Challenger-Proto

[kobyp]

My dad bought me a Challenger-Proto 300pc. Master Set probably about 8 or 10 years ago.

Unfortunately, through everyone in the family using MY tools b/c I seem to be the only organized one, I've found a few pieces missing...

the main pieces are:

11/16 wrench

3/8" deep & shallow sockets - 1/4" drive - 6 point
5/16" deep & shallow sockets - 1/4" drive - 6 point


Does anyone know where I can find replacements???


I still use these tools every weekend at the drag strip, and during the week at work. And the running joke around the shop is that I'm so MOPAR, even my tools say challenger.

 

[speed bump]

Pawn shops and Ebay.

 

[wilbilt]

Let me look through my Proto-Challenger stash, I may have what you are looking for.

 

[kobyp]

cool, thanks..

 

[wilbilt]

Sorry, I don't have those sizes.
I thought for sure I would at least have the 11/16" wrench, but I can only find 5/8", 3/4" 7/8" and 15/16".

Check eBay, there is lots of NOS Proto-Challenger-Blackhawk stuff available.

EDIT: You may want to watch auctions by this seller. She seems to have an endless supply of them. The wrench you need may turn up in one of her lots.

 

[dxdexter]

All I could find in Challenger was a 5/8" and 13/16" combination wrench and a deep 3/8" - 3/8" drive socket. The local pawn shops may have something. I could look if I get a chance this week.

 

[kobyp]

thanks for looking... I'll be checking ebay tonight

 

[vssjim]

there has been a lot of nos Challenger on ebay in the last year.

 

[speed bump]

This seller also might have what you want if you email him. http://stores.ebay.com/spectrumliquidation

 

[Merkava_4]

Why not replace what's missing with new Proto?

 

[speed bump]

Why not replace what's missing with new Proto?

I don't know? why not ask Chad S that the next time he shows off his newest vintage SO find.

 

[Vinko]

My dad bought me a Challenger-Proto 300pc. Master Set probably about 8 or 10 years ago.

I have the Challenger-Proto 220 pc Master Mechanics set and I love that set!

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

The Challenger stuff was all US made correct?

 

[kobyp]

Why not replace what's missing with new Proto?

Somewhat sentimental value? I'd rather it look like it belonged...

I have the Challenger-Proto 220 pc Master Mechanics set and I love that set!

I'd love to get another set. I started out with a higher expectation for all other tools, my challengers are a COMPLETE set (same sockets in deep, shallow, 6pt, & 12pt) and my C'man set give sizes a-z in shallow, and m-s in deep...that annoys the piss out of me.

while they are harder to read, I use them WAY more than my C'mans. And only had one break on me (1/4" allen socket). which I got replace while I was working at Halliburton.

 

[Vinko]

The Challenger stuff was all US made correct?

I believe so. I hadn't noticed anything that wasn't. I can check though.

 

[Vinko]

Somewhat sentimental value? I'd rather it look like it belonged...




I'd love to get another set. I started out with a higher expectation for all other tools, my challengers are a COMPLETE set (same sockets in deep, shallow, 6pt, & 12pt) and my C'man set give sizes a-z in shallow, and m-s in deep...that annoys the piss out of me.

while they are harder to read, I use them WAY more than my C'mans. And only had one break on me (1/4" allen socket). which I got replace while I was working at Halliburton.

I hadn't noticed that the sockets were harder to read, but I don't use them that much. I did have one ratchet that I got a piece of latex caught in the mechanism. Sent it in to Proto and they repaired it free of charge and sent it back.

Like you, I'm missing a few pieces. I think a 9/16's wrench.

the only thing I don't like is the hex drivers with yellow handles. The feel ain't that great. But I don't use them enough to really complain too much.

 

[kobyp]

the only thing I don't like is the hex drivers with yellow handles. The feel ain't that great. But I don't use them enough to really complain too much.

Yeah, they're not the best design in the world... and I don't use them a lot either. So the few times a year that I do have a need to use them, they do the job.

 

[wilbilt]

Why not replace what's missing with new Proto?

New Proto may or may not be US-made. Regardless of the origin, it will probably not match the OP's older tools.

 

[Rickster]

How many of the 11/16's do you need, I have two. One's a bit flatter than the other but both are like new. Also have a 9/16, 1/2 & 7/16. All are 12 pt combination wrenches. Let me know.

 

[kobyp]

How many of the 11/16's do you need, I have two. One's a bit flatter than the other but both are like new. Also have a 9/16, 1/2 & 7/16. All are 12 pt combination wrenches. Let me know.

I just need one. can you post a pic?

 

[Jbullfrog]

I saw Challenger tools in one of the auto parts store catalogs, or an industrial catalog recently. It might have been the MSC or Granger big books.

 

[kobyp]

I saw Challenger tools in one of the auto parts store catalogs, or an industrial catalog recently. It might have been the MSC or Granger big books.

Really? I thought they ditched the challenger name and replaced it with blackhawk...


if you come across that catalog, and confirm it.....let me know.

 

[Rickster]

 

[Stanger]

...and Rickster comes through again.

 

[Vinko]

Cool, I'm going to go through my set in the next couple of weeks, see what I'm missing, and hope Rickster has it!

 

[eschoendorff]

New Proto may or may not be US-made. Regardless of the origin, it will probably not match the OP's older tools.

Especially since the older Challenger tools (wrenches) had a satin finish. Sockets... not sure...

Your best bets would be CL, ebay, pawn shops (where I found my Challenger stuff) and a post or two in the classifieds here...

 

[wilbilt]

Especially since the older Challenger tools (wrenches) had a satin finish.

The Challenger wrenches I have look similar to the ones Rickster posted, but they just have the "Challenger USA" stamp and don't say "Proto" anywhere.

I assume they are later production. Here are some of them (these are 1").

 

[speed bump]

Especially since the older Challenger tools (wrenches) had a satin finish. Sockets... not sure...

Your best bets would be CL, ebay, pawn shops (where I found my Challenger stuff) and a post or two in the classifieds here...

You know I have never seen a chrome Proto wrench outside of a catolog. As far as sockets go Protos from the same generation look identical to Challengers of the same era.

 

[kobyp]

UPDATE:

I don't know what I was smokin...but I am not missing the 3/8 & 5/16 sockets...all I am missing now is the 7/16" deep - 6pt - 1/4" drive socket.

Thanks to rickster, I will have my complete wrench set..once again.

 

[Vinko]

If memory serves, ignition wrenches are 100% chrome. The combo wrenches, only say Challenger USA and are that color pictured above. The sockets say Proto Challenger USA and are chrome.

I don't remember if the allen keys say Proto and Challenger, but they do have USA on them and are black-oxide.

I'd have wished they'd come with the plastic organizer like Irwin or Williams.

 

[kobyp]

If memory serves, ignition wrenches are 100% chrome. The combo wrenches, only say Challenger USA and are that color pictured above. The sockets say Proto Challenger USA and are chrome.

I don't remember if the allen keys say Proto and Challenger, but they do have USA on them and are black-oxide.

I'd have wished they'd come with the plastic organizer like Irwin or Williams.

I confirm EXCEPT for the wrenches....depending on the size of wrench, it can either say proto - challenger, or just challenger (due to length of the wrench).