71 Cuda Pro-Touring Build

[johns cuda shop]

Hello Everyone. I am new to Lateral G. My Project is a 71 Barracuda. I'm moving towards a 600 hp Aluminum Hemi , Viper 6 speed ,Reilly Motorsports coilover Alterkation and triangle 4 link . This is my progress so far.

[johns cuda shop]

Here are pictures of the Aluminum hemi, Viper 6 speed , Reilly Motorsports Coilover suspension. I will be getting ready to install soon.

[rjsjea]

mmmmhhh, i'll take one:D

[ProTouring442]

Very Nice!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[camcojb]

great project John. Welcome to the site!

Jody

[elitecustombody]

John, good to see you on here. How did that AMD shaker hood fit?

[johns cuda shop]

Hi Stefan. I havent fit the shaker yet. I will be in the process of fabricating a base plate for the motor this year. My main opjective is to get the car on suspension , get the brakes working ,and install the engine and trans this year. Once I have everything working and mocked up, then I can make a base plate and other misc stuff. John

[Tincup]

Nice Ride.....:thumbsup:

[Jon Clough]

Love Cudas, keep us updated with lots of pictures.

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks Guys, I also have my AAR Cuda Tribute for sale, to help with the cost of the build. Best of everything 360 auto. More detailed pictures of the car and its restoration at http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z400/customachinecomponents/ $32,000 843-324-3586 [email protected] www.custommachinecomponents.com Car is SOLD!!!!

[waynieZ]

Welcome ! you've got a nice project there. It should be a sweet build.

[manny z]

Good to see another mopar. Good luck, like to see it when it is done.:thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

I added a photobucket link of my build process, Thanks for all the great replies. http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z400/customachinecomponents/71%20Cuda%20Pro-Touring%20Build/

[Rybar]

Nice Cuda for sure. Do you guys build Cudas only or other cars?

[waynieZ]

I just checked out photobucket Nice!

[johns cuda shop]

I Restore only cudas hobby only, But my Company, Custom Machine Components Specialize in the manufacture of the specialty tools for vintage and antique Autos. Visit www.custommachinecomponents.com I am iffiliated with J&C Auto restoration A supreme restoration shop here in the Myrtle Beach SC Area, you can also visit them at www.jcautorestoration.com

[67autocross]

Nice build! Will the oil pan that came on the Gen III Hemi fit with the Alterkation.

[johns cuda shop]

Hello, it will take a rear sump oil pan, instead of a center sump. Bouchillion Performance has them in stock. Matter of fact I recommend them for everything you will need motor wise, very helpful

[67autocross]

Hello, it will take a center sump oil pan, instead of a rear. Bouchillion Performance has them in stock. Matter of fact I recommend them for everything you will need motor wise, very helpful

Thanks! I was going to put a chevy LS engine in the car because I wanted to keep the weight down with an aluminum block but now that this engine is out I might put the Hemi in it. I will check out Bouchillion and see they offer, thanks.

[johns cuda shop]

Awesome !!Good luck with your build.

[mrgm]

Good looking. I too will follow this progress. :thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

I installed the front and rear Reilly Motorsports Coilover suspension this week. Whats next is checking the fitment of my tires, and starting on the brakes. The oil pan for the hemi is on back order right now so I have to wait for the mock up install at the moment.

[johns cuda shop]

Welding up all the holes in the firewall. A smooth look is what I am after. I ran the brake line behind the firewall. I got the Hydroboost unit off a astro van . Wilwood master and clutch master and ajustable proportioning valve. I getting ready to run brake line to the back next and cut the transmission tunnel for the 6speed.:lateral:

[coolwelder62]

Look's great.:thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

Working on removing the transmission tunnel for the T56. More pictures to follow shortly

[johns cuda shop]

I cut the transmission tunnel out today. My focus is to get the transmission up into the tunnel and keep the driveline angle at -01 degrees .I will make up the trans crossmember after I install the motor. more pictures at http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z400/customachinecomponents/71%20Cuda%20Pro-Touring%20Build/

[scottysimp7]

Gotta luv the cuda'! Great looking project

[Dustbull]

Awesome project!! The progress is looking great so far! Cant wait to see it all come together...I had a few questions about your clutch setup. What is the bore of the wilwood master, are you planning on running a stock viper throwout bearing, and for your pedal did you remove the huge "counter spring" from the pedal? Thanks.

