Posted By: TA Wanted
Gator Grain Tops? - 12/26/13 06:24 PM
How common are gator grain tops on 70 Challengers?. Does Any one have the production numbers?
Gator Grain Tops?
Posted By: 6bblgt
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/26/13 07:23 PM
(83,032 total 1970 Dodge e-bodies built)
around 75% of all US spec. 1970 Challengers have a vinyl top
(BALLPARK: ~40% black, ~20% white, ~10% green, ~5% GATOR)
V1G "GATOR" per GG:
JH23 (2.5%) ~ 952
JH29 (8.0%) ~ 469
JS23 (2.3%) ~ 314
JS29 (7.6%) ~ 281
around 75% of all US spec. 1970 Challengers have a vinyl top
(BALLPARK: ~40% black, ~20% white, ~10% green, ~5% GATOR)
V1G "GATOR" per GG:
JH23 (2.5%) ~ 952
JH29 (8.0%) ~ 469
JS23 (2.3%) ~ 314
JS29 (7.6%) ~ 281
Posted By: RSNOMO
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/26/13 08:21 PM
Dan...
Similar numbers for 'Cuda???
A friend has an F-8 '70 'Cuda with a GG top...
Original car...
Similar numbers for 'Cuda???
A friend has an F-8 '70 'Cuda with a GG top...
Original car...
Posted By: 6bblgt
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/26/13 10:06 PM
(55,499 total 1970 Plymouth e-bodies built)
around 40% of all US spec. 1970 Barracudas (non-BP) have a vinyl top
(BALLPARK: ~25% black, ~9% white, ~4% green, ~2% GATOR, .1% floral)
V1G "GATOR" per GG:
BH23 - /6 (0.7%) ~ 41
BH23 - V8 (1.9%) ~ 359
BS23 (1.0%) ~ 173
I don't have any BP (Gran Coupe) numbers ..... does anyone?
around 40% of all US spec. 1970 Barracudas (non-BP) have a vinyl top
(BALLPARK: ~25% black, ~9% white, ~4% green, ~2% GATOR, .1% floral)
V1G "GATOR" per GG:
BH23 - /6 (0.7%) ~ 41
BH23 - V8 (1.9%) ~ 359
BS23 (1.0%) ~ 173
I don't have any BP (Gran Coupe) numbers ..... does anyone?
Posted By: FC7cuda
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/26/13 10:15 PM
Quote:
How common are gator grain tops on 70 Challengers?. Does Any one have the production numbers?
Never saw them much over the years, even less than the % that Dan estimated. Don't remember them being more common on the 29 cars than the 23, but would be a good topic for a roll call sometime.
I've seem Hemicudas with V1G, but not any Challengers. Anyone?
Tom
Posted By: 6bblgt
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/26/13 11:08 PM
I quick look thru '70 e-body fender tag info I have organized (2,011 cars):
960 have vinyl tops ~48%
2 floral ~0.1%
40 GATOR ~2% (20 Plymouths & 20 Dodges)
37 green ~2%
202 white ~10%
679 black ~34%
V1G by engine:
/6 = 1
318 2bbl = 10
340 4bbl = 2
340 6bbl = 16
383 2bbl = 2
383 4bbl = 4
440 4bbl = 2
440 6bbl = 2
426 HEMI = 1
The popularity of the T/A is skewing the numbers a bit, but .....
Over the past 40+ years tastes have changed, but the GATOR top was never a popular OPTION. Also, the majority of the colors that the cars would've been painted that received a GATOR top are NOT popular either.
Add in the complexity over the years of obtaining a GATOR top and today cars with them are few and far between.
The uniqueness of the look of the GATOR top makes it a "RARE FIND" today VS. the general distaste for "GREEN MOPARS" has made the V1F cars disappear.
960 have vinyl tops ~48%
2 floral ~0.1%
40 GATOR ~2% (20 Plymouths & 20 Dodges)
37 green ~2%
202 white ~10%
679 black ~34%
V1G by engine:
/6 = 1
318 2bbl = 10
340 4bbl = 2
340 6bbl = 16
383 2bbl = 2
383 4bbl = 4
440 4bbl = 2
440 6bbl = 2
426 HEMI = 1
The popularity of the T/A is skewing the numbers a bit, but .....
Over the past 40+ years tastes have changed, but the GATOR top was never a popular OPTION. Also, the majority of the colors that the cars would've been painted that received a GATOR top are NOT popular either.
