1969 Dodge Charger 500 Legal??

[71GSSDemon]

It seems like a catch 22 of sorts.  The C500 didn't have 500 examples made but was released to the public.  There were 392 made before the switch to Daytona.  Is this added aero legal?  Would it fit in a sub category?  I don't want to go to the full Daytona treatment, but will if I have to.  I have an email out to Mike LeFevre and Steve Davies wasn't 100%.  Anyone have know for sure from previous experience?

[Speed Limit 1000]

Yes, This car is the record holder in AA/CPRO at 237.373 and A/CPRO at 237.862.  I thought that you posted that you have a rule book

[71GSSDemon]

That is the Charger Daytona.  The Charger 500 (C500) was the standard body Charger with a flush mounted Coronet grill and headlights, smooth A pillar covers and the same flush back window as the Daytona kept.  It was the predecessor to the Daytona.  Dodge didn't quite get the aero it needed for dominance from the C500 so they added the nose, wing and fender top scoops.

[71GSSDemon]

Here is a C500.  I do have a rule book, but it states there needs to be 500 copies made.  Dodge didn't make it to 500.  Steve thought it could be ok in a sub category, so while I wait for Mike to reply, I asked here.  I fit in CGALT as of now, but need to know if I can do the C500 changes or not.  Rule book says with ALT i can cover the headlights and grill, so I don't see the issue, but need to know for sure before I change the back window section and trunk lid.

[71GSSDemon]

So I learned that the Chatger 500 isn't legal for competition due to production volumes.  Looks like it may be getting a nose and wing afterall. 

[Stan Back]

I wondered about that.

You can still run it in the "Time Only" category -- probably built the way you would have anyway.  No, you won't get a record, or is that what you were looking for in the first place?

[slowalex]

There is an interesting footnote to the Dodge Charger Daytona story that can be found on Motor Trend and other sites.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/1969-dodge-charger-daytona-history-auction/

All 503 Daytonas built started life as Charger 500s before being shipped to an offsite shop, not owned by Dodge, to get the Daytona transformation.

You might try to argue that this means there were more than 500 examples of the Charger 500 built.
The counter argument is that these cars were not for sale to the general public as Charger 500s, and "sale to the general public" is the wording in the rule book.

[floydjer]

So I learned that the Chatger 500 isn't legal for competition due to production volumes.  Looks like it may be getting a nose and wing afterall.

You will need to modify the leading edge of the hood and fenders as well...Chrysler sent preproduction 1970 parts over to Creative Industries for the conversion. Or did they? No one knows for certain.

[71GSSDemon]

All good points.  I would likely just do a time run, should I actually make it out there in the first place, in either configuration.   It likely isnt worth the argument for the C500, but it is kinda funny as the C500 is at a disadvantage over the Aero of the Daytona and it would have to be fought for to use. 

Yes 1970 fenders and hood are like hens teeth as no one reproduces them.  I have a lead on some that need work. 

It may be best to just do time run and add in more modern/subtle Aero improvements

[floydjer]

Before you go cutting up those fenders and hood...Stinger Fiberglass makes repros'..$840 for the hood and $ 1,030 per pair for the fenders.

[floydjer]

Stinger ..www.americansportscar.com/product/dodge-daytona/kit

[71GSSDemon]

I believe Stinger is out of business, unless something changed.  I have spoke to Grant Janak and would go that way. I have a crappy steal pair and a fiberglass set that could be modified I suppose. 

[71GSSDemon]

I do believe I still want a C500, at least to start.  It will be $5k plus to look at a Daytona.  Once the back window is done, that is the hard part, it could be switched.  Mostly need to just get the car done.  There are 3 street "wing" cars in my local friend group, but only at MCAN have I seen a C500 in the wild.  I have some Aero ideas if it will be in open or time class runs. 

[Stainless1]

OK, if you enter in Classic Production you can still pass tech, you just can't pass through impound for record Certification.
Class is determined by the competitor.... legality in class is determined at impound. If you don't plan to run record speed, I don't see the problem....
 

[71GSSDemon]

Thank you for the reply.  I was told likely Classic Gas Altered.  No record attempts here.