[MoparCar]

Did you fab the aluminum adapter for your astrovan hydraboost or buy one for ****** or others? Also what brand steering column? Flaming River universal or Ididit direct fit?

Thanks-Wes

[johns cuda shop]

Hello, I used a Wilwood 1 1/8 bore master. From what I seen a 1 inch or less would make the pedal more touchy. On the Throw out bearing, I bought a whole kit from keisler ,instead of trying to find all the right parts to make it work. I'm running a Ididit column ,I plan on installing a EZ wiring universal 8 ciruct harness .The hydroboost plate I made myself on my mill they are 1inch thick and can clock the hydroboost unit at 180 .I made them to fit the firewall of 70-74 Mopar e-body and 68-72 b-body I made 4 extras to sell they are available at http://www.custommachinecomponents.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=9&cat=Mopar+Parts My company makes lots of unique prototypes (mostly specialty tools for vintage cars) Having this equipment is a plus

[MoparCar]

Thanks-nice looking piece for the hydraboost.
Wes

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks, they are made from 1" thick 6061 T-6 aluminum . They fit mopar 68-72 b-bodies and 70-74 e-bodies. Just add your hydroboost unit and go

[johns cuda shop]

I Added Braces out of 2" X 2" tubing for the transmission crossmember, Boxed the ends of the crosmember with 1/8 thick and Im gonna connect it together with a piece of 1/4 X 4" I bent to go around the transmission

[mrgm]

nice..,..;...

[johns cuda shop]

I got the engine on the stand this weekend, I should get a rear sump oil pan this week . I took these pics over the weekend

[johns cuda shop]

The new bellhousing from Keisler uses a automatic bell, I think its from a 4L80 but I am not sure. As you can see it uses a 1/2 thick aluminum adapter plate to convert it. Extra throw out bearings spacers came with the bell. The quicktime bell will not clear the T56 Magnums fron oil pump bosses. I like the fact that its 13 lbs lighter and matches the aluminum block

[scottysimp7]

Cuda's are one of my favorite body's out there. Cant wait to see more

[mrgm]

that is a nice piece.

[johns cuda shop]

Before the motor goes in , I wanted to do most of the sheet metal work and repairs to the engine compartment . Looks like the upper cowl (cudas are notorious for rusting there) and LH inner fender needs replacement. I spent the day drilling spotwelds and carfully removing sheet metal with a hand chisel. This is what I got done today.

[wedged]

in case you didn't know, a stock truck hemi oil pan and pick up clear the alterkation k frame. :thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

Today I spent most of the day grinding down spot welds and welding some holes in the engine compartment. I still have some patch work before I can install the new cowl and inner fender. I removed the inner fender core supports as I am gonna bend some new one to check the clearance with the front suspension travel. I mocked up the vintage air unit , I took a piece of 1/8 flat and welded some studs it. The positioned the unit and welded it to the firewall.

[johns cuda shop]

I moved the cowl to inner fender supports to gain some tire clearance. The supports are mounted on the inside of the kick panel area and the lower cowl. Moving the suspension up gives me 1" clearance from the tire ,which should be sufficiant.

[johns cuda shop]

I carefully cut out the rusted areas in the lower cowl and welded in some patches. I blasted the rest, applied rust bullet, scuffed and then epoxy primer, with weld thru primer at all the seams.

[johns cuda shop]

After I punched holes in the new AMD upper cowl and innner fender, I fitted them to the car with only minor tweeking. I will leave the upper hood hinge area unwelded for now till I fit the hood and fenders.I plan on fully welding the seam between the upper cowl and lower cowl and blend it in so it looks like one piece.

[elitecustombody]

John, looks like you're moving right along:thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks Stefan, I added a cowl bar today, Made from 1 1/2 DOM tube 1/8 wall . I plan on doing some moderate amount of cornering with it (autocross ect.) I wanted to add some more ridgity to the car. I will be adding a roll bar soon also.