Add in the complexity over the years of obtaining a GATOR top and today cars with them are few and far between.
The uniqueness of the look of the GATOR top makes it a "RARE FIND" today VS. the general distaste for "GREEN MOPARS" has made the V1F cars disappear.
Posted By: RSNOMO
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 12:19 AM
Quote:
Over the past 40+ years tastes have changed, but the GATOR top was never a popular OPTION.
True enough...
However, we had my buddy's GG 'Cuda at the Autorama here a coupla' years ago...
That top was pulling in folks by the droves...
Most did not know what it was, nor that it was a factory option...
Posted By: JRepucci
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 02:48 AM
F4 / V1G BP23G0E 40k miles. This was around 1995.
Posted By: FC7cuda
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 03:15 AM
Quote:
I quick look thru '70 e-body fender tag info I have organized (2,011 cars):
V1G by engine:
440 4bbl = 2
440 6bbl = 2
426 HEMI = 1
Dan,
Would you be so kind as to list the make/model of these 5?
Thanks
Tom
Posted By: 6bblgt
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 06:12 AM
Quote:
Would you be so kind as to list the make/model of these 5?
1 - JS29U0E108xxx E86 D32 FK5 V1G HRX9 H51 V21 V5X
2 - JS29U0E129xxx E86 D32 EB5 V1G H5B5 V6X
3 - BS23R0B159xxx E74 D32 FC7 V1G H6X9
4 - BS23V0B178xxx E87 D21 FT6 V1G H6X9 A34
5 - JS23V0B184xxx E87 D32 EW1 V1G H5X9 A32 V??
6 - BS23R0B222xxx E74 D21 FE5 V1G PRX9 A33 V5X
Posted By: screamindriver
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 06:35 AM
Quote:Nice looking car...Hopefully it's still around in the original configuration...
F4 / V1G BH23G0E 40k miles. This was around 1995.
...Jason I'm pretty sure I see Gran Coupe badging on the car...That would make it a V1G BP23GOE would'nt it ?? Not trying to 
but I know some members like to save pics and crunch numbers for certain models/options and just wanted to clarify..
Posted By: Mastershake340
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 06:43 AM
Posted By: DAYCLONA
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 06:50 AM
Quote:
I've seem Hemicudas with V1G, but not any Challengers. Anyone?
I've always loved the Gator Grained topped cars, as well as MoDToPs, or Floral Mopars...unique
Mike
Posted By: 6bblgt
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 07:02 AM
bigger is better, right? GT & S/23s w/V1G
GT & S/23s w/V1G
Posted By: JRepucci
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 07:26 AM
Quote:Quote:Nice looking car...Hopefully it's still around in the original configuration...
F4 / V1G BH23G0E 40k miles. This was around 1995.
Fixed it. It is a BP23... black leather, PS, Power drum brakes, luggage rack, dual mirrors, A/C, console. It was still here in Nor Cal in the early 2000's but I haven't seen it in many years. I knew of the car when still had the original paint but it wasn't for sale. The car was involved in an accident; the accident was the Gran Coupe owners fault and insurance wouldn't pay for the repair... I got the car from the body shop for the cost of the repair.
Posted By: JRepucci
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 07:32 AM
Gator Gran Coupe
Posted By: Culvers
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 03:03 PM
Quote:Quote:
Would you be so kind as to list the make/model of these 5?
1 - JS29U0E108xxx E86 D32 FK5 V1G HRX9 H51 V21 V5X
2 - JS29U0E129xxx E86 D32 EB5 V1G H5B5 V6X
3 - BS23R0B159xxx E74 D32 FC7 V1G H6X9
4 - BS23V0B178xxx E87 D21 FT6 V1G H6X9 A34
5 - JS23V0B184xxx E87 D32 EW1 V1G H5X9 A32 V??
6 - BS23R0B222xxx E74 D21 FE5 V1G PRX9 A33 V5X
what about this one? JS23V0B361907
Posted By: 70440+6bbl
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 04:51 PM
BS23V0B179158 (B05 SPD) original paint, interior and top. Tag was missing, but no doubt about the top being original.
Posted By: 70440+6bbl
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 04:54 PM
Another
Posted By: ogopogo
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/27/13 05:50 PM
i was lusting over this one last year,U code rt se tx9 car loaded up with options
Posted By: Challegator
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/28/13 06:53 PM
Here is a JS23NOB B3 w/blue int, V1G circa 1976. Options include AC, auto, console, AM-8Track and black longitudinal stripe. Kind of cool you could just order it like that. 
