1970 Challenger R/T SE

[RusTy/SE]

I've owned my 440-4bbl Challenger R/T SE since purchasing it 1994. Sold new as a 440-4 car at Hunter - now Oakland - Dodge on W. 14 Mile in Madison Heights, Michigan, the Challenger was used, abused, likely street raced, then put up wet, finally being picked up by the Royal Oak Police Department as an abandoned vehicle March 1993. The fellow who won the ensuing police auction is who i purchased the Challenger from through his ad in Hemmings Motor News.

My aim from the outset is a reliable cruiser. The original motor and trans had been replaced; the dash and door panels were still there along with vinyl seats (from a 70 318 Challenger according to the Broadcast sheet found in back of the driver side bucket) but the rest of the interior is m-i-a. She's going back to how she was ordered new along with several upgrades. US Car Tool frame connectors, fresh wiring harnesses, poly-urethane suspension components, 15" wheels and tires, ss lines, interior and all mechanicals rebuilt, restored, or replaced as necessary.

Glad to be here. I've had Charger R/Ts in my past and hope to have one in future as well, however one Mopar at a time for me right now.

Russ

[mikepmcs]

Looking good.  Welcome to the site.




Mike

[tan top]

hello & welcome 

going to be a real nice challenger when done     good work , thanks for posting

[rav440]

cool  looks like alot progress so far 

what are those aluminum valve covers ?

[1969chargerrtse]

That is going to be one nice rare car.  Gotta love the gauge in the firewall.  That's a first for me.

I see  65 Chebby in the background.  I had a 65 SS conv back in the day.

[Silver R/T]

Nice challenger, 70 has always been my favorite year of Challenger

[Rolling_Thunder]

I have a 70 RT/SE I am working on at my new job myself....     # matching 440-4 auto car with factory A/C       

[69*F5*SE]

Welcome to the site.  Good to see the progress of another Mopar being restored.  Congrats.   

[1970Moparmann]

Welcome!   Your Chally doesn't look too bad considering.  I had a 70 and 73, and now have a 72.  The only reason why I have the 72 is because it was in California it's whole life so the metal is spotless.  The 70 had more surprises that I even want to get into.  The 73 was a turn and burn due to needing literally all metal replaced. 

Keep us updated on the progress!

[472 R/T SE]

Welcome to the Forum.

The Chally looks like it was originally purple?  Do you have the fender tag?

I just sold a near NOS SE rear finish tail panel.  It was on my A66 car so it wasn't original.

I just spent some money on my Challenger depersonalizing the last owner's tastes.  I'm quite happy with how it turned out and won't pass an opportunity to show it. 

[Alaskan_TA]

RusTy/SE,
Can you please scan the broadcast sheet you found & email it to me, or at least let me know the VIN number on it? I would like to see if I know who owns it.

Thanks!

Barry

[RusTy/SE]

cool  looks like alot progress so far 

what are those aluminum valve covers ?

Basic Pro/Stock brand bb black painted aftermarket units. Usually available at your local speed shop back in the day.

RusTy/SE,
Can you please scan the broadcast sheet you found & email it to me, or at least let me know the VIN number on it? I would like to see if I know who owns it.

Thanks!

Barry

I did - last year i believe - but my memory may be a bit froggy

Here's the VIN number, you have an emails on the way as well

JH23G0B421561

[RusTy/SE]

Welcome to the Forum.

The Chally looks like it was originally purple?  Do you have the fender tag?

I just sold a near NOS SE rear finish tail panel.  It was on my A66 car so it wasn't original.

I just spent some money on my Challenger depersonalizing the last owner's tastes.  I'm quite happy with how it turned out and won't pass an opportunity to show it. 

That's one gorgeous ride

You're right, an original purple car. Here's the fender tag...

[bull]

I love the plum crazy purple. Are you staying with that?

[RusTy/SE]

Yes, definitely going back to plum crazy.

[tan top]

Welcome to the Forum.

The Chally looks like it was originally purple?  Do you have the fender tag?

I just sold a near NOS SE rear finish tail panel.  It was on my A66 car so it wasn't original.

I just spent some money on my Challenger depersonalizing the last owner's tastes.  I'm quite happy with how it turned out and won't pass an opportunity to show it. 

That's one gorgeous ride

You're right, an original purple car. Here's the fender tag...

thats a loaded fender tag

[jb666]

Wow that's going to be a nice ride when you're done. Welcome, and I look forward to many pictures down the road!! 

[RusTy/SE]

  The original gauge cluster, bezel, control panel, light bar, and ashtray came in this past week from Instrument Specialties; here are some before and after pictures. Restoring an ashtray...i wonder about myself sometimes

[redrider]

the pics of speedo doing 120 

[aussiemuscle]

fabulous to see it getting restored. good work. also interesting before/after pix. as for the ashtray,  you wouldn't want a rusty old one in your newly restored interior would you? didn't think so (you're only crazy to outsiders)

[Finn]

Very nice! Ive got an RT/SE project Im itching to get cranking on as soon as the charger is done. It's going to be cool to follow your restoration. Hope to learn a few things!

[maxwellwedge]

Leather delete (credit) cloth and vinyl seats - cool!

[gtx6970]

I just spent some money on my Challenger depersonalizing the last owner's tastes.  I'm quite happy with how it turned out and won't pass an opportunity to show it. 

Hey, I resemble that remark.

I have to admit it Looks VERY nice though

[billssuperbird]