[MoparCar]

John,
Nice work. Are you running the fender supports into the crossbar? I like the way you ran the crossbar thru to the outside near the hinges. I may steal that idea:unibrow:

I see you clearanced some of the dash structure. Does everything else fit including your AC box? How about the glove box (not that it really matters)?

Thanks-Wes

[johns cuda shop]

Hi Wes, I didn't tie the front inner fender supports to the bar for 2 reasons, First ,I would have to cut most of the cowl away to weld around the tube properly (which to me is not worth the time). The other is I would not be able to access the upper door hinge bolts. To answer the other question , the glove box would need to be modified to work. I plan on running a 10 0r 12 point cage in the body and tying it to the cowl bar. More build pictures at http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z400/customachinecomponents/71%20Cuda%20Pro-Touring%20Build/

[wedged]

FYI, there's a nice stiffening kit here for those looking for one : stiffening kits (https://store.uscartool.com/Chassis-Stiffening_c_7.html)
:thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

Awesome!!,I bought my frame connectors from them,Great service. I made my own stiffening support myself as I wanted to tie into my roll bar. But for someone who doesn't have the time or the tools, those are great!

[johns cuda shop]

I added the main roll bar hoop supports today . After creating some patterns fron cardbord I transfered them to 1/8 thick steel plate. The supports trianglate the fram connector , rocker panel and torque boxes.

[mrgm]

very cool. so you are planning on using the backseat. Keep up the good work and keep them pictures coming. :woot:

[johns cuda shop]

After trimming the main roll bar hoop for height, I proceeded to work on the rear supports. I had to cut through the rear seat area for access, then Notched the rear tubes. I sent them locally to be blasted and epoxy primed. When I get them back I will add a removable rear cross brace and possibly side supports and seat belt mounts then weld it together.

[johns cuda shop]

I spent the day drilling out the spot welds on the RH front floor pan and removal ,since this had some major pin holes. I want to keep the pan out as it will make it easier to weld in my supports as I install the motor and trans.

[killer67]

Nice work John! I am following this one closely

[johns cuda shop]

Not much to report other than I finished the metal work for the engine compartment for now.Finished welding the inner fender supports. I will be getting the Hemi motor and trans ready for the install into the car.

[johns cuda shop]

After changing the oil pan to a rear sump (a center sump won't clear the Alterkation front end) I installed the Flywheel , spec clutch, pressure plate and bellhousing. i need to clearance the belhousing plate slightly to clear one of the bosses on the T56 trans. Then I indexted the bell to the crank than ajusted the CSC cushion ajustment. with everything in spec, I installed the transmission to the engine.

[mrgm]

thats some nifty work there

[johns cuda shop]

I finished fitting the rear section of the roll bar today( I am waiting on a lift in the shop so I can install the motor) with everything tack welded in for now , I plan on a removable cross bar and front supports. I used 6"X6"X 1/8 plates welded to the rear frame above the coilover support brace.

[johns cuda shop]

Motor and trans installed!!!

[mrgm]

coming together very good :thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks Guys,, I fitted and replaced the passengers side floor board today and started to mock up some parts on the engine.The TTI headers were the wrong ones ,started to run some brake lines.

[johns cuda shop]

Just finished my header install and front engine accessory kit.

[mrgm]

wow. what's the clearance around that shaft...looks to be a great fit. think i missed the floor update, looks good. :thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

Checking the fitment of the AMD shaker hood ,looks good only minor tweaks

[johns cuda shop]

Finished the transmission tunnel modifications. The tunnel needed to be raised 3 inches and 4 in width to fit the T56 Magnum. I made a plate to mount the Hurst pistol grip shifter. Looks killer.

[johns cuda shop]

I added the front cowl to cross bar and mounts . I had to modify the dash frame for them to come through. While I was at it I elinimated the ash tray area in the dash(looks cleaner without it. Next will be laying out my side bars and cross brace. These will have be removable .

[johns cuda shop]

Finishing up my Roll cage today, I wanted to make the rear crossbar and side bars removable. After looking at some weld in cage bungs ,I decided to make my own. I was careful not to have the cage interfere with the door panels or front seats. The front bars are angled so they are not intrusive to get in and out of the car. I tacked welded everything for now but will fully weld when it goes on the rotisserie for paint.

