1968 Dodge Charger Restoration - Project Lazarus - Episode 1 - The Story

Hello and welcome to my channel! I want to introduce my 1968 Dodge Charger project car that I call LAZARUS. This car was found rotting away in the woods of Michigan where it had been sitting for 35 years. It requires extensive restoration work and I will do my best to document the process in what will be a long series of videos.
In this episode I tell the backstory of this car and also discuss the rarity. This car is 1 of 259 1968 Chargers that came with a factory 383 4 Barrel 4 speed. VERY COOL! There is sure to be some surprises with this build, so stay tuned and follow my progress!
Follow me on Instagram for more pictures of the build. @Rust_Bucket_Restos

[@RCjesus.David.2581]

I love crazy people who love rust buckets like this and do a crazy restauration to save another Charger.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

That’s what we do here!

[@dbabb2484]

Can’t wait to see this build, the rougher the better lol. Crazy that someone flipped it over to take the rear end and left that 4 speed that was staring them in the face in there

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Right!? I’m very surprised that it is as complete as it is. It’s almost all there..

[@rroop1973]

The right man for the job!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Richard! Can’t wait to get it going!

[@joejoe437]

Nice to see a car worth bringing back.

[@ellisbartlett2942]

You are one crazy dude but I can’t wait to watch you rebuild this classic !

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I can’t wait to get started!

[@joesteed8316]

You.........must.......be.......mad!. I am so looking forward to this build. Fair play to you, can’t wait.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for watching joe!

[@paulj1873]

Yeah, that is crazy...can’t wait to watch this project!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Can’t wait to get it started!

[@suelob8193]

Better known as "Project Rusty". That canister you held up was the vacuum canister for the hide away head lights. The local welding supply company is going to love you! Great to see that you willing to save it. I can't wait to drive it!

[@fritzramirezjr8144]

👍👍👍 nice another Charger. Looking forward to seeing this one take shape.

[@justinroberts5400]

I’m happy to see that I’m not the only one with Charger fever. I have faith, I know you can do it. The bigger the challenge, the better the reward.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Absolutely!

[@JoseAguirre-ri8tg]

Man! I'm dying to see how you'll bring this bad boy back to life I'm getting excited already.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Me too!!!!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Wrong channel!

[@samuelrivera3557]

First I'm so glad that you've decided on saving another 2nd Gen Charger. But to take on a challenge at this magnitude has left me speechless. If anybody can resurrect LAZARUS. Based on your skills and passion. I'll bet my money on you. You've got the Dodge brothers smiling down from heaven for saving another one of their master pieces. Let the show begin !!!!.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Sam!

[@BallisticWrenchGarage]

Super pumped for it. Love to see the crazy far gone cars get pulled back from the brink of destruction.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Me too!

[@rayary1151]

God bless you I'm a Iowa charger nut my love started with Bullitt charger there needs to be more Guys like you that have the love of charger's To restore them Thank you

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Save them all!

[@torekristoffersen176]

Sweeeeeeeeet! A guy can’t have enough ‘68 Chargers!! ❤️

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I want more!!!

[@torekristoffersen176]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 I know where there are a couple more around the Ogden area... when you get out here! 😝

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Shit... I’m going to hide your comment before my wife sees... but I will be in touch lol

[@torekristoffersen176]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 😆😆😆

[@sinistercharger]

My God you are a Brave Man..I have watched a Ton of these videos and I havent seen a Resto thats as big a job as this.I think even Birdsong would be Scratching his head! May the force be with you 👍

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Lol that must mean I’m just dumber than most people... either way these cars need to be saved! Better than sitting for another 30 years in the woods.

[@rickyneill8193]

Can't wait to see you breath life bac into this old tired girl. I really enjoy your channel

[@fasttoys99]

This video and the other one you posted on this car was a eye opener. I have some projects but now Im getting rid of all of them. I'm going to enjoy life and not work on shit like this or anything even close to it. Thank you for showing me what not to do in life.

