1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Christian Aitken (Caitken » 14 Aug 2002 20:02

I purchased this 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible off of the Internet - I had never heard of this type of car before, but immediately loved the lines and strong posture.

After three years, I have yet to see a similar one in Miami, Florida.
Christian Aitken (Caitken
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Christian C. Aitken (Cait » 15 Aug 2002 20:22

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Christian C. Aitken (Cait
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Marc Durocher (Madmarc) » 16 Aug 2002 3:31

nice car man but you might want to fix that 318 w/a lil summin summin along the lines o BEEEFY!
Marc Durocher (Madmarc)
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Jeff Maxwell (Redchalleng » 16 Aug 2002 5:20

I love the car because I have a soft spot for convertibles. Two of my favorite colors, so it's quite a nice ride.

My question is where did those wheel covers come from? It's not in the brochure for a 70 Chally! They remind me of something from 66 or 67 Dodge Rebellion.

Nice ride!
Jeff Maxwell (Redchalleng
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Christer (Christer) » 16 Aug 2002 7:09

Nice car and nice photos!!!!
I do not recognize those hub caps. Original or not?
Comment: No wood-grained door panel inserts on this car either... (see another thread on this message board)
I guess that the steering wheel has been replaced. Any comments?

I wish you all message board-users a lovely weekend!!!
Christer (Christer)
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Dave-R (Roppa440) » 16 Aug 2002 7:41

Yeah I noticed the door panels but was saying nothing....well you don't know how original the car is right?
Dave-R (Roppa440)
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Christian C. Aitken (Cait » 16 Aug 2002 18:03

This challenger was originally sold in New York City for $3149 to a young lady per the original window sticker & invoice that came with it.

The color of the car was Hemi Organge before it was pained over white, perhaps 4 years ago. It runs very well - I have invested only in mechancal work to-date. The only pressing problem is rust on the rear floor boards + trunk and water will pool on the floor in the back when we have tropical rain storms.

The steering wheel seems to be original but I do not know about the hub caps. I hope to restore the car in 2003, and install A/C as it can be a roaster in the hot Florida sun.
Christian C. Aitken (Cait
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Richard Ward (Richard) » 16 Aug 2002 19:28

Good looking car - the hubcaps look very similar to 67 *helby *ustang pieces. Keeping water out of a hardtop isn't easy it must be impossible on a convert you need a good weather forecaster!
Richard Ward (Richard)
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Dave-R (Roppa440) » 16 Aug 2002 21:24

The steering wheel and hubcaps are not original. Air Con was not normally fitted to convertibles by the factory so it is not a surprise it never had that.

A good quality original type top will keep the thick of the water out but most convertibles of that age leaked a little. You need to pull out all the interior and see how bad the rust there is. You can get replacement floor panels for these cars.

The rust that I can see in the bodywork just needs a few simple patches.

I would be tempted to pull the whole car apart and do it right. I understand that would be a big undertaking for you. But once it was right it will stay right for 20 years if looked after. Even with those tropical storms!
Dave-R (Roppa440)
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Jeff Maxwell (Redchalleng » 16 Aug 2002 23:48

A/C on a ragtop could be ordered, as mine was in 1971. The top will leak no matter what because of the design. The water comes down the top around the base and has no real place to run off. Hence, the best solution is to keep it out of the rain (often impossible) or to open the trunk and take care of the water right after it happens. Rubber mats in the trunk do their best to retain water, which is why my car had a hole the size of a basketball! I put carpet down to keep the water to a minimum, but that isn't there anymore wanting to look more original!
Jeff Maxwell (Redchalleng
 

1970 Dodge Challenger 318 Convertible

Postby Christer (Christer) » 19 Aug 2002 5:31

In the book "Mighty Mopars" (page 48), there is a photo of a '67 Dodge Dart GT with these hub caps on (at least they look very similar).
Christer (Christer)