I Finally started my 70 Challengers Gen III Restomod!!

[PlumCrazyChris]

Well I started my teardown.  I got the exterior and most of the interior out, next the glass and then the motor and trans.   I've been planning this for quite a while and sold my convertible to finance this.   More details to follow.  Here is my starting point and some pics of where I'm trying to go. 

One thing did change though, instead of the 90 TBI 318, I got a 03 5.7 Hemi instead.  Still keeping the A-500 overdrive trans though.  The color will be a darker green then the pic, but similar.  The wheels are also very similiar to what I have (18" 07 Magnum RT rims).

Hope you enjoy this and it stays on target.

Chris

[vryfast]

wow looks good

[dutch]

good luck, build a nice one   

[70shaker6pk]

Good luck on your build!!  Looks very nice even before you start!!

[PlumCrazyChris]

Thanks guys, here are a few pics of it as it stands.

I just relocated the rear springs, and installed an 8 3/4 from a 69 C-body.  I also got my third member back with the new 3.73 SG in it.  I'll get that installed soon.   The 18" RT wheels fit well, but I've still got 2.5" of room back to the springs.  I'm thinking about getting them stretched 2 inches to get some more meat on them.   They are only 7.5" from the factory, so I can get a 285/35/18 on there pretty easy.  I might just stay with 255/45s at first, and see how that looks.  I can always get the rims widened later.

[PlumCrazyChris]

one more

[PlumCrazyChris]

last one for a while.

[hemiken]

Looks like a great build plan, and i love how you have opted for a green for the car looking forward to the build.

[Chryco Psycho]

you probably have not tried this but I would drop the engine & trans out the bottom on the K frame , also install it the same way , easier install with no scratches

[PlumCrazyChris]

Thanks, I think the green is going to be great as well, thanks.  The color was used on the Reactor Mustang, 07? Goodguys Musclecar of the Year.  I saw it and knew it was the color I wanted.  It took a lot of tracking down the color, but it turns out to be a 97 Hyundai Bronze Green.   I think it will be just right. 

I thought about dropping the car over the K frame, but I don't think I'm gonna have enough room in my garage for it....but we'll see.   My friend in San Diego, just did that with a /6 in his 67 Cuda and really made it look easy.   The complication is I have to create a new trans crossmember for the trans.  I really should install the trans first, before it gets painted to get it all to work right first, but O Well.  I might just stick the 904 back in to get it running and then swap the trans....

I'll have to work on that. 

Thanks for the comments, I appreciate the input.

Chris

[PlumCrazyChris]

Well, I now have the car completely gutted, found some rollers for the paint shop and called the shop to confirm with them and tell them I'm bringing the car, and was told that they just got a new shop manager and he's not cool with them doing work on the side in their (dealership) paint shop.  So now my car is all in pieces with no where to go!

He said he might have another shop he can use, but he'll only be able to work on it in his spare time instead at his place of business.  This really stinks, now that its apart, I can't even drive it anywhere else to get an estimate. 

Anyone know a good/cheap painter near Austin Tx?

Thanks,
Chris

[ShelbyDogg]

Maaco.

They painted 9 cars for me. Guranteed body work if you didn't do it first. My Base coat, clear coat, Urethane, sanded and buffed was their $900 job on my RT, 7 years ago.

Rob

[71bigblock]

Are you using those R/T wheels for good?  They will fit, but arent the correct bolt pattern, I wouldnt use them other than rollers.  They will put stress on the lugs. 

Looks good though.   

[PlumCrazyChris]

Ya they off by a milimeter or so, but I'm getting them cut to be hub indexed.  They should be fine.  I appreciate your concern though.

I'm getting the rears widened 2.5" to 10".  I'll need a 1/2 spacer, but they'll fit nice with a 305/35/18. 

Chris

[PlumCrazyChris]

I've been traveling for work for a while and trying to keep the momentum on this project.  I know how easy it fades, especially without any car or motor in the garage.

I have the car and motor and trans over to a friends shop to get the floor, trunk and dutchman panels installed.  He's also adding subframe connectors and reinforcing the radiator crossmember.  He's going to fab up the trans crossmember too when we get to that. 

Still don't have anyone to squirt it yet, but I may check into MAACO, that sounds like a good deal.... as long as they can get it straight first and I get a warranty for a couple years. 

I got my hemi on the stand now.  I need to swap out the valve springs and going to use 6.1 Hemi exhaust springs and a 6.1 cam.   I don't think my A500 trans will hold up with all that power, but it will have to do.   If it dies, I'll stick a A518 in it.  I don't plan on going without OD anymore. 

Still need to get my bumpers chromed and get my trim polished.  I'd like to try to polish it myself, but I just don't have much time any more do that stuff.  I need to get my door panels and seats recovered too.  I'm thinking of later model seats, but we'll see if I can find the right set that looks as good as they fit and I can match the color.