Moparts
Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger
Posted By: superbeeman69
Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/11/12 05:44 PM
Finally picked it up! It's the real deal but super rusty. 1 of 4 known panther pink 340 A66 package challengers built...or so I'm told. I don't really care..it's not a numbers car and most of the metal will be replaced. The Resto will be based upon the tag tho. Only derivation might be a rallye dash. I have to give it a good clean today so i post a bunch of pics tonight.
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/11/12 05:49 PM
Sounds cool, just don't be tempted to rebody it, take lots of before, during, and after pics
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/11/12 05:54 PM
Definitely won't be a rebody. There isn't much left but enough to work with. All parts going to restore this car will be original rust free OEM metal. Only AMD will be the floor pans unless I find clean ones. Still has its original paint so once it's clean I'll give er a quick polish and begin the "before" shots.
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/11/12 07:11 PM
What area of Wisconsin?
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/11/12 07:19 PM
Near Menomonie...few miles out of town from there.
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/11/12 08:10 PM
Posted By: UCUDANT
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/11/12 10:40 PM
Posted By: ryangtogtx
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/11/12 11:24 PM
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/12/12 12:31 AM
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Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/12/12 12:33 AM
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Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/12/12 12:34 AM
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/12/12 12:36 AM
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/12/12 12:39 AM
Just a couple for now. Original paint cleaned up well! I'll post more later once it's washed and waxed.
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/12/12 12:48 AM
Wow cool! It's an LA built car!
Posted By: 69Cuda340S
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/12/12 01:27 AM
Posted By: RUNCHARGER
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/12/12 02:46 AM
That colour really faded fast. I bought mine in 1978 and the paint was really faded bad and the car had been stored under cover.
Neat car.
Sheldon
Posted By: jeff968
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/14/12 04:47 PM
Great project, V21 hood blackout must be rare on a A66 car. I had 2 A66 cars and neither had the V21.
Posted By: 6PKRTSE
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/15/12 01:41 AM
Quote:
Wow cool! It's an LA built car!
Sweet pink A66 70. My A66 Challenger is also a LA Built car. Don't see no where near as many LA built cars.
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/15/12 03:23 AM
Thanks for all the comments guys! This was found through an ad on moparts back in June. This will truly be a labour of love as this thing is rusty! Basically collecting a lot of parts and then will go into storage until the superbee and dart are done or at least well under way. I came home to a sick wife and baby so I haven't had much time to clean it and take my before pics but will post them when I get a chance.
Posted By: mopars_1
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/15/12 04:16 PM
haha, my dad and I live 5 miles away and tried like hell to buy it. best man won I guess
(or highest paying haha) I look forward to seeing it done. are you starting on it right away?
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/15/12 06:31 PM
Quote:
haha, my dad and I live 5 miles away and tried like hell to buy it. best man won I guess (or highest paying haha) I look forward to seeing it done. are you starting on it right away?
Well now that it's home and in my name I see no problem in telling you I paid 2500 for it lol it's as high as I was willing to go and I think it was a fair price given its condition. If you ever find yourself up this way I'd be glad to take you for a ride once it's done. That said, it'll be a few years before I get going on it. I want to get my superbee project done first and get the body on the dart done before I dive into this car. I'm a bodyman by trade so I will save a TON in resto costs doing all the work myself.
Posted By: mopars_1
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/15/12 09:15 PM
Quote:
Quote:
haha, my dad and I live 5 miles away and tried like hell to buy it. best man won I guess (or highest paying haha) I look forward to seeing it done. are you starting on it right away?
Well now that it's home and in my name I see no problem in telling you I paid 2500 for it lol it's as high as I was willing to go and I think it was a fair price given its condition. If you ever find yourself up this way I'd be glad to take you for a ride once it's done. That said, it'll be a few years before I get going on it. I want to get my superbee project done first and get the body on the dart done before I dive into this car. I'm a bodyman by trade so I will save a TON in resto costs doing all the work myself.
