1970 A-66 Challenger Convertible

[DetMatt1]

Bravo! Looks great, nice work!

 

[340challconvert]

Bravo! Looks great, nice work!

Thank you. Looking forward to installing the new windshield.

 

[DetMatt1]

May you go longer then I did before your first stone chip in the new glass. I don't think I went 2 weeks...

 

[340challconvert]

Terrible pics, but I ganked them off ebay.

View attachment 28953

View attachment 28954

By the way, thanks for those pics, they will help as I install the new windshield and have to put the moldings back.

 

[340challconvert]

May you go longer then I did before your first stone chip in the new glass. I don't think I went 2 weeks...

I know, with the roads here in New Jersey so crowded, you learn to stay away from trucks and tractor trailers. Rt 80 is the worst for losing windshields!

 

[gdrill]

You may as well take a chipping hammer and make the first mark.....that way it is over with already!

 

[340challconvert]

Just doing the windshield the way the factory did it.
Comes with the setting blocks too.

 

[340challconvert]

Highly recommend Evapo-rust
Mirror bracket under the molding was rusty
Came out like new w little work
Screws and window molding hardware for the windshield is worth replacing.

 

[340challconvert]

Duplicated the small amount of bondo placed at the window channel seams to smooth out each area. Then primed with epoxy primer. Should be ready for the new windshield.

 

[340challconvert]

Posted pics of brake masters cyl. that I picked up for possible use, Raybestos unit and a AC Delco unit. Will probably rebuild the original.

 

[quapman]

Does anyone have a trick for coating a new master so that it doesn't end up a rusty mess in 6 months?

 

[340challconvert]

I was looking at Eastwood. They sell a paint designed to mimic cast iron for the master cyl.

 

[DetMatt1]

Eastwood sells a brake paint but it's not impervious to standard brake fluid so you have to either be very careful with the fluid around it as you should be anyways or switch to dot 5 silicone based, It won't hurt your painted parts. I wish I would have switched over in my Challenger and I did switch in my Imperial.
Eastwood Brake Gray Aerosol

 

[340challconvert]

Continuing to record date code on parts that are on the Challenger. The master brake cylinder has the correct casting number for a 1970 - 2220171, Part number - 2944453
Date code - 5 050 50th week of 1975 December 8, 1975

Apparently the master cylinder was replaced with a correct casting/part unit after the car was about 5 years old.
The unit has the correct "thermometer" front.
My understanding was that Bendix manufactured this unit for about 7-8 years after the 70 model year, but the unit does not have the SAE brake fluid etching in the cover.

 

[340challconvert]

Regarding replacing the convertible header chrome:
Thank you to Detmatt for the recommendation for Detroit Muscle
They were great on the phone and James Filmore sent me an Ebay link for the specific gasket kit for replacing convertible header chrome and trim. Have to install the new gaskets prior to installing the new windshield.
Picture shows original gasket material under the header chrome.

 

[fk5aar]

I have used Detroit muscles rear taillight gasket replacements and I was real happy with those for a 70 rt. I would recommend them !!! Keep up the great work!

 

[340challconvert]

I have used Detroit muscles rear taillight gasket replacements and I was real happy with those for a 70 rt. I would recommend them !!! Keep up the great work!

Thanks for your thoughts.
The convertible header gaskets came quick- within a couple of days.
Very happy with how quick they sent them out.

 

[340challconvert]

Cleaned up the A pillar w chrome strip panel that holds the rubber molding that goes against the window when rolled up.
Metal channel was galvanized w some surface rust.
Cleaned and used rust proofing paint, polished the chrome, and installed with the new gasket material underneath
Small detail but came out nice.
The Detroit Muscle vert gasket kit works great!

2nd picture shows the gasket material that DT supplied in their kit

 

[DetMatt1]

Looks great! When do ou plan to have it back on the road?

 

[340challconvert]

Would like to get it running this summer.
On the road is another story.

Currently, ready to install the new windshield, finishing up the new brake lines and installation of the new master cylinder and brake calipers.

I'm enjoying the rebuild journey.
Always finding something that needs to be cleaned up or rebuilt?
Wish you lived closer, there are days I could use your expertise!