E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

E-Bodies Cuda & Challenger (sponsor: ROSEVILLE MOPARTS) => Your Restoration project (ROSEVILLE MOPARTS) => Topic started by: manycj on March 28, 2017, 10:20:56 AM

Title: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on March 28, 2017, 10:20:56 AM
Hey guys, just posting a few picks that I have been putting up on CC.com. This is the 1970 Challenger FM3 car (318-2v auto w/ac) that I have been working on for the past 3 years.  Still need to paint the engine and get it installed. Interior is as pictured.  Rear end needs to be restored.  Should be done by mid-summer.

http://www.relicrecyclery.com/PantherPink/ChallengerFM3.htm

Chris

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 28, 2017, 10:26:10 AM
Welcome @manycj (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/manycj_314)    :drinkingbud:  Thanks for sharing some photos.  Absolutely stunning work on that Challenger!  :bravo:  You are almost all done.  Must be an exciting feeling to be so close and having all looking so good.   :inlove:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on March 28, 2017, 10:32:53 AM
Thanks Cody.

It is exciting, but it's like pulling teeth sometimes.  I was going to paint my freshly rebuilt engine this weekend, but the new rocker arms I got were wrong and I need to replace a valve cover due to pin holes found during bead blasting.  Delay of game. 

Chris
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: Spikedog08 on March 28, 2017, 10:34:08 AM
WOW that is looking amazing!   Nice job!   :twothumbsup:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 28, 2017, 10:35:46 AM
If the engine is anything like your body work and dash, it's going to be beautiful.

Every time I see a primer / body color over spray underside I think to myself "Why haven't I done one that way yet"?  I really like it.  Can't wait to see more photos as you get it done.   :popcorn:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: xx88man on March 28, 2017, 04:37:46 PM
Great job! I love that how the Panther looks with the black vinyl roof   :wowzers:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: RUNCHARGER on March 28, 2017, 05:49:12 PM
Yes: FM3 works best with black accents.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: usraptor on March 31, 2017, 09:07:56 AM
Wow!  What a difference.  Good skills there!
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: 750-h2 on April 06, 2017, 05:11:46 PM
Sweet car!!
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: JRMac73 on April 07, 2017, 05:41:37 PM
FM3 is my favorite color of all the high impact colors. Great work...

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on May 15, 2017, 06:27:09 AM
I finally got my engine installed this past weekend (5/13/17).  It was a relatively easy install by myself. I did not fully install the engine components, like I see other people do, since I needed the clearance. Besides the carb is out being restored and I didn't want to wait a month. I removed the fan which is shown in the first pictures. Though not shown in the pictures, I did install the starter and power steering hoses. I also installed the trans harness. As you can see my engine/trans/Kframe was build up on a low profile cart that I made from 2x6s and casters. The highest point was the top of the PCV valve, roughly 27".

I raised the front of the car up so that the frame rails at the wheel wells were 28" above the floor (probably would be harder for a 383/440). With the car on jack stands, I rolled the engine/trans/Kframe asby underneath at the wheel opening perpendicular to the car. Then I carefully rotated it roughly in position. I gradually lowered the front with 2 jacks as far as I dared to go. With the front back on jack stands, I used 3 jacks and raised the engine/trans in place. Took me about 3 hours by myself.  And there you have it, the pink and the blue.

Chris





Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: anlauto on May 15, 2017, 07:39:34 AM
Still easier then going over the top ! Great work :clapping:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: pink aar on May 15, 2017, 08:06:47 AM
What paint did you use. I used PPG concept with 2002 clear for my pink.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on May 15, 2017, 08:18:31 AM
Quote from: pink aar on May 15, 2017, 08:06:47 AM
What paint did you use. I used PPG concept with 2002 clear for my pink.

I used Deltron 2000 (DBC) with Concept 2002 Clear.