[@jamesjohnson4093]

You have become one of my favorite channels! Saving and preserving vintage muscle cars. I love the tail lights on the 68 chargers.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

68s are special cars! Best grille & tail lights!

[@robertreavley7145]

Yeeeeeee haaaaaaa! I can see this in a few years being a great build!! Love it!!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Hoping it doesn’t take that long! Can’t wait to get this one going!

[@harrycallaghan3057]

Nothing is impossible, life is short, enjoy it. Looking forward to your future videos, a little piece of sanity.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for watching! 🤘🤘

[@kyletoft2863]

Looking forward to seeing you build this classic back to life . Best of luck with it

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Kyle!

[@scotttracey3748]

Again man your crazy, But a man gotta do what a man gotta do l will be watching good luck with the project.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother!

[@24run]

Look forward to see the next bit

[@jamest4409]

You just inspired me, my dad has a old 70 mercury cougar that I was thinking is too far gone. Needs a new roof and floor and trunk pans but I think I'll take it on now after watching this video

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Hell yea brother!! Good luck with your build!!

[@jamest4409]

Thanks!

[@Imintothat]

I thought the first one was crazy! I’ll gladly follow along.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for following!

[@Imintothat]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 been here since the beginning. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@rottenbot]

I'm watching this, and the mission impossible theme tune is in my head🤔 love your enthusiasm for these cars, too far gone is not acceptable in your view, and that deserves respect from fellow restorers, well done for saving this gem👍👍

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother! They are all worth saving!

[@sspacegunn21]

beyond crazy,bro!! I give you more ups than ANY of the car shows. Daring to take on this (and the other one!) is beyond impressive!! looking forward to your next program!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Just wait... it’s going to get even crazier!

[@bobjackels2558]

Really have to give you allota credit! Talk about making silk out of a sows ear! I have owned several chargers and still have an updated version today! Your skills are amazing!! I believe I still have some miscl.68 parts in my barn. Have a ball!!! I

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Bob!!

[@curtiscarpenter7423]

I can't wait to see the project start.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I can’t wait to get started!

[@jeffheinlein3103]

Awesome!!!! I absolutely love to see people going the extra “miles” to put these beauties back on the road. Especially when it’s my favorite of all rides. Keep it up ... we all enjoy the videos here in Indiana 👍🏻.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for following Jeff! They deserve to be back on the road!

[@jonathanbach7978]

this is going to be a real treat to watch!!! Not even my car and I’m as excited as a kid on Christmas morning 😁

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I can’t wait to get going on it!

[@barrydevlinred]

Oh my god when you put your foot to the rear bumper it made me laugh so hard and as for the skull uve found one hell of a freaky hood ornament lol. I cant wait to see this beast reborn the pair of them with the camero are guna look killer together

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Yessir!!!

[@mikeroberts5646]

Don’t disappoint me,my first watch

[@rangercwgbear6352]

Wow love it my 1967 Fairlane Gt Fastback wasn’t to far from this I least had a roof and doors firewall trunk love watching your page I’ll be looking for a charger after this build a 69 or 70 for sure I’ve seen a few here in Iowa for the right price and you have helped my build a lot

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

That’s great to hear man, thanks for the kind words! I want a 69 or 70 to build a wing car next. I need to finish these two up first though!

[@rangercwgbear6352]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 yes and can’t wait to watch the work either

[@stimky617]

And I thought the other Charger was bad... As a fellow michigan resident I can say that it's surprisingly solid for sitting in a michigan forest for 35 years. It really is a shame that a charger could fall into such disrepair, you truly are a saint for taking on this project.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for following! I'm surprised too... The front rails are in excellent shape considering what 35 years in the woods can do. I'm going to get it cleaned out to see what kind of shape the rest of the car is in. Be on the lookout for another video this weekend.

[@DXFXmc]

When you get Lazarus done, You will have elevated yourself to next LEVEL G.O.A.T!!🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗🤓

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I don’t know about that.... but I sure love doing it!!

[@paulgilson9876]

Looking forward to seeing next vid

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Soon!

