1970 Dodge Challenger
Bought this car used for $600 (US) as a second vehicle, already had the '73 Dodge van
, but wanted something a bit faster. The tires were badly worn. Both
rear frames (between rear axle and bumper) were broke and needed welded.
Heck, I could take a screwdriver and punch holes in the frame. The side
pipes blew out, the hi-beam headlights blinked (*real fun on a dark night
at 120+ mph*) and the paint was heavily oxidized, but looked really nice after
a couple bottles of Starbrite polish and a bit of elbow grease.
Then there was the front right fender, which was apparently notorious for rusting out on that particular model. It was amazing how many people approached me, wanting to buy the car, just for that dang fender, unfortunately mine was shot too, but I kept doing body work on it and it didn't look half bad, at least from a distance.
The previous owner had either been afraid of it, or couldn't afford the gas and had disconnected the secondaries on the carburetor, which was a real thrill to discover after driving it for about a week on just the primaries. After connecting the secondaries it would smoke the tires through all three gears.
The driver side door got out of alignment (flew open going around a corner), so I started climbing in and out the window (just like the "Dukes of Hazard"). Was a bit of a nuisance when it rained.
I replaced the worn Firestone rubber and the peeling Cragar wheels with the Goodyear Rally GT tires on Superior wheel from my previous car, a '73 Dodge Charger .
The second Summer the engine developed a heavy knock, apparently due to a failing oil pump, leading eventually to total engine failure. All things considered this Challenger was really just a good looking piece of junk, but boy was it fun (albeit dangerous) to drive.
Left this car behind, in our field, when we moved.
click thumbnail to view larger
EQUIPMENT
340 CID V8 small block LA engine
727 Torqueflight automatic transmission (3 speed w/ Slap Shift in center console)
Carter Thermoquad carburetor
Power steering
Power brakes (drum/drum)
MODIFICATIONS
as purchased:
Transmission shift kit
Race pistons
Steeper grind camshaft
Rear air shock absorbers
Hood pins
added by me:
welded and reinforced rear frame sections
15" Superior slotted mag wheels w/Goodyear Rally GT
foam pre-filter
(2) 55w driving lights 3x6"
Dual Trush mufflers
(2) Red marker lights just behind rear axle
PERFORMANCE
Fuel economy: 7 - 17 mpg
Top speed: unknown? estimated at about 150 - 160 mph
1/4 mile: approx. 15.2 seconds @ 89 mph
Then there was the front right fender, which was apparently notorious for rusting out on that particular model. It was amazing how many people approached me, wanting to buy the car, just for that dang fender, unfortunately mine was shot too, but I kept doing body work on it and it didn't look half bad, at least from a distance.
The previous owner had either been afraid of it, or couldn't afford the gas and had disconnected the secondaries on the carburetor, which was a real thrill to discover after driving it for about a week on just the primaries. After connecting the secondaries it would smoke the tires through all three gears.
The driver side door got out of alignment (flew open going around a corner), so I started climbing in and out the window (just like the "Dukes of Hazard"). Was a bit of a nuisance when it rained.
I replaced the worn Firestone rubber and the peeling Cragar wheels with the Goodyear Rally GT tires on Superior wheel from my previous car, a '73 Dodge Charger .
The second Summer the engine developed a heavy knock, apparently due to a failing oil pump, leading eventually to total engine failure. All things considered this Challenger was really just a good looking piece of junk, but boy was it fun (albeit dangerous) to drive.
Left this car behind, in our field, when we moved.
click thumbnail to view larger
EQUIPMENT
340 CID V8 small block LA engine
727 Torqueflight automatic transmission (3 speed w/ Slap Shift in center console)
Carter Thermoquad carburetor
Power steering
Power brakes (drum/drum)
MODIFICATIONS
as purchased:
Transmission shift kit
Race pistons
Steeper grind camshaft
Rear air shock absorbers
Hood pins
added by me:
welded and reinforced rear frame sections
15" Superior slotted mag wheels w/Goodyear Rally GT
foam pre-filter
(2) 55w driving lights 3x6"
Dual Trush mufflers
(2) Red marker lights just behind rear axle
PERFORMANCE
Fuel economy: 7 - 17 mpg
Top speed: unknown? estimated at about 150 - 160 mph
1/4 mile: approx. 15.2 seconds @ 89 mph
