Re: Restoration of my B5 Blue 4Spd Charger 500... Blue Thunder debuts...Finally!

[hemigeno]

The only E 440 HP motor that I remember on this month's Moparts Ads is the one listed by "junkyardmaxie" with an "install" (assembly?) date of 9/15/68, too early AFAIK for my SPD  of 12/4/68 on my C500.  Based on what I have seen from that time period, an engine assembly date of mid November would be appropriate.  The block casting date might be in the mid to late October time frame...

There's an HP E440 posted for sale on Moparts by MePlumNuts on 10/16/2010 that has a cast date of 10/1/68.  Don't focus too much on the casting date - what matters is the Engine Assembly Date on the ID pad.  That ad doesn't list the EAD, but I'm sure he could tell you what it is.  The pad hasn't been wiped, or the HP and E440 stamps would be gone too.

I thought there was another block or two listed, but after running through the ads again this morning it's the only other one I see.

[gtx6970]

... is the guy up in your area?

Allen

Yea, one could say he's Really REALLY  close, and i've been told he's a super nice guy who could use the work. But I wouldn't want to spread any rumors though.

Should something change let me know.

[xs29j8Bullitt]

The only E 440 HP motor that I remember on this month's Moparts Ads is the one listed by "junkyardmaxie" with an "install" (assembly?) date of 9/15/68, too early AFAIK for my SPD  of 12/4/68 on my C500.  Based on what I have seen from that time period, an engine assembly date of mid November would be appropriate.  The block casting date might be in the mid to late October time frame...

There's an HP E440 posted for sale on Moparts by MePlumNuts on 10/16/2010 that has a cast date of 10/1/68.  Don't focus too much on the casting date - what matters is the Engine Assembly Date on the ID pad.  That ad doesn't list the EAD, but I'm sure he could tell you what it is.  The pad hasn't been wiped, or the HP and E440 stamps would be gone too.

I thought there was another block or two listed, but after running through the ads again this morning it's the only other one I see.

I remember seeing that one too, but did not call because it states "pick up only"... that would be a long haul for basically the block.  The Ad states it comes with Six Pack rods and 915 heads, so the block and possibly pistons would only be usable in the C500...  I may call him up anyway to see if he might sell and ship only the block...  assuming the assembly date works.

So far, here is my main go-by, the assembly date of 11/26/68 for XX29L9B238099, twenty eight higher in the sequence number than my XX29L9B238071...  but, I do not know Rick's SPD on that car though.

[moparstuart]

The only E 440 HP motor that I remember on this month's Moparts Ads is the one listed by "junkyardmaxie" with an "install" (assembly?) date of 9/15/68, too early AFAIK for my SPD  of 12/4/68 on my C500.  Based on what I have seen from that time period, an engine assembly date of mid November would be appropriate.  The block casting date might be in the mid to late October time frame...

There's an HP E440 posted for sale on Moparts by MePlumNuts on 10/16/2010 that has a cast date of 10/1/68.  Don't focus too much on the casting date - what matters is the Engine Assembly Date on the ID pad.  That ad doesn't list the EAD, but I'm sure he could tell you what it is.  The pad hasn't been wiped, or the HP and E440 stamps would be gone too.

I thought there was another block or two listed, but after running through the ads again this morning it's the only other one I see.

I remember seeing that one too, but did not call because it states "pick up only"... that would be a long haul for basically the block.  The Ad states it comes with Six Pack rods and 915 heads, so the block and possibly pistons would only be usable in the C500...  I may call him up anyway to see if he might sell and ship only the block...  assuming the assembly date works.

So far, here is my main go-by, the assembly date of 11/26/68 for XX29L9B238099, twenty eight higher in the sequence number than my XX29L9B238071...  but, I do not know Rick's SPD on that car though.

where is the guy at ? maybe someone knows someone up there that can help in getting it shipped  ?

[xs29j8Bullitt]

... is the guy up in your area?

Allen

Yea, one could say he's Really REALLY  close, and i've been told he's a super nice guy who could use the work. But I wouldn't want to spread any rumors though.

Should something change let me know.

Thanks Bill... I think I know the dude that you are talking about!...      I have heard a lot of good things about him also...    I will let you know if anything changes.

Allen

[xs29j8Bullitt]

where is the guy at ? maybe someone knows someone up there that can help in getting it shipped  ?

