1970 Cuda resurrection

[Amazzen]

Well done... 4 years in the making but well worth it!

Want to also thank you for sharing the details of your build, its a lot of extra work to document, download and create meaningful posts for others to learn from. 

Congrats and enjoy the fruits of your labor...

[HP_Cuda]

Thanks Amazzen

I thought that I'd try to show all the areas I have trouble with because of the lack of info online about how to restore these cars.

 

[HP_Cuda]

Another update thanks to Dave from Roseville.

After ripping apart my steering column to replace the Turn signal switch (was a ton of fun and I highly recommend it) I finally got both brake lights to work, and the parking lights, and turn indicators and heck I'll even throw in the hazards work!!!

*One small hitch is that I had to file down the hazard tab down so that it would fit in the opening on the column. Fortunately it didn't take that long.

BRAKE LIGHTS WORK!!!

[CudamanTom]

That's awesome Bryan. 

I too have the privilege and pleasure of replacing my turn signal switch because of a rear signal light issue, when I feel like messin with it. 

[HP_Cuda]

I hear ya Tom. It was great fun. 

Anyway, I would highly recommend getting the TSS from Dave at Roseville. There are several types and it seems they are somewhat universal but at least we know they work from Dave. Funny thing is the other one I had in the column looks brand new but no matter what I tried it just wouldn't work.

Go figure!

[usraptr]

2.5" Exhaust to the back with Dynomax VT mufflers.

That's what I plan on running on my 440 'Cuda, except I'm leaning towards TTI headers.  How did the Headman headers fit?  I've heard some have fitment problems with them.   Any reason you went with Headman vs TTI?

[HP_Cuda]

The only reason I didn't go with the TTI headers is that the FF Fast Ratio arms do not work with TTI installs.

[70chall440]

take a look at Schumacher Tri-Y headers; good low end and works with FF arms. I have them on my Challenger, really nice fit. Not as good for top end HP, but I don't spend much time there anyway.

[usraptr]

Thanks HP-Cuda nd 70 Chall440.  I'll check out the Schumacher. 

HP-Cuda I watched your first drive video on you-tube.  Couldn't help but notice the two cars in the driveway with covers on them.  What are they?

Also, maybe I missed it, I read you were running 440 source internals but I don't remember reading any specifics on the engine specs, crank, piston, cam, Etc.  Is it a secret or can you share? 

[HP_Cuda]

If I told you what they were then I'd get a non mopar riot on my hands. 

As for the 440 I built I thought I mentioned the setup but here it is:

440 HP Block Code "E" 1969
440 Super Stealth heads w/ Comp Cams beehive springs, 2.14 Intakes, 1.81 Exhaust
1.6 Offset Harland Sharp Roller Rockers (bumps my lift to about .577 & .567)
Comp Cams Roller lifters
Comp Cam XR280HR-10
440 Source stock displacement kit .55 over (~10.25 compression)
Mopar M1 Intake
Holley 870 Vacuum secondary carb (will probably shift over to Proform 950 soon)
MSD 6AL Box with MSD Distributor
MSD HVC II coil
Mallory Red fuel pump
Hedman Headers 1 7/8 2.5" all the way back

When I get it on the dyno I'll report back on this thread. Right now I have to get an alignment and deal with the CA DMV.

[mopardave]

Good deal on all of that Brian. Glad that ALL of the lights are in working order now.

[HP_Cuda]

Something to be THANKFUL (gratuitous THANKSGIVING DAY nod) for:

I just got the Cuda back from the alignment shop and she drives great now. Track straight as an arrow.

Some shake down issues to be addressed:

1) Speedo doesn't work - when I removed and reinstalled a new fuel gauge I must have bumped it out
2) Right rear brake light is faint - will have to check the grounds on it
3) Right rear suspension seems like something is loose - will have to check it out.
4) Turn signal relay may be bad - the flasher is blinking fast
5) Need to replug wires for the standard heater to get it to work - will wait for small hands to show up.
6) Isolate the purple/green wire from the MSD 6AL box to the distributor - done

So it seems the distrib wire from the MSD box to the distributor can be susceptible to electrical bleed over. I had tried to clean up the wiring in the engine bay by using wiring looms and put them all together. I now have them separated and she now fires up with no problem.

Anyway - the GOOD news:

Drove the Cuda home from the alignment shop (non registered -doh saw a cop) and had a blast. I barely hit the gas and even though the ground was slightly wet I couldn't keep from spinning the back tires. Made me laugh all the way home. When you open up the throttle WOW everyone will be able to hear you from about 1/2 mile away. It's those Dynomax VT mufflers - when they open up holy cow it's like "Hey everyone it's time to be an a**hole!!!"

 

(queue Mike on when we are going out for a drive)
* Monday/Tues going to do VIN verification at the DMV
* Dec 1st DMV appointment to finish registration and get black plates

[Topcat]

Good to hear about your progress.

Cool!   

Bailey Rd here we come!   

[usraptr]

If I told you what they were then I'd get a non mopar riot on my hands. 

As for the 440 I built I thought I mentioned the setup but here it is:

440 HP Block Code "E" 1969
440 Super Stealth heads w/ Comp Cams beehive springs, 2.14 Intakes, 1.81 Exhaust
1.6 Offset Harland Sharp Roller Rockers (bumps my lift to about .577 & .567)
Comp Cams Roller lifters
Comp Cam XR280HR-10
440 Source stock displacement kit .55 over (~10.25 compression)
Mopar M1 Intake
Holley 870 Vacuum secondary carb (will probably shift over to Proform 950 soon)
MSD 6AL Box with MSD Distributor
MSD HVC II coil
Mallory Red fuel pump
Hedman Headers 1 7/8 2.5" all the way back

When I get it on the dyno I'll report back on this thread. Right now I have to get an alignment and deal with the CA DMV.

Thanks again!     I also plan on running the dynomax mufflers.  Good luck with the Calif DMV, you'll need it.  Looking forward to seeing those dyno numbers.

[HP_Cuda]

Couple more pieces of good news.

The Cuda is registered in CA and they should be sending me a notice fairly soon to pick up the custom black plates I'm having made. I'll give you one guess what it says. Heh.

The other great news is I had my shorter stature friend over and he unplugged my AC harness and plugged back in the standard harness pieces to get my heater going. It actually worked but at first I thought it didn't because it was so quiet.

Heck I'll throw one more piece of good news, I got my windows straightened out and they are now fitting right into the weatherstripping. Time to put the door panels in and then work out the seats.