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(TOMMY)>> YOU'RE WATCHING POWERNATION.
[ ENGINES REVVING ] [ Music ]
(KATIE)>> WELCOME TO POWERNATION BUILDS. YOU MOPAR FANS ARE IN FOR A TREAT AS WE HAVE A RESCUED 1970 CHALLENGER. HERE'S DETROIT MUSCLE!
(JOE)>> IN RECENT MONTHS WE'VE COMBED THE COUNTRYSIDE LOOKING FOR DETROIT TREASURES, EXPLORING BONE YARDS AND BARNS. WE'VE PLAYED DETECTIVE BY DECODING CARS TO REVEAL THEIR FACTORY ORIGINS.
(TOMMY)>> WE'VE SHARED TIPS ON HOW TO LOOK FOR PROJECT CANDIDATES, AND MOSTLY WE'VE JUST GOT A KICK OUT OF SEEING WHAT WE COULD UNCOVER.
(JOE)>> BUT THIS TIME WE MEAN BUSINESS. IN FACT, WE'RE ON A SERIOUS HUNT FOR OUR NEXT PROJECT VEHICLE.
(TOMMY)>> YEAH, WE'VE GOT WORD FROM A FRIEND OF A FRIEND OF A FRIEND THAT'S GOT SEVERAL OF THOSE PROJECT CARS. SO, WE THOUGHT WE'D COME CHECK HIM OUT AND WE CAME PREPARED. WE'VE GOT SOME CASH AND A TRAILER, AND HOPING WE GO HOME WITH SOMETHING.
(JOE)>> SOMETHING LIKE THIS, 1970 CHALLENGER R/T. ONE OF THE MOST DESIRABLE, SOUGHT AFTER MUSCLE CARS IN THE WORLD. OF COURSE SOME PEOPLE WOULD REFER TO THIS ONE AS A BASKET CASE.
(TOMMY)>> AT FIRST GLANCE IT CAN BE REALLY INTIMIDATING, BUT THE BEAUTY BEHIND BUYING A CAR IN THIS STYLE CONDITION, WELL SOME OF THE WORK OF DISASSEMBLY IS ALREADY DONE AND YOU GET TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT THE CONDITION OF THE BODY IS IN. IT'S KINDA LIKE THIS SHIFTER HOLE HERE. NOW I CAN TELL YOU IT LOOKS LIKE SOMEBODY'S CUT IT OUT WITH A TORCH AND A PAIR OF VICE GRIPS, BUT IT'S NO BIG DEAL. IT CAN BE REPAIRED, BUT YOU WOULD NEVER SEE THIS WITH THE SHIFTER BOOT AND THE CARPET LAYING IN PLACE.
(JOE)>> WELL THIS OLD CHALLENGER'S MISSING AN ENGINE AND TRANS, WHICH IS FINE WITH US CAUSE WE'VE GOT PLANS WE'LL TELL YOU ABOUT LATER. IT'S ALSO MISSING A FENDER TAG, WHICH USUALLY GOES THERE, THAT TELLS YOU ABOUT ALL THE OPTIONS. NOT TO WORRY THOUGH, STILL GOT THE VIN NUMBER AND THAT TELLS US A LOT TOO. WELL, A LITTLE RUST LIKE THIS, NO BIG DEAL ON A CAR LIKE THIS. I'M KINDA EXCITED, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
(TOMMY)>> YEAH, IF THE DOORS AND FENDER IS AS NICE AS THE CAR ITSELF, WE'VE GOT US A CANDIDATE. WE'LL JUST HAVE TO SEE IF WE CAN GET IT HOME TODAY.
(JOE)>> LET'S GO TALK TO HIM.
(TOMMY)>> GETTING THE DEAL DONE WAS A LOT EASIER THAN GETTING THE CHALLENGER OUT OF THE LOT AND ONTO OUR TRAILER, BUT AT LAST WE'RE HOMEWARD BOUND WITH WHAT PROMISES TO BE OUR MOST EXCITING PROJECT EVER.
(JOE)>> WELL WE MADE IT BACK TO THE SHOP IN ONE PIECE WITH OUR NEWLY ACQUIRED '70 CHALLENGER. OF COURSE, IT'S IN SEVERAL PIECES, AND HAPPY TO SAY THAT THE FENDERS AND DOORS, LIKE THE REST OF THE BODY WE SHOWED YOU, ARE IN GREAT CONDITION CONSIDERING THEY'RE ALMOST 45 YEARS OLD. CASE IN POINT, NO RUST AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS DOOR, ESPECIALLY IN THE CORNER WHERE YOU OFTEN FIND IT IN CARS THIS OLD AND LOOKS LIKE ORIGINAL PAINT TOO.
(TOMMY)>> WE'LL START WITH THE EASY STUFF. ALL THE PIECES THAT AREN'T ATTACHED AND THE ACCESSIBLE BITS LIKE THE HOOD HINGES. EVERYTHING WE'RE REMOVING IS GOING TO BE GENTLY LAID OUT AND ACCOUNTED FOR. SOME OF THIS WON'T BE REUSED BUT A LOT OF IT WILL, AND YOU DON'T WANT TO ACCIDENTALLY DESTROY A PIECE THAT CAN'T BE BOUGHT, ESPECIALLY YOU RESTO GUYS. [ Music ]
(JOE)>> THE STEERING COLUMN GETS DETACHED FROM THE BOX. THEN A COUPLE OF BOLTS MEAN IT CAN BE REMOVED. THE DASH IS A LITTLE MORE INVOLVED WITH SOME PRETTY TRICKY BOLTS TO DEAL WITH, BUT LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IT COMES OUT TOO. THEN THE HEATER BOX IS AN EASY VICTIM AS WELL AS THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> THIS SIDE'S OUT. [ Music ]
(JOE)>> NOW WE CAN MOVE ON TO THE REAR SUSPENSION. THIS LEAF SPRING SETUP IS A PRETTY FAMILIAR CONFIGURATION FOR MUSCLE CARS. WE'll UNBOLT THE SHACKLES ON THE BACK OF THEM. THEN THE FRONT PERCH CAN BE REMOVED WITH FOUR BOLTS, AND THE REAR END IS NOW DETACHED FROM OUR MOPAR. [ MECHANICAL HUMMING ]
(TOMMY)>> SINCE WE'RE ABOUT TO HEAD TO THE BLASTER, WE'LL BUT THE BODY ON A ROTISSERIE TO MAKE MOVING IT AND BLASTING IT A WHOLE LOT EASIER. [ MEDIA GUN HISSING ]
(JOE)>> AND A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER OURS IS BACK FROM THE BLASTER. WE'VE GOT A GOOD BIT OF METAL WORK AHEAD OF US, INCLUDING A ROOF REPLACEMENT, BUT WE EXPECTED THAT. YOU KNOW IT'S A FUNNY THING, BUT WE'VE HAD TALKS ABOUT WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THE 1970 DODGE CHALLENGER EVEN BEFORE WE GOT ONE, AND WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT HOW WE COULD MAKE A GREAT THING EVEN GREATER. WE LIKE THE UNMISTAKABLE SHAKER HOOD OPTION, AND WE LIKE THE FACT THAT THEY WERE BUILT TO GO FAST, WITH ENGINE OPTIONS LIKE THE 440 AND 426 HEMI. WE ALSO LIKE THE IDEA OF A MANUAL FOUR ON THE FLOOR TRANS WITH A PISTOL GRIP SHIFTER, AND THE FACT THEY CAME IN SUCH BRIGHT, CRAZY COLORS.
