JCG Restoration & Customs 70 Challenger 2nd Test Car!

[214Chevy]

Although mines wasn't a coveted COPO, Yenko, etc., you should see the way I cut up my Chevelle.

[Scott Smith]

Think of it this way, would any of you GM guys cut up and modify a similar car starting with a nice original COPO, Yenko, ZL-1, etc. Camaro?

Yes I would

Uh huh....Suuuuure you would

[intocarss]

Originally Posted by Scott Smith

Uh huh....Suuuuure you would

I have and would again. Makes the origs worth more

[Scott Smith]

I have and would again. Makes the origs worth more

Ok, so which car did you do that too? A COPO? A Yenko? Or a ZL-1? What condition was it in when you started? Got any pics?

Next question, why would you do that?

[syborg tt]

Back in the days cars were cut up to make race cars. Nothing changed except the year.

[Rick D]

^^^ as Marty stated!! ZL1 #1 the first one ever built went right under the knife.

[intocarss]

Originally Posted by Scott Smith

Ok, so which car did you do that too? A COPO? A Yenko? Or a ZL-1? What condition was it in when you started? Got any pics?

Next question, why would you do that?

Yes some were in good condition. One was a Yenko one was a 68 Z/28 and a 70 1/2 Z/28.. a couple of true SS & RS cars and one friend did a ZL1.. This was back in the late 70's thru early 90's and they were turned into street race cars or drag cars. Plus a whole lot of circle track cars.. That's why. I also know of a lot of Mopars that were cut up to make drag cars ..

Let it go dude

NOW BACK TO THE TOPIC ON HAND

[MoparCar]

For record I am not a tree hugging Mopar purist since I visit this site and not a dozen Mopar resto forums, but I just gotta say in this day and age---why why why cut up a V code (440+6) car when as mentioned you can purchase a complete new body shell. I am building a pro-touring 71 Challenger, mini-tubbed, DSE Q-Link rear suspension, etc. so I do understand the desire, but mine is a car without any heritage, it has a state assigned VIN (factory VIN could not be proven), no build sheet, etc. and could never prove what it was since nothing is numbers matching.

I've been holding off from responding to this since Cris and his shop do excellent work (!!!) and I admire their projects and skills and also want to see what he is producing for Mopar suspension options, but the customer should have been given options including a repro body or a normal non-rare car. Sell it to someone at BJ who would appreciate the rarity, take home a trunk load of money and build it from a non-rare car..... oh yeah, too late! Seems like most guys who spend the money on a pro shop to build a car of this caliper just sell it in a few years anyway, without remorse or connection to the car once the photo shoots and spreads are over. Where's Sickfish, most of the Ring Brother's builds, etc. Most have gone over the auction block.

I have a hard time looking at the build knowing what was cut up. These cars are not on every corner. Production numbers of this car vs. a camaro are staggering low.

I dreamt of owning an original 440+6 car since I was 15 some thirty plus years ago but they were always at the time to much money or in bad shape since I lived in the midwest rust belt at the time.

Not stirring the pot, the customer can do what they want but a car like this is truly in the league of COPOs, Yenkos, Boss 302/429s, 427 Sideoilers, 455 TAs, GTO Judges, etc. and should have been saved. As far as people previously cutting up these cars, yes they did. Now they shouldn't. Everyone knows better.
Nuff said.

Can you put it back to original---please

Cris and crew-love your work! Top notch, just have a hard time with this one since there are so many other options out there.

Wes

[Tuske427]

This thread is proof that you can't make everyone happy.... It's really irrelevant (especially at this point) what the car started out as- this car is receiving a high quality build and will be a better car in every sense of the word when it's done. I think it's great that the owner is willing to do this- the car can be enjoyed now on the street, on the track, etc. and will pave the way for many more cars to be enjoyed just the same.

A plain stock car is boring. They're too "rare", "valuable", and in many cases too fragile, temperamental or unreliable to be driven on the street let alone track. All you can do is look at them, take them to a show (usually trailored)/ put them in a museum or trade them like stock at the next BJ/ Mecum auction.

Purists: Look at the bright side- there are more original parts available now to restore your cars with.

And what's the big deal with using another brand of engine? It's been going on for far longer than any member on this board has been alive. This isn't the first MOPAR to get an LS engine, and it won't be the last.