Moparts
Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Pics Video
Posted By: AMXDuster
Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Pics Video - 08/20/12 07:45 PM
Bill Bagshaw's Red Light Bandit 1970 Hemi Challenger former Pro Stock car will debut on August 29 at the NHRA US Nationals and be on display the entire weekend. The car is the real car that was built by Ron Butler and raced by Bagshaw from 1970 to 1973. As an interesting connection with Indy, the Red Light Bandit Challenger won "Best Engineered" at Indy in 1970, and was featured in the November 1970 issue of Hot Rod magazine.
John Gastman came across the car in 1994 in a package deal with a couple of other Mopars. Gastman held on to the car, and quickly connected with Bagshaw to authenticate the car as the one Bill raced in those great early days of Pro Stock.
The Red Light Bandit has been restored to its former glory at Bucky's Ltd by Bucky Hess and his son Travis. As most of us know, Travis Hess is an incredibly talented painter, and pulled off a miracle to get the Bagshaw car back to "as raced" condition. Nelson Grimes lettered the car exactly as it was in 1970. Cole McAllister, Bucky's fabricator, did the metal work.
Bill Bagshaw will be in attendance at the NHRA US Nationals at Indy next week, as will the current owner of the Red Light Bandit, John Gastman. Gastman is the owner of Roanoke Motors Chrysler/Dodge in Roanoke, Illinois. For those of you who do not know him, Bagshaw is a great guy, and served expertly as consultant throughout the entire restoration process.
The 426 Hemi engine was built to 1970 Pro Stock specs by Bill Bagshaw himself over the past winter. Bagshaw's friend, Ron Shaver of Shaver Racing Engines in Torrance, CA allowed Bill use of his shop. When Bill completed the motor, it was installed on Shaver's dyno eventually produced 679 horsepower at 7800 rpm.
Bucky did an awesome job on the car, and sacrificed testing time with his race car in order to get the Red Light Bandit done for Indy. I can't say enough about the hours and incredible job Bucky and Travis did on the car. We hope that those of you who are attending Indy will stop by and check out the newly restored Red Light Bandit Challenger.
Arvid Svendsen
John Gastman
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 07:52 PM
A pic of the Red Light Bandit Challenger from back in the day.
.JPG "7342999-photo(3).JPG")
Posted By: Moparnut426
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:00 PM
Not sure, but i think I had that model kit, It was awesome!!!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:08 PM
Here is the car as found by John Gastman in 1994.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:11 PM
The car was in pretty rough shape. Bagshaw sold the car in 1973 to Marshall, who used it for a few years, and then the owner history is shaky until 1994.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:12 PM
A few pics to give you an idea of the condition of the car as found.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:13 PM
Dash as found, has been restored with new parts, but more on that later.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:27 PM
The original cage was saved, returned to 1970 specs by removing the second bar in the entry.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:32 PM
These panels were confirmed by Bagshaw as the panels fabricated by Ron Butler who built the chassis in 1970.
Posted By: SCATPACK 1
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:34 PM
MORE, MORE... GIVE US MORE.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:40 PM
Inner fender panels were also fabricated by Ron Butler, and again confirmed by Bagshaw as authentic.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:42 PM
Hinges as modified by Butler/Bagshaw during construction, again confirmed by Bagshaw.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:46 PM
Even though the car was rough, it was remarkable how many parts used by Bagshaw were still there. In the pic is the (believed to be) Vega gas tank modified by a 63-67 Corvette filler neck. That very tank/filler neck was cleaned up by Bucky, and is now on the restored car.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:49 PM
These seats came with the car, but Bagshaw went to Butler last year and discovered brand new seats identical to the ones he used in 1970. Those NOS race seats are now in the restored car that will be at Indy next week.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 08:55 PM
This hood with snorkel scoop came with the car, but the restored car is sporting an early scoop that Bagshaw developed when he experimented with the Chrysler IR (independent runner) manifold.
Posted By: SCATPACK 1
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:04 PM
Quote:
This hood with snorkel scoop came with the car, but the restored car is sporting an early scoop that Bagshaw developed when he experimented with the Chrysler IR (independent runner) manifold.
Scoop like this one? Sorry, do not remember wher I got this picture from
Posted By: SCATPACK 1
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:06 PM
May be a better shot
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:06 PM
More like this one, not sure of the source of this pic, sorry if it's a problem.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:11 PM
A pile of parts came with the car when purchased, among that pile is the one of the original motors Bagshaw used in 1970, which I believe is the block on the right side of pic. We still don't get the Hemi motor with injection, but it came with the car.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:15 PM
I believe this motor also came with purchase of the car. Again, not definite about which block from these pics is the one that Bagshaw confirmed, but we found it in the pile, and sent it out to Bagshaw for the build. Bagshaw painted all his motors with Krylon "Cherry Red" paint. Bucky started scraping the motors we sent him, and he found the "Cherry Red" Krylon paint that was under the orange engine paint. Bill built that block, it is now in the restored car.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:37 PM
This trans was also Krylon "Cherry Red" under the orange paint.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:38 PM
Some more lightening holes in car as found.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:47 PM
This pic is from when the car was constructed, gave Bucky's fabricator, Cole McAllister, a good idea of how to form new removable trans tunnel. Cole did a great job with fabricating car back to Butler build status.
Posted By: racerx
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:49 PM
Just curious with all the lighting mods. did this car have lezion (spelling)glass or stock for the class it was in?
