Resto Mod 1973 Barracuda round 2

[redo1973]

Motor has found a place to call home I was able to address the motor mount issue by drilling out a nut to fill the space.  The next Ah Ha moment was connecting the torque converter to the flex plate...wrong PLATE    Once again this motor came from a truck and probably had a 727 connected to it.  Fortunately I still had the Flex Plate from the 318 so it was a short delay as I cleaned that up.

I put the car up on ramps to elevate it better than when I removed the motor.  My dad and son were here to put the motor in.  I was planning on lifting the motor into place but I was able to simply drop the body into place to connect the K-Frame.  The hoist was connected to the motor for safety as we worked the rear mount.   We only had one mishap with the engine hoist but no damage.  Whew! Now onto electrical, fuel and brakes.

[usraptr]

Very nice progress! 

[redo1973]

Okay, time to update the log.  It's been a while.  Some delays caused by work but making progress.  Couple updates.  I've been successful restoring the grille.  I had a number of breaks and cracks.  I found a product at Eastwood that worked very nicely and I then did a little body work to it.

[redo1973]

We determined that the original radiator was risk and decided to put in a champion radiator.  I painted it black simply because I did not like the shiny look.  This radiator is aluminum.  Very tender but so far so good.  I also put in the stock restored air box.  It went in pretty good with two people. I've since learned the challenge of upgrading A/C but I think that we have a direction.  I want to replace the stock compressor and other R12 components.  I'm thinking that I can keep the air box.

[redo1973]

I now have the seats recovered but no pictures to load yet.  I also chose a 2.5 inch TTI exhaust with Dynomax turbo mufflers and an H pipe with stainless steel tips through the valance.  I'll post pictures later when I can get it on a lift.  I've already fired the motor and it sounds sweet. I chose stainless brake and fuel lines from In-lne tube.  No issues.  I painted the fuel tank and installed it as well.  I did it by myself, the first time, but it went in much easier with a second guy.

[redo1973]

I apologize for the rapid fire here.  I've been focused on getting this car running and became backlogged.  I have lots of pictures.  I have installed the complete stock brake system except for a new master cylinder and booster, very similar to stock.  I then learned about proportioning valves for 1973 e-bodies I guess this was the year   Mopar changed to cast body for this versus normal brass.  And guess what, no replacement unless I replumb for another year or aftermarket.  I took a chance and tore it down for a rebuild.  It really is not that bad. I have pictures for each step I took.

[redo1973]

Another big moment for me was restoring the Steering column.  I found the video series made by Cody on you tube.  This is invaluable.  I did a complete bolt restoration.  Thank you Cody.  Again I took pictures at each stage, mostly for my lack of memory  The column was fairly complete but it had a burned ignition line.  I'm upgrading the electrical and purchased an OE replacement.  Everything else worked well, almost.  I learned about a stock press in bearing for the column tube and shaft.  My stock set-up only had a collar and foam piece so the shaft essentially "floated".  I didn't like that so I installed the bearing.  It was at that point that I noticed my shaft was bent!!!! I'm in the process of getting another shaft because I can't drive the car with a steering wheel that turns in the shape of an egg! Updates to come.

[redo1973]

One more success for tonight, Glass restoration,  I have all the original tinted glass.  Unfortunately the windshield had a 2 inch scratch on the drivers side and a couple smaller ones that would catch my fingernail when I dragged across it.  I did some research and there are several techniques shown on You tube.  I chose to use Cerium Oxide and a buffing pad on my hand drill from TK technologies.  It is a messy and slow process but it worked for me.  I won't claim it to be perfect as I did have some slight distortion but I'm sure it was from my impatience. I've since done the back window which had a small scratch and it definitely polished nicely.  The side windows are in process now. I hoping to install those this weekend.  I restored the window mechanisms.  They only required cleaning, no repairs. 

[Beekeeper]

Very impressive redo! This is the first time I've read your entire thread. You got skills, that's for sure. I'm really looking forward to seeing it finished. I'm currently doing so many of the metal things you once did. I can truly appreciate the work you poured into the car.

I'm thinking that once I get the metal work finished, I may buy a rotisserie and sandblaster and do it myself on the side yard. The thought of sanding everything to perfection like you did gives me nightmares.

[larry4406]

Very nice!

What is the Eastwood product you used for the grill repairs?

The glass polishing looks good as well!  I googled it and think you might have meant TechnologyLK instead
https://www.technologylk.com/__7816/cerium-oxide.html

[redo1973]

Thanks guys. Beekeeper, I very much suggest sandblasting over what I did.  I saved a few thousand dollars but it was very time consuming.  A rotisserie was also a good buy for my project.  It was on there for three years! Your project is moving along nicely and I am watching.

Larry4406, the eastwood product was Plastex.  It bonds, fills and replicates plastic.  It is a two part process with a resin and liquid.  It is manufactured by GT Motorsports.  You are correct on the Cerium Oxide provider.  I purchased the 1 pound canister and the 4 inch pad. 

[Cudakiller70]

Awesome build love that color! Thanks for doing all the details. Good news on the glass. I have a scratched side window, instead of replacing I'll give it a try. Really have nothing to lose if it doesn't work was going to buy another one anyway. Thanks 

[Chryco Psycho]

Looking great 

[redo1973]

I had some success with restoring some of my black plastic, splash guards, grilles, radiator shroud etc.  I used a resurfacing product from Eastwood.  I presume there is some mild chemical to permeate the surface.  It seems like paint but is subtle. I've since bought a few cans and will use it on the plastic on my wife's jeep and my truck.

[redo1973]

Well I finally took the plunge on wheels.  It was an agonizing decision as I read and learned all the elements involved.  I finally decided on Rocket Racing Fuel series.  I chose Aluminum Chrome wheels.  The both sets are 15 inch.  The rears are 8 inch with 4.5 backspacing.  The fronts are 7 inch with 4.25 backspacing.  The tire are rear 255/15/60 and the fronts 225/15/60 BF Goodrich T/A.  I have largely a stock suspension except the rear spring are 1" over stock (similar to AAR) and brakes (front disc, rear drums).  The rear is still elevated but I'm expecting it to settle once I have fuel and other innards on it.  I'm hoping to work on glass tomorrow.