1970 A-66 Challenger Convertible

[340challconvert]

Cleaning interior surfaces to promote good welding at the butt seams

 

[moparlee]

Looks like you are getting closer to laying down some spot welds. Hey Phil, you must have changed your screen name recently, appropriate too.

 

[DetMatt1]

Looks like you are getting closer to laying down some spot welds. Hey Phil, you must have changed your screen name recently, appropriate too.

I was going to ask him if he was having an identity crisis but then I figured this might be a sign that he was just getting over one.
Either way nice work buddy! When do you plan to have this beauty back on the road?

 

[340challconvert]

Changed to a user name that I use on other Mopar sites; everything consistent now. Was using my real name (not that it matters) ever since I registered here 8 years ago. This was the first site I signed on to, wasn't real net "savvy" at the time.
"Great news, no more identity crisis!" Makes more sense too!

 

[340challconvert]

Prepping the metal for the welds.
Have to install the torsion bars; need to turn the car around in the garage (nose first) to be able to have some room to weld the trunk and qtr patches in.
Making things work in my tight work space!
Car running, hopefully soon.
On the road again; I'll need to play Willie Nelson many times before that day!
I keep plugging away, trying to put in at least 2-3 hours a day.
Thanks for the thoughts!

 

[340challconvert]

Cleaning qrt panel metal continues; want best possible surfaces for welding. Cleaning up seems acceptable.

 

[340challconvert]

Finally got to use the Eastwood Rotary stripping/metal prep tool in cleaning up the quarters for the patches.
Worked pretty quickly on a medium setting.

 

[340challconvert]

You can clearly see the right side quarter panel was resprayed at one time!

 

[340challconvert]

On a side bar note;
Pulled the original top boot for my convertible out of storage.
Date coded October 7. 1969 for my October 6th SPD

Unfortunately, the original boot has two small sections missing, probably rodents from sitting in the trunk for years while in storage,

 

[rbbruno3]

That stinks Phil. Had the same thing happen to a brand new soft top for my Wrangler. Don’t take those bastards long to ruin something.

 

[340challconvert]

That stinks Phil. Had the same thing happen to a brand new soft top for my Wrangler. Don’t take those bastards long to ruin something.

Those sob's also chewed a small hole in my convertible top in one area. Top is/was in good condition; I replaced it in the early 80's. In a way, my own fault; left the top down in the garage storage for an extended period of time

 

[340challconvert]

Finally cleaned up the rear axle while the trunk floor is out. Will probably try to duplicate the original marking on the back of the unit. Not sure what this marking was?
I kept the original markings on the front of the pumpkin (date code and other markings)

 

[340challconvert]

Started cleaning up the underside of the Challenger's floor. Interesting to see the original blackout paint under the door sills on a Y1 car.

 

[340challconvert]

New brake lines while I am at it!

 

[moparlee]

Started cleaning up the underside of the Challenger's floor. Interesting to see the original blackout paint under the door sills on a Y1 car.

I have a factory drawing showing that same black out on that rocker lip. Also seen it on a high dollar restoration Challenger a couple years ago at the Mopar Nats.

 

[340challconvert]

Right side quarter panel lower patch finally cut from AMD panel that had very close and accurate contours.
Fine tuning the edges for installation!

2nd pic shows damaged panel over the new patch panel. used as a template.

 

[AUSTA]

Finally cleaned up the rear axle while the trunk floor is out. Will probably try to duplicate the original marking on the back of the unit. Not sure what this marking was?
I kept the original markings on the front of the pumpkin (date code and other markings)
View attachment 59432

View attachment 59430

View attachment 59431

This is what is on my A66 741 3.23 looks like your 3 or W is on the dome

 

[340challconvert]

Thanks for posting
I have 3:55 sure grip in a 489 case.
Does it make a difference in the markings?
Yellow marks on left side tube (as far as I can tell?)

This is what is on my A66 741 3.23 looks like your 3 or W is on the dome

View attachment 59725

 

[340challconvert]

Dirty job by hand, but cleaning underside of floor.
You can still see the factory grey primer and some Y1 over spray!

 

[moparlee]

Nice solid floor there. I know what you mean, laying on your back on the concrete floor, scraping and sanding ain't no fun. Especially us seniors.