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 09:54 PM
Talking to Bagshaw, the rules required the use of stock window glass.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 10:00 PM
Car being loaded from John Gastman's Roanoke Motor Chrysler/Dodge dealership in snowy Roanoke, Illinois in January 2011 to be taken to Bucky's Ltd in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 10:23 PM
Once Bucky got it in his shop, they stripped the car to bare metal, and did the necessary floor work. Cole left the existing roll cage that Butler installed in 1970, and was careful to cut the floors to fit around the bars. As mentioned earlier, the second down bar in the entry was removed, since that second bar had been installed later, possibly late '71 or '72. The cage in the restored car is as it first rolled out at Indy in 1970.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 10:30 PM
The original Hurst Airheart brakes were still on the car, and were sent to Gold Line Brakes where they were complete restored/refurbished.
Posted By: cgall
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 10:36 PM
Great thread, thanks for posting! Look at that beautiful back-half race car body. Too bad no one at NHRA has the vision to go back to that.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/20/12 10:49 PM
Happy to post, thanks! I hear ya on building cars like this again. I was shocked to learn that these early Pro Stock cars were still leaf spring suspension. Later as the class developed, larger tires were used, and eventually the tubs and ladder bar/later 4 link suspensions started showing up. Here's the rear of the car after dismantling, I believe I mentioned that the car was a little rough... Bucky eventually had to replace the tail panel.
Posted By: SCATPACK 1
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 01:08 AM
Just curious if the car has a VIN number and if it is an original Hemi car? I was at S&M shop picking up some parts when they were building their PS and they had an original Hemi car and a body in White. They used parts from the original Hemi car to build the race car. I think that is what the parts guy said, IF I remember correctly.
Posted By: SCATPACK 1
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 01:11 AM
Interesting in the picture of the rear wheel well, you can see the spring hanger moved over to the frame. I would have thought it would have been moved into the frame by someone later on. Truly a really good find.
Posted By: 2JcodeChargers
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 01:17 AM
Thanks for the pictures. When we could root for a car/driver because they raced cars like we could buy. Way Cool
Posted By: 340_Dart
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 02:06 AM
Awesome to see a memorable car like that restored to its original "race" status! If Bucky and Travis painted it, i'm sure i'll be beautiful.
Posted By: Frito
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 03:29 AM
Isn't this car going to lead the SS/AH parade at the start of the Hemi Challenge at Indy? Just another great reason to be there Friday!
Posted By: HEMIFRED
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 03:45 AM
I sold some of the missing parts to Bill. We spent more than as few hours talking on the phone he is a classy guy and it was truely an enjoyment
Bill is looking for any photo's he can use for the story board. if you have any contact me via a PM.
this was Indy 1971
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 04:28 AM
ScatPack- In 1970, Bill was given a body in white from Chrysler and a brand new Hemi Challenger... Orange with dog dish hubcaps. Similar to your recollection of the Sox build, Butler and Bagshaw used the parts off the complete Orange Hemi car and built the race car from the body in white. On the location of the spring hanger, the history of the car from late 70's to 94 is a bit hazy. We were pretty happy to have the car as complete as it was.
Frito- You and I met at Chryslers at Carlisle, good hearing from you. You are correct, the car is scheduled to lead the SS/AH parade on Friday... it will be an awesome deal, hope to meet up.
HemiFred- Fred, you were a tremendous help in locating those hard to find parts, so THANK YOU. Bill had a great time talking to you, thanks for hunting down pics, love that pic of the car with the transporter!
Speaking of pics, attached is pic from Bill's press pack of the car. Bill and his wife are seen lifting the hood off the car.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 04:31 AM
Same press kit, motor shot. The restored car is remarkably close to what you see here. If anybody has those Dodge decals on the valve covers, please pm me.
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 04:45 AM
Ok, back to build pics at Bucky's. Rear of shell after dismantling, metal work being done.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 04:52 AM
Travis Hess, Bucky's son, who handled the paint is pictured explaining work that has been done, and work that still needs to be finished. The great thing about having Bucky and Travis handle the restoration was their passion for preserving the car as an important part of drag racing history. They also build some nasty early iron hot rods.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 04:55 AM
Dismantling the car exposed some of the tricks of the day to make the car light, but still strong.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 05:01 AM
More holes nicely aligned. Bagshaw is a perfectionist, so even if it would not be visible, it had to be done right.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 05:15 AM
The Ron Butler fabricated panels covering the cowl were carefully removed by Bucky and Cole so they could be cleaned up and re-installed. Once removed, more weight reduction artistry was revealed.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 05:17 AM
Another angle for instruction in Pro Stock construction circa 1970.
Posted By: Race&Resto
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 05:18 AM
They must have wore out few hole saw blades building it back then, so where was this one sitting all these years, sure will be a nice one once it's finished.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 05:27 AM
Lots of saw blades, no doubt. Side pic of car in process.
Posted By: racerx
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 11:01 AM
So how fast was this car back in it's day?
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 02:29 PM
Racerx
Good question. I'm sure you know that Grumpy Jenkins had the first nine second Pro Stock run, a 9.98 at the 1970 Winternationals. Bagshaw's car was eventually in that range, and by the time the car was sold in 1974, Bagshaw reports that the car was running 9.20's at 145 mph.
Since we're talking horsepower, we were thrilled when Bagshaw agreed to do the rebuild on the Hemi motor that would go in the car. Bagshaw is longtime friends with Ron Shaver, owner of Shaver Specialties Racing Engines in Torrance, CA. Ron gladly offered Bill a space at his shop to build this motor. Bagshaw did an outstanding job putting it together with mostly period correct parts. Note Krylon "Cherry Red" engine block, as used by Bagshaw in 1970.
Posted By: sixpackjeff
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 02:31 PM
Very cool!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 02:35 PM
At Shaver Specialties Racing Engines, the Bagshaw-built 426 engine was installed on the dyno. After some break in runs and a couple days of tuning, the motor produced 679 horsepower at 7800 rpm.
.JPG "7344257-photo(4).JPG")
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 02:45 PM
Finished Red Light Bandit 426 Hemi engine, complete with Holley carbs found by Moparts legendary HemiFred. The carbs were then sent to Holley, and restored to new condition. Bagshaw then contacted Ron Butler and asked him to duplicate the trick carb linkage that they used back in 1970. To our delight, Butler agreed to make the linkage, and even by today's standards, it still looks state of the art.