(TOMMY)>> HOW COULD WE IMPROVE FROM THE ORIGINAL? HOW ABOUT TAKING THAT OLD SCHOOL HEMI AND SLAPPING ON SOME FUEL INJECTION, AND THEN TAKING THAT COOL PISTOL GRIP SHIFTER AND ADDING A COUPLE OF GEARS WITH A SIX SPEED. WE ALSO WANT TO UPGRADE THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION OF THIS RIDE BY MAKING IT DRIVE AND RIDE LIKE A MODERN PERFORMANCE CAR. AND EITHER WAY YOU'RE DOING A RIDE LIKE THIS, IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO KEEP A CLEAR PICTURE OF THIS THING IN YOUR MIND, OR ON PAPER. SO HERE IT IS, THANKS TO THIS AWESOME RENDERING DONE BY OUR FRIEND DALE SWANSON AT SWANSON ARTWORK, WHO DOES A LOT OF OUR PREBUILD ART. THE COLOR'S WHAT THE FACTORY CALLED PLUM CRAZY PURPLE IN 1970. SO WE'RE PROUDLY NAMING OUR PROJECT CAR ULTRA VIOLET. HE EVEN GAVE US A PERSONAL SLANT ON THE CLASSIC R/T STRIPES. SO THAT'S OUR GAME. TAKE THE ICONIC PARTS OF THIS CAR AND RAMP THEM UP TO THE MAX.
(KATIE)>> LIKE ANY GREAT PROJECT, YOU'VE GOT TO TEAR IT DOWN BEFORE YOU BUILD IT UP.
(JOE)>> THE BEAUTY OF THE SHEAR BIT IS HOW IT MAKES SUPER QUICK WORK OF THAT SHEET METAL, BUT IF YOU'RE NOT CAREFUL IT CAN ALSO BE ITS DRAW BACK. RIGHT NOW WE'RE JUST TRYING TO CUT THE SKIN OF THE ROOF. WE DON'T WANT TO GET INTO THE STRUCTURAL PIECES OR THE EDGE WHERE THE SPOT WELDS ARE. [ AIR SAW VIBRATING ]
(TOMMY)>> LEAVING A SMALL STRIP STILL ATTACHED TO THE CAR WITH THOSE SPOT WELDS, ONCE I GET ALL THE WAY AROUND THE ROOF THE SKIN PEELS RIGHT OFF KINDA LIKE AN ORANGE. [ METAL CLANGING ]
(JOE)>> WELL HERE IS SOME OF THAT ROT TOMMY REFERRED TO AND IT'S IN SEVERAL PLACES AROUND THE ROOF, BUT IT'S SOMETHING YOU'D HAVE TO EXPECT FROM A 45-YEAROLD CAR, AND IT'S SOMETHING EASILY REMEDIED WITH A LITTLE PATCH WORK.
(TOMMY)>> AFTER MARKING THE AREA THAT YOU WANT TO CUT OUT, WITH A CUTTING WHEEL ON A GRINDER, THE METAL CAN BE REMOVED PRETTY EASILY. YOU WANT TO CUT A LITTLE BIT OUTSIDE OF WHERE THE ROT IS, BUT DON'T GET TOO CRAZY OR YOU'LL JUST MAKE A BIGGER HOLE THAT WILL MEAN MORE WORK.
(JOE)>> A SANDING DISC IS USEFUL TO HELP DRESS THE AREA WHERE THE NEW PANEL WILL BE WELDED IN, AND ONCE WE'VE REPLICATED THE CURVATURE AND SHAPE OF THE OLD ONE, WE CAN BEGIN FITTING IT. SINCE THIS PART OF THE CAR ISN'T FLAT, YOU'LL WANT TO TACK THE PIECE AND SHAPE THE METAL TO FIT. ONCE IT'S LAID DOWN FLUSH WITH THE STOCK PANEL YOU CAN TACK IT IN THE REST OF THE WAY AND BEGIN WELDING IT IN FOR GOOD. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> YOU MAY BE WONDERING WHY I CUT THIS OFF HERE INSTEAD OF LEAVING IT ONE LONG PIECE. WELL, I'VE GOT TO REPLACE THIS APILLAR AND I DON'T WANT TO BE FIGHTING IT. SO I JUST WENT AHEAD AND SLICED AND WE'LL FIX IT LATER. [ GRINDER BUZZING ] ONCE IT'S WELDED IN, WE'LL DRESS THE WELDS WITH A GRINDER AND THEN REPAIR THE REST OF THE BAD SPOTS. WITH THE RUST TREATED, NOW WE'RE READY TO START FITTING THE APILLAR. ONCE I GOT IT IN PLACE, I'M GONNA MAKE A FEW MARKS SO I CAN PUNCH SOME HOLES IN IT FOR THE PLUG WELDS. THEN WE'LL BE READY TO WELD THIS THING UP AND THIS CALF WILL BE ROPED. [ Music ] WITH THE PILLAR IN PLACE, I CAN MAKE A FEW MARKS FOR THE HOLES THAT NEED TO BE PUT FOR THE NEW SPOT WELDS. THEN I'LL GRAB OUR MATCO METAL PUNCH AND MAKE SOME HOLES, 'TIL THEM COWS COME HOME. [ Music ] [ WELDER CRACKLING ]
(JOE)>> WE'VE TURNED THE CORNER NOW, AND INSTEAD OF DELETING SPOT WELDS WE'RE MAKING MORE OF THEM. THESE OLD CARS WERE HELD TOGETHER BY A TON OF THESE THINGS. [ WELDER CRACKLING ]
(TOMMY)>> AFTER THE WELDS ARE IN PLACE, A LITTLE BIT OF GRINDING WILL DRESS THEM UP AND FLATTEN THEM DOWN JUST LIKE THEY NEED TO BE. ONCE ALL THAT'S DONE OUR NEW APILLAR IS INSTALLED. PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT THE WHOLE DEAL. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK? [ CHEERING ] [ VACUUM HUMMING ]
(JOE)>> WELL NOW THAT THE APILLAR WORK IS BEHIND US WE CAN START GIVING THIS CHALLENGER A ROOF USING THOSE REPLACEMENT PARTS WE SHOWED YOU EARLIER. BECAUSE OF ALIGNMENT ISSUES, THE ROOF SKIN HAS GOT TO GO ON BEFORE THE DRIP RAILS. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> GO AHEAD AND GET ON UP TOP. [ Music ] THAT'S PRETTY GOOD, JUST NEED A CLAMP. [ Music ]
(JOE)>> I THINK THIS THING'S GONNA FIT. [ Music ] THE DRIP RAIL GOES HERE UNDER THE ROOF SKIN, WHICH LIKE I SAID WE'LL USE TO LOCATE THE RAIL IN ITS NEW HOME. A COUPLE OF TACKS FROM THE BOTTOM SIDE ARE A HANDY WAY TO KEEP THE RAIL IN PLACE AFTER YOU PULL THE SKIN BACK OFF. YOU HAVE TO DO THAT IN ORDER TO ACCESS THE TOP OF THE RAIL TO PLACE THE SPOT WELDS.
