Johan Challenger funny car "Ram Rod"

[Fortheloveofgassers]

Hello fellow drag fans. I just purchased the Johan Ram Rod, Upon examining the Challenger body it seems too short to be a period correct funny car. Am I wrong? A little research on line seems to indicate the MPC Cuda funny car was too short and was just a stock Cuda body in a funny car kit. Did the Johan kit suffer from the same fate. I appreciate any input and wouldn't even ask if I had the 1:1 version in my garage.

[jeffaary]

Many of the MPC models of that era were just street car bodies slapped on a funny car chassis. However, the Johan Ram Rod (and the Gene Snow Rambunctious) is an excellent representation of the early 1970 Challlenger body and chassis. Up until about 1/2 way through 1970 Mopar funny car bodies still had molded-in grille and tail light details. Here's the early style 1970 Tom Hoover White Bear Challenger:

Later in 1970 the bodies and chassis got streamlined. The front end became a flat panel with painted grille details. Here's the 1971 Color Me Gone:

If you are building an early style 1970 Challenger, you should use the Ram Rod. If you are building a later sytle you should use a resin body.

Edited September 25, 2012 by jeffaary

[gtx6970]

Actually, the Johan body is pretty accurate,,,,,all depending on WHO's car you plan to build and at what time in the season.

And I think the Johan kit has a grille blockoff panel to do later in the season replicas.

As an example early 1970 season the Ramchargers Challenger has a stock grille - late 1970 season it had a flush ft end like the CMG car above

Like mentioned, the AMT and/or MPC bodies are just stock length - stock wheelbase promo bodies

[Fortheloveofgassers]

Wow thanks for all the replies. I sure am glad there are more knowledgable out then me. Love the pictures!

[nnilser]

Hello fortheloveofgassers,
i have found an old jo-han challenger kit just before xmas at the goodwill.
sadly it was built already but since i am a ok builder ive decided to strip it down and rebuild it. So far its been, well, alot of work.
Ive learned alot about the car along the way, despite very little information especially photos.
i would be happy to share what i found.
I spent some time working on the Keith Black engine.
But i wanted to ask how your model turned out- 12 yrs later- and maybe if you can share some stories with me on my build?
i am soon to tackle fuel system, front suspension and then the body.
Heres what i have so far.

Edited May 23, 2024 by nnilser