[DRJDVM's '69]

Does your shifter hit the dash?

My motor and trans is raised 1.5 inches and when I tried the stock type pistol grip, it hit the dash in 4th gear.... And the shifter was way high.... So I changed to one of the new billet ones for the new camaro

[67autocross]

Nice! I like the low door bars, I did the ones like that on my Dart but I bent them down into the torsion bar cross member and welded them in.

[johns cuda shop]

The shifter does not hit the dash , but its close. It sit higher than I want. I plan on making a offset mount to move the shifter back 1" and lower it 1 1/2 inches. I will know for sure when I put the seats back in.

[johns cuda shop]

I spent the day cutting out the rear valance ,I deleted the rear bumper gaurd area. It makes for a more cleaner look.

[GregWeld]

Looks to me to be a very AWKWARD shift handle position -- like it's installed backwards.... the angle is just all wrong from the pic....

[96z28ss]

the shifter handle was installed wrong n a couple pics. Later in other pics its installed correctly.

[johns cuda shop]

Yeah guys, I was just playing with the shifter positions and took some pictures with the shifter 180 out. I may decide to make a whole new pistol grip shifter out of aluminum to have the correct height and position. I will address after I get the seats and the steering column back in.

[DRJDVM's '69]

Yeah I tried the stock one and the position just didnt feel right..... so I sent it back and got the "modern" version....better but still will need some tweaking to get it in the right spot.

[johns cuda shop]

Media blasted and epoxy primed the fenders , header panel, rear valance panel and dash cage. I added the fish gills to the fender , these patches were attach by SEM panel adhesive

[johns cuda shop]

I made a custom bracket to move the shifter back and angled it 20 deg toward the rear. It feels much better.there is no reason to go with a shorter shifter at this point. The factory boot and ring will have to be mounted further to the rear.

[doitbby]

i see that you are going with a shaker hood. Are you going to mount the shaker bubble to the hood. I'd like to do that to mine. just wondering if you had any ideas on the best way to do it. thanks

[johns cuda shop]

I plan on making a fully funtioning shaker hood.This will be patterned like the Danko baseplate . I will make the baseplate out of some 1/8 aluminum, with some air box filter and tubes from the speed from specture air intake kit.

[johns cuda shop]

I made a adjustable stop for the clutch pedal. If the hydraulic brake master cylinder bottoms out ,it could damage the unit. Other items was mocking the gas pedal by reversing the studs on the firewall and throttle cable for the fuel injection.I welded in some 1 inch condit from inner fender to the radiator support so I can hide most of the wires .Instead of having them show in the engine compartment.

[johns cuda shop]

Modified the rear seat , I cut a 4"X4" square on each end then followed with some 1/4 CRS round bent 90 degress so the roll bar tubes can pass thru.

[johns cuda shop]

I had to make some new corner brackets out of some 3/32 steel plate because the cowl bar interfered with the originals. Other mods include Filled in front license plate area on the front bumper, deleted the buper bolt holes with a 3/8 studs welded on the back side for mounting to the brackets.I will have to shave the bumpers more to tighen up the gap between the bumper and the body.

[johns cuda shop]

I ended up welding the holes for the side markers on the fenders and quarters, Other holes welded up were trunk lock (I'm gonna run a electric trunk release) and antenna hole

[johns cuda shop]

Finished my rear brakes and brake lines. I used 3/16 tube from the rear brakes to the master.

[johns cuda shop]

More progress, Hooked up the heater hoses, Mounted the heater control valve. Located and welded the seat belt mounts, Cable mounted valve body and cable. Mounted the vintage air port on the passenger side fender well area.

[johns cuda shop]

Some modifications required to install the Halegen headlights in the cuda

[johns cuda shop]

More progress on the rear bumper. I sectioned the bumper 3/8 a side and the bumper brackets 3/4 in.

[SuperB70]

Looks great!

Are you going to paint or chrome the bumpers? It sits just right.

[rjsjea]

:thumbsup: Keep it up!

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks Guys, I plan on painting the bumpers . Since the car is going to be black it will probably be body color. Decisions Decisions..