.JPG "7344272-photo(6).JPG")
Posted By: autoxcuda
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 08:34 PM
What a great car to restore. I've heard Bill has intense notes from every car he raced. I would image this car has nearly unmatched ability to document and recreate the car to a specific time point.
Quote:
Bagshaw is a perfectionist,
Troy here worked for Bill for years at Pro Parts. IIRC, there were specific instructions on how to sweep the floors!
Posted By: Moparnut426
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/21/12 09:01 PM
Quote:
What a great car to restore. I've heard Bill has intense notes from every car he raced. I would image this car has nearly unmatched ability to document and recreate the car to a specific time point.
Quote:
Bagshaw is a perfectionist,
Troy here worked for Bill for years at Pro Parts. IIRC, there were specific instructions on how to sweep the floors!
Sounds like my Dad, He was in floor covering and that man would chew my azz if I "swept up dust" rather than sweep the floor... 
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 11:45 AM
Not surprised about Bagshaw's instructions on sweeping, he definitely likes things done right. That's why his race cars were so impeccable.
Back to build pics... still checking out dismantled shell with floor work done, Bucky is showing present owner of the RLB, John Gastman, sections of floor that had to be trimmed to work around cage. The idea was to leave Ron Butler's work undisturbed.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 11:55 AM
Speaking of the work of Ron Butler, here's a quick pic of the engine compartment panels from the original car that have been cleaned and stripped.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 11:58 AM
A lot of time was spent looking at pics of the car in its original state, and making sure to return it to period correct status. Left to right, Bucky, Cole (fabricator), and present owner John Gastman.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:03 PM
Cowl panel set on the car, not yet installed.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:05 PM
Ron Butler inner fender panel, stripped, set on the car, not installed.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:08 PM
Butler cage front bar, cleaned up.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:16 PM
We left Bucky's shop, but not without a quick look at his SS/AH race car. We are big Bucky fans, and certainly wanted to see Bucky spend time getting ready to race. Bucky ended up having to sacrifice testing time on his race car in order to complete the Red Light Bandit, and it was much appreciated.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:26 PM
We discovered these proofs which were taken some time during the early stages of the original 1970 build of the Red Light Bandit. They might have been pics taken in conjunction with the November 1970 Hot Rod magazine article that featured the construction of this car, but not sure.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:28 PM
More pics from the 1970 proof sheet.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:30 PM
Bigger look of fiberglass fenders and hood going on the RLB from 1970 proof sheet.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:38 PM
Our next trip to Bucky's a few months later saw great progress. Getting fiberglass to fit together right and be straight with the doors was a big part of getting the car right. The body gaps on the restored car are outstanding. We bought the fiberglass fenders from VFN, and got the hood from AAR.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:40 PM
Better look at getting the gaps right.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:44 PM
Rear look at the car with panels.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:53 PM
We got a lot of parts from Jeff at 521 Restorations (970-227-0588) who was GREAT to work with. We got the AMD tail panel from Jeff, and a whole lot more stuff. Thanks Jeff!
Posted By: racerx
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:54 PM
It might have been said before,but i'll ask again with all of the lighting holes that's in the car,what was the race weight of this car in the 70's
This is a interesting thread.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 12:58 PM
The original car had a removable trans tunnel for quick maintenance. Cole was able to expertly recreate that the tunnel with the help of the pics in the November 1970 Hot Rod magazine article.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 01:04 PM
The original fiberglass fenders were saved, but too crusty to use. When Bucky got the new VFN fenders, he compared to original fenders to them, and was able to stretch the front wheel well opening to match the original car. So here is the original fender being held up to the new VFN fender that is already mounted to the car.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 01:12 PM
Bucky gave us a preview of the "spear" on the back quarter.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 02:28 PM
Racerx-
1970 Pro Stock rules required 3000 lb minimum. The industrial battery Bill mounted in the rear of the trunk weighed 137 lbs. The restored car has the original battery tray, so we have the same size battery, but it is not quite as heavy.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 02:33 PM
As an aside, Supercar Collectibles did the diecast car a few years ago. They did a really good job with it, quick pic. They used the six pack hood, which is the hood that was originally on the car. However, Bill quickly changed hood when he started getting different manifolds from Chrysler requiring greater clearance.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 03:00 PM
Skip ahead a couple months, the next time we went down to Bucky's, he has done a ton of work on the body. Special focus centered around the hood scoop. As mentioned above, the Six Pack hood was the first hood used. Then, when Bill got the Independent Runner intake manifold from Chrysler, the hood scoop had to be larger. Bagshaw was one of the first to get the IR manifolds, and one of the pioneer guys building a bigger scoop. Bagshaw says that Butler, who had built road race cars, Cobra style cars, had a number of scoops in his shop. He went through inventory, and came up with the scoop top, and then fabricated the sides. Gastman and Bagshaw agreed that that early hood told a cool story about the development of Pro Stock, so Bucky was asked to recreate that scoop. Although it might look somewhat primitive, with the fiberglass top and fabricated sides, that is what they were running. Further, Bagshaw says they were constantly experimenting with scoops and tweaking fresh air supply, but that this first scoop was just about as effective as any of them. Attached pic is the scoop on the mocked up body.
Posted By: SCATPACK 1
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 03:20 PM
It i shard to tell from the trunk pictures, was this car minitubbed. Were the inner wheel wells moved over to the frame?
Thanks for sharing this awesome car with us. I can't wait for you to show more of the painted finished product.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 04:40 PM
You are welcome, it's been awesome to be a part of this project. Wheel wells were lengthened so they would not hit the front of the wells, cut, and moved in to framerail. Leaf springs are moved inboard. Attached is a pic of inside of the car.
