A Scoop of Fresh Air

Steve checks out a 1966 Dodge Charger 383 with lots of 1970’s day-two modifications including a very scientific hood scoop.

[@frankz5864]

Gotta love how steve has all his old school mags and books there for reference and also notes written all over the car he’s talking about. Never seen it done like that before and I think It’s absolutely awesome 👌

[@williambooth5769]

Yeah, I'm always amazed how he scribbles all over his mags and books with red Sharpie!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

just imagine how much time it takes. he finds a car, then has to find reference points in his vast magazine collection, then goes back to the car

[@DanEBoyd]

I wonder if that scoop was really there with the car, or if Steve brang his own.

[@nickdriesenga6582]

The guy is thorough! A real enthusiast.

[@dragon81heart]

Most shows (whether automotive or not) have notes and things like this for the presenters to be able to use while talking but go to great lengths to try and hide it all and keep it off camera. I absolutely love that Steve doesn’t try to hide any of it. Can tell he it’s truly passionate about all of this and doesn’t waste a single moment trying to “doll up” his presentations as he knows that we (other passionate gear heads lol) could care less about how fancy the show seems. It’s the great content, the history down to even often overlooked detail, Steve’s incredible wealth of knowledge, and his personality and 100% real passion that brings us here in the thousands. I also really appreciate that he never tries to be what I call “camera ready” like many others do. Having to look on point, clean, etc. We are car guys and gals We are very often just as dirty and a sweaty as Steve is and don’t give a damn if he is dirty and sweaty as well so I say kudos to staying true to your key audience and not losing touch to look or act “more proper” You are a true legend Thank you Steve!

[@jamesplotkin4674]

I've always liked the looks of these year cars and the nicely done back glass made this car special.

[@RLTango]

I love the reveal of the magazines by removing that massive scoop! Like a magician, I thought Steve was going staright to a hood opening and VIM reading... but nope that's a misdirection! Awesome!

[@leddygee1896]

66 & 67 Chargers are my absolute favorite model years. A 66 Hemi with a 4 speed? Dream car…

[@VKED23]

It's so crazy how these magazines and books are just sitting in all these old cars, I never knew people kept notes on their cars like this.

[@jeffreycarleton1535]

😂 yer silly!

[@TrashcanGarage]

My fav Chargers are the smaller, early fastbacks. Related: I bought a 63 Savoy wagon in 78, my first road worthy car. Previous owner was a Mopar drag racer up in Erie, Pa. And the car came with a 66 max wedge scoop. Painted in that 70s style. I still have a photo. Great trip Steve. Thanks!

[@jomama01]

And an Elvis Costello reference, no less! Auto trivia meets pop culture - outstanding as usual!

[@joshgreen2164]

Thank you for sharing this bit of history, Steve. You are doin hot rodding a huge service.

[@josephdipalma5989]

I love that backyard engineering with the shifter release, very cool back from when if you wanted it, you had to make it days. Not like today where a couple of minutes on the web and almost anything is at your fingertips.

[@scoobyroorogers]

Very true.

[@googleusergp]

Yup, and with the tag, we can brag: AB51 (hard to see with the dirt on the tag)for 383 V8 engine (although it often has a "62" under it for 383 on the tag, 51 is often for 361 V8), C-5 for automatic transmission, R-1 for AM radio, a-6 for console (lower case "a"), b-4 for bucket seats (lower case "b"), looks like the beginning of the sales order is 817 which is 8/17/65 (or 1966) production, XP29 for Dodge Charger, P4W for white interior trim, QQ for Red Metallic exterior paint, WW for White upper interior trim (typically the top of the doors). With the VIN, we win: X for Charger, P for Premium price class (Charger), 29 for two-door sports hardtop, F for 383 V8, 6 for 1966 model year, 1 for Lynch Road, Detroit, MI assembly and the rest is the production sequence. As noted previously, Lynch Road closed in April 1981 after the last of the "R body" Chrysler products were assembled there. A powder coating business is now on that site.

[@DanEBoyd]

Looks like someone painted it B4 Blue, before the blue that's on it now.

[@googleusergp]

@@DanEBoyd I agree. If this car could just talk.......

[@reaper20015]

That car probably looked really cool in it's prime. Fat ass tires on a jacked up rear end and a huge hood scoop........that just screams 70's and 80's. I miss that look, now everybody lowers their cars and puts large diameter old guy rims on their stuff.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Direct connection in the early 1980s was amazing. You could look up your engine, spec out how fast you want to do the 1/4 mile, and they would list what exact parts you need to buy from them to do it! Very easy not to mess on guessing what cam etc to use.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

"Mopar royalty..." then tosses it on the ground. LMAO.

