Canadian 73 Cuda Restoration; Project Sassy.

[twalker]

I have 70-71 exhaust manifolds and valve covers currently on KiJiJi if you're going that route...

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[twalker]

Is that $143 USD or CDN, either way it's a bit cheaper for sure 

That is USD


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[usraptr]

I'm on my 5th can. I've done everything inside the car except the door panels.  Figure I'll need two more cans to finish those when the time comes.

[jimynick]

Just saw this thread, so welcome to the site and good luck with your restoration. For my 2 cents worth, I'd pop the welds to the trunk extensions and change them when you have the trunk floor out. It'll make that operation easier, too. With those punky rails, have you considered subframe connectors, especially since you're putting in a lot of engine, both in weight and horsepower? US Cartool makes a good set and have the torque boxes and frt inr apron reinforcements as well. Read some of the applicable threads and the general consensus seems to be all positive and I've bought them for my Challenger. So you're in London? As well as Jason, I'm in Cambridge, too and know a lot of the bodyshops in the London area. You've got a nice car and I'm interested in seeing your progress.   

[twalker]

Just saw this thread, so welcome to the site and good luck with your restoration. For my 2 cents worth, I'd pop the welds to the trunk extensions and change them when you have the trunk floor out. It'll make that operation easier, too. With those punky rails, have you considered subframe connectors, especially since you're putting in a lot of engine, both in weight and horsepower? US Cartool makes a good set and have the torque boxes and frt inr apron reinforcements as well. Read some of the applicable threads and the general consensus seems to be all positive and I've bought them for my Challenger. So you're in London? As well as Jason, I'm in Cambridge, too and know a lot of the bodyshops in the London area. You've got a nice car and I'm interested in seeing your progress.   

Thanks Jimynick.  I'm taking your advice on the trunk extensions, as you'll see from the update i'm posting in a minute, I've got the rails cut out, and trunk floor - I can see that doing the extensions/dropdowns will be pretty straightforward to do right now - as usual, just more $$.  Regarding the subframe connectors, I wasn't going to go that far - do you think I'll need them?  I won't be racing the car, just cruisin.  Welcome your thoughts on this.  How much is that kit from US cartool?  i'll read up.

great to meet more local mopar folks!  big reason I wanted to get on this board, meet other mopar people and learn 

[twalker]

well, got a little work done this weekend (in between beers and cigars with my neighbor ) getting things ready for the new rear rails and trunk pan.  Going ahead with trunk extensions/drop down replacements,  oh well, as mentioned earlier now is the time to do it.  Anyway, here are a few pics of what I was up to.

first photo is the section I cut out.
second photo I have the new rails in place (just to test fit, they are coming back out)
third photo is the fuel tank supports pulled out - plan to reuse them.  waste not want not!!

[twalker]

Oh yeah, did I mention I'm doing all the body work and painting on this car and I'm a virgin at that?    haha, anyway, I took an extra rear valence that came with the car (not using it, if you want to buy it (brand new repop) let me know :-))  - i'm going with the valence with exhaust cut-outs - 

anyway, I took that panel and laid down a few test coats of the paint I'll be using and then did a cut-buff-polish to test out my skills.  bottom line - I can do this!  excited to do the whole car.  Plan is to get all metal and body work done by end of summer and paint early fall.

have a look ...

i'll post the paint products i'm using later, need to take a photo

[blown motor]

Looks great

[twalker]

Just saw this thread, so welcome to the site and good luck with your restoration. For my 2 cents worth, I'd pop the welds to the trunk extensions and change them when you have the trunk floor out. It'll make that operation easier, too. With those punky rails, have you considered subframe connectors, especially since you're putting in a lot of engine, both in weight and horsepower? US Cartool makes a good set and have the torque boxes and frt inr apron reinforcements as well. Read some of the applicable threads and the general consensus seems to be all positive and I've bought them for my Challenger. So you're in London? As well as Jason, I'm in Cambridge, too and know a lot of the bodyshops in the London area. You've got a nice car and I'm interested in seeing your progress.   

wow, just had a look at those sub-frame connectors - I like the way the mount (no floor gouging and protruding into the interior) and the price is right!  http://store.uscartool.com/e-body-frame-connector-plymouth-cuda.html

you got thinking me about that now...

[twalker]

finally got around to decoding my trim tag today.  I also have the build sheet for the car - and although it's only a 318 car, still cool. :-)

BS23:
Plymouth Barracuda
Special, 'Cuda
2 Door Hardtop

G3B: 318 150HP(net) or 170HP(net) 1-2BBL 8 CYL
1973
Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA

480374:   Sequence number

E44:    318 cid 2 barrel V8 230hp
D34:    Light Duty Automatic Transmission
TB3:    Blue Streak Exterior Color
A6X9:    Trim - Basic, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black
000:    Full Door Panels
511:    Build Date: May 11
B77657:   Order number

TB3:    Blue Streak Top Color
C:    Canada Specifications
B41:    Front Disc Brakes w/Standard 10in RR Drum
C16:    Console w/Woodgrain Panel
C56:    Bucket Seats
G37:    OS Dual Racing Mirrors

J54:    Sport Hood
M21:    Roof drip rail moldings
M25:    Wide sill moldings
M31:    Belt Moldings
M88:    Decklid Moldings Treatment
R11:    Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)

V6X:    Longitudinal Stripes, Black
EN2:    End of Sales Codes

[anlauto]

Neat ...TB3 is know as Basin Street Blue in the Plymouth camp and Super Blue over in the Dodge camp.

[jimynick]

"wow, just had a look at those sub-frame connectors - I like the way the mount (no floor gouging and protruding into the interior) and the price is right!  http://store.uscartool.com/e-body-frame-connector-plymouth-cuda.html

you got thinking me about that now..."
Yeah, they're not a fall in proposition and will require some massaging, but from what I've seen so far, you're not shy about getting into it and they'd make your car much stronger and stiffer/resistant to flexing and rattling. I haven't gotten to the point of putting mine in yet, so can't speak from direct experience, but there's a few threads here on the subject. You're doing great, carry on! 

[twalker]

Frame connectors from us cartool ordered :-). New AMD trunk extensions also ordered ... And AMD 4 speed hump. Going to be busy the next few months -  will update with pics soon. 


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[ourname]

Just a quick blurb on the SEM paint. I can buy it locally in Edmonton (CAPS).  I used it on a few pieces when I did my Build. All My interior Metal around the windows. Matched perfect. Easy to use and reasonable. 

[twalker]

Hi All.  It's been a while since the last post.  Time to give an update.  First of all, I received most of the sheet metal I need to do the necessary repairs and mods to the body.  Have a look at the pics, it's time to get busy!  AMD trunk pan, AMD trunk extentions, gusset, US Cartool frame connectors, AMD manual conversion hump.  Started fitting the trunk in today.  With everything here that I need now, I'll be posting more frequent updates with pictures.

I also ordered my transmission 2 weeks ago.     I ordered a TKO-600 5 speed pro conversion kit from american powertrain, I'm very anxious for that delivery!  The only thing I left out of their kit was the pistol grip handle - I want the OEM hurst look, so ordered a repop of that off ebay with the 5speed lens - should be saweeet.  hope to share pics of that by end February.

And, I've been talking with my local machine shop to get things started with the machining of the 440 block.  And, have been talking to the guys at 440source for the stroker kit and other bits for the build.  Man, I can't wait to put that together...