NO NAME

[Kilgore20]

The biggest problem I have is the fire wall. It is rusted through in the wiper motor sump. I tried to patch but am not happy. Im defiantly not looking
forward to working on this area. Any ideas, comments,concerns.

['Cuda Hunter]

Sweet ride.  That's quite the score.  Is that the original color?

I am not a metal guy. I have seen several folks take the whole wiper motor section off and weld a new one on in it's place.
Should be no more than cutting out the few tack welds that hold it on.

I see them for sale from time to time. 

[HP_Cuda]

Mine had more rust than yours and I replaced the entire firewall.

[MOPAR FANATIC]

HELLAVA SCORE DUDE.just remember to bag and tag every single nut and bolt and take pics of where you are taking the parts off so it will be easier wheb it comes time to reassemble her. 

[anlauto]

Do yourself a favor and strip the car completely and have it media blasted. That will tell you for sure what rust needs to be fixed.

[johns cuda shop]

 

[Kilgore20]

Yea it is the original color. I like it but might change it. I want it to be a pro touring style car so I have a million ideas of where to go.
I defiantly have been bagging and tagging the parts don't want to put it back together and end up with two extra bolts that
drives me absolutely crazy. I also restore antique fire trucks and if you don't bag and tag those you can never get them back together.

I am in the process of tearing it down. Im kinda weary on media blast I have heard stories of the media heating the metal and it warping.
Im not against it I assume there is different media to cut down on warping. I have even hear of people dipping body's in a chemical bath that
stips the paint and rust. Has anyone heard or done this before.

[Topcat]

Or you could strip the paint with paint remover and sand after.

That's what I did.
Took a couple months. No chance of warpage.
Then Ospho metal prep after.

Primered each major segment as I went.

Blasting the outer shell is for cars that are really rusty and in poor shape.   

[HP_Cuda]

Many choices now to media blast as Alan said.

Even dry ice now which will not warp or pit metal at all!

[Kilgore20]

Alright I am at a crossroads. I can either piece and patch the fire wall or replace. I am pretty proficient with my metal skills and welding but has been awhile. Im not against either replacing or patching the one I have. Im pretty much 50/50 on both. What is yalls opinions. What options are out there for replacement panels. I know the major brands but my real question is is there a real difference in quality. I know its not gonna be perfect matches but would like the best for the buck.  And has anyone ever replaced the firewall. Seems like a monumental task but defiantly doable. I also am looking for a passenger quarter and the floor board under the rear passenger seat.

My other question is what motor. I have the original 318 and it was complete and running when I took it out. I also have a short block to a 5.7 hemi (seems to need alot). The more I look at the 5.7 the more it seems to need. I am thinking about going back with the 318. What is yalls opinion.

[brads70]

If it was me I'd replace the firewall and cowl. 

[Topcat]

You could opt for putting 2.02 small block heads, a 4 bbl intake, carb and headers on the 318.
Really the best deal with the 318 is to stroke it. and raise the compression up.

I've read articles where 318's get over 400 HP with a few mods.

Or just buy a 360 done up ready to drop in.

[7212Mopar]

Lately, I have been dreaming of dropping in a Mopar small block crate motor, 440 Super Commando in my Challenger.

[GranCuda1970]

Go For it!! They seem fair priced. Most the power of a big block in a lighter package, I think you can get those with a sixpak also.

[Kilgore20]

So a long time since my last post. I have not done that much work on the car. So over the last few days I have been knocking out alot of work out in the last couple of days. I have been stressing over the dash area for awhile. It has the most rust and is gonna prolly need to be replaced.