The 1970 Dodge Challenger

There were eight Challenger models for 1970.

Challenger Deputy
Two door hardtop
Two door convertible
SE two door hardtop
R/T two door hardtop
R/T two door convertible
R/T SE two door hardtop
T/A two door hardtop

Body

The basic body shape stayed with the Challenger throughout its production run with only minor changes made to the front grill and rear lights from year to year. Overall dimensions of the car are;
Length: 191.5 inches.
Width: 76.5 inches.
Height: 51 inches.

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.

Models with dual exhausts could have a rear valance panel with cut-outs for the chrome exhaust tips.
There were two different gas (petrol) caps used. One was a flush fitting screw in cap which was painted body colour. The other was a chrome flip open race style cap with the word "Fuel" on it.

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 (3 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.

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.

Exterior Paint and Stripes

There were several vinyl stripes available on the Challenger. The "Power Bulge" hood could have a matt black treatment that covered the raised portion between the air scoops. The T/A had a very large black stripe running above the body line from the front edge of the fender back as far as the end of the glass area. All Challengers could have a stripe that ran the full length of the car under the body line. It could be had at first in black, white and red. Then later in green and blue. After March 11th 1970 it could also be had in chartreuse or magenta.
Challenger R/T came as standard at no extra cost with this stripe OR with a PAINTED 'Bumblebee' stripe around the back end. The side stripe in this case had the R/T logo cut into it and the bumblebee stripes were available in black, white, red, green and blue.

Detail of R/T side stripe

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.

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.

'70 Challenger Paint Colours
Paint Code Name Chrysler Code Ditzler Code
EB3 Light Blue Metallic AY2EB3 2018
EB5 Bright Blue Metallic AY2EE5 2019
EB7 Dark Blue Metallic AY2EB7 2020
FE5 Bright Red AY1FE5 2136
FF4 Light Green Metallic AY2FF4 2133
EF8 Dark Green Metallic AY2EF8 43786
FK5 Dark Burnt Orange Metallic AY2FK5 2135
BL1 Beige AY1BL1 22542
FT6 Dark Tan Metallic AY2FT6 2129
EW1 White AY1EW1 2033
TX9 Black AY1TX9 9300
DY3 Cream AY1DY3 81575
FY4 Light Gold Metallic AY2FY4 2117
And for an extra 14 Dollars you could have one of these High Impact colours
Paint Code Name Chrysler Code Ditzler Code
FC7 Plum Crazy AY2FC7 2210
FJ5 Sublime AY1FJ5 2128
EK2 Go-Mango AY2EK2 2201
EV2 Hemi Orange AY2EV2 2186
FY1 Banana AY1FY1 2211
And after Feb. 24th 1970 you could also have one of these
EA4 Silver Poly AY2EA4 2016
FJ6 Green Go
FM3 Panther Pink

Restoration Notes
On all colours, except TX9, EB7 and EF8, the flange below the door sill ("down-standing flange") was painted Organasol Black on the outward face of the flange. No overspray was permitted on the bottom side of the sill section.
The front side of the radiator closure panel, below the top support (upper radiator "U" channel) and underneath the hood latch plate was painted Organasol Black except for TX9, EB7 and EF8. Overspray was permitted half way into the inside headlamp area.

Door Mirrors

1970 Challengers came with a chrome manually controlled mirror mounted on the drivers door. Optional was a chrome or body coloured remote controlled "racing" mirror. A matching right side "racing" mirror was available but this was not remote controlled.
That is something I have never understood!

Vinyl Tops

All two door hardtops could be ordered with a vinyl roof. Colour choices were black, white, green or Gator Grain which was a bit like alligator skin. The Challenger Deputy used a brighter white top than the other models. Because of the modifications around the rear window, the S.E. could not be ordered without one. The position of the two seams that run the length of the roof was different on the SE version.
Power Sunroof
This was a very rare option (code M51) and was available on all hardtops accept the S.E. A standard roof was cut to fit the sunroof and the patchwork hidden under a vinyl top. It was opened with a switch or by hand when the ignition was switched off.

Interior

The dash pad on the 1970 Challenger was different to the 1971-74 version. The Challenger script was embossed into the far left hand side of the dash. All other years had this as a stick-on plate. Dash pads could be had in A/C versions as well as non-A/C. If a mono AM radio was fitted there was only provision for one speaker in the centre of the dash. If a stereo radio was fitted there was provision for a speaker at each end as well.
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).

