Dodge RamCharger Central banner

My Daytona clone project...

44K views 645 replies 31 participants last post by  Canadian country boy 
#1 ·
We'll I finally pulled the trigger and "officially" started working on my '70 Charger.
I started gutting the car to determine what needs to be done as far as replacing bad metal. And for blasting.



I found the most complicated units of the car... the rear quarter window regulators...



Unbelievably complicated monsters! An engineering marvel!
But after spending time with them and getting to know them on a personal level... I think I may have them kinda figured out. ;D I got a rebuild kit for them.



And after sandblasting, rebuilding and painting them they didn't scare me that much anymore. ;D



It's amazing how simple the front side windows are compared to those rear ones.
I'm planning on making these all electric control. The front windows have kits available for them... not the rear 1/4er's. So I'll have to get some parts and fab up something to make the 1/4er's work electric. I found a company that can help with those.
Kinda odd this is the first thing I've restored, but the ball is rolling quickly and I ADDed on them. ;D
I need to plan way ahead to try to keep this project from stalling. I actually ordered my chassis the other day. It's from these guys... https://www.schwartzperformance.com/chassis/1968-1970-b-body-coronet-road-runner-charger-chassis/
I've been fascinated with this guys stuff for quite a few years now. They ain't cheap, but they have everything in one package. Which in the long run makes for better efficiency on my end. Quality stuff there. And they can really perform. They're almost 4 months out for delivery. :eek:
I had to make a decision on the wheels and tires right away too because of the brake size. Just finding what I was looking for was a challenge. I'm not purchasing them yet though.
So next week I'm towing it up to my sons house to get blasted. I'll need to figure out what I need for the metal replacement quickly. A fuel cell to determine sizing/ mounts for the trunk. Already making decisions for the engine to figure out the mounts on the chassis. Also the door catches, Daytona kit, etc.

I'll post progress pictures soon of what I did today.
 
See less See more
5
#53 ·
no doubt - I just hope I'll still be able to play around in all these shenanigans when they do... :p ;D
 
#54 ·
KurtfromLaQuinta said:
Your kids will grow up quicker than you think. Then you'll have some help.
Either that or more enemies. ;D
My kids grew up and didn't want to do it without me. :'( BUT they want the trucks.............. And NO I didn't teach them that way!
 
#61 ·
The brakes I got are the "Mid Sized". And they are huge. They require a minimum of an 18" wheel. 
The "Full Size" need 20" wheels for clearance. I really wanted to run 15" wheels. But then I could only run the "Basic" disc setup.
 
#62 ·
After looking at the cost of the chassis, I am curious how that would compare to just going with a full chassis and cage and just hang the body panels on it.  Either way I am jealous beyond measure.

So I saw where you were going with an Elephant for power, but what transmission?  Are you planing on a road race style car, drag race or just all around street car?
 
#63 ·
712edf said:
Not sure about your choice in wheel/tires. ;D

Bucky
That's been a concern from the start.
I'm going to get these wheels... https://us-mags.com/baja-u644-w-13698.htm
They come in a large variety of sizes and backspacings.
I'm going with a satin black power coating.
I really wanted to go this route... https://www.summitracing.com/parts/BSW-D58DC3?seid=srese1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2uej---s7AIVax-tBh00HgCJEAYYASABEgJ3nfD_BwE
The old NASCAR look. But the size limitations killed that.

For tires I'm getting these... https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/eagle-f1-super-car
 
#64 ·
Elwenil said:
After looking at the cost of the chassis, I am curious how that would compare to just going with a full chassis and cage and just hang the body panels on it. Either way I am jealous beyond measure.

So I saw where you were going with an Elephant for power, but what transmission? Are you planing on a road race style car, drag race or just all around street car?
I looked into that. It might have been cheaper initially, but with this system, all the fabbing has been done. So the thinking and time consuming work isn't needed. Way faster. Still going with a full cage rated for over 200 at Bonneville. I'm leaning the "Pro Street" direction here. I want to drive this thing all over the place. Looking to a built 4L80E automatic.
I really want to use this car. So, yes to all the above. I'll be curious what it can do at a drag strip. But that won't be the biggest interest. Road racing will also be a curious venture. In fact, my ex son in law has been in my gun sight's for a while with his "race Daytona" he built a few years ago. He's a terror at Willow Springs. So somebody has to put him in his place. I told him one day I'll be able to outspend him. ;D
 
#67 ·
So, the deal is... Barrett continues to work on the heavy metal of my clone. While I get his '41 Power Wagon ready for the road.
Today he worked on mating the chassis to the body. Cutting out the old torsion bar mounts from the cross member. He then started to fill those old holes up so he can do the cut where the chassis will go into.

 
#68 ·
{cool}
 
#69 ·
Barrett is working to get the new chassis mounted to the existing uni- body.
The original torsion bar/ transmission cross member was pretty rough and rusty on the driver's side. So he's been rebuilding it. Here's the before...



And after...

 
#71 ·
Man I wish I had that much room in my garage.  :eek:
 
#72 ·
yah me too - my "shop" is actually just a 15/40 RV bay, and the #1 thing I wish I had more of was 'side-to-side room, but it exists and it's heated so I can't complain...  :p
 
#73 ·
mopar65pa said:
Man I wish I had that much room in my garage. :eek:
I wish I had a garage. :-\
 
#74 ·
Mad Max said:
yah me too - my "shop" is actually just a 15/40 RV bay, and the #1 thing I wish I had more of was 'side-to-side room, but it exists and it's heated so I can't complain... :p
Elwenil said:
I wish I had a garage. :-\
I'll be building my 28' x 35.5' 2 story garage this coming spring. Business write off. ;D
 
Top