Road Trip

[4Cruizn]

Glad you're home!  Sucks about the car!  Still you made it quite a journey!   

[Travis72]

What a journey!  Thanks for posting!

Travis
72 Cuda

[VTMopar]

Update:    Well, we pulled the motor out of the Challenger and aside from the rocker assemblies,   the main bearings and the other internals are all fine -- just what you would expect with a fresh rebuild only a few months ago       So that's very good news!   

We will now proceed with replacing the assemblies (going with Crane) and put her back together.   Of course, the remaining issue is who is paying; I submitted a claim to my insurance carrier and the transport company is also involved.  Stay tuned.   

Many thanks for all for the words of encouragement.    It has been a bit frustrating - but in the overall scheme of things -- I'm optimistic and looking forward to getting my Convertible back!

VT Mopar


 

[Chryco Psycho]

well I am glad there is minimal damage , , what Crane rockers ? I use a lot of the Iron ones rarely use the Gold alum though .

[JimSC]

VT Mopar - appreciate your sharing this with all. First my condolences.

Overall still sounds like a great experience that you deserved, and will never forget. And don't worry, the wife is looking down on you. I'm sure she's both happy for you, and maybe laughing too (after the fact), but laughing with you!

Once it's back together, get back out on the road, and keep us posted...

[VTMopar]

Chryco:   I'm not sure on the rockers - will have to check.    Have you had or heard of any negative experiences with the gold aluminum ones?   

VT Mopar

[brads70]

My only experience with the gold crane rockers is in circle track racing and the guys always had to bush them with oillite bushing to make them last. Aluminum wearing on steel is never a good idea IMO?

[Mopar Mitch]

VT -- My thoughts, condolences and applause to you.  Life is also a "road trip".  I hope you get the engine/car back on the road soon.   

[sadil340]

Just ran across this thread - sorry about losing your wife just as you were retiring Doug. As you already saw, there are lots of great folks out there and experiences waiting for you. Will keep watching this and waiting for the next string of posts!

[VTMopar]

Since a number of you were interested in my Road Trip and getting my 70 Challenger back "on the road"  -  here's my (final) post:

I got her home today.    I know - it's been a couple of months - but I had to deal with the Shipping Company (remember - they started the motor without oil pressure)  and I also had my insurance company involved, so things were complicated.   

Then, I sprang for a new 2013 RT Classic (Hemi Orange) and took off for nearly a month on another road trip to the Midwest to visit family.   I just returned last night (THAT car is awesome      

Recall that I told my mechanics I wasn't in a hurry - but they finally got tired of having her taking up shop space and got her up and running last week.   I brought her home today and she ran so sweet.......    They installed a new rocker arm assembly (from Mancini); and so far so good.    I also picked up some carb adjustment plates which make tuning the carbs easier.....    AND - I have the Revonator on her - that works great.    The engine builder still doesn't know what was wrong with the original assembly and why she was throwing off those rocker arms..... we will never really know for sure.   

Anyway, I drove her home, gave her a bit of a road test and a much needed bath today.    Over the next days she'll get an interior clean and a new coat of Zaino.    I found a few small paint "chips" that were new - but then I drove her over 6,000 miles - so I guess I have to expect that.    Nice to have her back in my garage..... just wish it were bigger! 

I must say, however, that despite the 6 way seat and those 6 pack carbs.......  and I know this is going to hurt to say ....  but that new 2013 392 Hemi rides a lot better; handles like a dream and is by far more comfortable      I'm not sure if these bones are up to another 6,000 plus road trip in the '70......   but who knows?   

Many thanks again to all for all the positive thoughts, words of encouragement and private emails.   The folks on this site are simply the best.    It's now been 6 months since my wife's passing, and while it doesn't necessarily get any easier...... time does help.... a little.       

Peace,

Doug
VT Mopar

[Chryco Psycho]

The new Challs are awesome , Glad you are having fun .
 Having experienced this myself I know the springs will bleed down the rocker & drop pushrods after sitting , I seriously doubt there was any more to it than that . 

[4Cruizn]

Doug!  Your road trip was awesome and I followed it closely!   Very cool and I hope to do something like that one day!  I also saw you added your name to the Carlisle 2014 show and I look forward to meeting you!   The new challenger sounds like fun!