ALL
ALL PHOTOS ARE LINKED
The R/T was the performance version and came standard with a big block 383 4v engine. The 426 and 440 engines were optional only on the R/T. The SE could only be had as a hardtop and was a high spec. trim version of both the base and R/T models.
The low priced Challenger Deputy (Option Code A93) was a mid-year introduction (March 1970). This car was unique in several ways and so I will outline the differences here. The car was similar to the base Challenger hardtop with the following exceptions ;
Another unique model was the Challenger T/A which was available from about March to May 1970 and came standard with a fibreglass hood, rear spoiler, side exit exhaust, 15 inch wheels, four speed box and a unique 340 engine fitted with 3 x 2v carbs. You could also order the optional quick ratio steering.
The 1970 model had a deeply recessed grill set back behind the dual headlamps. The rear lights were contained in a full width unit, the centre section of which was a large single reversing lamp with the name DODGE on it.
FRONT 1970
BACK 1970
SCREW CAP
RACE STYLE
Four different hoods (bonnets) were offered in 1970. The standard hood was almost flat with a moulded peak running down the centre. The R/T came as standard with the power bulge hood fitted with hood pins (locating fore and aft not across the hood). This large power bulge really gave the impression of a large engine underneath and contained two air intakes which were not connected directly to the air filter. Optional was the shaker hood scoop which was mounted directly on the engine intake and stuck up through the hood. The T/A model had a fibreglass hood with a large air intake moulded into it which fed directly into the engine. A shortage of shaker scoops meant that some R/Ts (2 known) were fitted with this hood.Because of the lack of radio suppression with this hood the antenna on the T/A was relocated from the right front fender to the right rear quarter panel.
HOOD 1 HOOD 2 HOOD 3 HOOD 4
164 R/Ts, 15 R/TS.E.s and 5 R/T convertibles were fitted with the shaker scoop.
The Special Edition model had a plastic filler panel bolted around the rear window frame and a smaller window fitted. The join was hidden under a vinyl top. Most of the fancy trim pieces (Moulding group A) that were optional on the other cars came as standard on the SE.
Three different front fenders (wings) were used in 1970. The standard fender was used on all cars with 14 inch wheels. To give clearance for F60x15 tyres a special fender was used with extra large wheelwells and special wheel lip openings. The Challenger T/A had a unique fender as it has no holes for the wheel lip moldings or the antenna and may have had a different radius in the wheel opening.
Other unique features on the T/A were the rear "ducktail" spoiler and the optional pair of front "chin" spoilers. Although the front spoilers were optional I have not seen a T/A without them. They were shipped to the dealer in the trunk of the car and fitted on site.
Challengers were painted with acrylic enamel. There was a huge range of colours available to Dodge so there may be the odd car finished in a different colour to the ones listed below. Some even had 'special order' colours. You can see a 1970 paint chip chart HERE.
The factory TSB announcing the availability of FM3 and FJ6 is dated 24th Feb 1970. Only cars built after this date could be ordered with this colour.
And after Feb. 24th 1970 you could also have one of these
Standard instrument panel contained one large pod for the 120 mph speedometer, and to its right, four smaller pods containing the gauges for fuel, engine temp, alternator and, if ordered, the clock (otherwise it was blank).
STANDARD INSTRUMENT
Rallye instrument cluster contained four large equal sized pods with a 150 mph speedo, 8,000 rpm tachometer, clock and one pod containing four gauges for oil pressure, alternator, engine temperature and fuel. The Rallye cluster was optional on the base Challenger and Deputy models but came as standard on the R/T.
RALLYE INSTRUMENT
Because the T/A was based on the standard Challenger, the Rallye dash was optional for that car.
4 speed cars had a reverse warning light fitted on the dash between the ashtray and glovebox.
Three steering wheels could be fitted. The standard wheel had a wood grain effect rim and padded spokes with a center horn push pad. A few cars had a similar wheel with a chrome plated partial horn ring. A wheel with polished spokes and a "Rim Blow" horn was also fitted to some cars.
STEERING WHEEL 1
STEERING WHEEL 2
STEERING WHEEL 3
Seating consisted of a bench seat front and rear in the base models with two high backed bucket front seats an option. These were standard on the R/T and convertible. The standard seat material was vinyl, with cloth or leather inserts available at first only in Special Edition (SE) models but made available to all models shortly after. The SE also had a small overhead console with warning lights for door ajar, low fuel and seat belt.
An asymmetrically styled centre console was optional on all models with an auto or manual floor mounted shifter.
1970 INTERIOR
The interior door panel was a one piece shaped plastic panel moulded in a colour to match the seat trim.
DOOR R/T
DOOR SE
The door on the left is the standard door as seen on most models. The door on the right has the optional electric window switches and the bottom of the panel is finished with a strip of carpet and reflector. This trim was part of the moulding group A (code A63) which was standard on the S.E. model.
The car features traditional Chrysler unit-body engineering such as the torsion bar front suspension and independent lateral, non-parallel control arms with an anti-roll bar as standard on the performance (R/T) cars. The rear suspension consists of a live axle on asymmetrical semi-elliptical leaf springs. A rear anti-roll bar was optional.
Drum brakes were standard and measured 10 X 2.5 inches front and rear or 11 X 3 front and 11 X 2.5 rear on the R/T. Optional front brakes were 10.75 inch vented discs with single piston, floating, pin type calipers. These discs were of a two piece design which tended to warp with heat under (very) heavy use but returned to normal after cooling. This problem was not put right untill the start of the 1973 model year. Where front disc brakes were fitted the rear drum size was 10 X 2.5.
The doors contain side impact beams which is something that has only appeared on European cars in recent years.
DDISH
A simulated wire (W15), deep dish (W13), or deluxe (W11) wheel cover could be found on most JH Challengers with 14" wheels
MAG 500
RALLYE
Slotted Rallye wheels (W21) were optional in either 14 X 5.5 or 15 X 7 inch sizes. The trim ring on the Rallye wheel was polished for 1970 only and the center was silver for 1970 only.
The full list of available wheels for the Challenger is here.
HEMI MOTOR 1970
There were seven engine sizes some of which had different power level options built in.
The Challenger T/A 340 block and heads were unique castings for this model only. It was cast with extra material in key areas in the block and heads for strength and the push rods were re-located to allow for larger ports and valves in the racing versions. The race cars were de-stroked down to 305 cu. in. to be within the rules and used a single 4bbl carb. (where as the street version used a 3x2bbl "six pack") as well as four bolt mains.
Challengers with 4bbl or multiple carbs came with dual exhausts. The T/A had a side exit exhaust except for a few that may have came with a normal dual set up.(Can anyone that owns a T/A with a rear exit exhaust system please get in touch)
There were three rear axles used. They are identified by the diameter of the ring gear.
The low performance cars used a 7.25 inch geared axle fitted with either 2.76:1 or 3.23:1 ratios.
High performance automatics or V8s with manual transmission used a 8.75 inch unit with optional "SureGrip" limited slip gears ranging from 2.76:1 all the way to 3.91:1. Most common were the 3.23 and 3.55:1 gears. The T/A used a 3.55:1 "SureGrip" as standard with an option on a 3.91:1.
Hemi cars fitted with a manual gearbox came with the huge 9.75 inch Dana 60 "SureGrip" axle as standard. Two gear ratios were available: 3.54:1 and 4.10:1. The Dana 60 was an option on the Hemi automatic and 440 engined cars.