Posted By: RJS
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/28/13 07:23 PM
A buddy of mine has a 70 440+6 Auto Cuda
FC7 optioned with Gator Top. When the car was redone 20+ years ago the top wasn't put back on, last we spoke (5years ago) he was trying to obtain top material for it.
Oh it's a factory Shaker car too!!!
He got his tag decoded by the Guru years back and that's how he even realized what he had.
Ron
FC7 optioned with Gator Top. When the car was redone 20+ years ago the top wasn't put back on, last we spoke (5years ago) he was trying to obtain top material for it.
Oh it's a factory Shaker car too!!!
He got his tag decoded by the Guru years back and that's how he even realized what he had.
Ron
Posted By: DAYCLONA
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/28/13 07:33 PM
Quote:
A buddy of mine has a 70 440+6 Auto Cuda
FC7 optioned with Gator Top. When the car was redone 20+ years ago the top wasn't put back on, last we spoke (5years ago) he was trying to obtain top material for it.
Oh it's a factory Shaker car too!!!
He got his tag decoded by the Guru years back and that's how he even realized what he had.
Ron
Legendary Gator Grains are running $1200+ last I recall
Posted By: FC7cuda
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/28/13 08:48 PM
Quote:
A buddy of mine has a 70 440+6 Auto Cuda
FC7 optioned with Gator Top. When the car was redone 20+ years ago the top wasn't put back on, last we spoke (5years ago) he was trying to obtain top material for it.
Oh it's a factory Shaker car too!!!
He got his tag decoded by the Guru years back and that's how he even realized what he had.
Ron
That's going to look awesome, once he gets it done.
When I bought my F8 Challenger, the seller had decoded the tag and stated V1G was GREEN top.
I knew better and hope to have the car on the road by late summer...
Tom
Posted By: browndevil
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/30/13 11:43 PM
What color is the gator grain top? Its hard to tell from the pictures (black or brown)?
Michael
Michael
Posted By: 6bblgt
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/30/13 11:58 PM
Original "gator" & reproduction "gator" is brown with black veining - 40+ year OLD/used "gator" is black.
Posted By: Dodge
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/31/13 03:33 AM
Did they make a black Gator Grain Top? I ask because I have a 70 Sunroof Charger so theres no code on fender tag. I've talked to a few owners from the mid 70s and they all say it was a Gator Grain top. When I bought it, it came with a roll of black Gator Grain vinyl. Thanks
Posted By: m46rat
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/31/13 04:02 AM
Quote:
Did they make a black Gator Grain Top? I ask because I have a 70 Sunroof Charger so theres no code on fender tag. I've talked to a few owners from the mid 70s and they all say it was a Gator Grain top. When I bought it, it came with a roll of black Gator Grain vinyl. Thanks
They only came in one color, but I think the generally accepted wisdom is that they turned black because of the sun beating down on them after a certain time. If your car was a gator top car it would have the V1G code on your fender tag and also on the broadcast sheet.
Posted By: moparfan53
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/31/13 05:10 AM
Quote:
What color is the gator grain top? Its hard to tell from the pictures (black or brown)?
Michael
When looking at the samples in the '70 dealer trim book, you can see the brown in the gator grain compared to the black above it (when new of course, as already mentioned it changes with age/exposure).
Posted By: 440gtx6
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/31/13 06:23 AM
Quote:
Original "gator" & reproduction "gator" is brown with black veining - 40+ year OLD/used "gator" is black.
And cheap repro gator (not Legendary) is black too.
Posted By: cdstl
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/31/13 09:54 PM
They do tend to turn black....
Posted By: Quikshft
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/31/13 10:17 PM
My current project is a '70 Superbee, it is hemi orange with a gator top. One day....it will be finished. I do have an NOS top to put on it when the day comes.
Posted By: Quikshft
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/31/13 10:26 PM
Here's a nice original Challenger R/T-SE I've seen at several central Calif events over the past couple years.
Posted By: KISSAlien
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 12/31/13 11:06 PM
Quote:
They do tend to turn black....
That's because technically they are black. Then a brown dye covered it. This dye tended to wear off which left the black vinyl underneath it to show.
Posted By: B1MAXX
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 12:19 AM
Quote:Quote:
Would you be so kind as to list the make/model of these 5?