(TOMMY)>> WITH THE ROOF SKIN BACK IN PLACE, WE CAN FINALLY START GETTING WELDED BACK TO THE CAR. THERE'S JUST A FEW SPOT WELDS HERE, THEN A FEW MORE HERE, A FEW MORE RIGHT OVER HERE.
(JOE)>> ONCE THOSE ARE BURNED IN YOU CAN CUT THOSE TACKS OFF THE BOTTOM. NOW YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRESS THESE WELDS. NOBODY'S GONNA SEE THEM, BUT THAT'S UP TO YOU. [ Music ] [ METAL CLANGING ] [ WELDER CRACKLING ]
(KATIE)>> STICK AROUND AS PROJECT ULTRAVIOLET GETS CLOSER TO BECOMING ONE WICKED RIDE.
(JOE)>> SO FAR ON OUR '70 CHALLENGER, PROJECT ULTRAVIOLET WE'VE BROUGHT IN SOME REAL HEAVY HITTERS, LIKE JEFF SCHWARTZ FROM SCHWARTZ PERFORMANCE, WHO HELPED US INSTALL ONE OF THEIR GMACHINE CHASSIS. AND RUSS FLAGLE FROM INDY CYLINDER HEAD BUILT US AN ALL ALUMINUM HEMI FOR THE OLD DODGE. SO, IN KEEPING WITH THAT SPIRIT, WE'RE TURNING THE BODY AND PAINT WORK OVER TO ONE OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.
(TOMMY)>> YOU'VE SEEN US WORK WITH CHRIS RYAN BEFORE. HE'S THE GUY THAT BUILT THIS INCREDIBLE '53 CADILLAC, ROOT BEER FLOAT, ALONG WITH HIS TEAM AT RYAN'S ROD AND CUSTOM IN 96, SOUTH CAROLINA. HE ALSO LENT US A HAND ON OUR GIVEAWAY MONTE CARLO... [ PAINT GUN HISSING ]
(TOMMY)>> ...AS WELL AS OUR GIVEAWAY BANDIT STYLE TRANS AM. [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(CHRIS)>> WHAT WE'RE GONNA DO IS TAKE THE BODY BACK TO THE SHOP. WE'RE GONNA EVALUATE THE METAL WORK THAT'S BEEN DONE TO IT, STRAIGHTEN UP ANYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. TURN IT BACK. I THINK THE STRIPE'S GONNA BE THE MOST DIFFICULT PART TO LAY OUT OF IT. WE'VE KINDA GOT SOME OPEN ROOM TO LAY OUT THE STRIPE. IT'S GONNA BE AN AWESOME CAR. I MEAN A '70'S MOPAR WITH A 426 IN IT IS ICONIC.
(JOE)>> WELCOME TO SOUTH CAROLINA, HOME OF RYAN'S ROD AND CUSTOM. THESE GUYS WORK ON EVERYTHING FROM PREWAR RESTORATIONS TO MUSCLE CARS AND STREET RODS. THE TEAM HAS BEEN REAL BUSY GETTING THE CHALLENGER PREPPED FOR THE PAINT WORK THAT'S SOON TO COME.
(CHRIS)>> THE METAL WORK WAS PRETTY WELL DONE. WE STRAIGHTENED IT UP A LITTLE BIT AND ANY OTHER IMPERFECTIONS. WE COATED IT WITH FOUR COATS OF POLY PRIMER AND CONTINUED MORE BLOCK SANDING, AND BLOCK SANDED, AND BLOCK SANDED, AND BLOCK SANDED. WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS A COPY OF THE RENDERING. YOU CAN SEE THE WHITE GRAPHICS ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR. SO, OUR FIRST STEP OF THIS PROCESS IS TO SPRAY THIS WHOLE SECTION HERE WITH THE WHITE BASE.
(TOMMY)>> THE PAINT SCHEME FOR THIS CAR WAS DESIGNED BY DALE SWANSON AT DALE SWANSON ARTWORKS, AND HE REALLY KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK FOR US, INCORPORATING CLASSIC MOPAR STYLING CUES WITH A CUSTOM TOUCH.
(CHRIS)>> THIS IS THE MID COAT. THIS REALLY DOESN'T HAVE A LOT OF PIGMENT INTO IT. IT'S JUST BASICALLY AN INNER COAT CLEAR THAT'S CARRYING THE PEARL ITSELF. THIS IS WHAT'S GONNA GIVE IT THE POP, THE PIZAZZ ON TOP OF THAT WHITE. [ PAINT GUN HISSING ] [ Music ]
(CHRIS)>> WE'RE GETTING READY TO LAY DOWN THE GRAPHICS ON PROJECT ULTRAVIOLET. WE'RE GONNA USE THIS YELLOW TAPE HERE AS MORE OF A MEASURING DEVICE. AS WE LAY IT ON THE BODY LINE, IT'LL GIVE US PERFECT THREE QUARTERS DISTANCE TO LAY OFF OUR ACTUAL STRIPE TAPE. [ Music ] GET THE BOTTOM. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> THIS GREEN MASKING TAPE GIVES A SHARPER PAINT LINE THAN THE YELLOW TAPE DOES. SO THAT'S WHAT GETS USED TO CREATE THE GRAPHIC. ONCE THE EDGE IS LAID DOWN THE YELLOW TAPE CAN GO AWAY. ANOTHER PIECE OF THE YELLOW TAPE IS USED TO MAKE A THREE QUARTER INCH SPLIT IN THE GRAPHIC, CREATING THE TWO LINES.
