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Old Guy with Challenger R/T

Weldguy

Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2023
Messages
21
Reaction score
26
Location
Central Ohio
Hello to MoPar associates (can't say "fellow" anymore LOL)
I've owned my 1970 Challenger R/T since 1982. I originally built it to do occasional bracket racing at National Trail Raceway, only 20 minutes away. I found freeze damage (cracks) in the original 383, so building a 440 doesn't cost nickle more. I located a 53K mile engine in (of all things) a t-boned '69 Chrysler station wagon! Yep... even an HP block engine!!! The owner pulled it for me and apologized for charging me $75 because it was missing the carb and starter. Those were the good old days (sigh).
I was able to get it to run in the 12.90s yet still drive it anywhere on the street. The National Trail techs said I would need to cage it to run in the 12s, but it's just too valuable to me to hack up. Running consistent 13.90s started taking its toll with body seam cracks showing up, so it's been in a state of restoration for a number of years.
That brings me to joining this group at 75 years of age. I'm sure I'll be needing your help from time to time. Currently, I am converting it to a 4-speed since it's not the original engine anyway. It's taken me a little over three years to collect all the needed parts including the big hemi (heavy spline) transmission.
 

Big AL

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2019
Messages
198
Reaction score
103
Location
The Waters Edge, Worth, Illinois.
Hello to MoPar associates (can't say "fellow" anymore LOL)
I've owned my 1970 Challenger R/T since 1982. I originally built it to do occasional bracket racing at National Trail Raceway, only 20 minutes away. I found freeze damage (cracks) in the original 383, so building a 440 doesn't cost nickle more. I located a 53K mile engine in (of all things) a t-boned '69 Chrysler station wagon! Yep... even an HP block engine!!! The owner pulled it for me and apologized for charging me $75 because it was missing the carb and starter. Those were the good old days (sigh).
I was able to get it to run in the 12.90s yet still drive it anywhere on the street. The National Trail techs said I would need to cage it to run in the 12s, but it's just too valuable to me to hack up. Running consistent 13.90s started taking its toll with body seam cracks showing up, so it's been in a state of restoration for a number of years.
That brings me to joining this group at 75 years of age. I'm sure I'll be needing your help from time to time. Currently, I am converting it to a 4-speed since it's not the original engine anyway. It's taken me a little over three years to collect all the needed parts including the big hemi (heavy spline) transmission.
pictures please!
 

fasjac

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2019
Messages
2,249
Reaction score
1,131
Location
Arkansas
Welcome to the site from Arkansas! We’d like to see your car too. 👍🏻
 

Mopar Nut

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2014
Messages
1,361
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1,044
IMG_1924.jpeg
 

Xcudame

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 27, 2023
Messages
1,047
Reaction score
753
Location
Southeast Arizona
Welcome to FEBO from the desert! Always glad to have another "old guy" with an e-body. Our cars are pretty stout, but as Moparleo said, torque boxes and subframe connectors are a must!
 

340challconvert

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2011
Messages
5,196
Reaction score
2,737
Location
Parsippany, NJ
:welcome: to FEBO from New Jersey
Glad you kept the Challenger
I have had mine since 1979
Us sep·tu·a·ge·nar·i·ans have to stick together :thumbsup:
 

PGio

Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2023
Messages
10
Reaction score
16
Location
Long Island
Welcome! I too just joined. I have WANTED a 70 Challenger R/T for almost 40 years! Finally attained that dream this summer (2023). Many decades in the making.
I also still have my first car - since 1979. A '71 Charger R/T.
 
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