Rallye instrument cluster contained four large equal sized pods with a 150 mph speedometer, 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.

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 glove box.

Three steering wheels could be fitted. The standard wheel had a wood grain effect rim and padded spokes with a centre 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.

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.

The interior door panel was a one piece shaped plastic panel moulded in a colour to match the seat trim.

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.
Chassis and Brakes
The Challenger has a 110 inch wheelbase and a track width of 59.7 inches (F) / 60.7 inches (R). Weight is typically over 3,800 lbs.
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 callipers. 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 until 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.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheel studs on the drivers side of the car were left hand thread in 1970 only. The T/A came with larger G60 tyres on the back wheels (E60s on the front) and more rear leaf spring camber to give a bit of stance and also a bit of clearance for the side exit exhaust on that model.
Standard Steel Wheels
These were painted body colour with "dog dish hubcaps". Wheels on cars with full size wheel covers were painted black.
The six cylinder and 318 V8 models used 14 X 5 inch wheels. Big block cars came with 14 X 6 inch wheels with 15 X 7 optional. The 340 T/A and 426 hemi cars came with the plain steel 15 X 7 size as standard but too many "restorers" have replaced them with Rallye wheels over the years.

A 15X7 steel wheel on a T/A fitted with the "dog dish" type hub cap and a trim ring

A simulated wire (W15), deep dish (W13), or deluxe (W11) wheel cover could be found on most JH Challengers with 14" wheels

Styled Wheels

The Chrome Road wheel (W23) aka the "Magnum 500" five spoke style was available in the 14 X 5.5 size only on '70-'71 Challengers.

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 centre was silver for 1970 only.
The full list of available wheels for the Challenger is here.

Size Type Part No.
14 X 5.0 Painted 3420976
14 X 5.5 Painted 3420977
14 X 5.5 Spare 2944395
14 X 5.5 Rallye 2944252
14 X 5.5 Chrome Road 2944474
14 X 6.0 Painted 3420978
15 X 7.0 Painted 2944450
15 X 7.0 Rallye 2944390
If your car had a 6 cylinder engine or a two barrel carb. then you could not order the 15 X 7 size.

1970 Challenger Tyres

Engine Standard Optional Recommended Brand
225/318/383 E78 X 14 F70 X 14* Goodyear
340 E60 X 15 NONE Goodyear Polyglas GT
* V8s only. HD suspension and brakes required.

1970 Challenger T/A Tyres

Engine Standard Optional Recommended Brand
340+6 (Front) E60 X 15 NONE Goodyear Polyglas GT
340+6 (Rear) G60 X 15 NONE Goodyear Polyglas GT
1970 Challenger R/T Tyres
Engine Standard Optional Recommended Brand
383/440 F70 X 14 E60 X 15** Goodyear Polyglas GT
426 Hemi E60 X 15 NONE Goodyear Polyglas GT
** N/A convertible w/440 engine. N/A w/trailer towing package.

Engines

The 1970 model year had the largest selection of engines for any particular car.
There were seven engine sizes some of which had different power level options built in.

1970 ENGINE OPTIONS
Option code Size (cu. in.) Size (c.c.) Type A.K.A. Carb. Power (B.H.P.)
B*** 198 3245 6 CYL. Slant 6 1 bbl. 101
C 225 3688 6 CYL. Slant 6 1 bbl. 145
G 318 5212 LA V8 Small Block 2 bbl. 230
H 340 5573 LA V8 Small Block 4 bbl. 275
J** 340 5573 LA V8 T/A 6 PAK 3 X 2 bbl. 290
L 383 6277 B V8 Big Block 2 bbl. 290
L 383 6277 B V8 Big Block 4 bbl. 330
N 383 6277 B V8 Magnum 4 bbl. 335
R* 426 6982 RB V8 Hemi 2 X 4 bbl. 425
U* 440 7212 RB V8 Magnum 4 bbl. 375
V* 440 7212 RB V8 Six Pack 3 X 2 bbl. 390
*** Challenger Deputy only.
** Challenger T/A only.
* Challenger R/T only.

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)

Transmission and Drivetrain

Challengers were fitted with either a three speed automatic or a three or four speed manual. The model and engine size determined which transmissions were fitted to a particular vehicle but in general the 6 cyl. engines got the A-903 3 speed manual or the A-904-G automatic.
The A-904-LA was used on the 318 automatics.
All other 3 speed manuals for the 318, 340 and 383 were the A-230.
All engines from the 318 up could have the optional A-833 4 speed although the units fitted to the more powerful engines contained stronger components.
From the 340 up the auto transmission was the A-727.
The four speed cars used a Hurst built gear lever known as the "pistol grip" due to the design of the lever which was moulded like the grip of a hand gun and fitted the hand beautifully.
The T/A model used a four speed as standard.
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 powered cars.

