I'm not real sure I would call this a restoration project, because we started with a pretty good car, and just wanted to make it more personal. My wife has owned this car since 1989, and started life as a 340 Canary Yellow automatic. the 340 was long gone when she got it and it had a 360 that her brother turned into a class project with NOS and soon blew up. It was replaced with another 340 that was supposed to be "built", but never really performed like we had hoped. It was also changed to Hemi Orange in about 1991.
That's the quick background, so fast forward to winter 2006. We started with the idea of rebuilding a 383 that was in Rhode Island at my in-laws (We're in Dallas), but after talking with a builder down here, decided to go with a 440 block he already had. One thing I had always wanted was a 4 speed, so since we were swapping the engine to a big block and needed a new tranny anyways, well, that only seemed like the logical choice. Of course, if we're going to step up to a 4 speed and 440, then might as well make it a 440-6 pack (what the hey, it's only
). Well, that all happened 2 years ago, then last winter we went ahead and replaced the entire suspension with newer stuff. Nothing trick, just new bushings, Hemi T-bars, rear sway bar, and XHD leaf springs, along with a new dash.
Now comes the final piece of the puzzle. This winter we are getting it blasted and repainted Hemi Orange (it turns out the previous paint job was more of a Hugger Orange
). We're also putting in a Rallye dash, new exhaust with new rear valance, and 70-72 bumpers. I've got some pics from way before, some from the engine and tranny build, and just now starting the repaint. Most of the work has been and will be done by Craig Huls up in Nevada, TX, but I try to do as much as I can with my limited experience and time (that equals about 1% of the total build, but if I can turn a screw every now and then it makes me feel better). I will be sure and post more pics as it comes along.