[@benashford5320]

Look forward to seeing the build man it’s gonna be badass

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I can’t wait either!

[@2koolchris291]

Yay another charger. More content and glad to see another charger back to life. I can’t wait till I can rebuild my own charger. I want to get a 68 and or a 69

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Chris! You & I think alike! I swear... some people would rather see these cars rot in fields or be crushed than be rebuilt. Everyone should be onboard with saving this car!

[@bigkillataylor4254]

Haven't even gotten to the expensive stuff on the first one. Love your enthusiasm and good luck. I love watching these videos.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother! 🤘🤘

[@doug.patterson4732]

i like your attitude toward building these cars awesome

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother! 🤘🤘

[@stevenslight2607]

Good luck I’ll be watching 👍👍

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for following Steve!

[@reijerlincoln]

Brave man. You're equal to the task, from what I can tell from your videos.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Stay tuned!

[@340dave6]

wow that’s scary lol. I look forward to seeing the videos of you fixing her up!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I’m looking forward to getting started!

[@haroldjohnson7239]

AWSOME. I CAN'T WAIT. CONGRADULATIONS

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Me neither!

[@claytonpeeples3263]

eager to watch the build

[@davidb0126a]

You're a brave man! However, we all know you can do it. Looking forward to seeing you work on this in your new shop!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Dave!

[@MikeJBlues]

Very cool. I can't believe the transmission is still there. And that's a steel can of pbr.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Yes it is!

[@bbgcars]

YOU THINK YOU CAN DO A VIDEO ON STARTING THAT ENGINE AS-IS? Just spray pb blaster/marvel mystery oil and let it soak in the cylinders for 2 weeks, pour it down the intsake manifold, mount a factory fresh edelbrock carb ,rewire the ignition and loosen her up and set it afire! IT WOULD BE MENTAL! Best REVIVAL VIDEO OF ALL TIME.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I’ll see what I can do! I think the block is probably seized. The valve covers are actually rusted through. I’ll take them off in an upcoming video

[@bbgcars]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 ok cool, im sure you already know what to do to unsieze them..I actually unsiezed worse! Like water still in the bores! but old timers taught me that using. 1) High acidic white vinegar or 2) Coca cola soaked for a week would free them up., So i used a combination of vinegar for a week then marvel mystery oil and it worked!

[@bobbymckinney1264]

It's still a 68 charger doesn't get better than that I love what you do to these cars,I would want it in my driveway just to say I had one

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Absolutely! 68s are the best!

[@stevenboyd5969]

Best of luck!

[@jamesfitzgerald6005]

Hell yeah! I’d love to have the talented do what you do!

[@bobmartin2615]

Man this is crazy kool. Will follow you during this build.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for following Bob!

[@martincunnington2154]

Cant wait to watch the series

[@vincevalenti84]

I like your mindset that they are all worth fixing.....Ill be doing that on my very rusty 67 barracuda convertible I picked up in mcdermott ohio, good luck on this one

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother! 🤘🤘 good luck with your build!

[@hubertbelden652]

That’s awesome👍 right guy to do the job!!!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks man!

[@70stunes71]

Brother... Now you are taking on some serious rebuild. I could never do it but this should be interesting :-)

[@radillac1961]

You sure are my hero!! I thought I was bad and I was ambitious. I salute you. I love that 68! I was worried about the roof because the roof structure is everything, as long as you have the roof you can rebuild everything else with aftermarket but you did mention that you have a donor roof which you're definitely going to need. But you didn't finish the other one I'm still waiting for you to do the rear frame rails on the other one, LOL please keep up the good work! Please keep up the videos!!!

[@radillac1961]

LOL just watched the full walk-through, it's awesome. But in reality I think the only thing you might be able to salvage will be the grill, the front bumper, and the Vin tag... maybe the torsion support and the front rails I can't wait to watch the videos on both cars!!

[@neilmcwilliam7877]

Very brave man indeed But great your saving another great car Well done from here in the UK .....

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Neil!

[@brettmerryman2837]

Looking forward to Christmas time!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Me too!

