DODGE CHALLENGER
1970 - 1974
BODY & CHASSIS
E Body Mopars were a compromised design intended to be powered by sixcylinder engines or a small V8. Certainly they weren’t intended to deal with the weight or torque of a 7.2-litre lump up front. Build quality wasn’t flash either and cars that have never been crashed or restored may still have shocking panel gap inconsistencies, poor quality welds and body rattles. A car that has undergone the ‘rotisserie’ restoration treatment will cost considerable money but should, in the long term, be more enjoyable to drive and cost less to maintain than one that hasn’t been touched. Rust attacks sills, floors and the turret. Closely check windscreen apertures and rear pillars for bubbling plus the lower door skins and sills.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
With the exception of the expensive and somewhat exotic 426 ‘Hemi’ variant, every V8 in the ‘Cuda lineage is straightforward. Basic cars will often have a 383 big block, of which we saw plenty in Aussie Dodges, or a 7.2-litre 440. Overheating is the big enemy of these engines so check for ‘milky’ oil due to water contamination, stains around hose connections and the water pump. Revamping the cooling system, including a new radiator, water pump and hoses should cost less than $1500. Authenticity in these cars is important and specialist engine shops can rebuild them to factory spec. Manual and automatic transmissions used in these cars have a great reputation for durability, just be wary of an auto that shudders when downshifting.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Mopar vehicles were for many years characterised by their torsion bar front suspension. The system is light and simple but as the bars age they can delaminate and mountings rust. Creaks when u-turning or cracking noises from the front end on bumpy surfaces are danger signals. For owners who want improved handling there are now complete replacement front ends available which eliminate the torsion bars. They do cost several thousand dollars but are said to improve ride and lateral loadings, improve ground clearance and reduce weight. Disc brakes are pretty much a must-have in big-block cars and conversion kits are available for those that still have their original front drums.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICAL
Even though a ‘Cuda might have cost $60k or more, the interior is anything but luxurious. Vinyl seats, some with ‘brushed nylon’ inserts, were pretty basic and quickly sagged under the weight of occupants. Replacement seat vinyl and foam padding are being remanufactured, however suppliers recommend engaging a professional trimmer to undertake the fitting. Peeling plasti-wood trim, cracked dash plastics, door trims and armrests are also now available. However adding the cost of replacing just the dash and console with reproduction parts from one supplier totalled US$2400. Basic electrics are available and affordable.