[elitecustombody]

Moving right along,John. Looking good. What are you planning on doing with chrome trim around the windows? What wheels you're going with?

[johns cuda shop]

I plan on using the Mustang bullet wheels, They will be painted to match the black on the car. I want to shave the drip rails and either elin iliminate the window moldings and relace with black rubber or anodize or paint the original moldings black.

[johns cuda shop]

Mounting a Lokar E-brake handle and wilwood universal parking brake cables. I ran the cables thru the car and around the tunnel. Looking at istalling the exhaust next

[johns cuda shop]

Installed the full 3 in TTI exhaust with dynomax turbo mufflers, With the drive line angle at 1deg I have a issue with the headpipes hitting the floorboard. Some minor tweeking will be needed. The area above the mufflers will need to be raised 1 inch for clearance. The tailpipes will also need some tweeking. Since this is a tuned system , I will modify the body before modifying any pipes.

[johns cuda shop]

I am using Shark Gauges (Dolphin Gauge Co) for the cuda. These are comparable to Autometer phantom Gauges without the price. The Speedometer is Electronic, and should work with my output on my T56 Mag. I couldnt find a dash cluster to my liking so I made my own from some 20 gauge here. I made sure I sunk the gauges back 1/2 from the surface ( I personally dont like the look when the gauges are mounted above the dash cluster). I plan on covering it in black leather or painting black wrinkle.There is some finishing, ect ect. I will have to mount indicator light and switch holes but this is as far as I got.

[johns cuda shop]

With my shop being really busy the last few months I only have been able to do some planing and purchasing of parts for the car.I installed alll of the front sheet metal . As usual the factory sheetmetal is way off. I plan on shaving the front bumper and incorperating it into the fenders. These are some recent photos. Thanks everyone

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Great project, can't wait to see what you do with the bumper....got a spare grille?

[johns cuda shop]

Some work on the console. I made it from some 18 ga Aluminum I had here at the shop. I sunk the shifter into the console and added cup holders. I plan on having this covered along with the dash cluster in black leather.

[johns cuda shop]

I was tired of that god aweful gap around the rear license plate ,so I tighten up the gap and the license plate slides so I can access the fuel filler. I wasnt able to use the original plate light so I made a slimmer one from Aluminum with LED lights.

[Z10ROD]

NICE BUILD I'M watch'n !! mine's slow or maybe my driving skills R BAD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0_P02ie47Q:lateral:

[johns cuda shop]

cool video

[Al Moreno]

Hey John, very creative on the lic plate! Great job :thumbsup: Thanks for posting.

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks Al.. Here are some battery box mods. I sunk the battery as low as I could in the trunk. I wasnt happy with any battery holdowns that I saw ,so I made my own from some aluminum.

[johns cuda shop]

I proceeded to remove the drip rails on the car. Since the the pinch weld was gonna be cut off too, I cut the drip rail in 2 inch sections putting a tack weld between each. Then I cutoff all the remaining drip rails. This way I have no suprise when the drip rail is cut off.I left it unfinished for now as I want to weld everthing together fully when the car is upside down on the rotiserie, I try to avoid upside down welding whenever possible.

[joe440]

car is looking great, lots of detail. Giving me ideas for mine. good luck:cheers:

[johns cuda shop]

I modified a 68 Chrysler imperial power trunk latch assembly to fit the cuda.This will be operated from the dash with a hidden switch , I welded up the trunk lock on the tail panel for a cleaner look

[67XR7]

Great build! its hard to not like Mopar's especially when there is a lot of custom fab work.

[SuperB70]

This is a great build, I like what you have done so far.

Skilled fabrication. Keep it up!:thumbsup:

About your trunk opener, sence your battery is in the trunk you'll build some me hanical opener also?

[johns cuda shop]

Yeah, I am thinking about adding a lever rod under the car, I also plan on having the battery terminals offset to the underside of the car just in case the battery goes dead, this way I can charge the battery without opening the trunk

[johns cuda shop]

Shaved door handle install, I used the electric life universal kit. I added some spring loaded door popouts to push the heavy doors out to open them when the latch is released

[johns cuda shop]

More progress,Front bumper and bracket mods. I took out 2 inches of the bumper width to make it fit flush with the body. I also had to strech the ends and reshape the bumper so it fits closer in the grille

[johns cuda shop]

I replaced the factory trunk torsion bar with 2 40lb gas shocks, After that I made some trunk hinges from some 1/2 thick 6061-T6 Aluminum.