Posted By: Crizila
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 05:45 PM
Yes, thanks for sharing!! Lots of work to post all the pics and info. Great insight as to just what is required to do a first class resto job on an old race car - and keep it authentic.
Posted By: SCATPACK 1
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/22/12 08:06 PM
THANKS AMX
How did Butler hang the rear of the springs on this one. Did he add a bar from frame to frame with new shackle hanger brackets?
Posted By: Troy
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/23/12 03:55 AM
Very Cool!!
Posted By: slantzilla
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/23/12 03:00 PM
Awesome project Arvid!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:13 AM
Scatpack1
I had to hunt down this pic, I believe this "as found" pic will answer your questions. Thanks for your interest!
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:20 AM
Sorry I have not posted in a couple days, had a few things going on. Picking up with that scoop we decided to go with, here is a closer look at it. Again the fiberglass top with the fabricated aluminum sides riveted to the hood is as raced back in the day.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:23 AM
Side view of the scoop... Bucky, Travis, and Cole figured out the size and look from studying the pictures.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:27 AM
So on this visit, Bucky had fitted the panels, gapped the car, stretched the fenders and wheelwells, fitted and finish welded all the floors, fitted the engine compartment Butler panels, painted the cage and floor and engine compartment, and built the scoop.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:41 AM
I should have shown this picture earlier, don't think I did. Here is RLB as found with John Gastman showing off the holes cut in the door by Ron Butler, verified by Bill Bagshaw.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:44 AM
Same door with holes, cleaned up, fitted, primed, and edges and jambs painted.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:52 AM
The "before" pic of the door shows black jambs, but we are convinced that the black jambs was a later paint job. We found a pic in Mopar Muscle of the car from back in the day, don't want to post it since I don't have permission to do, but that pic had Bill warming the car up, and the jambs were yellow. So jambs are yellow.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:55 AM
RLB was blocked extensively prior to receiving final primer, didn't mind seeing some dust on the newly painted floor and Cole-fabricated removable trans tunnel panel.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:59 AM
Rear of the car with close to final primer/final primer? Not sure, might have been a little more blocking after this pic.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 04:07 AM
Trunk fitted, blocked, and edged.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 04:14 AM
Dash inner structure cleaned up and painted, all Butler work preserved.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 04:23 AM
Passenger door is also original to the race car with lightening holes.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 04:25 AM
New AMD tail panel, nice part.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 04:30 AM
Bucky doing final work on side marker light opening. Bagshaw retained the side marker on the car as raced, so we did the same.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 04:43 AM
Intermission, I'm sure most of you are aware, but here is Bill Bagshaw's Red Light Bandit Dart that he bought new from Chrysler in 1968 and raced until fall 1970. The car is now owned by my buddy Gene Mosbek. I took this pic about three months ago while visiting Gene.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 04:51 AM
Back to the build, Travis goes to work, perfecting the body, laying out the paint scheme, and matching the color. We got help from Bagshaw who sent Bucky chips of the colors.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 04:54 AM
More pics in the paint booth, what a difference!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 05:00 AM
Passenger side in paint. Travis Hess spent an incredible amount of time making sure that all the lines between the paint breaks were perfect, and they are amazing.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 05:32 AM
When we got back to Bucky's, the car was painted, and assembly had begun. These Firestone Drag 500's are real deal vintage tires, size 31.25 x 12.20 x 15. We were also extremely fortunate to find Drag 500 fronts, a story in itself... Bottom line, the restored car has real Drag 500 tires all around.
Posted By: SSDAcuda
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 11:43 AM
Great Thread! I saw this car down at Buckys when it first got there and then again when a bulk of the work was done, pre-paint.
All I can say is they went to the right shop!
Travis sure can paint
Nice work by everyone involved
Posted By: tboomer
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 11:53 AM
Great story and a dandy restoration!! I wondered where the dart went. I haven't seen Gene at the track for a long time. Is he still racing?
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 01:48 PM
You're right, Gene has cut back on racing over the past couple years. However, he's done a bit more this year. Gene just raced last weekend at Brainerd, with Tim racing Scott's '63 Dodge, and Tom racing the Demon. Gene also raced at the Joliet national event, again busy working keeping his son's cars racing. You've probably seen his race car, but here's a shot of it at Joliet last year.
Posted By: tboomer
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 01:50 PM
Thanks for the pic! He is a nice guy to talk with!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 02:01 PM
tboomer, no problem, yes, Gene is a great guy, and Mopar to the bone.
Back to the Red Light Bandit, we came back to Bucky's with paint done (except for final buffing) and the car in the midst of assembly. Bucky already had the k frame and suspension, Dana rear and springs, and motor installed. I thought it was cool that the car was now in his "race shop", essentially a smaller building that houses his race cars. At this point, Nelson Grimes was in the midst of lettering the car. I did not get a chance to meet him, but the guy is phenomenal with lettering.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 02:15 PM
These fronts are real 15x3.5 Fentons, they were purchased in early 70's and never mounted on any car. We found them last year in Wisconsin, honest guy with a couple Mopars tucked away. There was not even the slightest lug mark on the wheels. I suppose it's possible that the wheels were cleaned up, but we are fairly certain that they were basically nos wheels, never used.
Posted By: slantzilla
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 02:28 PM
Just as a quick thread jack, here is a picture of Mosbek's Demon when my buddy Mike Jeffrey owned it.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 03:56 PM
Slant thanks for the pic, very cool!
So, back to RLB, Nelson Grimes duplicated the font for Bagshaw's name used on the doors, while the Dodge callouts on the quarters and hood are silver leaf.
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 06:26 PM
Nice thread......Thanks for sharing.....
I'm flying into Indy Friday morning so I'll get a chance to see it in person...