(JOE)>> CHRIS IS MEASURING TO MAKE SURE THAT THE LINES WILL BE EVEN. AFTER ALL YOU CAN'T BE TOO PARTICULAR WHEN IT COMES TO PAINT. AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO DO THESE GRAPHICS IS TO PAINT THE CAR PURPLE FIRST. THEN MASK THE WHOLE THING OFF LEAVING THE STRIPE AREA BARE AND SPRAYING IT WHITE, BUT THAT INVOLVES A LOT MORE TAPING. [ Music ]
(CHRIS)>> ALRIGHT, WE'RE GETTING READY TO PREP THE CAROLINA VIOLET PAINT THAT WAS CUSTOM MIXED BY OUR FRIENDS AT SINGLE SOURCE IN NASHVILLE.
(JOE)>> WE CONSIDERED A FEW DIFFERENT NAMES FOR THIS SHADE OF PURPLE, WHICH IS A MUCH MORE METALLIC AND SLIGHTLY MORE VIBRANT VARIATION ON THE CLASSIC MOPAR COLOR PLUM CRAZY PURPLE. WE DECIDED ON CAROLINA VIOLET BECAUSE, HEY, IT'S GETTING PAINTED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, SO WHY NOT?
(TOMMY)>> AFTER MULTIPLE COATS THE BASE HAS TO DRY JUST A BIT BEFORE THE TAPE CAN BE PULLED. SO, IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER BREAK. [ BELL RINGING ]
(CHRIS)>> RING THE BELL. [ Music ]
(JOE)>> THIS IS THE BIG REVEAL, WHERE WE GET TO SEE HOW THE GRAPHICS TURNED OUT. LOOKING PRETTY GOOD! [ PAINT GUN HISSING ] NOW THE CLEAR COAT CAN BE LAID DOWN, AND AFTER THREE COATS VOILA!
(CHRIS)>> WE GET THIS THING OUT IN THE SUN AND THAT CAROLINA VIOLET REALLY POPS, AND THOSE GRAPHICS THAT WE DUPLICATED OF THE RENDERING, THEY LOOK LIKE THEY CAME STRAIGHT OUT OF A '70'S MOPAR WITH JUST A LITTLE BIT OF A TWIST. I THINK THE CAR CAME OUT AWESOME. I LOVE THE UPDATE LOOK OF A CLASSIC MOPAR.
(KATIE)>> UP NEXT, OUR MAGNIFICENT MOPAR MUSCLE MONSTER HITS THE TRACK.
(TOMMY)>> WE'VE GOT OUR CONES SET UP AND WE'VE GOT SOME PRETTY BIG PLANS FOR TODAY. SO, WE BROUGHT IN A GUEST, BRIAN FINCH. YOU ALL HAVE SEEN HIM ON THE SHOW BEFORE. HE'S HELPED OUT A LOT WITH OUR PROJECTS. BRIAN FIRST THING TODAY, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
(BRIAN)>> WELL WITH ANY NEW BUILD THE FIRST THING WE WANT TO DO IS BASE LINE THIS CAR, RIGHT? GO OUT, PUT SOME LAP DOWN, TAKE SOME TIMES, TAKE SOME MEASUREMENTS, AND THEN START ADJUSTING. SEE IF WE CAN MAKE IT FASTER. YOU KNOW YOU'RE ALWAYS WANTING TO LOOK A TURN OR TWO AHEAD TO PUT YOUR CAR IN POSITION.
(MARC)>> HE'S GONNA GIVE US A RUNDOWN OF HOW TO HANDLE THIS COURSE.
(BRIAN)>> STAY NICE AND TIGHT, THERE YOU GO. ANOTHER 180, BACK AROUND THIS WAY.
(MARC)>> HE'S ALSO GAUGING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR. FOR EXAMPLE, HE NOTICED OUR FRONT TIRES ARE PUSHING IN THE CORNERS A BIT. [ TIRES SQUEALING ]
(BRIAN)>> THERE YOU GO, STRAIGHT AHEAD, STRAIGHT AHEAD. [ Music ] [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(BRIAN)>> GO AHEAD AND SHORT SHIFT INTO SECOND. [ Music ] BACK AND FORTH.
(MARC)>> WOW, THAT CAM, HUH?
(TOMMY)>> A COURSE LIKE THIS TAKES A LITTLE GETTING USED TO, BUT AFTER A COUPLE OF LAPS WITH BRIAN... [ ENGINE REVVING ] ...YOU GET A LOT MORE CONFIDENCE AS WELL AS A BETTER FEEL FOR THE CAR. [ Music ] [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ Music ] [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(TOMMY)>> AFTER ADJUSTING CAMBER, TOE, AND CORNER WEIGHTS, BRIAN HITS THE COURSE TO SEE HOW ULTRAVIOLET WILL REACT. ALREADY YOU CAN TELL THAT THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY THE CAR TAKES THESE CORNERS. LESS LEAN, NO TIRE PUSH, AND NOW WE CAN PUT THAT BIG HEMI TO WAY MORE USE. WE'VE EASILY CUT A FEW SECONDS OFF THE TIME IT TAKES TO MAKE IT AROUND THE COURSE. [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ Music ] [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ TIRES SQUEALING ] [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ Music ]
(MARC)>> IT ACTUALLY HANDLES SO MUCH DIFFERENTLY FROM BEFORE THAT DRIVING IT TAKES A LITTLE GETTING USED TO AGAIN. [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(MARC)>> LOOKS LIKE TOM GOT A LITTLE EXCITED. [ TIRES SQUEALING ] [ BLEEP ]
(MARC)>> WE'LL LET HIM TAKE ANOTHER STAB AT IT. [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ TIRES SQUEALING ]
(MARC)>> THIS TIME HE'S LOOKING A LOT BETTER. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> THE CLOCK DOESN'T LIE, AND WHAT IT'S TELLING US IS THAT THOSE ADJUSTMENTS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN RUNNING THE COURSE FASTER. WITH MORE TIME WE COULD KEEP WHITTLING IT DOWN EVEN FURTHER, BUT THIS WILL DO IT FOR NOW. THE DODGE RAN PRETTY GOOD AND IT RAN EVEN BETTER WITH THE HELP OF OUR BUDDY BRIAN FINCH. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
(BRIAN)>> ANY TIME TOM, MY PLEASURE.
(TOMMY)>> WE'LL LET HIM FINISH UP.
(KATIE)>> WHAT A COOL RESTO RIDE. NOW I HAVE A FEELING PROJECT ULTRAVIOLET WILL BE TURNING HEADS AND TURNING CORNERS FAST. IF IT'S HIGH PERFORMANCE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED RIGHT HERE ON POWERNATION BUILDS.
