Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.

Author Topic: Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.  (Read 969 times)

Offline dwl1702

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Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.
« on: October 21, 2012 - 09:41:44 PM »
I have a 70 vert. that I bought last spring. My plans were to paint it yellow,put a six pack and shaker hood on it and really enjoy just running around in it. Now that I have discovered it is one of only six produced with the three speed standard shift,383-4bbl ,I have a dilema.
 The car already had a 360 magnum 390 hp 420 ft. lbs of torque,and a four speed installed when I bought it. I have already put the six pack on it and having a shaker hood painted now. The car is actually a survivor of sorts as it has never been restored and only one repaint.no rust or repairs ever. The front seats have been redone as has the carpet. Still has the original rear seat cover on, but the previous owner sent a new seat cover along with the car. I put 15" ralleys on it and wow ,it really looks cool now. Is it still highly collectible ( 1 of 6 ) or only with the three speed and 383?
 I purchased a correct date coded 383 to have just in case. Is the late model engine and six pack and shaker a plus or minus. Estimated value? Since I have the date coded engine and hood still, should I try to find a 3 speed and get it back to original? Estimate value please.People have said the three speeds weren't fun to drive anyway. It is still very original with build sheet and window sticker, and fender tag.power windows,power top, ralleye dash, ee4 green metallic, console ,disc brakes , everything except air conditioning,but who needs it with a convert.  Thanks in advance for all opinions as some of you guys are really pros in thi area.    Dave!!




Offline mikeljAAR

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Re: Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2012 - 11:24:31 PM »
If you want a factory correct restoration, you have to take it back to what the fender tag says, no exceptions.  That is the only way you keep it "rare", if you put all other things you like that are not the original equipment configurations, colors, etc., it is just another custom.  Nothing wrong with that, but I don't really think a 383 3 speed manual 'vert is a highly expensive, big dollar car.  It is neat to have a rare configuration, and if the engine was the one it was born with, and the entire drive-train, you are talking more serious value, but you don't have the original parts with the VIN stamps.  To get somebody to pay big bucks, it has to be rare and desirable, like the original Hemi or 440 six pack 'verts.  So you can take it all back to match the fender tag, that will be expensive, not sure you would ever get that back out of it on sale, or fix it up the way you want and just enjoy it, that would be my choice with this car, but just my 2 cents....
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Offline 4Cruizn

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Re: Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2012 - 11:48:02 PM »
I guess it depends what you want to do with it?  Are you looking to make some coin or is this something that is going to be in the garage for a while?   I have a 1970 convertible as well and we all know that really all of them are desirable . . . . I made mine what I wanted and like you . . . Added a shaker hood, big block and painted it a color of my choosing.   I will not sell for a long time I hope and when I do, it will still bring decent money even though it is not factory correct.   So I guess the question is, are you selling it or keeping it?   

Offline Killer_Mopar

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Re: Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2012 - 08:56:51 AM »
My car was originally a 383/3-speed R/T SE - 1 of 31 made that way. It now has a stroker and a 4-speed - bet you can guess how I feel about it. If it isnt numbers matching, I see no reason on doing what you want with it. Even if it was numbers matching - it's your car, do what YOU want to do.....besides, it can always be changed back later (assuming you dont do anything wild).
70 Challenger R/T SE - The never-ending project........

Offline inot2old

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Re: Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2012 - 09:28:46 AM »
Since you will never get it back to numbers matching, you may as well do what you want with it.  Rare doesn't always equate to desireable.
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Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2012 - 06:03:47 PM »
 :iagree: and welcome  :newbie:

I built my vert the way I wanted it and will never look back  :burnout:

Having said that mine was no where close to original, yours is, my therory is anything can be unbolted to put it back if you ever want it that way. A color change is a little harder. If you can't buy what you want build it, and enjoy it.

After all they are truly only original once.
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70 6.1 HEMI 6-speed Drop Top...

Offline 'cruddy mutt'

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Re: Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2012 - 01:49:32 PM »
  :iagree: welcome to cc.com my thoughts are iff its not numbers matching then build it how you would like and enjoy it

Offline dwl1702

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Re: Need opinions on 1970 convertible 1 of 6 , 383 -4bbl , 3 speed.
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2012 - 08:24:47 PM »
  Well then ,Cool guys, Guess we'll be loosing the luggage rack and putting on the Go-Wing. I like yellow with hockey stripes. Have to change the interior color and the top,but then I only have time. Thanks for the ideas- Dave !!