[@cowboychevyschneider]

keep the great work man I'm restoring a 1934 dodge pickup and a 1934 ford 2 door sedan my dream is to buy a 1968 dodge charger

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Keep looking! They are out there!

[@baslanting7960]

Dude ur the man! Big inspiration to me starting my first restoration at 21! Good luck with the car!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother! 🤘🤘

[@pistonbroke]

Wow! That is in bad bad shape. I thought you were nuts taking on the other charger but seeing how well that's turning out, this one is doable. You're still nuts for taking it on though. Looking forward to it. Stay safe.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Nuts or not, will still be a fun car to build & drive!

[@pistonbroke]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 yes it will and I'm looking forward to it.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

You and me both!

[@donw3912]

That is one super rough puppy...its saving grace is the front end being solid...gotta have reference points to go off of as you know. Its great to see you saving it...and the price...lol..who would say no...at least anyone who knows anything about Mopar B body collectability :-) A great score :-)

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Absolutely!

[@r.-m.d.]

RESPEKT FOR THE LAZARUS PROJECT ! I want watch this Rebuilding from the CHARGER ! 👍👌🙂

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

🤘😎🤘

[@r.-m.d.]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 Greetings From Germany 😎👍

[@bigbobk1963]

Ur right I think ur crazy!!!!!! But I'm gonna watch for progress!!!!

[@stevencoughran6115]

Hey ,you made it to Utah, and I think it so cool ,you got that charger ,and hey ! It's not what it looks like now ! But it what your going to make it look like ,it so so cool I love it ,you can not beat that deal we luv your videos so real Dramma free A+ my friend can't wait to watch it come back

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks brother! 🤘🤘

[@obsgarage3146]

Yo looking forward to the build man

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks man!

[@XS29J8B]

Wow! she's rough but, worth saving! Looks like an early production\ordered car! Big case 67 wiper motor, Inland shifter, Hurst equipt cars had the reverse light on the lower dash, Inlands didn't. I believe they went to all Hurst in Jan. of 68? With the "lift off" hood, it'd be easy to check the top of the bellhousing where it meets the block for the VIN numbers to see if they match. Most of the 68's I've looked at they are stamped right across from each other, on the block and the bellhousing. Wish you all the best with your move! Looking forward to more vids!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Good info thanks! I’ll be verifying numbers this weekend.

[@Dafraio]

awesome. can´t wait to watch this series.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@stevencoughran6115]

Hey ! No way your Crazy ,it is really really cool ,I have 68 camaro the we put the whole top off another camaro ,it's also called the Black Widow Mark Jones raced it at Erindale speed way ,so it has some Cool History ,and the work done is very rewarding, it has 27,000 in it right now and I love it ,can't wait to find another, this is my 3rd 68 plus a 70 Z-28 ,but We are keeping this one

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Very cool!

[@k1Stung]

bloody good effort and awesome work mate

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks man!

[@sonnyjordan1911]

Can't wait to see more

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Cant wait to get working on it!

[@bigbfelts]

Keep this up and Mark Worman will be wanting to hire you.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Mark is the man!

[@seth4567]

ok this is gonna be one insane transformation

[@mobilityxstore]

This was so relaxing!

[@mountcastlegarage5381]

Gonna subscribe just to see this project. All the best to you on it.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Rob! 🤘🤘

[@0006-s4p]

Really cool car

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Yes it is!

[@Superkid778]

Crazy good!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for following Chris!

[@samperras]

Lazarus will rock

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

🤘😜🤘

[@marks184]

Most excellent!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks for following!

[@marks184]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 I am a native San Franciscan. When was I was growing up late 70's early 80's there were still quite a few Mopars in the city. You would see 383 Magnum 4 barrel Challengers parked out in the Avenues. There was a 426 Hemi Cuda with Shaker a block away from my parents house (not uncommon in the 80's 90's and even 2000's to have rare cars in regular neighborhoods in SF, when I was in graduate school I lived in a neighborhood with a real Tucker). The 1968 Charger with the 440 in Bullitt is iconic. Watched that movie over and over again. Love your channel. The comments will help your channel. Silicon valley, go figure .. lol ...

