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Rich Evans SEMA Challenger Blog
September 29, 2010
Here we are six weeks out on the Challenger build. The excitement keeps building every day!
I am done building the plugs and now I need to modify the ones that are going to be built out of polyurethane. I decided to use polyurethane because of its durability, but there is a real science to working with it and it's important to be precise. This is pretty tricky because I actually have to lengthen the plug and cut what I have created to be a perfect fit. This includes cutting it and stretching it according to how I think the polyurethane is going to heat up and stretch.
After this process I will be ready to make the molds, starting with the headliner. The headliner will be made out of fiberglass along with the scoop and rear wing. The front spoiler, left and right rockers, left and right flares, and the rear spoiler will be made out of polyurethane. This is really cool because anybody will be able to remove their OE spoiler and my custom made spoiler will bolt up to the factory mount, with no fit issues. It's as easy as pulling the old one off and popping this one on.
The left and right rockers will be mounted with six screws so I will have to do minimal drilling. With the flares, I have created a reference from the flare to the rocker where I cannot put it together incorrectly. I have also created a reference from the rear of the flare to the rear spoiler. I spent extra time doing this to make sure the process is simplified and there is an easy install. Anyone that chooses to customize their Challenger with these parts will not have to worry about lining it up perfectly, and can transform the car in just a couple of hours.
I am also moving forward with the wheels and tires. The tire sizes are 305/40 R 22 for the rear and 265/35 R20 for the front. The rear tire will be 12" wide, and the front tire will be 9" wide, which is pretty big. For the show wheels, I am using BFGoodrich® KDW G4s.
In addition, I am also creating a set of wheels for drag racing so that I can be safe on the track. I am working with Richard Bogart on the racing wheels, which will be 17x10 in the rear and 17x5.5 in the front. For the race tire, we will be using a 205/50 R17 Sport for the front and the rear will be a 205/40 R17 Drag Radio.
On the inside of the car, I have torn out the door panels, rear package tray, and interior moldings such as the armrest. I am currently at the point of prepping these panels to be wrapped in Katzkin® leather. The finishing will be done by Revo and his gang at Stitchcraft.
Here at Rich Evans Designs, we are making inserts for the panels so that everyone can transform their own interior to whatever they like. I am also into the layout of the design for the exterior of the car, and I am hoping to bring a design package to the market.
I am awaiting the arrival of the motor later this month, which should give me plenty of time to drop it in and add some cool HEMI® action to the car. The engineers at Mopar® are really putting a lot into creating this HEMI® monster and I am excited to get my hands on it. I will go into more detail about the motor in future blogs.
Time is drifting away, steps are moving forward, and the excitement is rising for me and my crew. I expect that there will be a lot of movement in the coming weeks.
(Read Blog- July 15, 2010)
(Read Blog- August 6, 2010)
(Read Blog- September 1, 2010)
(Read Blog- September 16, 2010)
(Read Blog- September 29, 2010)
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