Optional Axle Packages

Performance Axle Package (A36)
Available on cars with 4bbl or multiple carburettors. Included 3.55:1 axle gears with Sure Grip in a 8.75 inch axle, heavy duty cooling and heavy duty suspension.
High Performance Axle Package (A31)
Available on 340 or 383 4bbl cars. Includes 3.91 axle gears with Sure Grip, max cool radiator with seven blade fan and HD suspension.
Super Performance Axle Package (A32)
Available on the 440 and 426 powered cars with automatic transmission. Included 4:10 geared Dana 9.75inch axle with Sure Grip, seven blade fan and max cool radiator. N/A with air con.
Track Pack (A33)
Available on 440 and mandatory on 426 powered cars with 4-speed manual transmission. Included 3.54 gears with Sure Grip in a Dana 9.75 inch axle, seven blade fan, max cool radiator and a dual point distributor.
Super Track Pack (A34)
Same as Track Pack but with 4.10 gears and power front disc brakes.

Option Packages

(See also link to MSRP at bottom of page)
Air Conditioning (H51)
Not available on 340+6, 440+6 and Hemi cars.
Light Group (A01)
Ashtray lamp, trunk lamp, glove box lamp, map/courtesy lamp, ignition switch lamp w/time delay, time delay instrument panel floodlight, fender mounted turn signals (N/A w/R/T or 340 pkg.), buzzer, headlight-on reminder.
Basic Group (A04)
AM radio (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), power steering, left remote mirror (upgrades could be ordered at differential price), variable speed wipers and electric washers (std. w/R/T and Rallye instrument cluster).
Floor Console (C16)
Two different centre console were used on manual and automatic cars although they look the same at a glance.
Protection Group (A05)
Vinyl insert body side moulding, bumper guards (f&r w/rubber inserts), door edge protectors.
Trailer Tow Package (A35, N/A w/440+6 or 426 engines)
Max cooling system, HD brakes w/auto adjusters, HD suspension, HD turn signal flasher and stop lamp switch, HD wheels, HD performance axle (3.23 ratio).
Aerodynamic Spoiler Package (A45, released mid-Feb. '70)
Front chin spoiler, T/A type (dealer installed), aerodynamic rear spoiler.
Moulding Group A (A63, std. on SE)
Belt moulding, front splash pan scoop, cowl moulding, rear Astrotone-painted applique.
Body Sill Mouldings (M25)
AKA wide sill mouldings. Available on all models except T/A.
Challenger 340 Performance Package (A66, N/A JH29 & R/T)
340 engine (E55), E60x15 inch raised white letter tires (U82), performance hood, HD brakes, HD suspension (S13), Bumble Bee paint stripe (may be deleted), Scat Pack (bee) decal, wheel lip moulding is deleted.
Rallye Instrument Cluster (A62, V8s only std. R/T)
Variable speed wipers w/electric washers, tachometer, electric clock, heater control floodlight, 150 mph speedometer, woodgrain cluster applique, oil pressure gauge.
Backlite Louver Group (A44, released mid-Nov. '69; N/A w/SE or conv.)
Backlite louvers, black backlite moulding, body coloured racing mirrors (L&R)
Note: Vinyl roof , if ordered, must be black.
Rear Window Defroster (H31)
2dr hardtop models only. An electric heater and blower motor mounted under the rear shelf panel and blew up onto the rear window through a duct and vent.
Power Sunroof (M51)
All models except SE and convertible.
Western Sport Special Group (A91, released mid-Dec. '69 to Los Angeles and San Francisco regions)
Western Sport Special decal, vinyl roof, wood grain instrument panel appliqué, remote control mirror, rim blow steering wheel, sill moulding, belt moulding, front splash pan scoop, cowl moulding, rear Astrotone appliqué, pedals dress-up, bumper guards w/rubber inserts, F78x14 inch white side wall tyres, Rallye wheels, engine choice; 225, 318 or 383. MORE
Seat Belt Group (C15)
Instrument panel "fasten seat belt" light w/time delay (std. w/SE), high styled push button buckles (colour keyed), loop guides on belt ends, buckle stowage brackets.