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Comments are the best part! I’ve learned a lot from the feedback I’ve received from others. Thanks for following!

[@mikesevilla8692]

Very informative I like your channel. You should paint that skull the same color as the charger. Great dash ornament 👍

[@verndaley3471]

You one brave restorer

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

No, just too cheap to pay someone else to do it!

[@toms1348]

Document building the frame jig. I'll be interested to see how you go about that. This build definitely will need some solid reference points. I hope there's enough unit body structure left beyond the front clip to lock this baby down!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I'm hoping to get a good cleaning done on the inside this weekend. Will know more about what is left after that. But I'll definitively document building the jig!

[@SNEAKVS]

Reminds me of my 68 charger I bought in Louisiana, when I got home and checked the vin it was a R/T!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Hell yeah!!!

[@KENNEY1023]

Should be an interesting long build. I hope the motor can be saved.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Grab a beer and kick back! Should make for some entertaining content!

[@TheSniffmccabe]

Might want to rename this one project PET CEMETERY !!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Lol that’s hilarious

[@TheCavemanno1]

Cool.Looking forward to seeing your build.You crazy as hell but I like it. The bucket seats worth more than the rear end the idiots nicked 😂

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

& the grille!!! They left a lot of money sitting there!

[@trippledee351]

Man I wish I had half the skill and patience you have for restoring these cars. Your saving stuff most people would run away from. Max props to you. How much of the restos will you be doing yourself? Are you going to do the body and paint of both cars? All mechanicals, electricals and trim etc?

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Yep, I do all of it!

[@trippledee351]

That's awesome. I can do mechanicals, electricals and trim but I just dont have an eye for body work. I can paint ok, but just dont have nearly enough patience and eyesight quality for panel prep and mud work.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Panel prep and fitment is what sets apart an ok build from a world class build. It’s also the biggest pain in the ass part of building any car!! But if it’s not done correctly you and others will notice. I always tell people “cry once when you build it or cry every day when you drive it!” Do it once and do it right! I hate doing it too, but it has to be done.

[@Cat-Privilege]

Keep the can to display with the car when you finish it, you can tell tell them that the can was in better condition that the car when you started. And do not listen to the naysayers, I agree that all 68 to 70 Chargers are worth saving, and if any one can save this one, you can. I cant wait to watch your progress. God bless and give T-Bone a high five for his monster truck joke.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Thanks Alan!!

[@davidbrown-55]

Great stuff! I’m ready for this. You better watch, Mark Worman is going to be upset with you stealing all of the good finds. Booooom!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I haven’t seen many cars on his show that have been this bad... but the Cuda was definitely worse! This looks a lot worse than it is in my opinion. Can’t wait to do some cutting on it!

[@dannysettles5646]

Man o man I would pass out if I could fine one like that round here in woods

[@thinkingofyouto1]

You’re crazy but I’m glad you’re crazy enough to do it and film it

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

Hopefully everyone can learn from my mistakes!

[@jessiejames2155]

Worth saving . We have less and less extra parts, to make another one. Soon, we will be pulling together 4 cars..just to rebuild one classic !....

[@hqlion]

There’s one man you need, Chris Birdsong.

[@kevkilian]

I can't wait! Stupid my ass, this is exactly the love that these old cars need! Subscribed!!!!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I like your style! Thanks for subscribing! Stay tuned! More content to come on this car in the next few days.

[@michaelhill2844]

April 1st. LOL!!! Well done.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

No April fools joke here!

[@michaelhill2844]

@@rustbucketrestos6511 Wow! "Insane" is used too much these days as an adjective. But, you sir, are insane! :)

[@stuartpowell7416]

You give me hope for my 69 project. Just need roof skin, lower quarters and a floor patch done but the task seems daunting.

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

That’s a weekend worth of work!! Get it going!

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

This is going to be alot of work but a awesome build!

[@rustbucketrestos6511]

I can’t wait to get started on this one!