"What attracted me first to this project is that it stands out in a sea of Mustangs and Camaros. All of my car projects have been performance oriented and unique in one way or another... What's amazing is that my Charger Ute gets similar or greater attention - with a fraction of the build cost and effort. We all desire affirmation for our hard work and creativity, and the Smyth Ute delivers in abundance...
The builder is not burdened with all the engineering baggage that traditionally accompanies invasive modifications of this scale. Instead of worrying about cooling systems, fuel delivery, suspension, exhaust, etc., the builder instead can focus on interesting details that elevate the truck's uniqueness and appeal. In the end, the builder "inherits" the high quality design and engineering in the kit as if it was their own doing! In a few words, Mark makes us look good!"
- Smyth Charger Ute builder, Lyle Simons
Jared Pink, Tavarish and co.
build a Charger Ute in a weekend.
Smyth Charger/300 truck kits: The only modern American Ute
We changed the small truck landscape with our little Jetta pickup, and it was only a matter of time before Mark turned his attention to the big V8 Ute. Smyth Utes work best with ultra-sturdy 4 door sedans, of which there are not many left to choose from. Lucky for all of us, the 2005 to 2023 Dodge Charger was manufactured as one of the only 4 door muscle cars in the world. Bingo, American V8 car-to-truck fans: your day is here.
The tough part was picking the tail lights. We wanted a bit of tumblehome, a slant forward for the rear tailgate. After looking at dozens of tail lights and all the fitment issues they challenge you with, modified Grand Caravan tail lights fit the bill perfectly. Combined with our exclusive multi-panel aluminum bed and stock Ford tailgate, this car-to-truck conversion looks as tough as it is. While the 4 door Charger is completely fine as a sedan, the truck version is dramatic and clean. From full police-themed builds to wild widebody Hellcat inspired rides, this Ute does double duty as a great daily or a cars and coffee show hit.
As I buy the components for the next version the costs are amazingly low. The 20" hellcat replica wheels are 20 x 10s in the rear with massive 315/35/20 rubber and the fronts are 20 x 9 with 275/40/20 tires for about 1200 bucks. The lowering spring kits are about $200. The fiberglass SRT hood is about $575 delivered. Supercharger next? Let's make the most of this muscle car-based design. Whatever your combo will be, the aftermarket is there for you; Modern Mopars are officially the most popular muscle cars in the U.S., passing both the Camaro and Mustang in sales.
The bed is a full 6 feet long on the floor, the top rails are 48.5" wide at the narrowest section up front, the width on the floor in front and in back of the wheel wells is 60". The wheel wells are 48.5" at the top near the rails, sloping in to 36" wide on the floor. Payload is rated at just about 900 lbs.
The rear glass is larger than the slider in the Jetta because the Charger is a big car...this glass is out of a GM Colorado truck for easy sourcing and repair if you ever need it. The rear quarter windows are similar to the ones used in the MK5 Jetta kit but are unique to the Charger look. The extra room we designed into the kit was really important for big guys. For example, my son Coop is 6'4" and can fit with plenty of room to spare.
We love the way the car looks when finished: like it came from the factory.
We invite you to check out all the builds on our Facebook and Instagram pages. My next build will be a hellcat look 392 widebody shop truck, what's yours?
Mark Smith
508.801.5871
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