1 - JS29U0E108xxx E86 D32 FK5 V1G HRX9 H51 V21 V5X
2 - JS29U0E129xxx E86 D32 EB5 V1G H5B5 V6X
3 - BS23R0B159xxx E74 D32 FC7 V1G H6X9
4 - BS23V0B178xxx E87 D21 FT6 V1G H6X9 A34
5 - JS23V0B184xxx E87 D32 EW1 V1G H5X9 A32 V??
6 - BS23R0B222xxx E74 D21 FE5 V1G PRX9 A33 V5X
here is one I know of
Posted By: B1MAXX
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 12:45 AM
build sheet
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 07:06 AM
Quote:
I don't have any BP (Gran Coupe) numbers ..... does anyone?
3.3% /6 and 5.9% V-8
Posted By: Alaskan_TA
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 07:49 AM
Jeremy, if that VIN ends in 80 I have heard of another broadcast sheet for it, way back in 2005.
If it is the same car, please email me?
Barry
If it is the same car, please email me?
Barry
Posted By: EV2RTSE
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 04:43 PM
Here's another one, a JS23N that belongs to my brother. Long term project. He has a top made from NOS material (Stauffer Chemical dated 1969) that we got from Legendary many years ago - price seemed steep at the time ($850 - I think he paid that for the whole car) but after seeing what the repops are selling for now I don't feel so bad.
Posted By: EV2RTSE
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 04:44 PM
Sheet.
Posted By: 71redcuda
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 07:55 PM
Quote:Quote:
Would you be so kind as to list the make/model of these 5?
1 - JS29U0E108xxx E86 D32 FK5 V1G HRX9 H51 V21 V5X
2 - JS29U0E129xxx E86 D32 EB5 V1G H5B5 V6X
3 - BS23R0B159xxx E74 D32 FC7 V1G H6X9
4 - BS23V0B178xxx E87 D21 FT6 V1G H6X9 A34
5 - JS23V0B184xxx E87 D32 EW1 V1G H5X9 A32 V??
6 - BS23R0B222xxx E74 D21 FE5 V1G PRX9 A33 V5X
Is there any production numbers of the JS29N (383 R/T-SE) cars with the V1G option?
Posted By: 70440+6bbl
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 08:10 PM
Here is a U-code automatic with power windows that was at a car show in the Bronx a few years ago. I should have a picture of the VIN somewhere.
Posted By: 70440+6bbl
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/03/14 08:15 PM
Cuda that was for sale a couple of years ago.
Posted By: cudino
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/04/14 01:25 AM
Here's one on my Sublime 318 ChallengerSE JH29.
Posted By: FC7cuda
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/04/14 02:47 AM
Quote:
Here's one on my Sublime 318 ChallengerSE JH29.
V1G on there twice??
Posted By: m46rat
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/04/14 03:19 AM
Quote:Quote:
Here's one on my Sublime 318 ChallengerSE JH29.
V1G on there twice??
Fender tags on L.A. made cars have the roof type shown on the tag twice.
Posted By: FC7cuda
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/04/14 04:53 AM
Quote:Quote:Quote:
Here's one on my Sublime 318 ChallengerSE JH29.
V1G on there twice??
Fender tags on L.A. made cars have the roof type shown on the tag twice.
Thanks Dwight
Posted By: Quikshft
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/05/14 03:19 AM
Quote:
Here's one on my Sublime 318 ChallengerSE JH29.
An FJ5 car with a Gatortop is not a factory recommended color combination. Your tag carries the VO8 edit/waiver code similar to the tag for my hemi orange Superbee. First time I've seen VO8 on a tag other than mine.
Posted By: 6bblgt
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/06/14 08:21 AM
Posted By: FC7cuda
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/06/14 02:33 PM
Quote:Quote:
Here's one on my Sublime 318 ChallengerSE JH29.
An FJ5 car with a Gatortop is not a factory recommended color combination. Your tag carries the VO8 edit/waiver code similar to the tag for my hemi orange Superbee. First time I've seen VO8 on a tag other than mine.
Jeff,
Can you post a pic of your car? V08
Thanks
Tom
Posted By: Quikshft
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/06/14 03:39 PM
My car is still really a project, so my pics are just different stages of the process. It had been tapped in the side at one point hard enough to buckle the rocker and floor, so I replaced all that. This picture makes me cringe, don't want to go back to those days! The second pic is probably the latest I've got. My gator top is not yet installed.