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: Cuda Cody on May 15, 2017, 08:26:45 AM
Impressive you did that all by yourself.   :bravo:  Looks really nice.  Good job man.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: RUNCHARGER on May 15, 2017, 08:43:08 AM
What a nice car! It's turning out great.0000.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: erik70rt on May 15, 2017, 08:52:29 AM
That's a beautiful car! Kudos!! 
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on May 15, 2017, 12:28:35 PM
Thanks for the compliments, I try. 
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: cudajunction on May 15, 2017, 12:40:05 PM
 :wowzers:

Love it, great work and cannot wait to see the after pictures! 
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger - look at my rear end
Post by: manycj on August 03, 2017, 09:33:05 AM
Ha ha . made you look  :lookatthat:

my project is coming along slowly. I rebuilt the rearend, detailed and installed it. You don't usually see detailed 7 1/4 rear ends online, so I posted several pictures. this one had lots of markings.  The first "1" in the date code was upside down from the factory so I reproduced it that way.

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on August 03, 2017, 09:36:02 AM
I just need to transfer my hubs to the new front drums and she will be on 4 wheels for the first time in 4 years.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on August 03, 2017, 09:39:53 AM
Interior is almost done. I need to reupholster the seats, bolt on the steering wheel and install the seatbelts once they come in from Snake-Oyl.

I still need the exhaust and a radiator to start the engine.

more to come,
Chris
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: pink aar on August 03, 2017, 09:42:35 AM
Nice  Manycj

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: anlauto on August 03, 2017, 09:45:04 AM
Car's looking great....love the rear axle detailing  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: Cuda Cody on August 03, 2017, 10:47:42 AM
Really nicely done.   :clapping:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: usraptor on August 03, 2017, 05:12:33 PM
Been a while since I checked in on your build!  Wow!  our attention to detail is outstanding!  It's going to be a show winner for sure when it's done.  :twothumbsup:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on August 16, 2017, 09:38:23 AM
Here's a couple more pics showing how she looks now.  Gas tank installed w/rear valance installed.  Engine compartment almost completed.  Waiting on gather enough funds to get correct p/n radiator and exhaust to start the engine.

Chris

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: Cuda Cody on August 16, 2017, 09:43:53 AM
Looks great!
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: cudajunction on August 16, 2017, 09:50:01 PM
Tom is out in the shop, so I will flaunt my girl question.  What radiator P/N goes in a 318 2b with AC?  Cause I gotta believe we have one here somewhere.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: 6bblgt on August 16, 2017, 11:38:35 PM
per GG's "white book":
1970 e-body 318 with A/C 2998948
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on August 17, 2017, 05:02:41 AM
The car left the factory with 2998948 as the radiator, but 2998974 (the 340 version) replaced it when the T/A's came out.

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: usraptor on August 26, 2017, 08:00:05 AM
Car really looks good.  Love your attention to detail.  :twothumbsup:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: 1badfish on September 04, 2017, 08:21:44 AM
Car looks great! Is it a Deputy by any chance? A93 code, I had a FM3 70 challenger that was 318 3spd manual.  :ohyeah:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on September 05, 2017, 04:55:08 AM
Quote from: 1badfish on September 04, 2017, 08:21:44 AM
Car looks great! Is it a Deputy by any chance? A93 code, I had a FM3 70 challenger that was 318 3spd manual.  :ohyeah:
Thanks.  No it's not a Deputy. I've only come across 1 Deputy that came with a 318 3spd manual trans.  Was on e-bay about 4 years ago. Was located in PA at the time. It was cloned into a T/A.  VIN#JH23G0B339543

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: 340challconvert on September 05, 2017, 05:29:54 AM
Really exceptional work!
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: 1badfish on September 05, 2017, 06:21:24 AM
Quote from: manycj on September 05, 2017, 04:55:08 AM
Quote from: 1badfish on September 04, 2017, 08:21:44 AM
Car looks great! Is it a Deputy by any chance? A93 code, I had a FM3 70 challenger that was 318 3spd manual.  :ohyeah:
Thanks.  No it's not a Deputy. I've only come across 1 Deputy that came with a 318 3spd manual trans.  Was on e-bay about 4 years ago. Was located in PA at the time. It was cloned into a T/A.  VIN#JH23G0B339543

That was my car! It was a lot longer than 4 years ago though lol. I think I bought that car in 2008 from Larry in PA.