Show Full Transcript
[ ENGINES REVVING ] [ Music ]
(KATIE)>> WELCOME TO POWERNATION BUILDS. YOU MOPAR FANS ARE IN FOR A TREAT AS WE HAVE A RESCUED 1970 CHALLENGER. HERE'S DETROIT MUSCLE!
(JOE)>> IN RECENT MONTHS WE'VE COMBED THE COUNTRYSIDE LOOKING FOR DETROIT TREASURES, EXPLORING BONE YARDS AND BARNS. WE'VE PLAYED DETECTIVE BY DECODING CARS TO REVEAL THEIR FACTORY ORIGINS.
(TOMMY)>> WE'VE SHARED TIPS ON HOW TO LOOK FOR PROJECT CANDIDATES, AND MOSTLY WE'VE JUST GOT A KICK OUT OF SEEING WHAT WE COULD UNCOVER.
(JOE)>> BUT THIS TIME WE MEAN BUSINESS. IN FACT, WE'RE ON A SERIOUS HUNT FOR OUR NEXT PROJECT VEHICLE.
(TOMMY)>> YEAH, WE'VE GOT WORD FROM A FRIEND OF A FRIEND OF A FRIEND THAT'S GOT SEVERAL OF THOSE PROJECT CARS. SO, WE THOUGHT WE'D COME CHECK HIM OUT AND WE CAME PREPARED. WE'VE GOT SOME CASH AND A TRAILER, AND HOPING WE GO HOME WITH SOMETHING.
(JOE)>> SOMETHING LIKE THIS, 1970 CHALLENGER R/T. ONE OF THE MOST DESIRABLE, SOUGHT AFTER MUSCLE CARS IN THE WORLD. OF COURSE SOME PEOPLE WOULD REFER TO THIS ONE AS A BASKET CASE.
(TOMMY)>> AT FIRST GLANCE IT CAN BE REALLY INTIMIDATING, BUT THE BEAUTY BEHIND BUYING A CAR IN THIS STYLE CONDITION, WELL SOME OF THE WORK OF DISASSEMBLY IS ALREADY DONE AND YOU GET TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT THE CONDITION OF THE BODY IS IN. IT'S KINDA LIKE THIS SHIFTER HOLE HERE. NOW I CAN TELL YOU IT LOOKS LIKE SOMEBODY'S CUT IT OUT WITH A TORCH AND A PAIR OF VICE GRIPS, BUT IT'S NO BIG DEAL. IT CAN BE REPAIRED, BUT YOU WOULD NEVER SEE THIS WITH THE SHIFTER BOOT AND THE CARPET LAYING IN PLACE.
(JOE)>> WELL THIS OLD CHALLENGER'S MISSING AN ENGINE AND TRANS, WHICH IS FINE WITH US CAUSE WE'VE GOT PLANS WE'LL TELL YOU ABOUT LATER. IT'S ALSO MISSING A FENDER TAG, WHICH USUALLY GOES THERE, THAT TELLS YOU ABOUT ALL THE OPTIONS. NOT TO WORRY THOUGH, STILL GOT THE VIN NUMBER AND THAT TELLS US A LOT TOO. WELL, A LITTLE RUST LIKE THIS, NO BIG DEAL ON A CAR LIKE THIS. I'M KINDA EXCITED, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
(TOMMY)>> YEAH, IF THE DOORS AND FENDER IS AS NICE AS THE CAR ITSELF, WE'VE GOT US A CANDIDATE. WE'LL JUST HAVE TO SEE IF WE CAN GET IT HOME TODAY.
(JOE)>> LET'S GO TALK TO HIM.
(TOMMY)>> GETTING THE DEAL DONE WAS A LOT EASIER THAN GETTING THE CHALLENGER OUT OF THE LOT AND ONTO OUR TRAILER, BUT AT LAST WE'RE HOMEWARD BOUND WITH WHAT PROMISES TO BE OUR MOST EXCITING PROJECT EVER.
(JOE)>> WELL WE MADE IT BACK TO THE SHOP IN ONE PIECE WITH OUR NEWLY ACQUIRED '70 CHALLENGER. OF COURSE, IT'S IN SEVERAL PIECES, AND HAPPY TO SAY THAT THE FENDERS AND DOORS, LIKE THE REST OF THE BODY WE SHOWED YOU, ARE IN GREAT CONDITION CONSIDERING THEY'RE ALMOST 45 YEARS OLD. CASE IN POINT, NO RUST AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS DOOR, ESPECIALLY IN THE CORNER WHERE YOU OFTEN FIND IT IN CARS THIS OLD AND LOOKS LIKE ORIGINAL PAINT TOO.
(TOMMY)>> WE'LL START WITH THE EASY STUFF. ALL THE PIECES THAT AREN'T ATTACHED AND THE ACCESSIBLE BITS LIKE THE HOOD HINGES. EVERYTHING WE'RE REMOVING IS GOING TO BE GENTLY LAID OUT AND ACCOUNTED FOR. SOME OF THIS WON'T BE REUSED BUT A LOT OF IT WILL, AND YOU DON'T WANT TO ACCIDENTALLY DESTROY A PIECE THAT CAN'T BE BOUGHT, ESPECIALLY YOU RESTO GUYS. [ Music ]
(JOE)>> THE STEERING COLUMN GETS DETACHED FROM THE BOX. THEN A COUPLE OF BOLTS MEAN IT CAN BE REMOVED. THE DASH IS A LITTLE MORE INVOLVED WITH SOME PRETTY TRICKY BOLTS TO DEAL WITH, BUT LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IT COMES OUT TOO. THEN THE HEATER BOX IS AN EASY VICTIM AS WELL AS THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> THIS SIDE'S OUT. [ Music ]
(JOE)>> NOW WE CAN MOVE ON TO THE REAR SUSPENSION. THIS LEAF SPRING SETUP IS A PRETTY FAMILIAR CONFIGURATION FOR MUSCLE CARS. WE'll UNBOLT THE SHACKLES ON THE BACK OF THEM. THEN THE FRONT PERCH CAN BE REMOVED WITH FOUR BOLTS, AND THE REAR END IS NOW DETACHED FROM OUR MOPAR. [ MECHANICAL HUMMING ]
(TOMMY)>> SINCE WE'RE ABOUT TO HEAD TO THE BLASTER, WE'LL BUT THE BODY ON A ROTISSERIE TO MAKE MOVING IT AND BLASTING IT A WHOLE LOT EASIER. [ MEDIA GUN HISSING ]
(JOE)>> AND A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER OURS IS BACK FROM THE BLASTER. WE'VE GOT A GOOD BIT OF METAL WORK AHEAD OF US, INCLUDING A ROOF REPLACEMENT, BUT WE EXPECTED THAT. YOU KNOW IT'S A FUNNY THING, BUT WE'VE HAD TALKS ABOUT WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THE 1970 DODGE CHALLENGER EVEN BEFORE WE GOT ONE, AND WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT HOW WE COULD MAKE A GREAT THING EVEN GREATER. WE LIKE THE UNMISTAKABLE SHAKER HOOD OPTION, AND WE LIKE THE FACT THAT THEY WERE BUILT TO GO FAST, WITH ENGINE OPTIONS LIKE THE 440 AND 426 HEMI. WE ALSO LIKE THE IDEA OF A MANUAL FOUR ON THE FLOOR TRANS WITH A PISTOL GRIP SHIFTER, AND THE FACT THEY CAME IN SUCH BRIGHT, CRAZY COLORS.
