Anatomy of a Survivor – Mopar Action Article Extra

The T/A Challengers and AAR ‘Cudas were special cars with important differences from “regular” Challengers and ‘Cudas produced in 1970. Frank Badalson, a recognized expert in the Mopar restoration hobby, was fortunate enough to come across an exceptional all-original paint survivor that he did not “restore” as such, but he repaired any mechanical defects using assembly line or correct NOS parts, and he “freshened” the car without compromising its survivor provenance.

Frank goes through the car and highlights some of the important original features—enough of a guide to point a T/A or AAR restorer in the right direction. As a bonus here, Frank has compiled a list of date codes and tech information. We also give you engine shots that you can blow up full-screen to see details in greater clarity than you can in the comparatively teensy-weensy magazine photos that you need to pore over with a magnifying glass. Also included here are the original window sticker and build sheets.

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AMERICAN PERFORMANCE LLC.
Frank Badalson
7622 Whitepine Rd
Richmond VA 23237
Ph 804 275 2155

DATE CODES AND TECH INFORMATION – 1970 T/A CHALLENGER
VIN 292877
“Build” 4-1-70

Engine Cast: 11-26-69

Fuel pump: 4587 SA 0580

Carbs: FT 0500, CT 0480, RR 0620

Temp sending unit: Green 250 deg. L9

Alternator: “72” 12 70

Inlet fuel hose: EB 10319

Fan clutch: C18A (March 18 1970)

Starter: cast Jan 70/ Assy- 120 (March 19-25, 1970)

Distributor: 3438523 IBS 4018A 70

Starter Relay: 080 (Feb 19-25, 1970)

Radiator: 2998974 0820

Coil: 070

Volt Reg: 110

PB Hose: 10239 Gates

PCV Hose: KV yellow script, no date, 11/32

Wiper Motor: 2 speed

K-frame: 0830 (orange inspect mark)

Lower Cont Arms: R 065 0 Lt 070 0

Fast Ratio P S: Gear 2-17-0 TA
Tag on top 0580
“214” hose 0050
PS cooler 2609

Heater Blower Motor: 3009

Trans: PK 3410769L 3142 1411 (March 5, 1970)

Rear End: Center -3L-19     Tube 3-19-X (both white)
076 3.55 sure-grip 11 inch drums

TRUNK

Jack: 9K
Hook: 2931102

Collapsible Spare: BFG F78-14 K29 wheel 10 14 1969
Inflator Can. 46369 (46 week, 3rd day, 1969)

Trunk Mat: 3415640 3 10 (1970)

Fuel Tank Sending Unit: Introl 2983072 3359

Horns: Prestolite Hi 479 Lo 489

Rear Valance: 3 16 70

Rallye Wheels: matched set of 4; 2 19 70

Headlights: Original; Both Hi/Lo Tung-sol; Both Hi GE
Pass Side bulbs: hi/lo L9 hi 20

GLASS: All Original

WS 89

Left door 10
Left ¼ 109

Rt door 119
Rt ¼ 89

RR 89

Leftt outside Mirror ND; Rightt o/s mirror 7 DMI 9

MISC:

Original ¼ window bees still in place

All 4 original tires are with car:
Both E60-15 AA (1st week 1970)
Both G60-15 AE (5th week 1970)

SEATBELTS:

Left:
Male Chrysler Corp. 4749
2999587 1969 – 3

Female (double/twin belt) Chrysler Corp. 4752
2999585 1970 – 1
(only one tag on outer strap)
(buckles are Pontonier/300-2/pat no 3393433)

Left Rear:
Male Chrysler Corp. 4770
2999631 1969 – 3

Female Chrysler Corp. 4770
2999631 1969 – 3

Right Front:
Male Chrysler Corp. 4749
2999587 1969 – 3

Female Chrysler Corp. 4752
2999585 1970 – 1
* Tag on outer strap/buckle; same make as left side
same style “double” buckle as left

Right Rear:
Male Chrysler Corp. 4770
2999631 1969 – 3

Female (same as left rear female)

Upper shoulder straps:
Left Chrysler Corp. 4747 2999588 1969 -3

Right (same as left)