once on each side), maybe fast-forward the 2nd time.

[@michaelbottomley2520]

Did you get a trunk latch support?

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Sure did!

[@scottpowe4813]

450 holes

[@tracycolorado]

816 welds

[@MrCuda408]

i would guess you plug welded atleast 200 holes

[@warrenmccann9156]

232 Plug welds, complete wild guess. You got mad skills. Are you a fabricator by trade or is that all self taught?

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

All self taught and doing it for fun. Thanks brother 🤘🤘

[@relaxinmaxin7246]

Why Utah Mopar man? Willard Bay? Weber State? Snow Basin? What's the draw?

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

We love the mountains, outdoors, hunting, fishing, and most importantly… the people! Oh, the cars aren’t too bad out here either!

[@patkimpston117]

I’m not trying to be critical of what you are doing, but what would be the point of doing a mini tub if you aren’t going to move the leaf springs inbound as well? Maybe I missed the part where you said you were going to install a coil over 4 link. Again still digging what you’re doing here. Great channel.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

You’ll like the next couple videos! Chassis stiffening & spring relocation is about next on the list.

[@patkimpston117]

Have you ever looked into using panel bonding glue to install some of these panels? An AMD vendor that I have bought panels for my RoadRunner from in the past that also restores these Mopars turned me on to it.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I haven’t ever used it in place of plug welds, but there is some really good stuff out there that may work just as good!

[@Route5Garage_5.0tbrd88]

I’m going to guess 288 plug weld holes?! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lewismontgomery6710]

205 on holes

[@davidc9826]

where did you find the cars you are restoring?

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I found the Charger and Camaro in Ohio and the GTO in Utah. They are out there! Just gotta find em!

[@terrymellinger7202]

340

[@davidbrown-55]

435 welds?

[@Mattisgarage]

350 holes in this video

[@Hangryjohndoe]

I’m guessing 140 holes

[@kurtisjones4909]

What was that black stuff u put in the frame rails

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

POR15

[@mattt4666]

I am guessing there are 242 spot welds in the floor pan

[@mattt4666]

Sorry I called this a floor pan instead of a trunk pan. You have been doing a excellent job on the 68 Charger. I am really looking forward to the engine build, I just hope you can use the 383 you have.

[@haroldjohnson3591]

500. Hundred

[@robertmaclachlan7948]

400

[@mrpurcountry]

You want to test fit the quarter panels and trunk alignment and tail pan before you weld any of it together and jion to the wheel houses it took me about 10 tries to get my body square and my frame rails and trunk floor at the proper Heights. Stand back and check your body lines run straight. My rocker panels were set up on a level platform to hold it Square and I used a laser to line up the rear of the car, if you have E mail I would be glad to talk to you

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Test fitting is key!

[@wreckerjonny6144]

I have to put trunk floor in my 69 superbee. But someone already put quarters on before trunk floor. I'm hoping I don't have to cut it apart or tail panel off to put the floor in

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Might have to cut it in half and install it in two pieces