1970 Challenger from "6.1 Hemi engine Swap" to custom Pro-Touring build

[challengergary]

I've mentioned it in a couple of threads so I figured I needed to start a build thread for this project. It started out with a guy getting a hold of me to do an engine swap on his 1970 Challenger. He initially contacted me after had the car at another restoration shop and was not happy with their progress. He'd brought it to them about 6 months prior to finding me and they had not touched it yet. I told him bring it it. After he went there to pull the car, they talked him into letting them "continue." A full year later, it was still buried in the back of the shop. Same story, "give us another chance, we'll get started right away." 6 months later and still no real progress, he finally had enough and brought the car to me.

I got more done in the first 2 weeks than they had in 2 years, sad.

He initially just wanted to build a daily driver with a 6.1 Hemi and TKO-600. It has since morphed into a full blown custom car.

The build now includes shaved marker lights, shaved firewall, painted & shaved bumpers, Vintage A/C, Billet March Pulleys, Air Ride Suspension, US Car Tool frame connectors, lower radiator support & inner fender bracing, power windows, all new wiring from American Autowire, custom aftermarket dash & gauges, bucket seats from a 2009 Challenger, Shaker hood, and a custom 2-tone House of Kolor paint job featuring Violette Pearl and Black Pearl.

I will start posting pictures from the beginning and will try to catch up on the build over the next couple of weeks.

 

[challengergary]

More pics. Forgot to mention, also had to install new lower quarters and redo the trunk floor that somebody else had buggered up. Plus the car is getting 4-wheel disc brakes

 

[challengergary]

more

 

[challengergary]

paint came out pretty good. I do have a few spots to touch up but overall, the owner could not be happier.

 

[mopar head]

Looking good Gary, I`m sure the owner is happy he found a ethical man to do the job.:thumblef:

 

[sireland67]

You got all that accomplished it 2 weeks?
Do you own your own shop?

 

[challengergary]

No, you misunderstood. I got more done in two weeks than the other guy did in 2 years. I've been working on it for about 9 months now, it's even further along than the pictures show but not quite done.

Yes, I own my own shop. Up until about 2-3 months ago all work was done by Me, myself, and Irene. I now have a helper/apprentice helping me out. I do the resto work in between my regular business (I do signs & graphics). I only take on 1 or 2 projects at a time. I may move that up to 3 projects because I am finding that waiting on parts hurts my budgeting/scheduling.

 

[challengergary]

more progress pics - getting close to being caught up

 

[challengergary]

FWIW - The American Autowire kit is pretty nice. Directions are pretty good and installation although time consuming is straight forward.

 

[challengergary]

Up to date now

 

[challengergary]

BTW - those power windows are a ***** to install. Took me about 6 hours to get the driver side done. The directions sucked and they claimed you did not have to remove the window from the door to get the old regulator out - I call major B.S. on that! Plus, since the car is now ready to be powered up yet, I cannot attach the windows to the tracks because i need to bump the motors a little. I plan on rigging the harness up to a battery the next time i work on them to allow me to move the motors and finish the installation that way.

Also, i have some nice braided split loom on order to hide all of those nice new wires. I am trying to make the engine compartment as clean looking as possible.

 

[challengergary]

installed the recovered dash on Saturday. Just Dashes did an AMAZING job!

 

[abodyjoe]

He'd brought it to them about 6 months prior to finding me and they had not touched it yet. I told him bring it it. After he went there to pull the car, they talked him into letting them "continue." A full year later, it was still buried in the back of the shop. Same story, "give us another chance, we'll get started right away." 6 months later and still no real progress, he finally had enough and brought the car to me.

that guy is a lot more patient than me..lol

FWIW - The American Autowire kit is pretty nice. Directions are pretty good and installation although time consuming is straight forward.

which AAW kit did you use? i went with the highway 22 when i did my dart.. they are some high quality kits..

 

[challengergary]

AAW has a new Cuda/Challenger kit. It's designed for either a factory type of build or a restification like I am doing.