1969 Dodge Hellcat: The Ultimate Old School Muscle Restomod

After months of intense work, dedication, and pushing boundaries, the 1969 Dodge Charger Hellcat project is complete! This endeavor was undeniably one of the most demanding builds our team has undertaken, but we persevered to bring this unique vision to life. This car perfectly embodies the Dodge Hellcat Old school dream: timeless muscle car aesthetics fused with cutting-edge performance.

A Dream Build: The “True Hellcat Swap” Challenge

It all started when the car arrived at our shop, brought in by a client who described it as his “dream car.” We were excited to make that dream a reality. However, we soon realized the specific integration we aimed for hadn’t been fully accomplished elsewhere. Existing Hellcat swaps typically involved either placing a classic body onto a completely new Hellcat frame or swapping the engine without integrating the modern dash and electronics.

Side profile view of the completed 1969 Dodge Charger Hellcat restomod in a studio setting.

We committed to what we term a true Hellcat swap. This meant transplanting the complete Hellcat engine and transmission assembly, along with the modern SRT dash, steering wheel, and paddle shift controls, directly into the original 1969 Dodge Charger chassis. Crucially, everything needed to be fully functional – from remote start and the 8.4″ touch screen infotainment system to ice-cold air conditioning and the automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The goal was a vehicle with all the conveniences of a modern Hellcat wrapped in the iconic skin of an old-school hot rod.

Interior view showing the modern SRT Hellcat dash, touchscreen, and steering wheel integrated into the classic 1969 Dodge Charger cabin.

Taming the Beast: Wiring a Modern Hellcat into a Classic

Integrating the complex modern electronics into the vintage framework was a monumental task. Cars from 1969 weren’t designed for key fobs, paddle shifters, or sophisticated touch screens. We searched for existing wiring harnesses specifically designed for this type of swap, but the answer was consistent: “Nope, none exist, and good luck!”

Challenge accepted.

Our technicians meticulously laid out the entire Hellcat wiring harness, labeling every single wire – an estimated 12 miles of wiring in total. This painstaking process was essential to understanding the complex network and figuring out the integration.

The Build Process: From Bare Metal to Finished Glory

Before any paint was applied to the engine bay or underside, the first critical step was positioning the Hellcat powertrain in the Charger, mapping out the intricate wiring, and ensuring every system functioned correctly. Confirming functionality was paramount; paint issues would be secondary if the core systems didn’t work. This approach also minimized the risk of damaging fresh paint during the complex wiring phase. Soon, we had a fully operational, raw 1969 Hellcat.

And then, we carefully took it all apart again.

With the most challenging integration aspects figured out, the focus shifted to aesthetics and refinement. We opted to paint the engine bay and undercarriage in the car’s body color, creating a clean, cohesive, and professionally finished look that tied the entire build together visually.

Engine bay of the 1969 Charger showcasing the tightly fitted supercharged 6.2L Hellcat Hemi engine.

Once the paintwork was complete, reassembly began. Having already pieced everything together once for the test fit, the team knew precisely how and where each component integrated, streamlining the final assembly process.

Performance Beyond the Powertrain

To ensure the chassis could handle the massive power increase, the team fortified the Charger with significant upgrades. A robust Ford 9″ rear end was installed, along with high-performance Wilwood brakes (6-piston front, 4-piston rear) and coilover suspension. This 1969 Charger Hellcat isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s built to handle curves and stop confidently.

Custom Fabrication and Classic Looks

Achieving a seamless blend required custom solutions. The modern Hellcat radiator, intercooler, and AC condenser assembly extended lower than the classic Charger’s front bumper. To maintain the old school aesthetic while ensuring proper function, we custom-fabricated a discreet panel behind and below the license plate area to neatly conceal these components while allowing necessary airflow.

Front view of the 1969 Dodge Charger Hellcat highlighting the custom fabricated piece below the bumper hiding the radiator.

The client desired to retain the classic muscle car feel, so we selected 18″ Vintage 515 wheels from American Racing. These wheels perfectly complement the Charger’s lines and achieve the desired period-correct yet purposeful stance.

Close-up of the American Racing Vintage 515 wheel on the 1969 Dodge Hellcat swap, emphasizing the classic style.

Full side view of the finished 1969 Dodge Charger Hellcat showcasing its classic lines and stance with modern wheels.

We take immense pride in this build and are thrilled to see it completed and performing flawlessly. There were moments we questioned if we’d taken on too much, but our team’s skill and determination proved unstoppable. This project stands as one of the first true Hellcat swaps, successfully merging the soul of a classic Dodge with the heart and technology of a modern performance icon.

1969 Hellcat Swap Build Specifications

• Full and Complete 1969 Charger body and chassis
• 2015 Supercharged 6.2L Hellcat Engine
• Automatic Transmission
• Wilwood 6 Piston Forged Calipers (Front)
• Wilwood 4 Piston Forged Calipers (Rear)
• Drilled & Slotted Rotors
• Magnum Force Racing Cradle, Front and Rear Suspension
• Moser Fab 9” Rear End
• American Racing Wheels (18×10 Rear and 18×9 Front)
• Custom Fabricated Grill to Allow for more Airflow
• Magnaflow Mufflers