[xtreme]

nice job on the hinges!

[mrgm]

nice. been following. your truckin along. :thumbsup:

[millerman340]

Looking good! Love them trunk hinges.

[elitecustombody]

John, great job on the trunk hinges.:thumbsup:

[manny z]

I replaced the factory trunk torsion bar with 2 40lb gas shocks, After that I made some trunk hinges from some 1/2 thick 6061-T6 Aluminum.

Damm, good idea. I am going to to use this on my charger..

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks everyone. I extended the rocker panels 2 inches and got rid of that awful flat spot and pinch weld. The result is the car looks much lower than it is and it looks more finished than the factory left it.

[johns cuda shop]

I decided to extend the drip rails about 3/4 of a inch from some 20 gauge to hide the window channel molding. With some trimming to be sure the window doesnt hit. The result is a much smoother look.

[johns cuda shop]

Having fun playing with some more aluminum. I plan on some aluminum upper door hinges ,glove box door and some other parts too.

[mrgm]

looking good :thumbsup:

[johns cuda shop]

Rear taillight Mods. In keeping with the theme of keeping the transitions as smooth as possible, I made new tailight bezels and lenses that are flush instead of stock.

[johns cuda shop]

I made a latch cover from 6061 aluminum sheet,to cover up that huge gap between the radiator support and header panel and it will also keep the air directed thru the radiator. I plan on adding the hood release and hood pop up spring

[johns cuda shop]

I installed my Griffin radiator and gor to thinking, I could get some more air thru the lower part of the bumper without being to noticeable . I cut the area out from the bumper that had the front license plate and added some dimpled holes

[hp2]

Eh, I dunno. Those bumper mods look a little too much like some quick, Saturday night oval track mods made on the fly. Yes, the dimples clean them up compared to plain old holes, but they look like a band aid solution to a problem you probably don't even have.

[johns cuda shop]

On The contrary the look real cool, Thank you for your opinion

[Royalworks]

I think I wanna see it in primer.

[hp2]

On The contrary the look real cool, Thank you for your opinion

True, my opinion, your car. If you're happy, my opinion is inmaterial. Just providing some unsolicted feedback.

[GregWeld]

True, my opinion, your car. If you're happy, my opinion is inmaterial. Just providing some unsolicted feedback.



You know what they say about opinions.....



Keep 'em to yourself unless they're solicited... as in "hey! What do you guys think about this...."

[syborg tt]

You know what they say about opinions....."

You know what they say

ps I like the front bumber

[johns cuda shop]

some work on the shaker air box and intake tubes

[johns cuda shop]

I am still waiting on a 60 deeg tube from spectre to connect the air box to the shaker base

[Rick D]

Looks real nice! I like how your making the shaker functional!

[johns cuda shop]

Thank you Rick , I have more pictures available to see at http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/customachinecomponents/library/71%20Cuda%20Pro-Touring%20Build?sort=3&page=1

[syborg tt]

Thank you Rick , I have more pictures available to see at http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/customachinecomponents/library/71%20Cuda%20Pro-Touring%20Build?sort=3&page=1

Nice work

[johns cuda shop]

Nice work Thank you Marty. Ur car (the second chance Camaro ) Is coming along..:gitrdun:

[syborg tt]

Thank you Marty. Ur car (the second chance Camaro ) Is coming along..:gitrdun:

Your welcome - and it's getting closer

[johns cuda shop]

Teardown for bodywork and paint. Now the fun begins :drowninga:

[frojoe]

There is some awesome work in here, can't believe I missed it! Keep it up!!

[elitecustombody]

John, car looks great! Keep up good work,buddy!

[jarhead]

very inspiring :thumbsup:

I miss having access to machine tools.

[rjsjea]

Those INDY valve covers are going to look great

[tones2SS]

Awesome work. Love the cai and the shaker scoop.

[pitts12driver]

Great work! Looks amazing and coming along well.