(TOMMY)>> HOW COULD WE IMPROVE FROM THE ORIGINAL? HOW ABOUT TAKING THAT OLD SCHOOL HEMI AND SLAPPING ON SOME FUEL INJECTION, AND THEN TAKING THAT COOL PISTOL GRIP SHIFTER AND ADDING A COUPLE OF GEARS WITH A SIX SPEED. WE ALSO WANT TO UPGRADE THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION OF THIS RIDE BY MAKING IT DRIVE AND RIDE LIKE A MODERN PERFORMANCE CAR. AND EITHER WAY YOU'RE DOING A RIDE LIKE THIS, IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO KEEP A CLEAR PICTURE OF THIS THING IN YOUR MIND, OR ON PAPER. SO HERE IT IS, THANKS TO THIS AWESOME RENDERING DONE BY OUR FRIEND DALE SWANSON AT SWANSON ARTWORK, WHO DOES A LOT OF OUR PREBUILD ART. THE COLOR'S WHAT THE FACTORY CALLED PLUM CRAZY PURPLE IN 1970. SO WE'RE PROUDLY NAMING OUR PROJECT CAR ULTRA VIOLET. HE EVEN GAVE US A PERSONAL SLANT ON THE CLASSIC R/T STRIPES. SO THAT'S OUR GAME. TAKE THE ICONIC PARTS OF THIS CAR AND RAMP THEM UP TO THE MAX.
(KATIE)>> LIKE ANY GREAT PROJECT, YOU'VE GOT TO TEAR IT DOWN BEFORE YOU BUILD IT UP.
(JOE)>> THE BEAUTY OF THE SHEAR BIT IS HOW IT MAKES SUPER QUICK WORK OF THAT SHEET METAL, BUT IF YOU'RE NOT CAREFUL IT CAN ALSO BE ITS DRAW BACK. RIGHT NOW WE'RE JUST TRYING TO CUT THE SKIN OF THE ROOF. WE DON'T WANT TO GET INTO THE STRUCTURAL PIECES OR THE EDGE WHERE THE SPOT WELDS ARE. [ AIR SAW VIBRATING ]
(TOMMY)>> LEAVING A SMALL STRIP STILL ATTACHED TO THE CAR WITH THOSE SPOT WELDS, ONCE I GET ALL THE WAY AROUND THE ROOF THE SKIN PEELS RIGHT OFF KINDA LIKE AN ORANGE. [ METAL CLANGING ]
(JOE)>> WELL HERE IS SOME OF THAT ROT TOMMY REFERRED TO AND IT'S IN SEVERAL PLACES AROUND THE ROOF, BUT IT'S SOMETHING YOU'D HAVE TO EXPECT FROM A 45-YEAROLD CAR, AND IT'S SOMETHING EASILY REMEDIED WITH A LITTLE PATCH WORK.
(TOMMY)>> AFTER MARKING THE AREA THAT YOU WANT TO CUT OUT, WITH A CUTTING WHEEL ON A GRINDER, THE METAL CAN BE REMOVED PRETTY EASILY. YOU WANT TO CUT A LITTLE BIT OUTSIDE OF WHERE THE ROT IS, BUT DON'T GET TOO CRAZY OR YOU'LL JUST MAKE A BIGGER HOLE THAT WILL MEAN MORE WORK.
(JOE)>> A SANDING DISC IS USEFUL TO HELP DRESS THE AREA WHERE THE NEW PANEL WILL BE WELDED IN, AND ONCE WE'VE REPLICATED THE CURVATURE AND SHAPE OF THE OLD ONE, WE CAN BEGIN FITTING IT. SINCE THIS PART OF THE CAR ISN'T FLAT, YOU'LL WANT TO TACK THE PIECE AND SHAPE THE METAL TO FIT. ONCE IT'S LAID DOWN FLUSH WITH THE STOCK PANEL YOU CAN TACK IT IN THE REST OF THE WAY AND BEGIN WELDING IT IN FOR GOOD. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> YOU MAY BE WONDERING WHY I CUT THIS OFF HERE INSTEAD OF LEAVING IT ONE LONG PIECE. WELL, I'VE GOT TO REPLACE THIS APILLAR AND I DON'T WANT TO BE FIGHTING IT. SO I JUST WENT AHEAD AND SLICED AND WE'LL FIX IT LATER. [ GRINDER BUZZING ] ONCE IT'S WELDED IN, WE'LL DRESS THE WELDS WITH A GRINDER AND THEN REPAIR THE REST OF THE BAD SPOTS. WITH THE RUST TREATED, NOW WE'RE READY TO START FITTING THE APILLAR. ONCE I GOT IT IN PLACE, I'M GONNA MAKE A FEW MARKS SO I CAN PUNCH SOME HOLES IN IT FOR THE PLUG WELDS. THEN WE'LL BE READY TO WELD THIS THING UP AND THIS CALF WILL BE ROPED. [ Music ] WITH THE PILLAR IN PLACE, I CAN MAKE A FEW MARKS FOR THE HOLES THAT NEED TO BE PUT FOR THE NEW SPOT WELDS. THEN I'LL GRAB OUR MATCO METAL PUNCH AND MAKE SOME HOLES, 'TIL THEM COWS COME HOME. [ Music ] [ WELDER CRACKLING ]
(JOE)>> WE'VE TURNED THE CORNER NOW, AND INSTEAD OF DELETING SPOT WELDS WE'RE MAKING MORE OF THEM. THESE OLD CARS WERE HELD TOGETHER BY A TON OF THESE THINGS. [ WELDER CRACKLING ]
(TOMMY)>> AFTER THE WELDS ARE IN PLACE, A LITTLE BIT OF GRINDING WILL DRESS THEM UP AND FLATTEN THEM DOWN JUST LIKE THEY NEED TO BE. ONCE ALL THAT'S DONE OUR NEW APILLAR IS INSTALLED. PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT THE WHOLE DEAL. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK? [ CHEERING ] [ VACUUM HUMMING ]
(JOE)>> WELL NOW THAT THE APILLAR WORK IS BEHIND US WE CAN START GIVING THIS CHALLENGER A ROOF USING THOSE REPLACEMENT PARTS WE SHOWED YOU EARLIER. BECAUSE OF ALIGNMENT ISSUES, THE ROOF SKIN HAS GOT TO GO ON BEFORE THE DRIP RAILS. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> GO AHEAD AND GET ON UP TOP. [ Music ] THAT'S PRETTY GOOD, JUST NEED A CLAMP. [ Music ]
(JOE)>> I THINK THIS THING'S GONNA FIT. [ Music ] THE DRIP RAIL GOES HERE UNDER THE ROOF SKIN, WHICH LIKE I SAID WE'LL USE TO LOCATE THE RAIL IN ITS NEW HOME. A COUPLE OF TACKS FROM THE BOTTOM SIDE ARE A HANDY WAY TO KEEP THE RAIL IN PLACE AFTER YOU PULL THE SKIN BACK OFF. YOU HAVE TO DO THAT IN ORDER TO ACCESS THE TOP OF THE RAIL TO PLACE THE SPOT WELDS.
