Duff's - 1971 'Cuda 383 4spd B5 Blue

[crocha617]

Yes there are 6 spot welds on each of those brackets . See below Pictures.

[Duff]

Awesome info!  Thanks for clearing that up for me!!   

Back to welding  now...

[Duff]

I've got two water pumps for my 383 engine and i'm wondering which one is the more correct for my car.  They are: 

2780987-7
2780987-5

Does anyone know the difference and which I should use??? 

[jimynick]

You're doing a good job and making progress! Like Crocha says, those welds are important. I used a AMD one piece trunk floor and you have to watch the fit of the main floor over the rail flanges- especially, as you've discovered, at the rear. It may take a little "persuasion" with a block of wood and a 4lb hammer to get it to sit down to where you can clamp the 2 pieces together for welding. Your pre-drilled holes looked a bit tiny and I'd drill them to 3/8" for the plug welds, so that you get decent adhesion. I started with 3/16ths and while they weld up beautifully, they don't hold worth a damn. Also, try using the edge of the disc, rather than the face when you're grinding your welds down. You have to be careful, but it cuts much faster with less heat. Just my 

[Duff]

Finished up some small patching and the trans cross member repair (took 8+ hours per side, but was able to save it!).  Just cut and fitted the driver's floor pan.  For the record, I did NOT have to remove the 4 speed hump to replace the pan.  Next up is burning it in.

[dvldwg89]

Duff keep up the good work. I'm glad that there are good people on this site to help out with questions.
 

[Topcat]

Looks good so far.

Watch the heat.
Wet towel around the floor area to pick up the heat prevents possible chance of warping.
Blow tip after weld is good too.

[1970 RT Challenger 1970]

Nice Project. Looks Great!

[cudamadd]

VERY happy for you mate . What a great ebody to build , and the photos  are just the best  .  They are a thing of beauty  well done   

[Duff]

Thanks guys. 

Got started on the engine.  Installed the Mr. Six Pack Cam that C O D Y recommended.  Also installed the crank and pistons and set the timing.  Also met Bill Cosby at the airport 

[Cuda Cody]

Sounds like a good day!  That's a great photo.   

[Duff]

Fixed my shifter hump and cut my quarters off too.  Got the outer wheel houses and trunk dropoffs in from AMD. 

[Cuda Cody]

Looking great!  You're really moving fast on this project.   

[Duff]

Ordered a distributor conversion kit, valve cover grommets, a dipstick and tube today from Roseville Moparts.  Got great and friendly service!  I'd definitely recommend using them.

[anlauto]

Should really take all the glass out of the cut when you're cutting and grinding and welding etc...