[@machinist5828]

My dad came home one night with one of these. I'm not sure what it had under the hood but mom had a fit because it was a 4 speed! It was red also but us kids never got to ride in it. Next was a 65 Impala SS convertible. 327 auto with a white top. That one didn't get the nod either. We finally ended up with big Olds 88 4 door. We took it to Florida and it ate the left front tire. We ran the spare back home to Ohio. Dad went to get a tire put on and aligned. The guy told him it would never keep a tire there. It seems the last owner hit an open manhole and bent the frame. Dad was hot because he was good friends with the guy who sold it to him at the dealership. That friendship was cooler after that but the guy got dad into another Olds. When dad retired in 73 he finally got his hot rod Olds. A red Omega with the Olds 350 4 barrel and dual exhaust. It had a black top and rally slot wheels. He didn't like the wheels and had a set of steelies with the turbine covers put on. I often wonder about that charger though, especially with the 4 speed... Cheers Terry

[@User0000000000000004]

I cracked up and LOL'd when he lifted the scoop off the hood and the stack of magazines were underneath. What was MT thinking cancelling this dude? MADNESS!!!

[@paulwells4203]

Another great video Steve, your enthusiasm and interesting facts make all your videos enjoyable to watch. Its obvious that you do a lot of research for the videos and the excerpts from the magazines add to the flavor of the era of car you happen to be discussing. Thanks!

[@SteveMagnante]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ta392srtchallenger5]

I was a young mopor technician in the late 1970's into the late 1980's. Me and a good friend of mine worked at the same dealer in Virginia. Direct Connection parts were applied to a lot of cars.

[@mikemcglashing4848]

I had a 70 Newport with factory 9 ply springs.....383 car

[@dcamp3062]

Gotta love the Elvis Costello mention, thanks Steve‼️

[@ExUSSailor]

I had that type of scoop on my '73 Swinger. After I got done working on the top end, I tried to close the hood, and, realized it wasn't going to clear my carb & intake without cutting a nice big hole in the hood. In my excitement, I hadn't actually checked for clearance before I buttoned everything up.

[@paulwells4203]

I hear you Anon, I put a dimple in the hood of my 53 Plymouth when one of the air cleaner bolts on the dual carbs was a bit too high lol oops.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man I still think is got potential! I can imagine it in its former glory! Must have looked gorgeous! Sad to see it like that! Great video Steve! Thanks for teaching us all a little bit more about mopar!👌😎👍

[@adailyllama4786]

Nice Deep Purple reference and excellent auto history lesson. Many thanks.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Speakin of highway star, we used to hang out on the road near high school in the morning before school. Of course all the cool cars would pass thru. One of my best memories is one of the auto shop kids stopping by in his 72 Chevelle while he has that tune cranking. Of course he laid a wicked smokey down as he took off. Good times.

[@theloudamerican2193]

This is the most unique channel I’ve ever seen! Absolutely love it!

[@dustydon6419]

Love your content. Your automotive knowledge and resources never fail to impress. Then you throw in your knowledge of Deep Purples Machine Head LP, first LP I purchased as a kid. Thanks for sharing this with the masses.

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

This body shape, along with the AMC Marlin, were my favorite fastback cars of the day.(just past my 66th). Here in Montreal Canada I’ve only seen 1 Marlin way back in the early 70’s and always wanted to find one for a bucket list check off. Alas, not to be. I’m very happy with my 09’ Pontiac G6 GT, chipped and tuned, great runner. 👍🇨🇦

[@paulwells4203]

Michael, have you ever gone over to Laval to see Nick's Garage? He knows every hot car in Montreal area and might even know of a Marlin.... 1260 Tellier, Laval, QC, Canada H7C 2H2

[@googleusergp]

I like my 2009 Pontiac G6 convertible as well. Great riding car.

[@172turtla]

Hi thanks for the details on this classic car! My dad bought a light blue 66 Charger, the first new car he ever owned. it was in 1967 or 1968, so I think he got a close out deal. Traded in a Dart for it. I loved the Charger, great big back seat for us kids. Automatic on the center console with a push button top. So much chrome on that car! He had a hitch welded on to tow a travel trailer, the Charger was not meant to do that. I remember overheating and stoping at service stations as we drove from NJ to VA in the summer. He traded the Charger in for an LTD in 73 or 74, I hated the LTD.

