Progess on the Chilly-Challenger!!

[e-tek]

Here's a bit of an update on the Chilly Challenger...with my limited fabricating skills (matching my limited computer skills!) I managed to cut down the bumper brackets to get the bumper closer to the body, then cut up the rear valence to do the same, as well as to fill in the bumperette holes and add some exhaust cut-outs.








Not sure what's worse...the cutting on that patch or the welding...oh well, more welding, some hammer and dolly and then some filler will hide all that!

[Bullitt-]

Good work e-tek...looking good.......Just want to warn you about a little detail I saw overlooked on what otherwise was a very nice Challey lately.  They had done some work in the tail/quarter area but somehow the dimensions around the tail trim was off & with the trim installed there was almost 1/2" extra sticking out.... fit your tail trim now to see what you have before paint.

[e-tek]

Good work e-tek...looking good.......Just want to warn you about a little detail I saw overlooked on what otherwise was a very nice Challey lately.  They had done some work in the tail/quarter area but somehow the dimensions around the tail trim was off & with the trim installed there was almost 1/2" extra sticking out.... fit your tail trim now to see what you have before paint. 

Thanks! Do you mean at the surround moulding around the quarter at TL?

[Bullitt-]

Thanks! Do you mean at the surround moulding around the quarter at TL?

The quarter body line was stuck out too far where the tail trim goes but it would be a good idea to mock up everything now before paint.

[e-tek]

OK...moving along here now!
After cutting the bumper brackets the bumper looked pretty good to me that close to the body. So I cut the Valence into three (yikes!), shortened the middle section about 1.5inches, then welded it back together. As well, I filled the bumperette holes and cut half-rounds for the exhaust I want to put on.

You'll see in pic4 a piece of copper. This is just a flattened piece of copper tubing, which I use behind any gaps or holes, to help the weld fill it in. The copper gets the weld to stay in palce, but the weld doesn't stick to copper - making it easier than trying to make a 100% perfect fit with the patch. Makes filling small holes - like moulding holes - easy too!! (Eastwood sells slick flat copper pieces attatched to clamps, handles or magnets!)









HOLY SPATTER BATMAN!!!!  I KNOW, I KNOW- TIME TO CHANGE THE TIP!!!





BACKSIDE FINSIHED UP - CAN'T TELL WHERE I CUT/ADDED! (ok - almost!!)



NEXT, I wanted to fill and smooth the bumper, but first, here's the bumper bolts - of course....they ALL NEEDED TO BE CUT OFF.....



MORE on the bumper, plus the finished valence in my next installment. Thanks for looking!

[larry4406]

maybe I missed it, but why are you having to narrow the rear valence?  Repop quarters not fitted with the valence prior to final welding?

[e-tek]

No - I wanted to bring the valence up closer to body to match the bumper.

[e-tek]

FINALLY!!! Sprayed the FINAL coat of primer on the Chally tonight!! I'll be wetsnading, sealing then spraying the inners by weeks end!! Still trying to decide wether I'll spray the complete at home or take it to a shop....hmmmm. Can't wait to get to the FUN re-assembly stage!!

[e-tek]

Some updates: Finally got the thing in paint! Now for the hard part - should I re-install the vinyl roof....and - should I rec-chrome the bumpers and mirrors - or paint them body-colored?

[sleepychallenger]

i vote yes to both. 

[hooD]

    In the last picture of your engine, I think your TQ carb is on backwards. 

The rest of your body work looks super, and I think a plain "white wrapper" look for your Challenger would look awesome.  You can always add side body stripes in the future if you want more pazazz. 

[e-tek]

   In the last picture of your engine, I think your TQ carb is on backwards. 

The rest of your body work looks super, and I think a plain "white wrapper" look for your Challenger would look awesome.  You can always add side body stripes in the future if you want more pazazz. 

CRAP - you guys are GOOD!!!! Yes, it IS on backwards!!! I just threw it on for the pic, but I didn't even notice...I think your handle would better suit me!!!

[MEK-Dangerfield]

CRAP - you guys are GOOD!!!! Yes, it IS on backwards!!! I just threw it on for the pic, but I didn't even notice...I think your handle would better suit me!!!

You had me scared!!      

[e-tek]

So - after putting the TQ on the right way (!), I've been setting up linkages and hoses - very involved! Anyone got any suggestions on what not to miss in set-up?
Took these pics the other night as I was in and out of the shop. Next weekend I have to get everything back into the shop for the winter. Chally will stay where it is, but the Galaxie will go up on the lift fo toque box work , and the 46 Merc will go beside that for some parts additions.

[Bullitt-]

Chally looking good.... On the T/Q be sure the choke coil & pull-off are correct, it's easy to put all that together wrong or not have work correctly due to adjustments. Be sure to re-tighten the 10 screws after a heat cycle, don't forget the 2 in the primary throat.