1970 CHALLENGER 472 HEMI®

My son has recently completed this 3-yr resto rod project. It is truly gorgeous and one-of-a-kind. Thanks for the opportunity to be in Mopar Magazine.

Larry Wells
Via e-mail

Something Different But Cool?

This is my 1967 notchback Barracuda that started out as a “plain Jane,” green, 273 automatic granny cruiser, and was kept in a barn for 15 years acting as a home for the local rodents, covered with wood planks, paint cans, and ladders. Although the interior was ruined, it was completely rust free and the price was right. I began building this car piece-by-piece for the past eight years as money and time allowed. The car took shape as two of my seriously Mopar minded gear head friends talked me into one modification after another as time went on. I decided I wanted something different from the norm and wanted to blend several different Barracuda styles from all different years into one while keeping it original to my tastes.

Finally, after eight years, I can turn the key and enjoy the fire breathing 11-1 compression ratio, 450 hp 360 small block as I row through the gears in the A-833 4-speed. The rear end is a sure grip unit with 3:23 ratio gears that works very well with my transmission combo and gets great rpms on the highway. It has an 8-point roll cage, sub frame connectors, heavy torsion bars for stiffness, and all that is transferred to the ss springs helped by a pinion snubber and fat Mickey Thompson sportsman pro tires. Brakes are four wheel manual disk brakes by Master Power. Steering is a manual quick ratio unit. She runs on 100 octane from a trunk mounted fuel cell with an electric fuel pump and all the accessories to feed a very thirsty modified Holley 800 CFM carb.

Some of the coolest of the many modifications from stock is the glove box mounted fuse box, the use of the radio portion of the dash for toggle switches and indicator lights, and the gauges, all from EZ wiring. Xenon lights clear the path at night. Cooling the engine is a breeze with a Griffin aluminum radiator and an electric, hidden pusher fan. Most of the engine electronics are hidden under the dash to keep the engine compartment clean.

I am still saving up for the interior pieces as we speak, and I also have plans for more subtle, but cool interior mods.

Although this car is built for the track, I am going to keep it on the street to keep from breaking expensive parts, but don’t think I won’t be tempted to spank a Mustang or two.

So far the Mustangs have not even bothered to push their luck … ha, ha.

John Wintersgill
Cumming, Ga.

Blue On Blue

Would you believe Inferno Red is my favorite factory color? My first real Mopar was a 1958 Plymouth exactly like in the movie Christine, but for now, I am into BLUE with three great rides. A 1994 Dodge Ram 4x4 with a 360 V-8 and a Mopar performance package under the hood plus other extras; a 2002 300M Special with a Pennsylvania license number “GO MOPAR,” K&N air filter and Power Slot brakes; and a 1973 Dodge Charger SE Brougham 400 V-8 with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, engine chrome, Cragar wheels and extras.

Gary K. Ainsley
Charleroi, Pa.

All in the Family

My 1966 Dodge Coronet 500, originally purchased new by my dad in June of 1966, was the family car while I was a teenager. Later, after I was married, it became our family car. In the mid-1990s time took its toll and the old Dodge finally quit. It sat in my driveway for nearly 10 years until I found someone who would take the challenge and restore her to original condition. Todd’s Body Shop in Deland, Fla., stripped it down to the last nut and bolt and painstakingly restored it to brand-new condition. Even the original rosary that my dad hung on the rear-view mirror is still there. My mom is ninety-years-old and loves riding in the Dodge, talking about the good old days and how proud dad would be if he could see the car today. It would bring a big smile to her face and also make us all proud to be able to see our Dodge in your wonderful magazine.

Frank DeLisa
Deltona, Fla.

Pièce de résistance

I purchased this restored 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 because it reminded me of a 1969 Dart GT 318 that I owned years ago. This GTS (original engine was a 383 code H) has a 440 that is bored .060 over that delivers 525 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. Man, when you hit the gas, it shreds the Redlines. The engine has a 750 Holley, hydraulic Comp Cam with Rhoads roller lifters and TTI custom headers. Other features include: Dana 60 rear with 3:55 sure grip, SSBC front disc brakes, bucket seats/console, A833 4-speed with overdrive gear set, hydraulic clutch, Redlines with color matched rims and dog dish hubcaps, Vintage Sun tach, wood grain steering wheel and only 43,000 original miles on the car. I have won many trophies with this including a Best In Show last summer.

Chas Borrelli
Hobe Sound, Fla.