Im glad its going to someone whos going to restore it that car had a lot of rumors floating around this area. everyone knew the vauge location (tainter lake) but its always someones friend saw it. I was told it was a cuda, and when I talked to the previous owner, I was able to put 2 and 2 together. I have to say, its relieving in a way that its come about.
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/15/12 11:23 PM
The rumors were told to me as well lol it was a pretty wooded area and I wouldn't be hunting around those parts without a sidearm between the wildlife and unsuspecting homeowners...reminded me of a few cars in barns stories I've heard lol gorgeous state though and I will definitely be back! Never got a chance to check out jakes bar....it was hopping on the Saturday night we got into town! I assume you spoke to the guy I bought it from? Super nice guy....I still want to track down who they bought it from. Suppossed to be a illegal Mexican immigrant haha
Posted By: mopars_1
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/16/12 04:14 PM
Quote:
The rumors were told to me as well lol it was a pretty wooded area and I wouldn't be hunting around those parts without a sidearm between the wildlife and unsuspecting homeowners...reminded me of a few cars in barns stories I've heard lol gorgeous state though and I will definitely be back! Never got a chance to check out jakes bar....it was hopping on the Saturday night we got into town! I assume you spoke to the guy I bought it from? Super nice guy....I still want to track down who they bought it from. Suppossed to be a illegal Mexican immigrant haha
ya, I spoke to the guy. interesteing storys. jakes bar has some awesome food as does the bar accross the road, Pioneer (they serve 3 lbs burgers!) your more than welcome to stop in at our place and check out some of our 'junk' when your around the area
Posted By: KISSAlien
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/17/12 08:11 PM
Quote:
Great project, V21 hood blackout must be rare on a A66 car. I had 2 A66 cars and neither had the V21.
Mine has it too Jeff.
Posted By: 6PKRTSE
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/17/12 08:31 PM
I had to go check mine. Never cared enough to look before. Mine did not come with the V21. Has it now though.
Posted By: PocketThunder
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/17/12 08:32 PM
Ah yes, Jakes supper club, spent many a thursday nights there while in college at Stout.
Posted By: mopars_1
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/17/12 09:16 PM
Quote:
Ah yes, Jakes supper club, spent many a thursday nights there while in college at Stout.
ham and jam?!
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/20/12 02:34 PM
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/20/12 02:35 PM
Posted By: PocketThunder
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/20/12 08:45 PM
Holy Moly batman. Thats typical Wisconsin rust if i ever seen it. I pulled a 70 barracuda sublime 318 console auto out of the weeds like that one time.
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/24/12 05:05 AM
Got a chance to come out to the garage tonight....I knew it wasnt the original engine when I bought it. Turns out to be a 77 360. But the kicker was cleaning the numbers pad on the trans. #s matching transmission!!! Very good news!!! The rear end appears original too but I couldn't find a date code. I'll have to wait until its blasted. It is however a 489 carrier. I looked for a sure grip tag but couldn't find one. Looks as though it has been out at some point tho as there is a thick rubber looking gasket in there. Maybe silicone even. I'd just jack it up to check but my jack just blew a seal and pissed all over my garage floor. Finding the numbers on the trans though made up for it!
Posted By: 70440+6bbl
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/24/12 09:58 PM
Cool find! BTW-
I don't think the 8 3/4 used the sure grip tag after a certain year. I believe they gave them up in favor of color codes on the bottom of the carrier. I know my original '69 Swinger with 489 cased, 3.91 Sure Grip only has the ratio tag.
Posted By: ryangtogtx
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/26/12 05:58 PM
Quote:
Cool find! BTW-
I don't think the 8 3/4 used the sure grip tag after a certain year. I believe they gave them up in favor of color codes on the bottom of the carrier. I know my original '69 Swinger with 489 cased, 3.91 Sure Grip only has the ratio tag.
Yes, they used tags until at least '71.
Posted By: upnover
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/26/12 11:28 PM
nice find, we had a 70 fm3 se a couple of yrs ago, but the wife lost her job and it was first on the list of things to go, it was a 318 car, but it had a gator grain top and an 8 track if i remember right.