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks to J&C Auto Restoration in Murrells Inlet SC for gently media blasting the body and applying the epoxy primer.Next is quarter panel istallation and panel fitment

[LS7 Z/28]

Great project, I love this bodystyle. There's not a lot cooler than a Cuda G machine.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Looks great!

[johns cuda shop]

Making the AMD Quarters fit better. The Sail panel quarter seam was but welded by hammer and dollied the flange on the AMD quarter and Tig ,Butt weld to the body seam. The AMD trunk lid rear corners did not follow the contours of the quarter so material has removed and added to make it fit better plus other fitment issues (see pics)

[HBRod]

Just read through your build thread. Lots of neat ideas and some great marketing possibilities for all those aluminum parts you built. If you have already you should make those parts available for other Cuda builder's out there. I have seen gas piston aluminum trunk system on a Cuda yet. This is definitely a car to watch to see how it turns out. Will be very nice.

Good luck on a great build.
Rod

[johns cuda shop]

Getting a little closer

[johns cuda shop]

Made a Aluminum pistol grip handle with rose wood grips for the T56 Magnum

[jarhead]

Nice work on the car, really like the handle:D

[Vince@Meanstreets]

awesome work!!!

[johns cuda shop]

Its been a long road, All the bodywork has been completed. After next week the Cuda will be painted Indigo Black

[WSSix]

Congrats! I'd say that's a major milestone. Be sure to post up after paint, too.

[Jay Hilliard]

Very nice work and I like the custom handle.

[Scott Haggai]

sweet cuda build!

[MoparCar]

Nice to see you getting to paint. It sure is a long road. Nice!!!! I've watched your build through all its ups and downs. Can't wait to see it shiny.

[no go nova]

Great work I just went thru this whole thread, I'm not a mopar man but this CUDA is top notch. And your also from SC.

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the positive comments.Sneek peak of last week. Wet sand and buff this week more pictures to follow.

[syborg tt]

very nice and I love the color

[johns cuda shop]

Thanks We have 6 coats of clear. Getting ready to color sand and buff.

[syborg tt]

Looks incredible !!

[WSSix]

x2 man is that slick looking.

[johns cuda shop]

Getting ready for the engine install, The taillight panel and engine compartment painted hot rod black

[waynieZ]

I love the paint and the project. Beautiful work.

[johns cuda shop]

Engine installation and down on all 4 wheels

[214Chevy]

I am loving this. Very nice...

[jarhead]

:trophy-1302:

[syborg tt]

Looks great.

So when you lower the car down over the K-Member does the motor actually fit or do you have to pull the valve covers ?

[johns cuda shop]

Hi Marty, I have to take the RH valve cover off to install from the bottom..

[syborg tt]

Hi Marty, I have to take the RH valve cover off to install from the bottom..

Heck I was thinking both would need to come off.

btw the Engine bay looks impressive

[WSSix]

Congrats on getting onto its own wheels again! The engine looks nice sitting in there.

[DKz Garage]

Car looks awesome!

[johns cuda shop]

More Progress

[jarhead]

really like the hidden gas fill!

What AC unit is that?

Thanks, Joe

[johns cuda shop]

Het Joe , its a vintage air IV unit

[johns cuda shop]

A few more pics. Getting ready to go back the body shop and finish this bad boy up

[Munssey]

that filler cap fab.... so nice!

Beautiful build, sir. Keep up the nice progress.

[johns cuda shop]

Running now guys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qxa-6jn0SI&feature=youtu.be

[johns cuda shop]

For the first time in 6 years it moves,steers and stops under its own power now. Working on the fenders and the hood install next

[WSSix]

Congrats! That's a great milestone. The car looks great.

[johns cuda shop]

A few more pictures.

[blownbluebird]

will the car be at the run in the sun car show?

[johns cuda shop]

Yes it will be. I will have it on display at the JC Restorations tent near the vendor area

[blownbluebird]

seen this car first hand today. its a bad ride.

[johns cuda shop]

A few more, getting closer

[Jimbo1367]

Wow.
IMHO, it need rims/wheels that are in the same caliber of the rest of the build. The rims just look out of place. Shop wheels.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

beautiful!!!

[grendel]

very nice.