New Purchase (Again) - 1970 Challenger R/T 383 3 Speed!!!! With POLL!!!

[erik70rt]

As if I don't have enough on my plate, I just made a deal to purchase a 1970 Challenger R/T 383 3 speed car.  I bought it once a few years ago, then sold it in order to buy my 1944 Willys MB.  The guy who bought it from me didn't do anything to it other than start collecting parts, and he called me up to see if I would be interested in buying it back.  I told him yes and we struck a deal.  3 speed cars are pretty rare to begin with - only 355 built.  I have only seen two that weren't converted to 4 speeds.  It still has the fender tag - Hemi orange with white interior, white longitudal stripes, basic group, light group and A/C.  Attached are pics of what it looks like now and what it will look like when finished - swap the black interior for white. 

I'm going to need a lot of parts for it and most of it is missing.  I do have the seats, dash, interior panels, grille, rally wheels and such.  I will need to get the 383, 3 spd trans, driveshaft A/C stuff (ugh), trim, lights, lenses and more. 

I'll finish my jeep first, then finish my convertible, then this.  Don't let my buy any more projects!!   

[Huskidrive]

My 1970 R/T was originally a 3 speed. the trans blew 6 months after I bought the car (1973) My friend had a 4 speed sitting in his garage...so, needless to say it's been in my car for 50 years and running strong......

[Skdmark]

Congrats on your reacquisition.

[Racer57]

You are frikkin NUTS !!!     (Secretly wishing had the ambition for that kind of project)

[Dakota]

You are frikkin NUTS !!!     (Secretly wishing had the ambition for that kind of project)

Same reaction here on all points.

[erik70rt]

The car is surprisingly solid.  All it needs is a trunk floor which is already cut out and I have one ready to go.  The biggest question is do I restore it back to original condition or do I use it as a blank slate.  I normally would go back to original, but the 383 and three speed are long gone.  I do have a 440 block in the garage and a 4-speed setup that I was going to use in my convertible.  I would still have to get a whole trans if I went 440 or could use what I have if I stay 383.   

How hard is it to get 3 speed stuff?  I saw a couple of things on ebay, but thought the prices were pretty high for stuff that has very little demand. 

Decisions......decisions.....

[Mr Cuda]

 I have never understood the craze of keeping a 3 speed in the car,  because it was original.
Pull that thing out and put it behind the bench. Or build it as a 4spd
I bought an original 340 3spd  Cuda,  and suffered with it until could get a 4spd.

  Them   "Hey man, nice Cuda ! Hey, where's the pistol grip?
   You.     "No it's just as cool, it's a factory 3spd",  said no one.

I kept that lump around for years,  until I took it apart for the synchros and shift forks.
Now I could sell it for big money!!!
Also,  there are 2 different gear ratio A230's. Lots of one advertised are the low first gear from trucks and vans.
Rant out!

[Rich G.]

Dare to be different! Carlisle is right around the corner. Bring a fist full of money and a wagon and start shopping!🤣

[erik70rt]

Dare to be different! Carlisle is right around the corner. Bring a fist full of money and a wagon and start shopping!🤣

Those who know me know I do like to be different!      I'll be there with my convertible, so buying parts this year might not happen.   Between our bags, chairs, pop up, items for display at the show there might not be enough room for buying parts.   

[erik70rt]

Just for fun, I added a poll. 

Vote on how you would build it.   

[erik70rt]

Got the car home today.  Forgot about some of the shoddy bodywork it had in the past.  Still will be a nice project.

[RSI700VIPER]

Cool project Erik.  I'll have my truck at Carlisle if you need to haul back some stuff 

[dodj]

Hmmm..don't think they got the steering wheel centered.

[chargerdon]

My first new car back in december 1970 was a 1970 Challenger with 3 sp on the floor and the Slant Six.   Great running car with good gas economy.   kept it for 2 yrs till i tranded on a 72 Charger SE with 318/auto and air...  great car...   

[Mr Cuda]

 I don't know why,  but I  really care about your problem.
I've already stated that the 3 speed idea has to go.
I have not voted in your poll, but my vote is 440 4spd.  Which then requires a dana, but that's a plus as the dana really helps plan the back.
Then it hit me. A 400 block 440 crank, 383 lookalike,  with a 4spd with a wood grain 3 spd ball shifter.
On my 3spd cuda, I cut the handle down as far as I  could and retapped the threads for the ball. You can just buy a hurst handle with threads.
Ok done, problem solved!