(TOMMY)>> WITH THE ROOF SKIN BACK IN PLACE, WE CAN FINALLY START GETTING WELDED BACK TO THE CAR. THERE'S JUST A FEW SPOT WELDS HERE, THEN A FEW MORE HERE, A FEW MORE RIGHT OVER HERE.
(JOE)>> ONCE THOSE ARE BURNED IN YOU CAN CUT THOSE TACKS OFF THE BOTTOM. NOW YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRESS THESE WELDS. NOBODY'S GONNA SEE THEM, BUT THAT'S UP TO YOU. [ Music ] [ METAL CLANGING ] [ WELDER CRACKLING ]
(KATIE)>> STICK AROUND AS PROJECT ULTRAVIOLET GETS CLOSER TO BECOMING ONE WICKED RIDE.
(JOE)>> SO FAR ON OUR '70 CHALLENGER, PROJECT ULTRAVIOLET WE'VE BROUGHT IN SOME REAL HEAVY HITTERS, LIKE JEFF SCHWARTZ FROM SCHWARTZ PERFORMANCE, WHO HELPED US INSTALL ONE OF THEIR GMACHINE CHASSIS. AND RUSS FLAGLE FROM INDY CYLINDER HEAD BUILT US AN ALL ALUMINUM HEMI FOR THE OLD DODGE. SO, IN KEEPING WITH THAT SPIRIT, WE'RE TURNING THE BODY AND PAINT WORK OVER TO ONE OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.
(TOMMY)>> YOU'VE SEEN US WORK WITH CHRIS RYAN BEFORE. HE'S THE GUY THAT BUILT THIS INCREDIBLE '53 CADILLAC, ROOT BEER FLOAT, ALONG WITH HIS TEAM AT RYAN'S ROD AND CUSTOM IN 96, SOUTH CAROLINA. HE ALSO LENT US A HAND ON OUR GIVEAWAY MONTE CARLO... [ PAINT GUN HISSING ]
(TOMMY)>> ...AS WELL AS OUR GIVEAWAY BANDIT STYLE TRANS AM. [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(CHRIS)>> WHAT WE'RE GONNA DO IS TAKE THE BODY BACK TO THE SHOP. WE'RE GONNA EVALUATE THE METAL WORK THAT'S BEEN DONE TO IT, STRAIGHTEN UP ANYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. TURN IT BACK. I THINK THE STRIPE'S GONNA BE THE MOST DIFFICULT PART TO LAY OUT OF IT. WE'VE KINDA GOT SOME OPEN ROOM TO LAY OUT THE STRIPE. IT'S GONNA BE AN AWESOME CAR. I MEAN A '70'S MOPAR WITH A 426 IN IT IS ICONIC.
(JOE)>> WELCOME TO SOUTH CAROLINA, HOME OF RYAN'S ROD AND CUSTOM. THESE GUYS WORK ON EVERYTHING FROM PREWAR RESTORATIONS TO MUSCLE CARS AND STREET RODS. THE TEAM HAS BEEN REAL BUSY GETTING THE CHALLENGER PREPPED FOR THE PAINT WORK THAT'S SOON TO COME.
(CHRIS)>> THE METAL WORK WAS PRETTY WELL DONE. WE STRAIGHTENED IT UP A LITTLE BIT AND ANY OTHER IMPERFECTIONS. WE COATED IT WITH FOUR COATS OF POLY PRIMER AND CONTINUED MORE BLOCK SANDING, AND BLOCK SANDED, AND BLOCK SANDED, AND BLOCK SANDED. WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS A COPY OF THE RENDERING. YOU CAN SEE THE WHITE GRAPHICS ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR. SO, OUR FIRST STEP OF THIS PROCESS IS TO SPRAY THIS WHOLE SECTION HERE WITH THE WHITE BASE.
(TOMMY)>> THE PAINT SCHEME FOR THIS CAR WAS DESIGNED BY DALE SWANSON AT DALE SWANSON ARTWORKS, AND HE REALLY KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK FOR US, INCORPORATING CLASSIC MOPAR STYLING CUES WITH A CUSTOM TOUCH.
(CHRIS)>> THIS IS THE MID COAT. THIS REALLY DOESN'T HAVE A LOT OF PIGMENT INTO IT. IT'S JUST BASICALLY AN INNER COAT CLEAR THAT'S CARRYING THE PEARL ITSELF. THIS IS WHAT'S GONNA GIVE IT THE POP, THE PIZAZZ ON TOP OF THAT WHITE. [ PAINT GUN HISSING ] [ Music ]
(CHRIS)>> WE'RE GETTING READY TO LAY DOWN THE GRAPHICS ON PROJECT ULTRAVIOLET. WE'RE GONNA USE THIS YELLOW TAPE HERE AS MORE OF A MEASURING DEVICE. AS WE LAY IT ON THE BODY LINE, IT'LL GIVE US PERFECT THREE QUARTERS DISTANCE TO LAY OFF OUR ACTUAL STRIPE TAPE. [ Music ] GET THE BOTTOM. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> THIS GREEN MASKING TAPE GIVES A SHARPER PAINT LINE THAN THE YELLOW TAPE DOES. SO THAT'S WHAT GETS USED TO CREATE THE GRAPHIC. ONCE THE EDGE IS LAID DOWN THE YELLOW TAPE CAN GO AWAY. ANOTHER PIECE OF THE YELLOW TAPE IS USED TO MAKE A THREE QUARTER INCH SPLIT IN THE GRAPHIC, CREATING THE TWO LINES.
