Mailbag

The Ultimate BFT (Built for Towing)

In Reader Rides a few months ago (page 29, January/February 2008), I saw a picture of a Mega Cab that was stretched into a long bed. From the picture, I was able to find the Web site of the company that produced it (www.LongBedMegaCab.com) and decided to have them [Precision Bodyline —Ed.] make me the ultimate BFT. We started with a loaded Ram and they stretched out the frame and put on an eight-foot box. Then they converted the single rear wheels into a Dually. They added some exhaust work and an Edge chip, and now it’s truly Built for Towing! I use my truck to tow my 50-foot gooseneck with three Jeeps to my Moab, Utah adventures.
Dave
Via e-mail

What a great-looking rig, Dave. Thanks for sharing. The Dodge Ram makes a great starting point for a project like this. By the way, we can attest to the fact that BFT stands for Built for Towing, not what you might be thinking. —Ed.

Wow

Wow. That’s about all I can say about your special Dodge Challenger issue. What a great magazine. As the owner of two classic Challengers, I was thrilled to see all the coverage and even more thrilled at the prospects of owning a new Challenger one day. I’ve got about $20,000 of resto work into my Challengers, so let’s just say my wife is cool to the idea of me buying a new one. But I will have one at some point, even if I have to get divorced. Wait … then I’d have even less money. Scratch that idea. I just knew when the Challenger concept hit the auto shows a few years ago that Dodge would build it. Now a whole new generation of car nuts can know what us old muscle car guys know: The Dodge Challenger is the real deal.
Roger Blough
Deshler, Ohio

We’ve received a lot of e-mails and notes like yours, Roger. America is clearly ready for the return of the Dodge Challenger. After the enthusiastic response the concept received at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Dodge felt confident it had a winner on its hands. The new Challenger is no less than the perfect blend of classic styling and modern technology and safety advances for a new generation of enthusiasts. By the way, have you ever heard of the American Divorce Association for Men (ADAM)? You might get a sweet deal on the Big D and be able to swing a Challenger. Just kidding.—Ed.

A Demon in Columbia

I live in Bogota, Columbia and drive a 1971 Dodge Demon. How can I find out more about this car?
Hildebrando Rodriguez
Bogota, Columbia

Two words: Galen Govier. Galen is the acknowledged authority on decoding of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), fender tags and the like for most classic Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth vehicles. He’s written eight books on identifying cars and parts. He offers many Mopar-related services and products. You can learn more by visiting his Web site at www.gvgovier.com.—Ed.

The Challenger That Never Was

On page 35 of the March/April issue of Mopar Magazine, there are pictures of old magazine ads for the Dodge Challenger. Look closely at the yellow 1971 Challenger T/A. That particular ad went out in magazines before Chrysler aborted the 1971 model of the T/A (before it hit production). The car never hit the showroom floor. Of course there have been rumors that a “few” got out to a chosen elite, but that lore as far as I know has not been proven true. Love the magazine—been a member for many years.
Wesley Young
Kettering, Ohio

Right you are, Wesley. A 1971 T/A was planned and advertised, but was never produced. Dodge sold the Dodge Challenger T/A in 1970 only as a racing homologation car. In order to race in the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans American Sedan Championship, it built a street version of its race car just like Plymouth did with the ’Cuda AAR. Although the race cars ran a destroked version of the 340, street versions took the 340 and added a trio of two-barrel carbs atop an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, creating the 340 Six Pack. The T/A breathed air through a suitcase-sized air scoop molded into the pinned down, hinged matte-black fiberglass hood. The T/A was among the first production vehicles to use different size tires front and rear: E60x15 in front and G60x15 in the back. The modified camber elevated the tail enough to clear the rear rubber and its side exhaust outlets. Only 2,142 1970 Challenger T/As were produced. As far as the “few” that got out—that’s a piece of automotive lore that may never be answered with any degree of certainty. If anyone does know, drop us a line.—Ed.

On Second Thought, Hybrids are OK

I’ll have to admit, I’ve been generally unimpressed with all the hype about hybrid vehicles. I’m an old (well, not too old) muscle car guy. Give me a 340 with gas pouring through the Six Pack carbs and I’m happy. Don’t give me all this small electric motor/regenerative brakes stuff. But after seeing the story about the hybrid Dodge Durango [and Chrysler Aspen—Ed.] in the March/April issue of Mopar Magazine, I may have to change my tune. With gas prices running just shy of gazillion dollars a gallon here in L.A., a great-looking Durango with a HEMI® that gets great fuel economy and can tow 6,000 pounds just might be in my future. Good job guys!
Herb Jackson
Los Angeles, Calif.

Intelligence allows for a change, Herb. While there will always be a place for your 340 Six Pack, time and technology continue to march on. Chrysler’s advanced two-mode full hybrid system—developed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and General Motors—integrates proven automatic transmission technology with a patented hybrid electric drive system. The 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen deliver more than 25 percent better fuel economy overall—and a 40 percent improvement in the city—when compared with gasoline models. For more information on these unique hybrid powertrain systems, see page 7 of the March/April issue of Mopar Magazine.—Ed.