1970 Dodge Challenger R/T from North America - Comments

Where do I start.

I started the restoration in 6th grade I'm in 12th now.

The engine it cam with rusted on the inside.

The body has major rust.

The frame has a hole rusted in it.

Keep running out of money.

But will never give up on her.

I would just like to say not all kids in high school like to ride around in buzz bomb imports. I have a 1970 Challenger I'm trying to restore. What I'm trying to say is just because I'm 17 doesn't mean I would drive a tunerrr. I cried when they wrecked the Charger in the fast and the furious. So next time ask what kind of cars I like before you assume I like imports.

I love my Challenger and will never get rid of it. It has some imports to kill.

I wish you luck in a tough situation. You have a potentially really nice car--starting out with a good model, anyway. Many of us have been in the same boat as you. When I was 17 I had a '64 Dodge 440 that I always imagined being fixed up. Started doing it, too, but it was so rough and not only did I not have money, but I had no clue. Now when I look back, it would all seem so easy, but then it was hard to know where to start. If you ever get discouraged, just set your Challenger away in a shed and drive a beater until the years give you the money and knowledge to do it right. There's a reason why you only see guys in their 40's and 50's driving nice muscle cars. It's because it takes that long in life to come up with the 20 or 30 grand of disposable income to make a car really nice. Good luck, and don't let that Challenger go to the junkyard.

"It has some imports to kill."

With the 318, the imports will kill it!!!

Well, the 318 might kill a few imports, but this one sounds like it is far from being in running condition.

This might be hard to accept after you have owned the car for so long, but based on your description it sounds like this one is going to cost much more than it's worth to get it into decent drivable condition, let alone restore it. With a 318 in it it's never going to be considered a muscle car and if you replace it with a larger engine it won't be that all important "numbers-matching" so what would be the point of restoring it? The 1970 Challenger was not a low-volume vehicle by any means and there are still plenty of them around 35 years later, even the R/T version.

You would do better to sell this one off, get something cheap and economical, then start saving the money you would have had to dump into this one and put it towards getting a decent original. In four years you will have either graduated college or been working long enough to be making a decent salary and you can then take the money you have saved to get a nice original Challenger--or make a down payment on the new one which is supposed to be out by 2009. The pictures of it look an awful lot like the original 1970 model!

I've been in love with the Challanger ever since I saw "Vanishing Point"

Don't listen to the guy who says "sell your Challenger and buy something 'worthwhile' instead." What he doesn't realize is that owning a classic car isn't always about the money it's worth. I have a 1973 Mercedes sedan and a 1964 Ford F100 that will NEVER be considered classics of great value, but I absolutely love them anyway! Classics are about the fun you have with them, not the money you make off them. Anyone who truly loves classic cars knows that. 90% of collectors don't own classic cars because they're an investment; they own them because they're cool! The 1970 Challengers were beautiful cars, and I congratulate you for returning one to its former beauty. Stick with the restoration; you won't regret it when you can drive it down the road and watch people's heads turn.

Uh, it's not like this is the last '70 Challenger left in existence. There are plenty still avail that have much more potential for restoration than the rusted-out example that the reviewer owns. Throwing money into trying to "restore" a not-all-that-rare of a car with major rust problems does not make sense, unless there is some sort of sentimental attachment to THIS particular car.

Hey I definately think you should restore this car, but whatever you do, don't sell it. This sounds to be a car you definately want to fix up asap, being that you have worked on it since 6th grade. If I had my own of those I would definately do the same. Did I mention I'm only 21? And yes, I too don't drive imports. They are a waste of my time, I want power, not the other crap. Btw I don't know if anyone has heard yet, but they are coming out with the new challenger in 2008. Check it out! http://www.stockmopar.com/2008-dodge-challenger.html. Btw my dad has one of the original and few left in existance RT/SE 1970 Dodge Challengers. Its loaded with a 440 Big Block. He is currently working on the paint job. This thing is definately a thing of beauty, even without the paint. All you Import lovers may hide your cars now. That is all.

I disagree... this is also his very first car. I know because I had a similiar project before I even had my license. The likelihood of buying a new Challenger is slim at his age perhaps many years off. If you have space and can protect it I would learn everything I possibly could from adults, advisors even my shop teacher. The small block will keep your insurance low and you could change that later even. I learned over time by enlisting support from my family and friends restoring mine. I made a lot of mistakes, but learned to weld, body work, mechanical all but paint from a patient stepdad. I remember ordering parts especially doing the seats with my new hog ring tools one winter my first perfect result.

I also remember coming home and having a project that I was enthused to no end. I also know it's a good way to be focused and appreciate building a car. It also kept me out of trouble. Many years later I helped my son build his first car a total restoration and now he has done a couple Mustang GTs projects engines,nitrous, transmissions even powder coating... and he is still in his twenties.

The Dodge Challenger is synonymous to "Vanishing Point"...

Great car - great movie.

Whoever said there were a lot of Challengers left, that may be true with the SE, but if it is an R/T like the reviewer said,

than it is a pretty rare car. I say, fix her up, and good luck with her.

Hey my name is Dane and I too have a 70 challenger project. I'm 14 in ninth grade and am basically in the same boat... I ordered the floors have a roof for it and it needs quarters and a motor and trans... lol and the interior is crap. but the point is I'm guessing you have the equipment to work on the car which would put you a step in front of me... although I have power tools the welder and stuff is my friends... but as far as the motor goes... your probably better off getting a new motor for time purposes, but if your up for fixing the current motor that's cool too... as far as the body... mines pretty rusted, but I have a total of $1000 for the whole car so I just bought floors cuz they were most important... other than that I would suggest focusing on getting it on the road first then worry about looks... just make sure your prioritys are straight I guess... i don't know too much about the car so I can't help to much now, but if youd like you can contact me on myspace or email... myspace.com/danesbubble danerz112@hotmail.com hope I can be of help man enjoy your challenger mopar or nocar.