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 07:02 PM
You're welcome, thanks for reading it.
Couple more shots of the car being lettered. This lettering was not done when I snapped it, but already looks spot on.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 07:15 PM
Overall look at the car, again in the midst of lettering. Nelson Grimes was doing the silver leaf on the hood. Grimes is a major talent. Grimes lettering with Travis painting and Bucky building is as good as it gets.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 07:53 PM
If Bucky ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/24/12 07:55 PM
I think the question went something like, "Hey Travis, how do you like prepping a pedal assembly?"
Posted By: JERICOGTX
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 12:45 AM
Quote:
I think the question went something like, "Hey Travis, how do you like prepping a pedal assembly?"
I'm surprised they didn't take a drill to the pedals also. Beadblasting and powdercoating, is much easier then scuff and shoot. Nice job on the car Travis and Bucky.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 07:05 PM
JericoGTX- cool pedal assembly!
Bill used Hurst Airheart brakes in 1970, and they were still on the car when Gastman purchased it in 1994. Those brakes were sent out to Goldline Brakes in CA and restored, then installed on the car.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 07:09 PM
We located NOS Stewart Warner gauges, sent them out to Bucky, and he installed them and cleaned up the original dash panel that Bagshaw had used. Of course, we installed new switches and starter button.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 07:15 PM
In talking about the interior of the car, Bagshaw said that he used a naugahyde shifter boot installed of a rubber boot, and that he had a larger red shifter ball made of a textured material something like velvet that made it less likely to slip off the shifter. We had an interior guy make up the shift boot, and since we couldn't find an NOS shifter ball that Bill had used, Bucky painted the shifter ball body color candy apple red.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 07:19 PM
With the car assembled, Bucky took the car for a ride down the back streets of Martinsburg, WV. Bucky had it up to 60 or 70, open headers, freshly built. While driving it back to the shop, a neighbor of the shop came out with a brick in his hand as if to attempt to throw it at the car... he didn't throw it, but he did call "the law". In Bucky's words, "It was awesome".
Attached is completed car, without the scoop, as of last week.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 07:26 PM
Rear shot of the car, just about done. NOS tail lights were used, as was the original lightened rear bumper, rechromed by Paul's Chrome, that Bagshaw used.
John Gastman and I are picking up the Red Light Bandit at Bucky's on Monday, taking it back to John's dealership in Roanoke, Illinois by Tuesday, then going to Indy on Wednesday. If you are going to U.S. Nationals this year, we hope you'll stop by and check out the car.
Bill Bagshaw will be at Indy from Thursday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. We don't know when he will be at the display, but he will be there a good amount of time. He is also scheduled to be interviewed from the tower some time on Friday, hopefully during the Hemi Challenge.
Thanks for following along on the thread. I certainly wanted to let people know about the car, but I also have had a great time on moparts reading other build threads, wanted to return the favor... I love seeing build pics of any Mopar coming together! I'll be adding some more pics on Monday, and then pics from Indy as well.
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 07:58 PM
Nice pics......but we need bigger pics and some underhood shots!!!!
and some guy was seriously upset about that car being driven around because of the noise??
Posted By: scatpacktom
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 10:40 PM
Thanks for posting
Glad the car is alive again.
Bucky and Travis do nice work
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/25/12 10:52 PM
Big Squeeze, will post some pics next week. I have not seen the completed car in person, these pics are cell phone shots. Thanks for your interest!
Posted By: mopar400
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 03:04 AM
Beautiful car!
Posted By: cheapstreetdustr
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 03:25 AM
did Bagshaw have a dart sport?
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 03:30 AM
Yes, raced the Dart Sport for about two years and then retired from drag racing.
Posted By: cheapstreetdustr
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 03:41 AM
got a buddy in florida that has a dart sport called red light bandit..it was somebodys car back in the day...????
Bagshaw's was hemi powered i assume..?
also question...
on the doors on the challey...how do they feel when you open and close them ...and swing them.
are they pretty solid?
flimsy?
how would you rate the action on them...verses the weight reduction?
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 04:03 AM
Bagshaw's Dart Sport wrecked in '74, and was not salvageable. It was Hemi powered, tube chassis, and up-to-the-minute technology.
On the RLB Challenger doors, they certainly feel lighter, I'm not sure I would say flimsy... prior to disassembly they closed fine. However, I have not opened and closed the doors of the completed car with door panel and glass, so I will definitely check that out on Monday. Bagshaw's car even has a strap for driver's side glass, very much like the '68 Hemi cars.
Attached is pic of top of rockers during restoration, even that got some trimming.
Thanks for your interest!
Posted By: cheapstreetdustr
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 04:06 AM
Quote:
Thanks for your interest!
Interest..thats an understatement...ive been salivating like a rabid dog...watching this as you have bio graphed it...
super nice deal...thanks all around...best of luck
cheapst
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 04:13 AM
Thanks boss, very cool Duster! Nice wheels up shot. By the way, Bucky owns a Duster that he keeps tucked away, attached.
Posted By: rck850
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 03:44 PM
That Duster wouldn't happen to be a four speed would it?
Posted By: pinkduster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 04:22 PM
I LOVE his kid's 65 Coronet.