By the Zip Code, looks like Tinley Park (Chicago suburbs), but another thing I just found is the apparent VIN number from another Moparts posting... XS29L9B199311... that's 38,000+ units prior to mine.  So, that seems out of range for my C500? 

[moparstuart]

where is the guy at ? maybe someone knows someone up there that can help in getting it shipped  ?

By the Zip Code, looks like Tinley Park (Chicago suburbs), but another thing I just found is the apparent VIN number from another Moparts posting... XS29L9B199311... that's 38,000+ units prior to mine.  So, that seems out of range for my C500? 

bummer

[xs29j8Bullitt]

where is the guy at ? maybe someone knows someone up there that can help in getting it shipped  ?

By the Zip Code, looks like Tinley Park (Chicago suburbs), but another thing I just found is the apparent VIN number from another Moparts posting... XS29L9B199311... that's 38,000+ units prior to mine.  So, that seems out of range for my C500? 

bummer

And yet another bummer... just heard back on another lead... 

Getting more proactive searching locally... my new Craigslist Ad:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/wan/2027124144.html

I am hoping the date code lesson in it as well as trade material reference & examples will stir up something locally...

It's wait & see time... 

Allen

[moparstuart]

and the john madden telestrator is back
     

[nascarxx29]

A older ad but this guy seems to have had some H.P. motors.And might still have some? A friend did have one on Houston craiglist.Gave him a call for number info.It got sold 69 HP.Another one shows on craigslist
http://www.massmopar.com/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1221487732

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/pts/2012946542.html appears to be same ad

[nascarxx29]

http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/1998860496.html theres a few out there

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/1989366801.html

[xs29j8Bullitt]

and the john madden telestrator is back
     

In addition to limited "telestrator" skills, I have limited "photoshop" skills...

Blue Thunder back on the ground on W23 wheels by the magic of Paint Shop Pro V8... not Photo Shop. 

[PocketThunder]

Ya know, a couple years ago i found a November date coded 440 HP block for sale right by me here in the Twin Cities.  It was pitted and rusty in the cylinder walls and the guy told me it would need .060 over and it should be fine.  It was $100 and it was just the bare block with main rod caps.  I was going to buy it for my C500 at the time because it would have been close to my build date.  I passed on it though.  I'll see if i can find the guys number again for you.  But this is a long shot so keep your pants on..  

Paul

EDIT:  I cant find the guys number anymore and i'm certain i threw it out the last time i purged my stack of papers.  I know the guys name was Walt and he lived in Golden Valley, MN and he had a Green 69 RR at the time.  I can picture his house and shop in my mind so i'll keep searching google street view untill i find it for you.

[moparstuart]

well i got three packages in the mail the other day at work from allen  

[moparstuart]

  so tonight i drove up to north kansas city to swap out some parts for a replacement power plant for Blue Thunder .  Brian the guy with the motor had a 70 coronet sitting in his drive way .
I love the Keystones  

[moparstuart]

   this way inpressive the man knows great cars and the best color too of course  

brians back

[moparstuart]

 

[moparstuart]

brian also had a 4 barrel shaker hood cuda

[moparstuart]

  the pan was bent so i made him pull it to check everything out in side

[moparstuart]

 

[moparstuart]

 

[moparstuart]

  traded parts

[moparstuart]

  all safe and sound  , I will strap it to a pallet and ship to the shop in arkansas

[xs29j8Bullitt]

all safe and sound  , I will strap it to a pallet and ship it to the shop in arkansas

Thanks Stuart!!!    I very much appreciate your help in picking up and shipping the 440 for Blue Thunder!    And thanks for the great pics... I assume Brian has seen your FJ5 Convertible?  He likes the color:

Being painted FJ5 Limelight Green, favorite color hands down...  I plan on making a stroker motor out of the 70 date code 340, with a 4" Eagle stroker kit, making it a 416ci with around 500+hp...

Cars I will own in the future include a 70 Challenger FC7 convertible (for the wife), a high impact 440-6 4 speed Superbird, and a real FJ5 rubber bumper 70 Hemi Cuda...

I haven't told him yet that I have a FJ5 Hemi `Cuda & FJ5 Challenger Convertible...

Thanks again Stuart... now would be a good time to ask me to reconsider adoption...      

Here are the items traded for the 440 engine prior to shipment:

[moparstuart]

your very welcome and no thanks needed  ,  but i will take you up on the adoption , paper work is in the mail as we speak