Title: 1970 FM3 Challenger - Updated 2/5/18
Post by: manycj on February 05, 2018, 10:00:04 AM
Hello everyone, it's been a while since I've posted pictures. So here's an update.  It's running and driving!  It took me a while since I was waiting for Glen-Ray to restored an original date-coded 948 radiator for me and there was another delay when my repo battery came in cracked.  All is well now. 

Though not in the pictures, I have a set of Goodyear F-70 w/w tires with the original Challenger wheel covers ready to go on it.

Things left to do:
I still need to get the AC drier and the cracked AC return hose restored. 
The rear bumper still needs to get rechromed.
I still need to locate a driver's seat. The original one was swapped out for a 72-74 style.

Chris


Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: 72 Challenger on February 05, 2018, 10:09:28 AM
Absolutely love it. Great work.

Is that a mach one I spy in the background? Furthest on the left?
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: manycj on February 05, 2018, 10:33:07 AM
Close. It's a 1969 Mustang 4.1 Liter Special sportsroof.  1 of 150 in the promotion, 1 of 25 sportsroof ever to be painted in that color.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: RUNCHARGER on February 05, 2018, 11:00:27 AM
Car is looking great. You are doing a nice job.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: superdave on February 05, 2018, 01:22:13 PM
Wow!! That looks fantistic. :unbelievable:  :ohyeah:  8)
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: 72 Challenger on February 06, 2018, 04:37:25 AM
I will have to research this, never heard of it!

Still prefer the Challenger though!
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: anlauto on February 06, 2018, 04:44:08 AM
This Challenger restoration is awesome, I love the fact you kept it original :worship: :bravo:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: GCragtop on February 06, 2018, 08:25:43 AM
Very nice detailing! Looks extremely nice!
Title: 1970 FM3 Challenger - Almost done
Post by: manycj on July 19, 2018, 10:21:06 AM
Well, she's almost done. I'm waiting on an AC line and drier which is being restored by Classic Auto Air, the rest of the seat belts which are due Monday, air breather wingnut and heat rise hose and a lug wrench.  That's it. Then she needs to be road tested.

This is what it would have looked like in 1970 except it would have had dual white wall tires back then.

what do you think about being in the pink ?

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: RUNCHARGER on July 19, 2018, 10:28:22 AM
Great job: Congrats on doing it right.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: 72 Challenger on July 19, 2018, 11:01:49 AM
I love it.

I hope you drive the wheels off it. Really nice to see a car not get modified and restored to original even if it wasn't a 440/6, with Rally wheels.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: superdave on July 19, 2018, 11:20:58 AM
That is simply fantastic!! Flat hood and Challenger hubcaps, very nice. :banana:  :banana:  8)
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: zazou on July 19, 2018, 11:59:22 PM
Magnifique Car, very nice restoration ! :worship:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: Morty426 on July 20, 2018, 02:14:14 AM
Wow

Great job.

Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: RUNCHARGER on July 20, 2018, 08:08:19 AM
If this car had an engine swap etc. it would be just another car. But with the quality, correct restoration it really is interesting.
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: Morty426 on July 21, 2018, 01:27:19 AM
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on July 20, 2018, 08:08:19 AM
If this car had an engine swap etc. it would be just another car. But with the quality, correct restoration it really is interesting.

I have to agree
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: moparcar on July 21, 2018, 06:12:35 AM
Looks great and a wonderful job on the restoration. A lot of people would have been drawn to the restomod on this one. Great!

Wes
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: anlauto on July 21, 2018, 08:58:23 AM
I think the car looks fantastic and I applaud you for restoring it back to original, far more interesting then "just another clone"  :worship: :cheers:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: usraptor on July 22, 2018, 07:22:06 AM
Quote from: anlauto on July 21, 2018, 08:58:23 AM
I think the car looks fantastic and I applaud you for restoring it back to original, far more interesting then "just another clone"  :worship: :cheers:

X3   :clapping: :worship:
Title: Re: 1970 FM3 Challenger
Post by: johnr on July 22, 2018, 08:17:18 AM
 :twothumbsup:   Very Sweet !