Posted By: King Cuda
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/26/12 09:27 PM
yes it was ,with air also i just sold it
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 04:40 AM
Owner of the Red Light Bandit, John Gastman, and I just got back from Bucky's this afternoon with the Red Light Bandit Challenger. The car turned out better than we could have ever hoped, thanks Bucky and Travis!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 04:45 AM
Here's the motor that Bagshaw built at Ron Shaver's Racing Engines in California. It runs strong!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 04:49 AM
Bucky making doing some final tweaks to idle setting on carbs.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 04:52 AM
Meanwhile, Travis was busy doing some final detailing and polishing.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 04:56 AM
Paint by Don Kirby, repaint by Bucky's.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 05:01 AM
Gastman and Bucky discuss details of build, note big industrial battery, similar to what Bagshaw used when raced.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 05:04 AM
Bagshaw had the undercarriage painted as pictured, red cover, yellow driveshaft, and black underside.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 05:09 AM
Cage is strong via triangulation, but it is a bit difficult to enter, as demonstrated by Travis.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 05:13 AM
Mentioned it before, but we look forward to getting this car to Indy for display. Car will be in the historic drag cars display, and hopefully, lead the Hemi Challenge cars on Friday morning. The car will be on display until Monday afternoon, hope to meet many of you from Moparts! Owner John Gastman with Bucky and Travis.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 05:18 AM
Gastman owns a few enclosed trailers, but he wanted to take the car back on an open trailer on the trip from West Viriginia to Roanoke, Illinois. All went well, a number of people stopped to us to talk about the car... definitely old school, almost felt like we were back in the day! Car gets detailed Wednesday, back to Indy on Thursday.
Posted By: 10 o to go
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 10:32 AM
Great read and build .
My ?? by the first pic posted shows a 1971 challenger ,was the car changed or front and rear changed .
Allways been a fan .
Thanks DR
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 11:54 AM
DR- Nice Challenger! You are correct, the car started out with 1970 grille and tail lights, but then at some time was converted to 1971 status. We wanted to stay with the 1970 trim because that is how it showed up in the November 1970 Hot Rod magazine article, and that was how it looked when it won "Best Engineered" at Indy. The whole debut this weekend was deliberate, kinda the idea of returning to where it first showed up, and won immediate recognition for the build quality. Also, the die cast car was built to 1970 specs, so that played into the keeping it as a 1970 car. Appreciate the compliments!
Posted By: Dave Watt
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 12:39 PM
The Red Light Bandit looks so cool. Glad there are enthusiasts out there willing to bring them back to their glory. Can't wait to see it in person this weekend. Great job Bucky and Travis.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 12:54 PM
Thanks for compliments. It was huge that Bagshaw was so helpful, and remembered/saved notes on so many of the details of the car. Bagshaw arrives in Indy on Thursday, we are very excited to see his reaction to the car.
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 01:11 PM
THANKS, again, for sharing....
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 01:21 PM
Being an avid fan of vintage race cars. This is probably the best thread I've read in years.
MANY MANY thanks for sharing the journey
Being a builder of 1/25th scale models of old race cars.
Mind if I ask what the colors are ?
Posted By: tboomer
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 01:26 PM
Yes!!! Thanks for sharing this build! Great car and a great story! It turned out just wonderful!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 01:45 PM
Really means a lot to hear your interest in this build, thanks again. We had a few laughs about Bucky's neighbor coming out of his house with a brick last week in light of the Red Light Bandit's "disturbing the peace". Bucky and Travis wisely drove down the other direction of their street where the shop is, just to be safe.
The colors, as I understand it, are "Candy Apple Red" and "Sunrise Pearl". Since Bagshaw had worked with the diecast people on the colors, Bucky and Travis used it as part of the determination of the color. In other words, if your model matches the diecast car, it's pretty much a match. If you are planning to build a model of the car, would love to see the finished results.
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: Moparnut426
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 02:10 PM
Quote:
Really means a lot to hear your interest in this build, thanks again. We had a few laughs about Bucky's neighbor coming out of his house with a brick last week in light of the Red Light Bandit's "disturbing the peace". Bucky and Travis wisely drove down the other direction of their street where the shop is, just to be safe.
The colors, as I understand it, are "Candy Apple Red" and "Sunrise Pearl". Since Bagshaw had worked with the diecast people on the colors, Bucky and Travis used it as part of the determination of the color. In other words, if your model matches the diecast car, it's pretty much a match. If you are planning to build a model of the car, would love to see the finished results.
Arvid Svendsen
Im pretty sure I built a red light bandit challenger that was one of my Dads kits when I was a boy. Im thinking it was a johan kit.
id love to get another one.
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 02:48 PM
Quote:
Im pretty sure I built a red light bandit challenger that was one of my Dads kits when I was a boy. Im thinking it was a johan kit.
id love to get another one
No Bagshaw cars were ever done in scale back in the day,,not that I'm aware of anyway.
There was a Dick Landy 1972 Challenger (MPC), Sox and Martin 71 Cuda(JoHan) Sox and Martin 1972 Cuda (MPC) and a Don Carlton Mopar Missle 1972 Cuda(MPC)
I have them all
Posted By: Moparnut426
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 03:03 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Im pretty sure I built a red light bandit challenger that was one of my Dads kits when I was a boy. Im thinking it was a johan kit.
id love to get another one
No Bagshaw cars were ever done in scale back in the day,,not that I'm aware of anyway.
There was a Dick Landy 1972 Challenger (MPC), Sox and Martin 71 Cuda(JoHan) Sox and Martin 1972 Cuda (MPC) and a Don Carlton Mopar Missle 1972 Cuda(MPC)
I have them all
It could have been the Carlton car. Or since I basically rebuilt Dads kit, he could have painted it to look like the Bandit car. Hard to tell, Im getting old, and that car is long gone.
I know Ive had the Cuda, Dick landys car, and a Missle car, still have the a S&M Cuda in the box stuffed away somewhere, should built that one this winter. The JoHan kits had awesome detil in the engine department, The carbs I thought were really cool having the air horns on them and such.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 04:38 PM
In addition to the small Bucky's signature on the driver side corner of the spoiler, we wanted Nelson Grimes to also add his signature, in light of the fantastic lettering job he did on the car. So on the passenger corner of the rear spoiler, it says "Blood did it", referring to Kenny Youngblood who originally lettered the car, and then under that, it says "Grimes re did it".
Posted By: SSAAHemiFan
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 04:43 PM
Fantastic that the effort was made to do a authentic restoration on this car.