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/27/12 04:28 AM
Quote:
nice find, we had a 70 fm3 se a couple of yrs ago, but the wife lost her job and it was first on the list of things to go, it was a 318 car, but it had a gator grain top and an 8 track if i remember right.
Now THERES an odd ball! Got a pic of it?
Posted By: 70440+6bbl
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/27/12 04:03 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Cool find! BTW-
I don't think the 8 3/4 used the sure grip tag after a certain year. I believe they gave them up in favor of color codes on the bottom of the carrier. I know my original '69 Swinger with 489 cased, 3.91 Sure Grip only has the ratio tag.
Yes, they used tags until at least '71.
I worked on my buddies survivor '70 RR ragtop, 383 4-spd with 3.23 sure grip over the weekend and like my '69 Swinger, it just had the ratio tag. My '69 is a Hamtramck car and the RR is a St. Louis car. I have a few more cars to look into that are untouched (both of my Dana cars have the Limited Slip and ratio tags, as well as the '63 Savoy). I'm very curious now 
Posted By: ryangtogtx
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 08/28/12 03:53 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Cool find! BTW-
I don't think the 8 3/4 used the sure grip tag after a certain year. I believe they gave them up in favor of color codes on the bottom of the carrier. I know my original '69 Swinger with 489 cased, 3.91 Sure Grip only has the ratio tag.
Yes, they used tags until at least '71.
I worked on my buddies survivor '70 RR ragtop, 383 4-spd with 3.23 sure grip over the weekend and like my '69 Swinger, it just had the ratio tag. My '69 is a Hamtramck car and the RR is a St. Louis car. I have a few more cars to look into that are untouched (both of my Dana cars have the Limited Slip and ratio tags, as well as the '63 Savoy). I'm very curious now
My '71 GTX had the sure grip tag.
Posted By: In_The_Pink
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 09/06/12 06:40 PM
Nice find.
Out of curiosity, how was the car stored? Outside? With a tarp over it? One side next to a building/barn?
The pass. side looks better than the driver's side, but that is the picture of a rusty WI car for sure.
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 09/06/12 07:25 PM
You bet! I guess you know my car! Menomonie falls kinda gave it away lol
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 09/06/12 07:30 PM
I have tracked down the pervious owners of this car to st Paul MN. A small mopar family with the last name of Soto. I've spoken to the pervious owners mother and sister but am still waiting to hear from the actual owner. Anyone remember this car or the motor swap? Hopefully I can track down my original block! Time frame for previous owner was 84-85. Not sure if they did the motor swap or not. Also waiting to hear who owned it previous to him. Its originally a st Paul MN car!
Posted By: jimbob101
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 11/03/12 03:31 PM
OMG!?! You are going to restore that car? That car has been sitting over at his place for a long time! If I remember right, the rear springs were coming through the trunk on one side! That's a lot of metal to replace! Did he give you any of his extra sheetmtal for it?Here's a pic that I have of it still.
Crazy!
-J
Posted By: mopar383
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 11/24/12 05:12 AM
Lots of work but this one needs saved
Posted By: 68427vette
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/13/12 01:34 AM
nice ride call me if you want to sell
i remember this one on the ebodies page???
Posted By: Max Wedge Savoy
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/13/12 02:25 AM
Quote:
nice ride call me if you want to sell
i remember this one on the ebodies page???
Me too and I was going to pay his asking price until he said he was going to sell it to the highest bidder. Good luck with it.
Posted By: 68427vette
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/13/12 03:51 AM
its really ruff,, but at the time i was/ and still am looking for a FM3 car for my daughter...challenger that is..
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/20/12 07:29 AM
Wow! How cool is that?! Someone has a pic of my car lol I seriously like this car guys. I can't see it leaving my hands anytime soon. I've tracked down who took the #s block out, just waiting for a call back to see if he still has it. I spoke with his mother and sister and they remember the car. Regardless, I've bought a virgin bore 1970 block and rotating assembly. Still a couple years away from getting going, but I'm trying to use as much original OEM sheet metal as possible on the car. It'll be a sweet ride finished for sure! And no for the record the leads still took my weight standing in the backseat area without letting go....just one torsion bar has let go so far lol I will take all the good luck thrown at me!
