1970 FM3 Challenger

[manycj]

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

[Cuda Cody]

Welcome @manycj      Thanks for sharing some photos.  Absolutely stunning work on that Challenger!    You are almost all done.  Must be an exciting feeling to be so close and having all looking so good.   

[manycj]

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

[Spikedog08]

WOW that is looking amazing!   Nice job!   

[Cuda Cody]

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.   

[xx88man]

Great job! I love that how the Panther looks with the black vinyl roof   

[RUNCHARGER]

Yes: FM3 works best with black accents.

[usraptor]

Wow!  What a difference.  Good skills there!

[750-h2]

Sweet car!!

[JRMac73]

FM3 is my favorite color of all the high impact colors. Great work...

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[manycj]

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

[anlauto]

Still easier then going over the top ! Great work

[pink aar]

What paint did you use. I used PPG concept with 2002 clear for my pink.

[manycj]

What paint did you use. I used PPG concept with 2002 clear for my pink.

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

[Cuda Cody]

Impressive you did that all by yourself.     Looks really nice.  Good job man.