1970 Challenger R/T convertible restoration

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340john

340john

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I know this isn't an A body but thought you guys might like to follow along. I posted a few weeks ago that the shop I was working at was closing down. My boss asked me if I could stay on and restore his Challenger, a red/red, 440 auto R/T. The car had typical E body rust and some not so typical. So far the rear rail have already been replaced along with the trunk floor. The 1/4's are welded on. The floor pan has been fitted and just about welded, just waiting to finsh fitting the new front rails. All body panels have been stripped and epoxy primed so now I can start the plastic work. Here are some pictures and one of me.

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Brings back memories of my 70 Challenger restoration.....
Keep the pics coming.
 

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More progress on the Challenger. All the welding is finished on the rear and front frame rails, floor pans and floor supports, trunk floor, aprons and so on...finally the shell is one solid structure again. The bottom has been undercoated and it's time for me to do my favorite part, paint... even if it is just the engine compartment, floor and trunk. One thing I have realized, in the last 30 years of painting Mopar engine compartments, it is getting harder to climb around to paint them...just look at the last picture.

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your a brave man welding those rails in wit the body hangin' like that especially with no roof holding it in place. i hope you at least prehung the doors on a latch to hold it in place

just sayin!!!
 
rapidtransitric said:
your a brave man welding those rails in wit the body hangin' like that especially with no roof holding it in place. i hope you at least prehung the doors on a latch to hold it in place

just sayin!!!
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That wouldn't be brave, that would be crazy! The orange rails bolted to the rockers are part of the Dataliner frame bench. The car was measured and measured again and then the doors were fit...only then the frame was welded. 30 years of working in body/restoration shops teaches you how to do frame work.
 
Nice job John, that's gonna be a sweet ride! It's also cool to put a name with a face, thanks for the pics!
 
Been working my butt off on the Challenger and it's almost finished. I have been detailing everything over the top and the car really looks great. I did have one argument with the owner, the 440 was missing and to save money and time he decided to install a magnum small block. Here are some pictures.
 

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And a couple more.
 

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Beautiful work!!! I understand you wanting to put a big block back in. I would have too. Oh well, if he's happy.:D

I know you stayed on to do this car for him.....How are your prospects looking when you're finished?
 
I have had an offer from another body shop so I think I will be alright. Thank you very much for asking.
 
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