Posted By: ScatPakWarehouse
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/20/12 10:09 PM
There isn't much left but enough to work with .. Really
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/21/12 12:25 AM
My game plan is to do the rear of the car traditionally, piece by piece using NOS, super clean used and AMD parts. Then clip the entire front of the car up to the torsion bar mount, firewall, cowl and splice in the A pillars, from a donor. Ill use the original cowl and rad support with the VIN numbers tho. Then Ill do the floors and start aligning panels. I think I said it before but I'm an autobody tech by trade so looking at this from a remove/replace aspect, yes, quite obviously alot if the original metal will be replaced but ill save what little odds and ends I can. I have all the tags including the fender tag, #s trans, and the car was fairly complete and untouched when I got it. All the window regulators, trim, seats, wiring, will be restored and reused. Even the hardware. My only liberty I'm taking is adding a rallye dash and adding a bit more jam to the 340. Fingers crossed I can get the #s block back!
Posted By: 2fast4yourBrain
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/21/12 09:24 PM
How are the frame rails and firewall?
If you can't find the original 340, may be kinda cool as a Hemi gen II transplant.
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/22/12 05:19 AM
Quote:
How are the frame rails and firewall?
If you can't find the original 340, may be kinda cool as a Hemi gen II transplant.
I briefly thought of that as well. I may think more about it if/when I can get it. It's not the best documented car in the world but I have enough tags to back up its rareity. I'm think around 5 pink A66 cars made....might be too rare to stray away from the tag?? At any rate, it will need all 4 rails, and torsion bar mount. I think the rear shock crossmember is reusable. It will need a fire wall too. Ill save the original upper cowl for the vin stamping. I won't hide how much new metal this car will have, but the roof will remain, all the inner 1/4 panels, rad support, and some miscellaneous bracing here and there like the trunk hinge mounts. The nice thing is that it's never been apart so all the original hardware I can reuse, all the wiring (not that I would) all the trim, bumpers, dash assembly and gauges, console, window regulators, and so on. If its restorable, I'm re using it. The previous owner had a big stash of challenger stuff so he let me scrounge and take whatever I wanted for 500 bux. I also bought that white 318 '70 that was there outside as well, that some of you may remember, if you saw my pink car in person in Wisconsin. I just bought a 2012 Superbee tho I might be getting greedy with the new stuff!
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 12/31/12 05:57 AM
Posted By: Ruppman
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 01/07/13 01:02 AM
real neat car, definately the typical wi/mn/il. car thats been drivin for years! what method do you think you'll use to strip it of rust/paint? Dip it?
mark
Posted By: rapidscat
Re: Wisconsin farm field fresh..1970 FM3 340 challenger - 01/09/13 01:40 AM
WOW - never thought that old wreck would draw such a following! Never underestimate MOPAR lovers!! And wonderful MOPAR numbers!
History of the car was original owner that we bought it from lived just south of 52 off Concord Street in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It sat on the street! Again remember this is early 80s in a hispanic neighborhood. Pink car was nothing really strange. If I remember correctly car wasn't being driven, because it would quit while driving. We purchased the car and soon found out that the ignition switch on column was broken. Our fix was to stick a pencil between dash and ignition switch on column to drive! You really didn't need the key to start or drive if I remember correctly. Just a pencil!
Car was a terror! High stall converter in the automatic and strong 360 with manual steering and suregrip, which I think was 3.55 was a handful to drive!
The car was driven short time and parked for "we'll fix it someday"... 25 years pass -
Glad to see Evan get the car and rebuild it!!
Again sorry to all the folks that inquired about the car. It was a mess and I should have e-bay the car. Helpful hint to all those out there that say Best Offer! It got crazy dealing with everyone.
Only a few miles from where that car was sitting there was a HEMI Road Runner 4 speed car and if I remember a 440 6 pac CUDA 4 speed car sitting next to it. Cars in barns... just to get the stories going again...
