Backyard find 1970 Charger DIY Build

[lochenjons]

I introduced myself here in the welcome section a couple weeks ago but I think it's time for a build thread. I've rebuilt motorcycle engines and done a few engine and transmission swaps on some late 60's cadillacs and 80's chevys but this is my first mopar I've ever owned. So I figured it would be a cool idea to document my progress for everyone to check out. Long story short I winched this 1970 charger onto a trailer for $2300 a couple weeks ago. It runs and drives (sort of, I'll address this issue later). I just ordered a 4 wheel disc brake conversion from The Right Stuff today because the brakes SUCK! This is a non-numbers matching car so I don't feel obligated to restore it to it's original condition... but it will be restored tastefully nonetheless. I plan on doing as much as possible myself with the exception of the rust repair and some bodywork (I suck at welding). This car has already turned a lot of heads even on the trailer and some of my friends have told me some pretty crazy stories about it... apparently it's famous. I welcome any and all feedback you guys have as this is my first mopar. I'm a GM guy but this is and has always been my dream car.

Here's a couple pictures:
Here's the car as it was found:

The interior is much worse than it looks. A lot of critters made their home in this car sadly.

Victory day!

Freshly parked:

Not a bad start!

 

[Photon440]

Nice! If you got that Charger for $2300 and it even runs, you are off to a great start. Subscribed!

 

[Car Nut]

Looks good!

 

[Xp29h]

Nice find! What are the stories behind it’s fame?

 

[mopar_chuck]

Car looks really good for $2300! Nice find.

 

[6PKRTSE]

Nice score and even cheaper than my second 70 Charger. Mine was $2500.00 but didn't run but did come with 440 and 727 trans.

 

[hanks73340]

Awesome find and a great price. You will have fun getting this one back together while putting smiles on many faces.

 

[FrnkNsteen]

As others said,... It looks to be in pretty good shape, and $2300 for a second gen Charger is a steal, .... especially if it runs.

Nice score!

 

[69 GTX]

Great starter!

 

[65-440]

nice to see cars being sold for reasonable money still ... good find !

 

[///Matt]

I’ll give you $3k for it. Doin you a favor.

 

[Ironbuilt]

I'll give you 5 grand and save you the trouble.

 

[66383]

A steeeeeal indeed!

 

[jfreakofkorn]

nice score .... cant wait to see the progress and the update(s)

 

[lochenjons]

Wow a lot of replies already! Thanks for the support

I've heard a good amount of stories about this car already like...
Driving around with a keg in the back seat and drinking out of it, friends stealing the owners keys at 2 am after he passed out and driving around santa cruz doing burnouts, the brakes not working even when pushed to the floor, some guy showed up to a party when the owner and his friends were having a backyard boxing match and the guy challenged them to a fight, someone hit the guy and he fell backwards and knocked himself out on the front right fender of the car (the dent is still there).

 

[lochenjons]

So I noticed that the coolant was low (I wasn't able to see any in the radiator) So I filled it up, All of a sudden water starts pouring out the passenger side of the motor... I couldn't tell where it was coming from so I let it dry and then slowly poured some water in the radiator. Water is coming from behind (not above!) the exhaust manifold gasket, is there a freeze plug or something behind there? The cylinder on the right is at the front of the motor.

 

[lochenjons]

according to moparts.org the engine is a
Casting#:2468130
Type:B
Year:1959-1971 383

Unable to locate the MFG date. The only thing I could see was the casting number on the driver's side of the block.

 

[Billccm]

So I noticed that the coolant was low (I wasn't able to see any in the radiator) So I filled it up, All of a sudden water starts pouring out the passenger side of the motor... I couldn't tell where it was coming from so I let it dry and then slowly poured some water in the radiator. Water is coming from behind (not above!) the exhaust manifold gasket, is there a freeze plug or something behind there? The cylinder on the right is at the front of the motor.
View attachment 663827

The studs go into the water jacket. Are the studs loose, or wet?

 

[lochenjons]

Not that I can see. I hit them with some penetrating oil, I'll take them off when I get back from work on Tuesday.

 

[Basket case]

there are two freeze plugs on each head behind the manifolds/headers right where your arrow is.