Posted By: Diego (not Ted)
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/07/14 01:49 AM
Quote:
Is there any production numbers of the JS29N (383 R/T-SE) cars with the V1G option?
You cannot combine options to arrive at a number so all you can determine is how many R/T SEs had V1G.
Posted By: EV2RTSE
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/07/14 03:30 AM
Quote:
I've seem Hemicudas with V1G, but not any Challengers. Anyone?
Don Garlits has a Gator Grain Hemi Challenger in his museum, with a shaker no less. Here is a pic that I found on the net.
Posted By: 6bblgt
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/13/14 10:18 AM
Although my car isn't a "Gator Grain" car - I can't wait for it to be all "light green metallic"! 
Posted By: EV2RTSE
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/13/14 06:01 PM
Cool! I had always assumed your car was F8. I know many don't like FF4 but I think it looks great when it's fresh.
Posted By: 70440+6bbl
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/15/14 09:21 PM
Quote:Quote:
I've seem Hemicudas with V1G, but not any Challengers. Anyone?
Don Garlits has a Gator Grain Hemi Challenger in his museum, with a shaker no less. Here is a pic that I found on the net.
Pic of the tags that I took while there last year.
Posted By: SC304
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 01/21/14 02:28 AM
Of the V code challengers do you have any color codes for the body?
I had a v code 70 that we found the gator grain under some trim pcs. We thought it was very limited. No matter as we sold the car a good 15 years ago just wondering.
I had a v code 70 that we found the gator grain under some trim pcs. We thought it was very limited. No matter as we sold the car a good 15 years ago just wondering.
Posted By: yorker
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 06/27/14 03:45 AM
[quote He has a top made from NOS material (Stauffer Chemical dated 1969) that we got from Legendary many years ago - price seemed steep at the time ($850 - I think he paid that for the whole car) but after seeing what the repops are selling for now I don't feel so bad.
I too bought one from Legendary about 1990 or so. They had the original material and made one for me. I think I paid about 750.00
And that was a lot of money back then.
I too bought one from Legendary about 1990 or so. They had the original material and made one for me. I think I paid about 750.00
And that was a lot of money back then.
Posted By: artie717
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 02/10/21 10:21 PM
I got this one, JS29V0
Posted By: pistolgrip4
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 02/13/21 02:32 PM
I have some updated info for you.
I have a `70 Cuda 440+6 with a V1G, Gator Grain code.
BS23V0E112***
FE5, 727, Power Windows.
Also is an N96, A22.
I bought the car in 2001 and have been looking for more info on it ever since (original owner, history of owners etc.)
It has a black boars grain top on it now but I have a new gator grain top to install when the time comes.
I have a `70 Cuda 440+6 with a V1G, Gator Grain code.
BS23V0E112***
FE5, 727, Power Windows.
Also is an N96, A22.
I bought the car in 2001 and have been looking for more info on it ever since (original owner, history of owners etc.)
It has a black boars grain top on it now but I have a new gator grain top to install when the time comes.
Posted By: EV2RTSE
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 02/14/21 05:55 PM
Originally Posted by EV2RTSE
Here's another one, a JS23N that belongs to my brother. Long term project. He has a top made from NOS material (Stauffer Chemical dated 1969) that we got from Legendary many years ago - price seemed steep at the time ($850 - I think he paid that for the whole car) but after seeing what the repops are selling for now I don't feel so bad.
Car is finally done! When the time came for installation last summer, it was found the Legendary top was cut wrong (too narrow) and never made it on the car.
But very thankfully, Legendary was kind enough to exchange the now useless NOS top for a repop, all these years later.
Posted By: EV2RTSE
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 02/14/21 06:03 PM
A few more,
Posted By: EV2RTSE
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 02/14/21 07:02 PM
It had a Northrop Ford Watertown NY dealer decal on the bumper, based on the color combo and location who knows maybe it was originally purchased by someone in the Army at Fort Drum and then traded in.
Posted By: LFNVRENDS
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 09/15/21 09:32 PM
Master 440 are you active on the site still? Send me a message if you are.
Posted By: LFNVRENDS
Re: Gator Grain Tops? - 09/15/21 09:35 PM
Originally Posted by 70440+6bbl
BS23V0B179158 (B05 SPD) original paint, interior and top. Tag was missing, but no doubt about the top being original.
Master 70440+6 are you still active on the site? Send me a message if you are.
Thanks