[@clutchkicker392ison5]

Even in Australia! Them two "Mopar" engine /chassis books were my Bible, still my most used info.

[@electrix6751]

Billy "The Kid" Stepp's 1971 Dodge Challenger Pro Stocker had that EXACT hood scoop on its hood.

[@Wayne_155]

Elvis Costello should be honoured that the great Steve Mags mentioned his name

[@BigMikesHooptyBarn]

I love it! I just purchased a '66 with the 318/3 on the tree. It's a very unique and great car!

[@SteveMagnante]

Hi Big Mike's Hoopty Barn, PLEASE keep that 3-on-the-tree. I know it sucks from a performance standpoint, but production numbers on those are miniscule and it'd be sad to lose (perhaps) one of the last ones alive. I came close to buying a 3-on-tree '66 Charger in Palmdale, CA back around 2008 but didn't. I remember being floored by its NON-FLOOR shifter. I know it's yours but please do at least document the 3-on-tree stuff if you go console. Thanks for writing, Steve Magnante

[@geoffkeller5337]

Congratulations on getting your 66! Very unique opportunity to save a very cool car.

[@mexicanspec]

Hey Mike, I hope to see some video on that car.

[@BigMikesHooptyBarn]

@@SteveMagnante It's funny that you say that. That's one of the only reasons why the gentleman that I bought it from sold it to me. He asked me what I would do with it if he agreed to sell it me and I expressed my love for "survivors" and told him that it would remain all original. He said that was what he wanted to hear. He actually turned down more money from two other people who were interested in it but talked about ditching the 318/3 spd. for a 440/4 spd.

[@robertsnyder5149]

Steved, I have that magazine and we fashioned our Pro Stock Cuda's scoop from that. The car was Butch Thuney;s and it won the 1973 Northwest National's in Bremerton, Washington in Pro Stock.

[@mdplemons]

Great channel! I feel like I've discovered a library!

[@christopherprince3250]

Awesome too hear that Direct Connection is back.

[@davidszakacs6888]

I loved the 4 bucket seat/full-length console interior on the ‘66.

[@daveforeman6931]

Had a 66 with a 383 auto, replaced it with a 440 magnum, auto. Pretty bad assed car back in the late 70's.

[@jamespetersen3933]

Big fat tires and everything, Highway Star. Keep on crawling!

[@AdventuringwiththeS.G.O.C.C]

The dash lights/gauge lights were very special. They glowed green due to a special mix of chemicals and had some nuke stuff in it ( or so I was told) I have had two.

[@rctopfueler2841]

damn i love that song even better when its ritchie blackmoore live coming thru a stack of amps

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

love these old cars. hate to see them like this but they're serving a purpose thanks to Steve

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

I love how Steve hides his literature

[@RoadNoise29100]

That's a big ole Keystone!

[@ecw13pi]

Never a fan of outside of the 66 or 67 Charger but one of the coolest interiors ever made.

[@GT-fi4sk]

Those early Chargers looked like altered wheelbase cars from the factory

[@daynadiggle8169]

My neighbor down the street has a 66 , slush , 383 just under 40,000 miles . He bought it new and it's always been garage kept . He is 88 years old and I've been trying over 25 years to buy this car but he refuses to sell it . It's a beauty , with red interior and white on the body . I'd pay just about any price but he keeps saying NO ! How would you handle this Steve ? Oh yeah , it's a Florida car and has never been out of the state .

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello Dyna Diggle, sorry to say that "old timer" is eventually going to head off to that Great Dragstrip in the Sky" - as am I. But maybe you should tell him to keep you in mind and - without being morbid - suggest that his HEIRS are to be made aware of your interest. Maybe tell him: "you love this car, right? You want it to always be cared for right? Well maybe write down a list of people that say they can preserve it forever. Add my name to that list and put it with Your Papers". Maybe this will trigger an unexpected phone call from an heir when that day comes. Other wise the Heirs might just stick it in the front yard on a whim with a For Sale sign "$5,000 NOW" and it'll wind up as a freakin DONK or low rider. Or worse yet, some LUNATIC like me might chop it up into a Roger Lindamood Color Me Gone funny car tribute! Hope this helps and Thanks for watching. -Steve Magnante

[@daveridgeway2639]

