Pro touring resto-mod Cuda build

[kjwalters]

Hello everyone
 After a great welcome I am finally getting around to starting my build thread for my 74 Cuda. I am not new to fabricating and building cars, I have been at it for over 20years now, but most of my builds have been hot rods and pro street cars, this is my first Cuda.
I have always wanted to have a pro touring resto-mod Cuda and I guess this is my chance.

Here is a picture of the car when I first picked it up this past fall. The car is good condition with some issues in the trunk and lower rear quarters, it had just over 30K original miles on it so it was a good starting platform. The car had a 440 BB in it with a 727 Torque flight.












At this point the car has been stripped completely down and media blasted to bare metal. It is currently undergoing surgery to install full rear quarters, new trunk pan, Trunk extensions and out fender wells. It will also get a new rocker panel and hood.

The 440 will be swapped out for a stroked Gen III Hemi (440 is already sold) and I will be using a fully built manual shift Coklin 727 Trans with a gear vendors unit. This will give me downshift capable engine braking as well. I figure its a good compromise between automatic and stick.

I have just finished rebuilding the 8-3/4 rear end and installing a triangulated 4 link with adjustable sway bar in the rear. I am running Motive 3:91 gears with a Detroit True trac posi and Moser axles along with 4 piston Wilwood Drilled and slotted brakes and Kevlar brake lines.

Up front I will be running a Control Freaks tubular suspension with PW rack and pinion, Viking double adjustable coil overs and Wilwood 13" 6 piston Drilled and slotted brakes with Kevlar lines.

Here's a few more pics. Despite the current state the car should be done this summer.

[Pentastarnut]

start with setting your photobucket folder to public, then copy/paste the IMG code 

[kjwalters]

start with setting your photobucket folder to public, then copy/paste the IMG code 

Thanks I will give that a shot

[kjwalters]

Here are some more pics. Today I visited the Juan's to see the progress on the Cuda, tuns out they have been busy. They are just finishing up the rear Quarters. The car body should be ready for it's first coat of paint this coming week. Below is a picture of the doors and fenders which were shot with their first coat this week, these have not been cleared yet but  I love the color, it was custom mixed for me by Urekem custom paints out of Florida and is a two stage base clear satin. As you can see the doors and fenders have been shaved for that smooth look.
Juan is the only company I use for my body and paint work, He is an awesome guy that cares about his work and his customers. He has a good crew as well.

[kjwalters]

I have decide to go with BonSpeed for my wheels. Brad Franshaw has an excellent reputation in the industry and his wheel quality is fantastic. I first seen their product at SEMA in Vegas a few years back and always wanted to run his product.
When it comes to choosing the right wheel on a car it can really make or break it. I originally wanted to go with the atom-Bomb style wheel but after having rendering done on and really looking at what I was trying to get the ca to say, I decided to do with the GT-B in stain black finish.

This is the wheel I m going with. I am running 20x10 (295/25/20) in the rear and 19x8  (245/40/19) up front.

[kjwalters]

I have decided to go with BonSpeed wheels. I have been wanting run a set since I met Brad at Sema a few years back and saw their products. He makes a great forged wheel and is easy to talk to. I was originally going to go with the Atom-Bomb wheel, but after having a few renderings done of the car with different wheels ,I decided to go with the GT-B in Satin Black. When it comes to choosing a wheel for a build the right choice can make it or break it. It was my opinion that this wheel makes the statement I am wanting this car to make and should look great against the Stain pain of the car.

I will be running 20x10 (295/35/20) in the rear and 19 (245/45/19) in the front.

Here's a pic of the GT-B

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Looking good!

[soundcontrol]

Thats a great looking wheel!

[dodj]

Wow!
I would have been happy with what you started with.
Can't wait to see how it turns out. 

[kjwalters]

Thats a great looking wheel!

Thanks It took me while but I think I made the right choice.

[kjwalters]

Looking good!

Thanks, It's definitely a journey... so far a fun one.

[kjwalters]

Wow!
I would have been happy with what you started with.
Can't wait to see how it turns out. 

Yeah it was a good solid foundation for a pro touring build. I hope it turns out as good as I expect it will, Stay tuned.

[kjwalters]

Well, The car should be back from paint this weekend so I can start the suspension install and get rolling again.  I have to say the guys at Juan's auto body in Peru IL have been great. They accomplished allot in very short time and it looks fantastic.  I will post some more pics soon. I am still waiting on the control freaks front suspension, but I should be able to keep busy there's plenty to be done.

[johns cuda shop]

Cool Build

[kjwalters]

Cool Build

Thanks! The pic of your Cuda is killer, what an awesome car. Thanks for checking out my build.