Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project

[usraptr]

After what seems like forever.  My son and I re-installed the dash in my 'Cuda yesterday and it looks great, even if I do say so myself.  Still have to button up some things and connect a few more wires, and figure out why the "heat," "def" lever won't slide past the "heat" position, (any suggestions are welcome) but it's in.  Can't believe what a difference it makes.  It's actually starting to look like a car again after all these years.  New Dash Pros dash pad, three new speakers from S&M Electro-Tech, Inc who also restored my original AM 8-track radio (including the 8-track) and installed a I-Pod port, new heater control panel from Tony's parts.  My son and I bench tested all the gauges and they worked fine and I sanded and polished the plastic gauge cover.  I stripped and repainted the dash frame with the correct black swede lacquer and repainted any plastic trim pieces.  After I finish the dash installation I'll re-install the restored steering column and the front seats and the interior will be done expect for the center console which will wait until the engine/trans is installed.

[loco340cuda]

Looks great!

[Challenger in NC]

After what seems like forever.  My son and I re-installed the dash in my 'Cuda yesterday and it looks great, even if I do say so myself.  Still have to button up some things and connect a few more wires, and figure out why the "heat," "def" lever won't slide past the "heat" position, (any suggestions are welcome) but it's in.  Can't believe what a difference it makes.  It's actually starting to look like a car again after all these years.  New Dash Pros dash pad, three new speakers from S&M Electro-Tech, Inc who also restored my original AM 8-track radio (including the 8-track) and installed a I-Pod port, new heater control panel from Tony's parts.  My son and I bench tested all the gauges and they worked fine and I sanded and polished the plastic gauge cover.  I stripped and repainted the dash frame with the correct black swede lacquer and repainted any plastic trim pieces.  After I finish the dash installation I'll re-install the restored steering column and the front seats and the interior will be done expect for the center console which will wait until the engine/trans is installed.

Looks fantastic. What was your procedure for testing the gauges and did you perform the amp bypass procedure?

[cudamadd]

Great  job .Very nice indeed  .   

[usraptr]

Looks fantastic. What was your procedure for testing the gauges and did you perform the amp bypass procedure?

My son's a mechanic and did it a year ago so I'm not sure.  I think he used an ohm meter but I'm not sure.  I'll ask him and get back to you. 

[4 speed fish]

Was your shaker cable Knob  mounted in that location from the factory?

[usraptr]

Was your shaker cable Knob  mounted in that location from the factory?

I'm 90% sure it was, but could be wrong.  I went off these picture when re-attaching mine.

[usraptr]

Looks fantastic. What was your procedure for testing the gauges and did you perform the amp bypass procedure?

This is the response I got from my son; hope this helps.

"I don't think there is a technical name for what we did.  We put power and ground to the various circuits to see if they functioned.  I am fairly certain your book(s) stated it is a 6 volt system at the cluster.  I used my power-probe hooked to a 12v battery you had lying around.  Since we didn't have a 6v source I very lightly rocked the toggle on the power-probe.  This made the lights flicker on/off and gauges twitch/move.  We did this to each gauge and light with the wiring diagram showing us where the power and ground was for each circuit. "

[Challenger in NC]

This is the response I got from my son; hope this helps.

"I don't think there is a technical name for what we did.  We put power and ground to the various circuits to see if they functioned.  I am fairly certain your book(s) stated it is a 6 volt system at the cluster.  I used my power-probe hooked to a 12v battery you had lying around.  Since we didn't have a 6v source I very lightly rocked the toggle on the power-probe.  This made the lights flicker on/off and gauges twitch/move.  We did this to each gauge and light with the wiring diagram showing us where the power and ground was for each circuit. "

Thanks. I need to test my gauge cluster out to make sure everything functions as it should before I install it.

[usraptr]

Discovered why my heater/defrost cable wouldn't move past half way.  Previous owner apparently broke the cable and re-bent a new loop into the end.  It's only 35" instead of the original 37"s.  Ordered a new cable today.  Hopefully this will solve my problem. 

[AU6pack]

Very nice project. Great work 

[usraptr]

Look what finally arrived at my doorstep today!     Three weeks after the rest of the order.  I feel like a kid who has been anxiously waiting for Christmas morning!  Personally, I think somebody screwed up the order on the heads, but oh well they're here and that's what counts. Now the build can begin, well after I paint the engine. Pro-Maxx (formerly Patriot) aluminum heads; Quickfuel 880 CFM carb, Edelbrock Performer aluminum manifold; McLeod Heavy Duty clutch, Summit Racing Electronic Distributor, coil and ignition box;  Carter hi-performance fuel pump; ARP Head and other bolts; and Quick Fuel carb line.   FYI, I will take the heads to my Machine Shop to have them checked over before installation.

[Challenger in NC]

Very cool. Will the heads be modified for improved airflow or just inspected?

[brads70]

Exciting times ! Gotta love new shiny parts! 

[usraptr]

Very cool. Will the heads be modified for improved airflow or just inspected?

Just inspected and the intake push rod hole drilled out to accept a larger diameter push rod.  It's just a street machine.  No need for porting.