Hi Steve, thank you for explaining what a "quarter panel" is on a car. It is NOT a "rear fender" a quarter panel is welded on, a fender is "bolted on" A front fender is NEVER a front quarter panel, due to the fact that it is "bolted on" not welded on. There are cars that have a quarter panel AND a rear fender bolted to a quarter panel, such as an a VW Beetle, or lets say a 1940 Ford, 1940 Chevrolet or 1940 Plymouth. I also want to add that the Dodge Charger could NOT be had with a Slant Six or a black rubber floor mat, because it was meant to punch a hole in the Ford Thunderbird and the Buick Riviera, but it did not seem do so. In 1968 Chrysler came out with a new body (same chassis) that did a better job in regards to the Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevrolet Monti Carlo and the Ford Grand Torino Elite. By the way the Ford Garand Torino Elite (based on the Ford Torino, Ford LTD II, and the Mercury Montego (Ford Midsize) became the Ford Thunderbird/Mercury Cougar (same chassis) in the late 70s, and the Ford Motor company set sales record sales on both vehicles. In 1980 Ford came out with a new Thunderbird/Cougar that was on an Ford Fairmont cassis, (Fox Body) the two cars sold "sipo". Please reply. Dave...

[@sunspiral79]

This mans knowledge is second to nobody

[@randyauer7303]

Still here waiting for you Steve get well soon

[@weekendgarage3299]

I totally dig the stories and info on the cars you come across.

[@orlandonostagiafever1964]

Just like The Penetration funnycar 1966 that Larry Arnold dove ,I knew the owner after Larry sold it.

[@ericmonahan6580]

I’m so old I got the Elvis Costello reference as soon as he said it.

[@TheopolisQSmith]

I almost bought one in 1970. It was a 426 hemi and torqueflight. When I started it the oil pressure gauge barely moved. I bought a 66 Fury III two door hardtop with a 383 4 bbl. With a four speed instead.

[@briansd2772]

That's still a nice car! And probably not that many produced.

[@billfioretti3013]

The Dodge "Marlin." UGH! '68 restyled Chargers were cool though.

[@harryballsacky]

I THINK STEVE SLEEPS ON A STACK OF OLD CAR MANUALS

[@berniebass3575]

Would of been nice to have Mr Steve as a instructor at school ,l would of gotten all A,s.

[@clutchkicker392ison5]

Them Rims , just did a Homer Simpsom dribble.

[@westmus]

Those clamps on the leafsprings are oldschool universal slapper bars buried in the ground. If looking closely then the rubber bumpers in the front of them are visual 7:46. 🤘

[@davidvanlaningham972]

My favorite Charger. My dad still has a 66 383 auto that my grandfather bought new.

[@Glenn_123]

I have commented before but truly love all of your videos and knowledge. Thank you and appreciate your work!! Keep it up.

[@choppedmercury9826]

the direct connection is doing some exciting stuff. I saw they have made a carbon fiber exact reproduction 1970 charger body. They also plan a roadrunner and a 'cuda. Another great presentation Steve.

[@DanEBoyd]

I guess I will be able to suffer electric cars, if I can have any classic body I want on it.

[@fonziebulldog5786]

Well, i think we are closing in on the Barracuda 68 in that scrap yard. 😄

[@Slowgroovin]

Mopar pro stock scoop. Popular in the 70's and 80's.

[@ccg1171]

Great info. Amazing how much you know. Very impressive 👏

[@Wooley689]

Dang man, I sure hope somebody saves that scoop and hood, great for a replica Charger.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Good stuff!

[@mexicanspec]

I like the 1966 - 1967 models much more than the 1968 - 1970.

[@wreckerjonny6144]

I have that Motown missle in a 1/18 diecast car . That's what I thought of when I seen the thumbnail for this video

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

Now that's a hood scoop. Lol Hopefully someone saves that ol Charger.

[@pierrelaboom4026]

Geeze Steve you really know your Chrysler stuff.. you seem to just know all these facts, it's comes off raw and unscripted, but very informational! Sometimes I wait for you to take a breath between fact runs, and end up having to watch AND listen again. Man- I'm 53, I always thought I'd be alot better at aging- I'm regressing- your still spot on. Great to watch, slick videos! Love your stuff!

[@Richard4point6]

I have always preferred the '66-'67 Chargers. David Pearson in a Cotton Owens Garage Dodge won the '66 NASCAR championship.

[@donfleming458]

I love the platform of the 66' and 67' Coronet and Charger. However, in my opinion............the designer went too far back with the fastback roof line. If the roof (B pillar) had started further ahead towards the door, this would have made the trunk lid a little longer, and I think the design would flow nicer. It would require the side quarter glass to be shorter. Take note of how the 68' and 69' Fairlane and Cyclone flowed. I think they got it right!

