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. . . fairly close to stock. The carpeting had just been installed a half-hour prior to the taking of these pics. Notice the Hurst pistol-grip shifter in the middle photo.
When you have a lemon . . .
. . . make lemonade.
Close-up of the manifold . . .
. . . and after removing the aircleaner . . .
. . . you can see the three Holley two-barrels. The engine runs on the center carb at low speeds, then the outboards kick in when dictated by vacuum diaphragms.
This message has been edited by Dr No on 2015-04-05 12:52:48
My brother-in-law Warren has a regular customer who acquired what he thought was a '70 Dodge Challenger T/A. When I saw it in his shop a few years ago, I knew right away it wasn't the real deal, mostly because the engine was a 'B' block rather than an 'A', and also due to the odd color scheme, a blend between Panther Pink and Plum Purple*.
The guy bought it on a whim, and consequently overpaid for what turned out to be an altered Dark Burnt Orange 318 automatic. He could've sold it but would've taken a substantial loss, so he decided to create a handsome Franken' and enjoy the ride for what it was - a modified Dodge muscle car.
Warren built it from the ground up, with a new drive train and suspension. The original T/A Challengers had 340 cubic inch small block engines fitted with three two-barrel Holley carburetors (referred to as 'Six-Packs'). This one had a large block 383 motor with Edelbrock's special manifold made for that particular engine.
Close-up of the manifold . . .
. . . and after removing the aircleaner . . .
. . . you can see the three Holley two-barrels. The engine runs on the center carb at low speeds, then the outboards kick in when dictated by vacuum diaphragms.
In other words, the driver has to learn when the extra fuel comes in by trial and error.
* Dodge and Plymouth introduced a series of exotic colors in 1970 for their muscle cars.
The interior is also being refurbished . . .
. . . fairly close to stock. The carpeting had just been installed a half-hour prior to the taking of these pics. Notice the Hurst pistol-grip shifter in the middle photo.
The paint job took over . . .
. . . a year to complete.
The quality of the work is evident in these photos.
This was originally a hard top, so the vinyl is another change from the factory build sheet. When it's done, it will have T/A lettering and stripes, mags, and of course, a Shaker hood.
The quality of the work is evident in these photos.
So how does a '70 Challenger look?
This was originally a hard top, so the vinyl is another change from the factory build sheet. When it's done, it will have T/A lettering and stripes, mags, and of course, a Shaker hood.
Fingers crossed I get to ride shotgun on a test drive!
Art
It's Beautiful...
A work of art...
Why did they do a vinyl top if it wasn't originally a vinyl?
This is a work of jewelry, unlike the modern ones today that have much less heart and soul.
Why did they do a vinyl top if it wasn't originally a vinyl?
This is a work of jewelry, unlike the modern ones today that have much less heart and soul.
That's what the owner wanted, Patrick . . .
. . . it's really just as simple as that. Personal style . . .
Got it. Good answer.
Good answer. I was wondering if there was a technical reason why they went for the vinyl roof.
Again, beautiful car with beautiful touches. Pistol grip shift lever, orange air intake on the engine, lots of special little touches.
Thanks for sharing Art.
Again, beautiful car with beautiful touches. Pistol grip shift lever, orange air intake on the engine, lots of special little touches.
Thanks for sharing Art.
The roof was intact without rust patches . . .
. . . when it arrived at Warren's shop, so no, it wasn't a corrective measure.
Actually, I like the appearance of vinyl with this particular color scheme. The owner will keep it garaged, so it shouldn't share the fate of vinyl tops parked outdoors.
It's a good mix...
Sometimes too much of a strong color like purple is a bit too much. So the interruption of the main color with the vinyl top can help.
That was my exact concern. I was afraid of long-term longevity suffering due to the vinyl. But since this car is obviously a valuable car going to an enthusiast who will likely care greatly for it, I realize my concern was unfounded.
That was my exact concern. I was afraid of long-term longevity suffering due to the vinyl. But since this car is obviously a valuable car going to an enthusiast who will likely care greatly for it, I realize my concern was unfounded.
Never seen this combo of colors ...
.. but then here in Europe these cars are seriously Uncommon ...
Bim
Supposedly, a handful of these made their way . . .
. . . to France.
The odds are 3:1 that Nicolas is searching for one now.
Cool story. Hope the owner will have a lot of pleasure with that car, now. [nt]
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Great project! The result is fantastic! The proof that there is more fun in
Allowing to taylor one' s dream car based on a more common base rather than getting an icon and having to religiously respect it while restoring it.
Obviously both processes are respectable but one only allows to express its own creatiivity,
Thanks for sharing
Cheers
Luc
Chrysler's 'E' bodies . . .
. . . are my personal favorites, Luc. More of a 'Cuda fan, though. Saw a '74 Challenger 360 last month in my neighborhood; a rare sight these days.
Best,
Art
I love the fact that the sheer size allowed to get so much tension out of the lines... [nt]
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modified muscle car
Cool to see this car restored with the intention of enjoying the ride. Must be fun to take it around the block.
Regards,
ED-209
That will be the ride of my life, Ed! . . .
. . . only been in two legit muscle cars, a '70 Plymouth 440 GTX and a '68 427 'Vette, riding shotgun. I'd love a chance to get behind the wheel of this one just to feel the surge of the outboard carbs . . . .