(JOE)>> CHRIS IS MEASURING TO MAKE SURE THAT THE LINES WILL BE EVEN. AFTER ALL YOU CAN'T BE TOO PARTICULAR WHEN IT COMES TO PAINT. AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO DO THESE GRAPHICS IS TO PAINT THE CAR PURPLE FIRST. THEN MASK THE WHOLE THING OFF LEAVING THE STRIPE AREA BARE AND SPRAYING IT WHITE, BUT THAT INVOLVES A LOT MORE TAPING. [ Music ]
(CHRIS)>> ALRIGHT, WE'RE GETTING READY TO PREP THE CAROLINA VIOLET PAINT THAT WAS CUSTOM MIXED BY OUR FRIENDS AT SINGLE SOURCE IN NASHVILLE.
(JOE)>> WE CONSIDERED A FEW DIFFERENT NAMES FOR THIS SHADE OF PURPLE, WHICH IS A MUCH MORE METALLIC AND SLIGHTLY MORE VIBRANT VARIATION ON THE CLASSIC MOPAR COLOR PLUM CRAZY PURPLE. WE DECIDED ON CAROLINA VIOLET BECAUSE, HEY, IT'S GETTING PAINTED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, SO WHY NOT?
(TOMMY)>> AFTER MULTIPLE COATS THE BASE HAS TO DRY JUST A BIT BEFORE THE TAPE CAN BE PULLED. SO, IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER BREAK. [ BELL RINGING ]
(CHRIS)>> RING THE BELL. [ Music ]
(JOE)>> THIS IS THE BIG REVEAL, WHERE WE GET TO SEE HOW THE GRAPHICS TURNED OUT. LOOKING PRETTY GOOD! [ PAINT GUN HISSING ] NOW THE CLEAR COAT CAN BE LAID DOWN, AND AFTER THREE COATS VOILA!
(CHRIS)>> WE GET THIS THING OUT IN THE SUN AND THAT CAROLINA VIOLET REALLY POPS, AND THOSE GRAPHICS THAT WE DUPLICATED OF THE RENDERING, THEY LOOK LIKE THEY CAME STRAIGHT OUT OF A '70'S MOPAR WITH JUST A LITTLE BIT OF A TWIST. I THINK THE CAR CAME OUT AWESOME. I LOVE THE UPDATE LOOK OF A CLASSIC MOPAR.
(KATIE)>> UP NEXT, OUR MAGNIFICENT MOPAR MUSCLE MONSTER HITS THE TRACK.
(TOMMY)>> WE'VE GOT OUR CONES SET UP AND WE'VE GOT SOME PRETTY BIG PLANS FOR TODAY. SO, WE BROUGHT IN A GUEST, BRIAN FINCH. YOU ALL HAVE SEEN HIM ON THE SHOW BEFORE. HE'S HELPED OUT A LOT WITH OUR PROJECTS. BRIAN FIRST THING TODAY, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
(BRIAN)>> WELL WITH ANY NEW BUILD THE FIRST THING WE WANT TO DO IS BASE LINE THIS CAR, RIGHT? GO OUT, PUT SOME LAP DOWN, TAKE SOME TIMES, TAKE SOME MEASUREMENTS, AND THEN START ADJUSTING. SEE IF WE CAN MAKE IT FASTER. YOU KNOW YOU'RE ALWAYS WANTING TO LOOK A TURN OR TWO AHEAD TO PUT YOUR CAR IN POSITION.
(MARC)>> HE'S GONNA GIVE US A RUNDOWN OF HOW TO HANDLE THIS COURSE.
(BRIAN)>> STAY NICE AND TIGHT, THERE YOU GO. ANOTHER 180, BACK AROUND THIS WAY.
(MARC)>> HE'S ALSO GAUGING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR. FOR EXAMPLE, HE NOTICED OUR FRONT TIRES ARE PUSHING IN THE CORNERS A BIT. [ TIRES SQUEALING ]
(BRIAN)>> THERE YOU GO, STRAIGHT AHEAD, STRAIGHT AHEAD. [ Music ] [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(BRIAN)>> GO AHEAD AND SHORT SHIFT INTO SECOND. [ Music ] BACK AND FORTH.
(MARC)>> WOW, THAT CAM, HUH?
(TOMMY)>> A COURSE LIKE THIS TAKES A LITTLE GETTING USED TO, BUT AFTER A COUPLE OF LAPS WITH BRIAN... [ ENGINE REVVING ] ...YOU GET A LOT MORE CONFIDENCE AS WELL AS A BETTER FEEL FOR THE CAR. [ Music ] [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ Music ] [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(TOMMY)>> AFTER ADJUSTING CAMBER, TOE, AND CORNER WEIGHTS, BRIAN HITS THE COURSE TO SEE HOW ULTRAVIOLET WILL REACT. ALREADY YOU CAN TELL THAT THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY THE CAR TAKES THESE CORNERS. LESS LEAN, NO TIRE PUSH, AND NOW WE CAN PUT THAT BIG HEMI TO WAY MORE USE. WE'VE EASILY CUT A FEW SECONDS OFF THE TIME IT TAKES TO MAKE IT AROUND THE COURSE. [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ Music ] [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ TIRES SQUEALING ] [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ Music ]
(MARC)>> IT ACTUALLY HANDLES SO MUCH DIFFERENTLY FROM BEFORE THAT DRIVING IT TAKES A LITTLE GETTING USED TO AGAIN. [ ENGINE REVVING ]
(MARC)>> LOOKS LIKE TOM GOT A LITTLE EXCITED. [ TIRES SQUEALING ] [ BLEEP ]
(MARC)>> WE'LL LET HIM TAKE ANOTHER STAB AT IT. [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ TIRES SQUEALING ]
(MARC)>> THIS TIME HE'S LOOKING A LOT BETTER. [ Music ]
(TOMMY)>> THE CLOCK DOESN'T LIE, AND WHAT IT'S TELLING US IS THAT THOSE ADJUSTMENTS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN RUNNING THE COURSE FASTER. WITH MORE TIME WE COULD KEEP WHITTLING IT DOWN EVEN FURTHER, BUT THIS WILL DO IT FOR NOW. THE DODGE RAN PRETTY GOOD AND IT RAN EVEN BETTER WITH THE HELP OF OUR BUDDY BRIAN FINCH. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
(BRIAN)>> ANY TIME TOM, MY PLEASURE.
(TOMMY)>> WE'LL LET HIM FINISH UP.
(KATIE)>> WHAT A COOL RESTO RIDE. NOW I HAVE A FEELING PROJECT ULTRAVIOLET WILL BE TURNING HEADS AND TURNING CORNERS FAST. IF IT'S HIGH PERFORMANCE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED RIGHT HERE ON POWERNATION BUILDS.