Nothing worse than seeing a vinatge racer with modern or incorrect replacement parts.
Big fan of Bucky and Tuki - they respect the history and there execution is always top notch.
Thanks for sharing
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 04:48 PM
Quote:
Fantastic that the effort was made to do a authentic restoration on this car.
Nothing worse than seeing a vinatge racer with modern or incorrect replacement parts.
I agree..... I'd like to see the the Silver Bullet redone back to the way it was in the early 70's...
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 05:00 PM
Is the car going to be run in Nostalgia type events. Or will it just be a semi-static display at shows +/or NHRA events ?
Be kind a cool seeing the car make some full on power blast passes.
Line it up with ,lets say a S+M car for some match racing in todays enviroment.
And if it hasen't been mentioned, I call shotgun
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 05:24 PM
Initial plans are to bring the car to a shows the remainder of this year, and next year. Future displays and events would likely be the case. John Gastman, current RLB owner, has sold more Vipers over the past 18 years than anyone else in the country. For that reason, he has extensive involvement in Viper road racing and drag racing. In fact, he is taking his 08 Viper ACR drag racing in a couple weeks. Having said that, Gastman spent years drag racing the older Mopars, so he loves seeing the old Mopars race too. Though nothing is definite, I think the honest answer to your question on Nostalgia racing is probably not... just don't want to risk damaging the car. However, if he does race it, I'll send along your request to ride shotgun.
Posted By: CMcAllister
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 06:11 PM
Arvid,
I want to thank you for your help, John for making this project possible and Bucky for allowing me to be a part of it. This car is an amazing piece of history. The number of original parts and pieces that were available and used, was incredible.
Thanks again everyone,
Cole
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 06:27 PM
Cole, sorry you weren't around when we picked up the RLB. I wanted to get some pics of you with Bucky and Travis by the car. Anyways, thank YOU for the incredible fabrication work done. I know you are back at your own shop, but when you get a chance, I need to know your contact information for future reference.
I've already said it, but Cole McAllister did a ton of incredible custom fabrication to make this car right, highest recommendation if anyone is looking for quality fabrication/restoration work.
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/29/12 07:41 PM
Considering the history of the car, static displays and maybe just light blasts down the quarter in all honesty , is about what I expected.
My hats off to all involved.
Posted By: King Cuda
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/30/12 02:19 AM
Although it has super stock springs and a custom made pinion snubber as was on the car when built .If we put some new front tires and slicks i wouldnt be scared to run the car.I built it as it was raced as i would my own cars.Just by running it up the road beside my shop I think it would run low 10's as is....Bucky Hess
Posted By: dare_dude
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/30/12 02:44 AM
Great job guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: HEMIFRED
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/31/12 06:27 AM
before this thread I never realized hole saws came in so many sizes
Posted By: sixpackbee
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/31/12 02:05 PM
Quote:
I never realized hole saws came in so many sizes
A friend of mine owned the Ramchargers Pro Stock car and we thought the same thing when he bought it home and we got looking it over. Holes everywhere.
Posted By: JERICOGTX
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/31/12 02:09 PM
Was this car also acid dipped?
I got a chance to look over John Hagens old Pro Stocker this last weekend, and holes everywhere on that one also. That car is also acid dipped.
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/31/12 02:17 PM
Great thread, guys. Great!
Posted By: 6PKRTSE
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/31/12 02:42 PM
I did the hole saw deal to my dash when doing my cage. None will be seen once back together. Only saved 1.8 pounds, probably wasn't worth all of the effort.
![Attached picture 7358460-100_1508[640x480].jpg](https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/7358460-100_1508[640x480].jpg "7358460-100_1508[640x480].jpg")
Posted By: 6PKRTSE
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/31/12 02:43 PM
Back together.
![Attached picture 7358462-100_1507[640x480].jpg](https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/7358462-100_1507[640x480].jpg "7358462-100_1507[640x480].jpg")
Posted By: JERICOGTX
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 08/31/12 05:42 PM
Quote:
I did the hole saw deal to my dash when doing my cage. None will be seen once back together. Only saved 1.8 pounds, probably wasn't worth all of the effort.
I disagree. Every single ounce matters when trying to lose weight on a race car. Almost 2 lbs from JUST the dash frame.Another 1 here, 3 there, and next thing you know 100lbs is off the car.
Posted By: Race&Resto
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/01/12 04:01 AM
The Red Light Bandit Challenger sure turned out nice, good job boys.
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/01/12 04:07 AM
Quote:
The Red Light Bandit Challenger sure turned out nice, good job boys.
X2...car looks as good in person as I does in these pics...
Plus I got to watch the Charlie lay the smack down in the SS/AH final from just behind the starting line....yeah, today was a pretty good day....
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/01/12 04:31 AM
This car is phenomenal! Awesome job guys! Travis Hess, I'd love to have your talent on my LO23 clone when the time comes!
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/01/12 03:48 PM
Update- With the rain forecasted to last at least until Sunday, we put the Red Light Bandit in the trailer last night, and took it back to Roanoke Motors in Roanoke, IL, which is current owner John Gastman's Chrysler/Dodge dealership. Sorry to those who were hoping to see it at Indy. Bill Bagshaw had a great time seeing the car, was extremely happy with the final product. We had a great time visiting with him, and seeing him drive that car around Indy was awesome.
Bucky and Travis flew in for Friday, and even though Bucky was not racing, he said he didn't mind at all... he was thrilled to see Bagshaw and Gastman happy with the car. Again, thanks to Bucky and Travis for the great job, and putting aside race car testing to finish the car.
One of the great highligts was having the RLB lead the Elephant parade with owner John Gastman in the passenger seat. I don't have any pics of that since I was shooting video most of the day yesterday. Thank you to all who came up to the car and greeted us, we had a great time!
