71 Cuda Pro-Touring Build

[johns cuda shop]

Checking the fitment of my AMD shaker hood, it looks close, Now I am debating on whether to use my nice 71 non gilled original fenders and put the gilled fender patches in, or buy the new 71 Gilled AMD fenders now that they are available. Hmmmmm

[johns cuda shop]

Finished the transmission tunnel Modifications for the T56 6 speed. I used the same section of the tunnel and raised it 3 inches and widthe by 4 inches. I made a square opening to use the factory pistol grip shifter boot and chrome ring. I had to open up the 2 mounting holes from 5/16 to 3/8 on the shift lever to mount the pistol grip shifter. The rear of the tunnel (area near the seat belt bolt anchors )needed to by raised 2 inches for drive shaft clearance. I havent made a decision on a center console yet. never mind the shifter mounted backwards in the picture ,I was playing with shifter positions.

['Cuda Hunter]

That's sweet. 

[usraptr]

Nice work!

[larry4406]

Is your shifter mounted backwards?

[johns cuda shop]

I was just playing around with the shifter positions, I had the shifter turned around  when the picture was taken. Looks like I will have to slightly modify the shifter handle to make it work without the handle hitting the dash. I will also see if the position will be right once I have a seat mocked up and the pedal height set.

[TROUBLE987]

John the car is looking good..I'm doing a car similar..I got a few questions though..did you buy the engine complete with a computer ready to go,or you doing The build in pieces and getting a after market computer..also what did the accessory kit run ya..I tried looking it up on the site..thx

[johns cuda shop]

the Engine is a MP aluminum 426 crate hemi bought direct through Mopar Performance. I decided on a stand alone Mopar AEM computer because of its flexabity and tech support. Not to say anything bad about other stand alone's but in this case I believe you get what you pay for. I bought my engine accessory kit and computer thru Bouchillion this is the link  http://www.bouchillonperformance.com/61LHemi.asp  They were Friendly ,knowlegable, answered all my questions plus the price was right. Its easier to buy from 1 company then to get a piece here ,buy a part there. You can't put a price on good customer support.Thank you for your comments. Good luck with your project

[johns cuda shop]

I bought a new AMD trunk lid from Member Stefan at Custom Elite Auto body. Fits good with only minor tweeks. now I have one less part to strip and finish. I ordered it on a Monday and recieved it on a Friday. Awesome service !!!

[johns cuda shop]

I added the front roll cage tubes and made some floor plates. I had to modify the dash cage for the tubes to pass thru.I was careful to position them as I wanted to use the factory door and kick panels. I will be eliminating the factory parking brake assembly and using a more convenient floor hand lever brake assembly. While I was at it I modified the frame by deleteing the ash tray area. I dont need it and,It looks cleaner without it any way. still playing with the shifter position ,I have it close.

[TROUBLE987]

John I got all my sheet metal from custom elite auto body..great guy,good prices,and service is really good..John I'm sorry to cut in on your build..but I'm right behind you on my build,but how are you planning on install the shaker on the hemi motor?

[johns cuda shop]

I am going to make a custom baseplate out of 1/8 aluminum patterned around the same design as the Danko enterprises set up.It will be something I can modify at will because I may decide after the car is together and finished to move up to a supercharger .For the filter and the tube I plan on some parts from the Speed by Spectre kit ( which includes filter box an custom intake tubes and bends) When I am done it will be a fully functioning Shaker. Thanks

[TROUBLE987]

Oh ok..well I'm using a lot of what your doing on my car..you have some great ideas..keep up the good work..and thx for sharing

[johns cuda shop]

I decided to make the side bars and cross brace to my roll cage removable, After looking at some weld in cage bungs ,I decided to make my own. I made them from  1 3/4 solid CRS round I have here at the shop. All my tubes are 1 3/4 .090 wall DOM, the cowl bar is 1 1/2  1/8 wall DOM Tube. Careful attention was paid so the tubes clear the door panels and seats. everything is tacked into place and I will Tig weld them into place when I get the car apart and ready for paint and on the rotiserie, this way I can weld all the way around the joint. The side bars are not to intrusive to get in and out of the car , the rear bar can be removed for rear passengers. I plan on making some plastic covers (probably out of some UHMW plastic) to slide over the cage bungs when the bars are removed.

[Charles]

That's going to be one sick looking cuda!

Looks like you're moving along quite good. Keep up the good work.