[@aa64912]

In 1967 one of my uncles purchased a yellow one. All he drove was dodge. I made the mistake of telling him it looked like the new marlin. Phew, he hated AMC. We never saw that car again. He did buy a 1968 charger. Later I did explain to him that I felt rambler stole the idea of fastback from dodge. My favorite dodge drag car was called “color me gone”

[@aa64912]

Ps, original color me gone was not a charger by the way

[@frankbeach9745]

Hey Steve.....NHRA added weight, a lot of weight....to make the Hemi disappear in the 70's.

[@danr1920]

The P51 Mustang's trademark air scoop drops down a few inches before taking in air.

[@raymondcollyear4773]

I don't understand how people never took to that body style back then . You can look at it and it says I'm fast. And like you said back in its day with the red and white interior i was a beauty. Bet they didn't have kids

[@donlemme898]

Great video Steve. Had a ‘66 Charger in mid ‘80’s. Wish I had not let that one go.

[@justralphajerseyguystuckin3671]

IMO- those 1st Gen Chargers were soo cool, and this one (back in its day) was a terror on the Streets I'm sure 👍

[@dennislaws691]

All models of these cars are rare nowadays

[@lazyhoundracing9621]

Thanks for the history lesson and thank you for your time.

[@coffeefish]

Great video!

[@arthurlangford5861]

🤔 Hey Steve......You kind of resemble Elvis Costello yourself! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stevendemoss6609]

My favorite thing about the 66 is the instrument cluster

[@robertclark9]

That was somebody’s baby long ago. Red with white guts and a 383/727 would have been stylin. And no slouch.

[@Splagnate]

66 is the best one!

[@lilmike2710]

Pole Barn garage would do a roadkill build with it. Add it to his "Holey Goat" and his "Rolled Runner". Call it the "Crashed back" Charger. 😁

[@pl5624]

Coronet quarters with the grafted on charger roof panel...

[@ImForwardlook]

The 66 Charger was by far the best Charger design ever!

[@thomasdearment3214]

my 74 Plymouth Duster had a T grip shifter hated that thing. put on a regular ball, pistol grip would have been interesting

[@artjones2498]

A few years ago i was.thumbing threw a coffee table book on american muscle cars...in the foward it stated that any 2dr american mid size V8 is to be considers a muscle car....i snickerd at the thought of of my 73 buick apollo 350 2bbl fitting in that catagory

[@jomama01]

Thanks for the science behind the scoop - even though it looks like poop!

[@MoparArtbyautomolove]

Sox and Martin didn't use Keystone Klassics at any point. They used Keystone Kustomags! Different wheel altogether, but similar.

[@_Dave_S]

Great stuff Steve! I like the 66-67 Chargers. I don't recall ever seeing one in person. I have a Cotton Owens/David Pearson 66 Charger stock car in my 1/32 slot car collection.

[@davidciesielski8251]

Thank you so much, I learned a lot.

[@SteveMagnante]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bandit77TA]

Nice. Never knew the quarters were pinch welded like that. Interesting.

[@challenger-rta3761]

I always thought the 66 67 charger had the coolest interior.

[@thebear3589]

One of my fav yr / models of a Mopar muscle car...with the Hemi.

[@CHIPNDEATH]

I didnt know it was a 1966 charger,, only knew the 68,, but still awesome cars.

[@jasonbirch1182]

My first race car was a quarter scale Edmonds midget that Al graeber built for his son to race in quarter midgets, it was a far better quarter midget than most of the manufactured cars. It was also tickle me pink. Let me tell you they use some high quality paint on that thing and getting all that pink off the aluminum belly pan was not easy!

[@tony-ps4qw]

Would love to find one of the hemi-chargers sitting in some garage or barn! have never seen a real one! cool facts about the hood scoop thanks Steve!

[@racer72]

Didn't realize how rare these were. Bought a Hemi Charger in 1983 and built an oval track street stock out of it. Paid $800 for it and sold the hemi for the same money. The car only lasted 5 races when I flipped it. That tore the K member out on the right side.

[@timkis64]

steve has access to a substancial library of printed material.i have some hot rods & car craft from the 70 & 80s.but steve can go way back.

[@jeffclark2725]

Thumbs up,always seeing something 👌 new

[@SteveMagnante]

More to come!