Our hope is to have the car at SEMA, and then at Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals on November 17,18 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: Dave Watt
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/01/12 05:47 PM
Arvid, thanks for sharing photos and details along the way, it was cool to see it in person. I did take a photo of it during the HEMI Shootout parade, if it turned out I'll post it here.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/01/12 06:11 PM
JerichoGTX- Yes, the body in white given to Bagshaw had been acid dipped. Bucky and Bill are fairly certain that the acid is the reason the floor did not fare well. Bill said that when they acid dipped the shells, they primered the body, but not the underside of the car. So when Bill finally got the shell, he immediately sandblasted and cleaned the underside to correct it. Most of the floor was replaced in the restoration.
Dave- Thanks for the kind words, I would love to see any pics of the Elephant Parade that you have. I was planning to take a slew of pics today, but again, we got rained out.
Posted By: Doug Walker
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/03/12 07:24 PM
From my photo files at
www.hemishootout.netFriday morning, August 31, 2012 leading the elephant parade.
Posted By: Doug Walker
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/03/12 07:26 PM
From my photo files at
www.hemishootout.net A photo from Friday evening, August 31, 2012 at the US Nationals.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/04/12 02:05 PM
Doug, great pictures, thanks so much for posting them!
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: Joesixpack
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/07/12 05:40 AM
just read entire thread...hats off to eveyone involved...superb restoration job clinging to as close to as raced in 1970 and 1971 as possible. Big Hemi Ebodies in Pro Stock were an amazing sight then and now!So many were sold and lost....or made into Modified Production class's,Gassers....or bracket cars. cant wait to see it on Nov at Rosemont show.
Posted By: Frito
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 09/07/12 02:38 PM
Just by running it up the road beside my shop I think it would run low 10's as is....Bucky Hess
Crank was laughing his tail off at Indy when he was telling me this.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 12:43 AM
I put together a video of the car running, with some comments from Bucky Hess:
youtube.com Thanks for watching!
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: Chris2581
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 03:00 AM
Great job!! Very well done,any pics of the trunk and under the trunk area?
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 03:16 AM
Here's a shot of trunk with the original three SW fuel pumps, and an industrial battery that was as close as we could find to fit into the original Bagshaw/Butler fabricated battery tray.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 03:21 AM
Here are the fuel lines coming through the trunk... don't have a great shot of the entire trunk underside, sorry.
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: racerx
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 11:22 AM
Nice video
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 04:45 PM
Do you have a color code or a name for the black you used for the floors, engine bay, etc. I'd like to use the same sheen on my hemi dart floors, engine bay, etc.
Posted By: RUNCHARGER
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 06:08 PM
Beautiful and it sounds perfect too.
Sheldon
Posted By: 604 Hemi GTX
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 06:31 PM
Gotta love those 70's race car paint jobs! That's one beautiful car, nice job...Had to watch the video clip a few times.
Kevin
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/09/12 08:13 PM
Quote:
Do you have a color code or a name for the black you used for the floors, engine bay, etc. I'd like to use the same sheen on my hemi dart floors, engine bay, etc.
I checked with Bucky, he says he made it with a blend of Sherwin Williams black paint and black urethane sealer.
Posted By: Lil Demon
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/10/12 05:21 PM
Fantastic build and project. Great to see an old racer brought back to life in such spectacular fashion. Bucky - amazing job on that rebuild. Great job all.
Posted By: King Cuda
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/10/12 09:07 PM
Thanks everyone.We put alot of time in building this as correct as we could, and as you can see it runs also!This is why I didn't make shootout.I promised it would be done and I try to be a man of my word!Bucky
Posted By: Troublemaker427
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/10/12 10:36 PM
Great job Bucky and Travis!! I saw the car in person at Indy and it was awesome. Looking forward to seeing you guys run at Maple Grove...
Posted By: Lil Demon
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/10/12 11:12 PM
Quote:
Thanks everyone.We put alot of time in building this as correct as we could, and as you can see it runs also!This is why I didn't make shootout.I promised it would be done and I try to be a man of my word!Bucky
Hey Bucky - what wheels do you have on the back of the King Cuda?
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/11/12 04:58 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Do you have a color code or a name for the black you used for the floors, engine bay, etc. I'd like to use the same sheen on my hemi dart floors, engine bay, etc.
I checked with Bucky, he says he made it with a blend of Sherwin Williams black paint and black urethane sealer.
A secret blend? Is it 50/50? Lol thanks for the info!
Posted By: King Cuda
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/11/12 01:01 PM
no secret just get black s-w urethane sealer and add black till you get desired look this is how i do all my roll bars and floors 2 to 1 is close thanks bucky
Posted By: superbeeman69
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/11/12 06:35 PM
Quote:
no secret just get black s-w urethane sealer and add black till you get desired look this is how i do all my roll bars and floors 2 to 1 is close thanks bucky
Thanks Bucky! I'll play around with some mixes but that give me a good place to start.
Posted By: AMXDuster
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/12/12 02:56 AM
Lil Demon- The rear wheels that Bucky uses are American Racing Torq-Thrust Pro Series wheels, not aware of size or offset.
Arvid Svendsen
Posted By: Dave Watt
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 09/16/12 05:29 PM
RLB from the parade, too far away.
Posted By: nz383man
Re:Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut pics video - 07/12/14 01:28 PM
Amazing thread, Thanks for posting such detail
Can you give us some engine specs, cam etc Thanks
Posted By: sunroofgtx
Re: Red Light Bandit 70 Challenger Indy debut Build Pics - 07/13/14 08:37 PM
Quote:
Here's the motor that Bagshaw built at Ron Shaver's Racing Engines in California. It runs strong!
Thanks for the pic !! Firecore250 Wires on there. Our orange 7mm wires. Thanks Frito and Hemi Fred