Used 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible Resto-ModThis 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible is the culmination of a 20 year project, to create what could be considered the Ultimate Mopar. As a former ASE Mechanic, Electrical Engineer and Pilot, simply good would not cut it on this build and after acquiring the base car in 2004, the build began in four stages. In 1970, Dodge produced 9 original Hemi Challenger Convertibles- 5 of which were fitted with a 4 speed manual and 4 automatics, as those have reached values unattainable for most enthusiasts, the initial idea was to replicate that-but over time it morphed into an even more impressive project.Starting with an original Challenger Convertible in the eye catching shade of Top Banana Yellow you see here, the project began by stripping the entire car down to bare metal. With over 1,000 hours spent in body and paint, there was an emphasis put on ensuring there were no imperfections in the body and that the panel gaps were all perfect. The entire unibody was put into a jig to make sure all elements were brought back to factory dimensions and a new fiberglass hood was added with the Shaker induction scoop. When it came time to paint, DuPont Chroma 2 was used, matching the original Top Banana Yellow color, and then adding 10 coats of DuPont Diamond Show clear coat on the upper section of the car. The lower section was finished in matching DuPont Chroma paint but in this case, single stage. All of the trim was either straightened and polished or replaced with the highest quality replacements available and shows flawlessly. Even the underside of the car was painted to match the stunning Top Banana yellow top, and the exhaust is finished in black high-temp paint. Although this car was originally fitted with a manual convertible top, it was converted to power using factory components but the pump was rebuilt along with the lines and ram cylinders. The top itself is a high quality Haartz canvas piece that was custom made to fit this car, and a replacement glass rear window was added.This Challenger is more than just some great bodywork on a sub-par chassis though. It was really when it got to the underpinnings where this turned from a straight ahead restoration, into something far more significant. The front suspension system was replaced with coilover independent suspension which offers tremendous adjustability and allows for the addition of a precise rack and pinion steering system. Additionally, the change in suspension alone removes over 110 lbs from the nose when compared to an original Hemi Challenger Convertible, meaning that not only does it handle better thanks to the new pieces but feels more nimble than the original car too. The suspension in the rear is based on the A33/34 TrackPak that was the original heavy duty suspension found in Hemi Challengers, retaining leaf springs for a standard look. That being said, the leaf springs under the car now are completely custom and built to ensure a perfect stance. Also sitting out back is a Strange-S60 rear end with heavy duty axles, 3.73 gears and a limited slip differential from Eaton. Wilwood disc brakes sit at all 4 corners and feature stainless hardlines, Hydroboost power brake system, front line-lock and an electronic parking brake.Under the hood sits a 517 cubic inch Hemi V8 that features a hefty list of newer performance parts that mean it is both far more potent than the original Hem Challenger, while also weighing less. The starting point was a stout 1990s Trenton Casting Plant Hemi service block, that was bored .40 over which was combined with a 4.5 forged stroker crankshaft, bringing the displacement from 426 ci to 517 ci. Additionally, compression was raised to 10.75:1 while Vendor Stage V aluminum heads with lightweight valves and high RPM springs were installed. For induction, a height matched aluminum dual 4bbl manifold was installed with dual 600cfm Edelbrock carburetors that breathe through the Shaker hood and are fed by a high flow electric fuel pump with custom heat shielding. Coil on plug ignition has also been fitted which does away with one of the Hemi's biggest issues- not producing enough spark- yet the system has been hidden to keep the vintage under hood loo Now estimated to produce in excess of 650 horsepower, one of the most remarkable things is the fact that when you open the hood, you could easily be convinced it was nearly all original. Backing up the engine is a Chrysler A-833 4-speed manual gearbox with an overdrive 4th gear and the quintessential Dodge pistol grip shifter. The level of craftsmanship and care and attention to detail are truly second to none with this build.Open the door to this Challenger and you will be greeted by an interior that although clearly updated with improved materials and a more built out center console, doesn't look all that different from an original Challenger. The seats are stock units reimagined utilizing modified frames and reshaped foam and covers- and soft Ultra-Leather covers both the seats and all of the interior panels, installed at a cost of more than $8,000. But under it all, may be the most interesting aspect of the entire build. As the owner was an electrical engineer by trade, he set to work completely redesigning the electrical system, running everything-save the convertible top- of a custom built CANbus system that houses the central module in a hidden compartment behind the glove box. This system allows for load monitoring, short circuit detection and simpler troubleshooting if anything does go wrong, while also allowing for modern features such as push button start, key fob access and a modern anti-theft system. The Rallye Instrument Cluster was part of the R/T package originally and this has original-look gauges that are from Dakota Digital and feature solid state reliability and an LCD screen that can show multiple engine parameters or GPS speed. The GPS speed that can be shown on the screen is also tied into the speedometer, meaning that a change in tire size or rear end ratio, doesn't necessitate a speedometer recalibration. A custom stereo is also installed- largely hidden, it relies on a Bluetooth receiver and features a Clarion controller and a combination of speakers from Boss, Pioneer and Sony.To say that no bolt went unturned in this build is an understatement. Although this description touches on most of the major upgrades, the list is significantly longer and this is a car that truly bears seeing in person. With just 540 miles driven since completion, this car is sure to be a show winner wherever you take it and stands as a testament to one man's vision, creating the ultimate tribute to his favorite car.Key Features * 517 ci Hemi V8 * 650+ Horsepower * 4-Speed Manual Transmission * OD 4th Gear * Independent Front Suspension Conversion * Tubular K-Frame * Tubular Upper/Lower Control Arms * Coil Over Shocks (QA1) * Rear TrackPak Suspension * Custom Leaf Springs * Inboard Spring Relocation Kit * 4-Wheel Wilwood Disc Brakes * Line Lock * Custom Stainless Hard Lines * Power Steering * E-Body Hemi Complete 3 Exhaust System * X-Pipe Crossover * Electric Exhaust Cutouts * 26 Remanufactured Hemi 4-Core Radiator * Dual Electric Puller FansAdditional Information * 2ea. Service / Shop Reference / Invoice Binders * Detailed Restoration / Build Photos * Detailed 11-Page Build / Component Summary (Contact Your Sales Rep) * Best of Show WinnerFor more information on this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible Resto-Mod or any of our 100+ Luxury, High-Performance, Exotic, and Special Interest cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or always feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. Nobody Has What We Have!