Ringbrothers Defector 1969 Dodge Charger

RINGBROTHERS DEBUTS ITS FIRST MOPAR BUILD AT SEMA

Co-founders Jim and Mike Ring introduce the “Defector” 1969 Dodge Charger in the BASF Booth

Spring Green, Wis. (October 31, 2017) – World renowned custom car builder and parts manufacturer Ringbrothers has unveiled “Defector,” an extensively modified 1969 Dodge Charger.  In a special presentation at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the muscle car was introduced at the BASF booth by Ringbrothers founders Jim and Mike Ring.

“Defector” retains the iconic bodylines of one the most popular Mopars ever built, as Ringbrothers incorporated original styling cues with modifications to convey a factory appearance.  More than 4,700 hours were devoted to the build, to seamlessly present a thoroughly modified exterior that exudes the aggressive styling of the original ‘69. 

The largest deviation from the original Charger is the body work performed towards its rear. Jim and Mike Ring started with a locally sourced Charger body, shortened the car by two inches through the trunk area and extended the wheel base by three inches. Consequently, the side rockers were lengthened and quarter panels were lowered and extended. A Detroit Speed Hydroformed Subframe sits below the body with rack and pinion steering, front sway bars and four-link rear suspension. To highlight the body work, “Defector” is coated in a rich custom BASF Glasurit color named “Greener On The Other Side.” Meticulous chrome work was performed by Advanced Plating to further complement the body modifications.

During the build process the Rings created a front valance that appears lower than factory standard. Rear wheel wells were opened to expose custom 19-inch HRE machined wheels – sized 19x11 up front, 19x13 out back – with custom Ringbrothers hubcaps. The wheels were wrapped in Michelin rubber sized 285x35x19 in the front and 345x35x19 in the back. Six-piston Baer brakes were installed to help the Mopar come to a smooth stop.  “Defector” is powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi engine from Wegner Motorsports that is kept running smoothly by Royal Purple engine and transmission oil. The engine maintains perfect temperatures with help from Prestone coolant, while custom Flowmaster headers and exhaust give the car a robust performance exhaust sound.

The Charger’s interior may look and feel like the original ‘69, but it is actually furnished with upgraded front seats customized by Upholstery Unlimited. Other highlights include gauges from Classic Instruments, Vintage Air’s Gen IV Magnum Evap Kit and an Alpine sound system.