Author Topic: Just Another 318 Challenger...  (Read 16434 times)

Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Just Another 318 Challenger...
« on: November 28, 2010 - 09:04:58 AM »
UPDATE:  Here is a link to the Photobucket album created for this thread...thanks Shelbydogg.

http://s818.photobucket.com/albums/zz106/mapandjlp/Challenger/Underhood%20Restoration/


Well, I picked this up last year (that's a story in itself) and have finally decided to get started with some improvements.  It's a looker, just your run-of-the-mill 318 Challenger dressed up as an R/T.  It has some issues, though, under the hood.  It leaks every flavor, has a few rust areas, and while it starts right up every time, leaves a little to be desired in the performance area.

For the performance issue, I've built a mild 360 motor:

'75 block bored + .030
KB 107 pistons
Full floater 340 rods
New cast crank (std. stroke)
Reworked 596 heads with Crower springs
Comp Cams Thumper cam
Edelbrock Performer intake
Edelbrock Thunder AVS 650 carb

Once the motor was done, I decided that I would do an "underhood restoration" while I've got the 318 out.  So, that's where the story begins.

Initially, at least, my goal is to have a pretty stock look under the hood, just as if a 360 were offered in 1970.  It's an A/C car so I'll retain that (the wife needs air!).  It's a great driver so I don't want to compromise the drivability of the car.  That's why the small block (and everything bolts right up).  I'd love feedback and suggestions so if you've got 'em, share 'em.  Oh, and I need help understanding just what things under the hood were supposed to look like.  What's painted, bare metal, black, body colored, etc...

Here's a pic of my project!
« Last Edit: February 27, 2011 - 08:52:25 AM by mapandjlp »




Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2010 - 09:28:34 AM »
Under the hood before pulling the 318:

Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2010 - 09:29:57 AM »
Disassembly...


Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2010 - 09:31:51 AM »
Motor Build:

Offline Bullitt-

  • Permanent Resident
  • *******
  • Posts: 12167
  • Better Things To Come Member Since 2/16/06
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2010 - 11:07:47 AM »
She is one great looking Challey....Good reference photo's here http://www.moparaction.com/Article/PoP/PoP.html

It appears the front suspension has not had much attention, removing the K-fram entirely for clean-up, refinish and parts replacement would be easy at this point.
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
Screwed by Photobucket!

Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #5 on: November 28, 2010 - 11:30:03 AM »
She is one great looking Challey....Good reference photo's here http://www.moparaction.com/Article/PoP/PoP.html

It appears the front suspension has not had much attention, removing the K-fram entirely for clean-up, refinish and parts replacement would be easy at this point.


Thanks for the link!  Actually, that's exactly what I'm planning.  The entire front suspension will be removed and rebuilt.  It appears to all be original!  I'll post more pics as I have time to work on it...

Offline fireeng

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 54
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #6 on: November 29, 2010 - 09:48:20 AM »
nice looking ride!  Hows the interior?  Good Luck!
2009 Ram 2500 Quad Diesel<-----Tow vehicle
2004 Chevy Mason Dump<----work truck
2004 GMC Envoy<------------wife's ride
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee<-----driver
1973 Dodge Challenger<------parts car
1971 Dodge Challenger<------project
My other car is a Fire Truck

Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #7 on: November 29, 2010 - 10:16:43 AM »
nice looking ride!  Hows the interior?  Good Luck!

Thanks!  The interior is mint other than the typical cracked dashpad. 

Offline DoNotChallengeHer

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 3383
  • Drive It Like You Stole It !
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #8 on: November 29, 2010 - 10:47:53 AM »
Looks like a great project. Keep up the good work.  :2thumbs:

Offline femtnmax

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 997
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #9 on: November 29, 2010 - 09:54:21 PM »
Great color, your progress is excellent.  Are you adding front disc brakes, how about power brake booster?   Going fast is fun, but stopping keeps us alive.
Phil

Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2010 - 08:30:35 AM »
Great color, your progress is excellent.  Are you adding front disc brakes, how about power brake booster?   Going fast is fun, but stopping keeps us alive.

Thanks!  Yep, converting to manual discs.  Anyone know where I can score a set of spindles?

Offline ragtopdodge

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 4065
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2010 - 09:11:37 AM »
Great progress.

I would SERIOUSLY re-paint the engine compartment before dropping that nice motor in there.
'70 318-auto Chally 'vert
'71 383-auto 'Cuda 'vert (sold)
06 300c SRT8
04 2500 QCLB 4x4 HO

Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #12 on: December 01, 2010 - 09:57:35 AM »
Great progress.

I would SERIOUSLY re-paint the engine compartment before dropping that nice motor in there.

Um...ya think?  Seriously, I've already purchased the paint.  Once the suspension is completely removed (got the passenger side off this past weekend) I'll get to preppin'.  I'm planning to use Eastwood's rust encapsulator on the few areas with some surface rust.  Then some primer, a little filler, paint, and it'll be good as new.

On a side note, as I was typing this, this icon caught my eye -  :drama: - and I thought, for a moment, it said, "OBAMA MAKES ME WANNA KILL SOMEONE".  Funny!  But I digress...

Offline mapandjlp

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 126
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #13 on: December 02, 2010 - 07:52:03 PM »
I had some time today so I managed to remove the front suspension.  The K-frame is out.  Now for a few odds and ends and I'll get started on a little welding of some rust spots and cleaning for paint!  It's coming along...

Offline DoNotChallengeHer

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 3383
  • Drive It Like You Stole It !
Re: Just Another 318 Challenger...
« Reply #14 on: December 02, 2010 - 10:04:48 PM »
Wow, your getting a lot of work done.  :2thumbs:   :working: