My first project

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    Author Topic: My first project  (Read 7342 times)

    Offline Joethesmith

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    My first project
    « on: January 29, 2012 - 08:12:48 PM »
    So I got a 71 barracuda 318 numbers matching from my father-in-law. it has sat for the last 3-4 years and needs lots and lots of work. But 1st things 1st, it needs new tires just so I can move it to my house. does anyone know what the base tire size was for 14in rims? I have looked all over but am having a problem finding what I thought was an easy question. Thanks.
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    Offline Topcat

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #1 on: January 29, 2012 - 09:00:40 PM »
    « Last Edit: January 29, 2012 - 09:02:41 PM by Topcat »
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    Mike, Fremont, CA.

    Offline Joethesmith

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #2 on: January 29, 2012 - 09:07:03 PM »
    Thanks Topcat! I couldn't find that anywhere. Now to go buy some tires. get it to my garage and then the real work can start.
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    Offline Topcat

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #3 on: January 29, 2012 - 09:16:27 PM »
    Make sure to start a resto thread.
    Look for the restoration section.   :thumbsup:

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    Mike, Fremont, CA.

    Offline Joethesmith

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #4 on: January 29, 2012 - 09:26:14 PM »
    I Definitely plan on taking pictures from start to finish. Once it is in my garage I will start the new restoration thread. I have been reading on here for the last 2 weeks (ever since I was told that he was giving me the car) And I have never worked on a car before, so I will most likely be asking lots of questions.  :1zhelp:
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    Offline Super Blue 72

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      • Phil's Super Blue '72
    Re: My first project
    « Reply #5 on: January 29, 2012 - 09:29:32 PM »
    Quote from: Topcat on January 29, 2012 - 09:00:40 PM
    Factory says 7.35 x 14" or E78 x 14"

    http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/SalesmansPocketGuides/1971/71_Barracuda0003.jpg


    That's like a 205/70-14 tire.  IMO, it looks a wee bit smallish in the wheel wells.

    I have 215/70-14 up front woth 225/70-14 in back.

    The car's been pretty low near the dirt.  Watch out from frame rust/rot.  Is that an aftermarket AC unit?  That car will be plenty fun to play with and explore.  Just cleaning it out will be lots of fun.

    Don't throw away anything you find in the car, you never know if it's something worth keeping!

    Welcome to the site!  Feel free to ask lots of questions!  Lots of nice people here with a lot of knowledge of these car!  :wave:
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    1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340, AT, Code TB3=Super Blue, SBD=8/17/1971.  Yes, a Rallye without the fender louvers from the factory because of the body side molding option.

    Pic #2 and 3 of my ARII 1/24 scale model car 

    Phil in New England-Massachusetts  Always thank God for what you have!

    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/456046/1972-dodge-challenger

    Offline Joethesmith

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #6 on: January 29, 2012 - 09:49:14 PM »
    most likely Im just going to try and find some really cheap used tires if I can. they are only temporary for now, just needs to be good enough to put it on the trailer and move in and out of my garage. 

    The AC was installed after the car was purchased but put on by the factory, or so I was told.

    There is a fair bit of rust underneath, I have already jacked the car up and removed the wheels. It does need a new floor pan, since there is a good sized hole near the drivers side brake pedal, and I am sure there will be more once I get it cleaned up. It looks like it was home to a pack rat. 

    the 1st part of the restoration is to rewire the entire car, the pack rat chewed a lot of the wires in the engine compartment. Then the transmission leaks like a sieve, so it needs new gaskets/seals.
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    Offline Topcat

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #7 on: January 29, 2012 - 10:02:29 PM »
    You really need to check over the frame rails underneath the entire car first and foremost.

    The way the car was sitting; sinking in grass and mud raises a red flag that the frames possibly could be compromised from years of rust and decay.

    Can you get the car up high on jack stands so you can see everything really well underneath?
    Do that first.   :2cents:
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    Mike, Fremont, CA.

    Offline hemiken

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #8 on: January 29, 2012 - 10:10:40 PM »
    Welcome, do you know if that is the original color combo on the car ? Gold with a Green interior ?
    Can you check to see if the fender tag is still on the inner fender when you open the hood please, would be interested to see what the read out is on your fender tag. :2thumbs:
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    1970 Barracuda   (O^--^===|===^--^O)
    1971 Barracuda   (O O {]{]{]|[}[}[} O O)
    1970 Challenger  (O O [======R/T=] O O)
    1971 Challenger  (O O ===== ===== O O)
    I pay homage to the best Mopars ever built.

    Offline Joethesmith

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #9 on: January 29, 2012 - 10:13:42 PM »
    The car was about 1½ inches above the ground. So it wasn't quite in the mud yet, but it was close.

    the original color was gold with green interior, I dont have the car here yet so I can't get the info off of the fender tag at the moment. if its still there.

    edit. I am going to change the colors, I know its sacrilege, But I cant stand the colors.
    « Last Edit: January 29, 2012 - 10:16:01 PM by Joethesmith »
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    Offline hemiken

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #10 on: January 29, 2012 - 10:15:30 PM »
    It will be very interesting to see the tag and options :popcorn: :2thumbs:
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    1970 Barracuda   (O^--^===|===^--^O)
    1971 Barracuda   (O O {]{]{]|[}[}[} O O)
    1970 Challenger  (O O [======R/T=] O O)
    1971 Challenger  (O O ===== ===== O O)
    I pay homage to the best Mopars ever built.

    Offline jimynick

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #11 on: January 29, 2012 - 11:15:22 PM »
    Joe, Top Cat has given you some very good advice. This car may be too rotted for a novice to tackle. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but when you get to the point of replacing a trunk floor. trunk extensions, wheelhouses and 1/4's- you may have bitten off more than you can chew. If the frame rails are also gone. yes, you can buy them, but that's a whole new level of restoration. I don't know diddly about your skills and don't mean to sound negative; I just don't want you to drown in this thing when a better example may be found. At the end of the day, it's your car and your call. Good luck, either way.  :thumbsup:
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    Offline Joethesmith

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #12 on: January 30, 2012 - 01:31:20 AM »
    I was under the car when I took the rims off, my father in laws dog had dug a hole from under the back to about 5 feet under the car which made it easy to look at, other then the hole in the floor pan, it was in pretty good shape underneath. The frame rails had some surface rust but they looked and felt very sturdy. The 4 main pieces that need to be replaced are the floor pan, the 2 back fenders and the RH rear inner fender. My father in law used to belong to a car club and one of the guys will hopefully be helping with replacing those. He has worked on several Cuda's before and I trust his work.

    As far as my skill.... I have none, 0, zilch. I know nothing about working on cars. But have always been able to pick things up rather quickly. I currently am an electronics technitian that does everything from software to wiring to working on hydrolic motors.

    I know its going to be a big undertaking and it is WAY out of my league for what I should be starting on. But, I am extremely stubborn about being told that I cant do something. And when I am told this, I try even harder. Please don't misunderstand me, I know exactly what you are saying Jimynick, and I garuntee that you know more about this then I do. but, its gonna be fun no matter how much I gotta do to it  :)

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    Offline dutch

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #13 on: January 30, 2012 - 01:53:15 AM »
    welcome to the site Joethesmith  :wave:   that is a pretty awesome present you got... interesting colorcombo too  :wow:
    you sure came to the right place for all questions you will have along the way.  No such thing as stupid questions, just the ones never asked.
    oh... I bet you will never get it back on the road....  :grinno: :lol:
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    *** Bart ***

    Offline TorOrange

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    Re: My first project
    « Reply #14 on: January 30, 2012 - 02:00:29 AM »
    Hey Joe Welcome aboard sweet first project  :thumbsup: Since you have no experience with body work and maybe welding. You should try to find near by auto body classes. If you can't well good luck Joe  :2thumbs: Upside at least you got a garage and a decent understanding of the car. But I'm sure you'll find more rust.
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    WANTED 71 cuda / barracuda project. Prefer Black but open.
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