Mopar Muscle Association UK

The first pic is barely recognizable

you have some work to do,but it looks like you are more than capable.

And in the end it will be worth it

When I bought the car I checked the condition of the bottom of the doors and although I was aware that a repair would be required, it looks like the metal worm has had a bit more fun than I originally anticipated.

The most cost effective option is to replace the skin and as the driver's side isn't much better and has the added benefit of a previous repair, I'm biting the bullet and getting both replaced as Year One do replacement skins.

On the plus side, the front end panels have been aligned and the tear in the bonnet leading edge repaired. With the headlights (temporarily) installed the car now at least looks like a 70.

More soon.

Whilst waiting for the new door skins to arrive a bit of investigation was done on the rear roof pillar join. A couple of pinholes on the left hand side and a patch on the right. Both sides cut out and new metal welded in and leaded.

As I've said, I'm using a bodyshop to complete this work for me (as I have very little aptitude for bodywork). I've included one of their more usual projects for information.

Looks like its in good hands. Cheers for update.

As I can't get to the NEC this weekend, let me provide you with an update on the progress with the bodywork.

I mentioned previously that the intention was to convert this 318 Auto car to a 4 speed manual and as progress toward this, the 4 speed hump has now been installed.

On the downside, the metal worm has also been snacking up inside the roof gutter rails necessitating a bit more metal replacement so the window channels/gutters will fit properly.

More soon.

Well, looks like the bodywork is basically complete. New Year One door skins and deck filler panel installed and look good. Next thing, hopefully, is a trial fit of the 440.

Great stuff mucker

Always nice when you start seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, motivation goes up a gear. Looking good though.

This is a great thread, reminds me of our project,


the snacking metal worm shows up in places unimagined


but you have it all cleaned up and looking proper, keep the pix coming

Pardon my ignorance but is that a TVR in the shop??

Progress is looking good Alan!:thumbright:

drewcrane wrote:Pardon my ignorance but is that a TVR in the shop??

Drew, it looks like an Aston Martin DB4 or DB5.

RW71 wrote:Progress is looking good Alan!:thumbright:

drewcrane wrote:Pardon my ignorance but is that a TVR in the shop??

Drew, it looks like an Aston Martin DB4 or DB5.

Ahh yes indeed ,my eyes ,I don't get to see these cars very much

Well, it's been a while since the last update and to be honest, little's changed. This is not due the a lack of inclination on my part (for a change). I decided from the outset that Faux was not going to be a "stock" rebuild and to this end, I intended to go the Hotchkis suspension route.

The car had also had significant work done to the floors before I purchased it so it made sense to order the TVS kit so I could see what bits needed welding on before the underside got a liberal coating of stone-chip. A sound plan to my mind but I didn't factor in the fact that some parts (notably the sway bars) may be on back-order.

Finally, after about 4 months the shiny stuff's arrived so there should be some progress soon.

I look forward to seeing the progress, pictures of the Hotchkiss installed would be good, thanks!!

Well, my Challenger continues to surprise. After deciding to clean the dirt, paint and other crud from the side window glass it transpires that I've one clear and one tinted window! Another item on the "replace in the future" list.

Next - a trial fit of the Hotchkis sub-frame connectors. These needed a bit of persuasion to fit where they'll ultimately reside. This may be due to the fact that my car had complete new floors installed before I bought it so they may sit slightly low but the end result is that the connectors have been notched and re-welded to clear the floor.

It also transpires that this car had the optional 2.76 final drive ratio diff rather than the 3.23 I was expecting.

On the plus side, a mock-up with a 15" Torq thrust shows the likely future stance.

It was always the intention to trial fit the 440 and the manual gearbox to make sure everything lined up and, with the exception of the extended sump being a bit close to the K-member, it all seems to fit relatively well.

To balance the progress, it seems the steering box will need rebuilding/replacing at some stage.

More soon.