1970 A-66 Challenger Convertible

[fk5aar]

It says TA hood is now available on all 4 barrel challengers??? I thought it was like the aar hood only available on 6 pack cars?

 

[340challconvert]

It says TA hood is now available on all 4 barrel challengers??? I thought it was like the aar hood only available on 6 pack cars?

The Challenger TA hood became available on any Challenger V-8 factory 4 bll engine in April of 1970.
Wonder if the TA hood was available with the 6-pk motors? Never saw a factory installed TA hood on a non TA Challenger; must be rare. N94 code.

 

[340challconvert]

I personally would have ordered a 70 Challenger A66 convertible like I have now, but would have gotten a 4 sp and a shaker hood, most likely in B7 blue.

Timing was off; I was a high school senior making $1.60 an hour part time in Shop Rite, and as a gas jockey on weekends to help pay for up-coming college tuition in September 1970!

 

[340challconvert]

Drop offs came in 2 days.
Deciding how I should install them along with a 2 piece trunk floor? Did not want to start messing with the tail lite panel. I also have to put a patch panel on the bottom of each quarter panel. Contemplating just using the bottom section of the drop offs (the top part of them are solid), and install the quarter panel patches at the same time rather then starting to drill out more spot welds on the tail panel and wheel wells. Anyone repair their trunk and drop offs in this manner?

 

[340challconvert]

Nothing like new!

 

[340challconvert]

Finally ordered the rear quarter bottom patches. Did not go w AMD on this.
The contour seems pretty good.

 

[DetMatt1]

So what brand is the lower quarter?

 

[quapman]

How's the valance attachment area? I've found that to be pretty lame on the non AMD patches.

 

[340challconvert]

The brand of quarter patch panels is Goodmark. Decent price of 58.79 each from Rock Auto with 9.99 shipping
Thought I would check out these two pieces because of the significant price difference with the AMD panel cost. I only need a 4-5 in patch toward the bottom front of each quarter. I test fit them and they contoured pretty well over the existing quarter. Everything else I bought was AMD (trunk floor and overhangs)
Here is a shot of the valance attachment area of the Goodmark Panel. Let me know what you think?

 

[340challconvert]

Interesting information; the Goodmark panels I bought are manufactured by a company called TriPlus in Tiawan.
They state they have been in business a long time claiming "attention to quality" We will see!
I am going to check the panel with a micrometer and then measure the thickness of the AMD trunk drop offs to compare.

I went to AMD's site, something I did not know? AMD licenses to three companies to make some of their panels; Classic Headquarters, TriPlus, and X-Parts.

It would be interesting to know just how many AMD panels are made by AMD?

Check this out on the AMD web site
About Us

and of course the TriPlus site
Triplus Co., Ltd.

 

[340challconvert]

Not defending any particular panel manufacturer, always bought AMD.
Was curious about the quality of these quarter panel patches. AMD patches sell for 184.99 each vs the $59 each I paid for the TriPlus
I really only need a few inches of the bottom, so I took the chance and am checking them out!

 

[rbbruno3]

That’s some interesting information. For a third the price and only need a small piece I’d say a no brainer. Plus if the only difference is a sticker why not.

 

[340challconvert]

This is what I am dealing with on the left side; the panels should be more then sufficient in patching the bottom of each lower quarter.

 

[340challconvert]

Some noticeable differences; the AMD panel is taller and takes in whole bumper indent area and does not have top section over the wheel well.
The TriPlus piece is lower, covers only a partial section of the bumper indent area and has a top piece that extends over the wheel well.

This pic shows the AMD piece (see the TriPlus section below)

 

[340challconvert]

TriPlus section

 

[quapman]

Some more FYI... Goodmark is now owned by Keystone, which is part of the multi-national conglomerate LKQ.

 

[340challconvert]

Sidebar note;
The trunk extensions I bought from AMD are also made in Tiawan. Just sayin!

 

[DetMatt1]

Nothing is stamped in the states.

 

[jfreakofkorn]

good to see that the rust is addressed at when its present and taken the steps in removing it or replacing it w new metal

the car is coming along nicely and making nice process with it

keep up the good work along w the update(s) coming =)

 

[340challconvert]

Currently making a template using the back section of the AMD left side trunk extension. I will replace only the bottom section; with the upper part of the panel looking solid. I will use the template to determine how much of the old and new panel to cut and fit properly.
Also picked up this electric shears tool from Eastwood. Was not real expensive and looks like it will cut the sheet metal cleanly and easily.
I also have a grinding/cutting wheel (small version) if needed.

I am contemplating fitting the new piece over the bottom section and cutting through new and old at the same time in order to have a nice clean, even cut for a butt weld.
Thoughts welcome.

I am working on the inner piece first, then will do the same for the bottom section of the quarter panel patch. Taking this real slow since I have not done this type of bodywork/welding before!