Challenger Coming together!!

[e-tek]

Just had to share a couple pics I took tonight of the Challnger. She's coming together finally. The Mill is mostly togther on the Test Stand I built - and with any luck I'll try and fire it up this weekend! The car is in the midst of color sanding and polishing.

 

[akdiesel]

That is going to be nice. I am jealous.

 

[84TurboBuick]

Very nice....

Oh how I wish my Grand National was at that stage

 

[Dave88LX]

What are the details!

I'm not trying to hijack...just share with you my dad's Challenger. '70 R/T 440 (not original). I have some better pics somewhere.

Yeah, needs love under here.

 

[Nova72]

coming a long nicely!

 

[e-tek]

Sweet Ride Dave. My boys are still a little young to appreciate, but even at 4 & 7 they know it's something special.
I found it ALL original (rare I know). The owner just ran it until it ran no more. The tires that were on had belts showing. It had been painted red, then white again. Had all the original parts, but then much needed replacing. It's "just" a 318, but I punched it out, milled the heads, swapped the 2 bbl for a 4bbl thermoquad (correct year) and upgraded the ignition. Should be good for 300+ hp.
The hard and DIRTY part being over, I'm thrilled to be at the fun stage - putting new/refurbed parts back on. I'll update it when she's more together.

 

[conv440]

Looks great, Challengers rock. You're going to laugh but I'm a little jealous. The best time for me was when my car was in parts all over the garage and there was always work to do. Now that it's done I don't spend a whole lot of time with it.

 

[e-tek]

JEALOUS???? Surely you jest!!
Of course I hear ya - when it's in pieces you have something to do, but wish it was done so there was something to drive - then when they're done, you (sometimes) wish there was something to do. Unlike your perfect 440 vert my cars always have something else that neds to be done! My Galxie was painted several years ago and I drive it daily (good weather!), there's still stuff to do. So this winter it'll be in the shop getting new torque boxes, carpet, stereo....of course sometimes I wish it was all done like yours!

 

[Dave88LX]

I would love to get my hands on one of my own some day!

 

[KenS]

Did you fabricate your engine test stand or is it a manufactured unit?

 

[The Big M]

Looks good! How are those wheel dollies working for you?

 

[z28toz06]

nice project!

 

[e-tek]

Finally, after weeks of "life" getting in the way, I got the Challenger's paint colour-sanded and buffed, some work done on the new seat coverings and the engine is NEARLY ready for a test run!

LOOK at THOSE REFLECTIONS!! (I'm so proud of my baby!)

Seats coming apart:

And...going together:

 

[e-tek]

As well, KenS asked me about my Engine Test Stand - whether it was bought or made. Made it after looking at ones to buy. As is often the case, I couldn't believe how much they wanted for what I felt was a pretty simple device. After having the motor on a roll-around engine keeper (not an engine stand), I started adding bits and pieces, then moved the casters to the frame I made, added gauges (oil, water, amps) and have a key/kill switch. I've made room for a battery tray and gas can.
All I need now (beside finishing the engine!) is some of that HD exhaust hose they use in shops - but it's not cheap I hear.

 

[rickairmedic]

e-tec looking good wont be long and you'll need a new project .


Rick

 

[e-tek]

like many of us, I've got 'em lined up so to speak! If I ever get held up or bored of this one, I can work on the 46 Merc 1/2 Ton (some wiring issues, oil and filter, Rad flush), the 67 Galaxie (floor work, carpet, stereo, torque boxes) or a 240Z I haven't even started yet! A long term project I hope to start one day is a 60's era Indy Roadster. A low slung, wide, closed car, yet open cockpit design - that's be the "feather" so to speak! (And so happens the topic of another new thread I'll start - check it out!)

 

[akdiesel]

Nice job on getting it together.
There is somthing to be said for those that can accomplish this project in there own garage.
You see the shows of those guys building these types of vehicles in there shops that also have a seperate paint booth, engine building area, etc..., but to do this in ones garage is amazing.

 

[e-tek]

Thanks ak - I gained the interest from my Dad, some skills over a long time in some shops and at home and the means to do it with my current job (Drug Dealer).
I
see lots of people have viewed the thread, anyone else got some project pics to share?

 

[cletus66]

Lookin' good E-Tek !!

 

[e-tek]

I love long weekends!!!!Especially when the wife takes the kids to the granparents farm!!!!
Rememberance Day is Tuesday in Canada. While I'll be thinking and praying for all the men and women who served and are serving, I'll also be working in the shop!
I spent half the day Saturday (after swimming lessons and "helping" get the monsters out of the house) working on the Challenger, then all day today, tomorrow and Tuesday!
My list - (I still can't believe it's finally time to put it together!!)
- finish wet-sanding and polishing paint (it's lookin' real purdy now!)
- remove rest of dash pieces for paint
- starting on the dash pad and new cover
- paint steering column and buff steering wheel aluminum spokes
- re-route wiring, glue in carpet underlay, install carpet
- start recovering back seats
- MAYBE attempt headliner

I'm sure that'll take me to Tuesday when the monsters get back home!

 

[e-tek]

Got some more done this weekend! Before I go hog wild with the carpet, seats and headliner, I needed to clean up some of my dash pieces...

 

[rickairmedic]

Um e-tec you need a smaller brush on those dash parts theres a smudge next to temp on the HVAC controls . Just messin with ya man cant wait to see it complete and out in the sun.


Rick

 

[e-tek]

Um e-tec you need a smaller brush on those dash parts theres a smudge next to temp on the HVAC controls . Just messin with ya man cant wait to see it complete and out in the sun.


Rick

No - you are right....then I had to touch those up with more black. It's tough to do the delicate work with these APE hands!

 

[tatra]

ape hands, yea right, like we have apes in kan-uh-duh, more like saskwatch hands

 

[Merkava_4]

Is it gonna have white seats?!!? That would be sweet if it did.

 

[SEHRAA]

they need an emoticon for jealousy,

if you ever wanna sell lemme know!

 

[e-tek]

A few more bits and pieces cleaned up and installed. At this rate I might be starting it up by springtime!!

Thanks for letting me show it off!!!!

 

[e-tek]

Is it gonna have white seats?!!? That would be sweet if it did.

You bet, it's white on white and originally had a black vinyl roof. I'm debabting on the roof still - I prepped it to go without, but can add it. It'll also have a black strobe side stripe and hood blackout.

Here's what it should look like finished - hopefully!

 

[Blown71X]

e-tec
Looking good

I have a favour to ask, If you could when you get a spare moment, snap a pic of your hood safety catch, My body guy is doing a 74 and I have no idea which one they take, I know it is not like the 71-2`s and am assuming it`s similar to a B body with a longer handle. All i`ve ever had was B bodies and these 2 cudas so not well versed on 73-4`s

Thanks
Rick

 

[WH0DAMAN]

Thats loooking realy purdy e-tek. I love people who pay attention to the details. Not a girly love but a "how about those Bears" kind of love

 

[cdent]

Thanks for walking through the great project. Makes me really miss a '70 340 'cuda that I shared with my brother.

 

[Rusty105]

Nice project!! But I can't believe no one has mentioned this before. This first picture is AWESOME !!!! the brightly lit garage putting the car in silhouette..... This is poster size, hang up on the wall, car **** at its best!!!

Very cool !!!

Rusty

 

[e-tek]

Few more things got done this week!

The dash repair - I was filling the cracks - which you have to do before installing a cap - but the repair was looking good enough that I might get away with not having to use the cap - we'll see!!

Then there's the carpet - looks like it'll need to be trimmed....hope it's long enough!

And the wire harness. Lucky I labelled - most of it!

 

[dps]

Nice project!! But I can't believe no one has mentioned this before. This first picture is AWESOME !!!! the brightly lit garage putting the car in silhouette..... This is poster size, hang up on the wall, car **** at its best!!!

Very cool !!!

Rusty

You have to always watch e-tek's posts cuz they're usually very good pictures and projects, and then every once-in-awhile his wife will be in a pic, and then it's on a whole 'nother plane...

 

[e-tek]

You have to always watch e-tek's posts cuz they're usually very good pictures and projects, and then every once-in-awhile his wife will be in a pic, and then it's on a whole 'nother plane...

That's funny -and nice - thanks!

Read on....

 

[e-tek]

Today I nearly finished the dash - had to use the cap, which goes over the repaired base. Once the silicone is dry I'll have to trim out the. Also refurbed the radio(40 years accumulated a lot of ****!) and painted a few miscellaneous parts. Hopefully not too boring for you guys....

Then I changed the oil and winterized the 46 Merc...gonna be a long winter.

 

[e-tek]

Also found out today I was sent the wrong carpet. The Year one tag said "70-74 Challenger", so it took me a while to decide it really was 6" too wide on each side and a foot too short....then looking closer, I see the manufacturers tag says "70 Challenger 4 spd." - I friggin WISH!!!! Mines only a '74 Auto. More time to wait....

 

[sam 8]

I can't believe I missed this thread.
You are doing very nice detail work, e-tek, and I admire your ability to leave well enough alone. I would simply not have been able to do so, and the car would have at least a 383 and a 4-gear in it.
I just can't help myself. I've passed up stuff knowing I'd submerge myself to the point of insanity.
I had a buddy back in high school that had one, and after he missed a gear and grenaded the stock 440, we bought a freshen-up kit from a company called PAW. Figuring that 100 octane was always going to be around, he opt'ed for the 12.5 to 1 TRW's, and after the local machine shop fly cut the heads I am sure it was closer to 13. The stock starter died quickly.
If more is good then too much is just right...so on went the Tunnel Ram and twin 660 center-squirters. The view from the drivers seat watching the linkage on the carbs working was neat.
We beat that thing to parade rest in the summer of '75. After we graduated the following year he moved to Texas and trailered the Challenger with him.
Always wondered what happened to him and that car...

 

[akdiesel]

It is looking good. The interior redo reminds me of when I tore my '82 GMC Sierra apart to put in electric window/locks, some new factory gauges, and a/c.
Took lots of pictures so I will have to put them in your other topic.

 

[e-tek]

Thanks guys - Got BIG plans this weekend!! I've got my returned seat covers so I can do the upholstery, plus the headliner and paint the door panels. The dash (above) can go back in and the gauges too. Should look like a car inside!!