Bryce Tunget Showcases His Dream Car: A 1970 Dodge Coronet
Bryce Tunget’s automotive passion was ignited during his high school years, evolving into a lifelong dedication to car building and restoration. “I have always had an affinity for cars as early as I can remember, but it really became a passion once I was in high school,” shares. His journey, marked by hands-on learning and professional experience, culminated in the restoration and upgrade of his dream car: a 1970 Dodge Coronet.
VIEW ALL QA1 SUSPENSION FOR DODGE CORONETS
A DREAM REALIZED
The 1970 Dodge Coronet had always been Bryce's dream car. His quest to find this classic gem began in high school and persisted through his years in the Marine Corps. In a twist of fate, while working as a tow truck driver for AAA, Bryce discovered the car in a dilapidated state in Nevada City, California. “It was rotting away in their front yard, covered in moss and mold and was up to the wheels in dirt. I knew right then that I had to have it,” Bryce recalls. After persistent negotiations, he acquired the Coronet and began the restoration process.
The car, despite its neglected appearance, was fundamentally sound. Bryce had it running within two days, showcasing his mechanical prowess. Over the next seven years, he continually improved the car, driving it almost daily until the engine’s condition necessitated a major overhaul. This led to a comprehensive rebuild starting in October 2020, featuring a 6.1L Gen 3 Hemi engine and a 2006 Dodge Viper T56 6-speed manual transmission.
“I bought a 6.1L Gen 3 Hemi that was for sale in the Bay Area and also acquired a 2006 Dodge Viper T56 6-speed manual for it,” Bryce explains. “The car was basically factory stock and despite how filthy it was, it was in really good shape. It had a 318 and 904 automatic transmission with a column shift and it took me about two days to get it running and driving under its own power after sitting for 15 to 20 years.”
The rebuild was thorough, covering every aspect of the car to ensure it performed at its best. The project culminated in May 2022, and since then, Bryce’s Coronet has proven its reliability and performance in various events and daily driving.
QA1 DODGE CORONET SUSPENSION: A GAME-CHANGER
Central to the transformation of Bryce’s Coronet was the installation of QA1 Dodge B-body suspension components. Seeking a modern handling experience while retaining the torsion bar setup, Bryce turned to QA1 for a solution. “I went with QA1’s Level 3 Handling kit, and it was a night and day difference in handling. Everything was bolt-on without needing to modify the car at all. It was flawless and couldn't be happier,” Bryce explains.
The QA1 Dodge Suspension Level 3 Handling kit includes upper and lower control arms, strut rods, a K-member, tie rod end links, a sway bar, and double adjustable shocks. This comprehensive kit significantly enhanced the Coronet's performance, providing a modern driving experience without compromising its classic appeal. Bryce also installed Hotchkiss Sport Suspension torsion bars and Mopar Super Stock leaf springs, complemented by QA1 double adjustable shocks at the rear, ensuring optimal handling and ride quality.
“The entire front suspension, aside from the torsion bars, is the QA1 Level 3 Handling kit. The improvement was immediate and substantial,” Bryce notes. This upgrade made the car not only a joy to drive but also a competitive contender in any autocross event Bryce plans to enter.
The transformation wasn’t just about handling; it was also about safety and reliability. “The car also has Wilwood disc brakes, an IDIDIT steering column, Borgeson steering box, a chassis stiffening kit, Holley Terminator X Max engine management system, Painless Performance wiring harness, McLeod Racing RST twin disc clutch and a few other goodies,” Bryce adds. These upgrades ensured the Coronet could handle modern driving conditions while maintaining its vintage charm.
LESSONS LEARNED AND FUTURE PLANS
Throughout the build, Bryce encountered challenges that tested his skills and patience. Modifying the transmission tunnel to fit the T56 and resolving issues with the fuel system were significant hurdles. “One of the main problems I ran into was getting the transmission to fit in the trans tunnel. I had to cut my trans tunnel open, get the transmission up where it needed to go, make an upper cross member, and redo my tunnel to fit around the transmission,” Bryce explains. Despite these challenges, Bryce's persistence and methodical approach paid off, resulting in a beautifully restored and upgraded Coronet.
Another challenge was dialing in the engine with the engine control unit. “While I was trying to get the engine dialed in with the Holley computer, it kept showing I was running lean and it was running rough. Come to find out I was only running on five cylinders because three injectors were plugged up. I sent the injectors out to be cleaned and tested, and when they came back, the engine ran perfectly,” Bryce recalls.
Bryce’s advice to fellow builders emphasizes the importance of patience and quality parts: “Take your time, be methodical, and be consistent. Otherwise, your car will sit in your garage for years unfinished.” Reflecting on his journey, Bryce acknowledges the learning curve but views it as an invaluable experience that will inform future projects. “Building this car was a huge learning curve, and as good as this car is now, my next car will be a thousand times better,” he says.
Since its completion in May 2022, Bryce’s Coronet has proven its reliability and performance. It has participated in two Hot Rod Power Tours, earning the title of a Long Hauler, and attended Holley Moparty 2022. Looking ahead, Bryce hopes to continue participating in events such as the Hot Rod Power Tour West, the Redwood Rally, and the Overcrest Rally. While he hasn't officially raced the car yet, he is optimistic about its performance potential, aiming for mid to low 12-second quarter-mile times.
The body of the car remains true to its roots, featuring all original panels in near-perfect condition, enhanced by a custom fiberglass Six Pack hood. The factory EW1 Alpine White paint maintains the car's classic look. Inside, the Coronet boasts mostly factory interior components, with additions like Corbeau A4 racing seats, an IDIDIT tilt steering column, a custom shifter handle, and a four-point roll cage with Crow racing harnesses, ensuring both comfort and safety.
Bryce’s journey with his 1970 Dodge Coronet is far from over. The car has already traveled cross-country twice and has proven itself as a reliable and powerful machine. With future upgrades and plans for more events, Bryce’s Coronet will continue to turn heads and inspire fellow car enthusiasts. “I’d like to give a huge shout out and thank you to all my close car friends who have helped me along the way without hesitation. Lots of long days and late nights working on the car,” Bryce says, emphasizing the importance of community and support in his automotive journey.
With its blend of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge upgrades, the Dodge Coronet embodies Bryce’s journey from a high school car enthusiast to a skilled mechanic and builder. The project, built with the support of close friends and high-quality components from QA1, showcases what can be achieved with perseverance, skill, and a pursuit of one’s dreams.
