My Bare Bones 71 Cuda Convert Build

[CudamanTom]

More progress... 

Cleaned up on the steering alittle and touch up paint. Hope to install this weekend.



Installed the emergency brake and high beam foot switch. 



But the best thing of all... We have lights!!! 




This was important to me because I didn't know the condition of the dash, switches or wiring harnesses. And surely didn't want smoke coming out from the dash.
All is good so far.

Thanks for looking. 

[ShelbyDogg]

Nice to have lights. Did you install headlight relays to power those?  All of that current is going through that foot and dash switch and it gets a lot heavier if you change to Halogen bulbs.

[CudamanTom]

Nice to have lights. Did you install headlight relays to power those?  All of that current is going through that foot and dash switch and it gets a lot heavier if you change to Halogen bulbs.

Hey Rob,
No on the relays, not yet anyways. I was just chomping at the bit to see how the electrical side of things were and of course to see those 4 inconic lights come on. 

[anlauto]

Looks like a scene from Phantasim

[Haddixj]

sorry for the off topic question but
Looks like your working in a pole barn? Can you share some specs from it? Pole size and what size the building is? How far your roof joist are apart and size? Purlins for the sheet metal? I will have to build something in the next few years and am looking at building one.
Thanks

[CudamanTom]

Looks like a scene from Phantasim

Thanks Buddy.
That's a nice compliment since I love the movies. 

You play a good game boy, but the game is finished, now you die.
-The Tall Man    

[CudamanTom]

 



 

[CudamanTom]

sorry for the off topic question but
Looks like your working in a pole barn? Can you share some specs from it? Pole size and what size the building is? How far your roof joist are apart and size? Purlins for the sheet metal? I will have to build something in the next few years and am looking at building one.
Thanks

I will get back with your info this evening.
I know it's 30 x 40 and think the walls are 10' but will get than confirmed and other requested info.

[CudamanTom]

Well I just remembered.

it's the "1 Year Anniversary" that the Cuda arrived. 

Here are just a few of the reactions/feelings I was going thru at that time. 









Her new "Home Sweet Home"



I just wanted to share this with you all.

[Haddixj]

Congrats and thank you

[CudamanTom]

Well another busy week & weekend.
This has become my "other" job working 20 to 30 hours a week. Before the heat kicks in.

Got the steering column redone and installed.




Started on the rear light housings.




And lastly, I worked on the dash light bar by putting in 1816 bulbs to make it brighter and reinstalled. A huge difference from the original bulbs.





Then installed new bulbs in the housing and tested all interior and exterior lights while grounding the bulb housing on the ones relying on a housing ground to work.
This weekend I will be installing the motor/trans to get ready for a tow trip to the exhaust shop next week.     

[CudamanTom]

Well another busy week behind me.

Got the rear lights all going.




Prepped the motor and sub-frame connectors for install.






And stabbed that bad boy.



My brother Dan helped with this one as he did with my Sassy Cuda 440. Same situation on both. Go in from the top. Headers and all. 





And me!!!    






It's in!!!



First time it's seen daylight in just over a year.




Winchin on the trailer for the muffler shop to get exhaust and sub-frames installed.

]







Went ahead and mounted the hood latch and safety catch lever.



Tomorrow, she goes to the muffler shop if all goes right.

[ToxicWolf]

Wow, looks like you are really having some fun now.  Looks great.      

[CudamanTom]

I just realized I posted this the other day on a wrong thread. 

We now have exhaust!!!   






NOW I can really get into the fun stuff. 

The only thing I didn't get done was the subframes because the welder said I need to clean the paint off where they are going. I figured it would have been easier for him since it was on a lift but I guess he doesn't do things like that.  
So now comes the task to clean it while on jacks.   

[CudamanTom]

Got the beast to run today!!! 

A short video.
I forgot to order my electronic fuel pump  (which will be in next week) but couldn't wait to hear something. I got all the wiring connected and checked for spark, and there it was  . Spark!!! 
So I had to do something to hear her rumble. A spray bottle of gas should do. 
Asked the wife to assist in the first start up (she felt like a big girl now  )
It's a lousy short vid with not great visual or sound but this is for the record of this thread.
Let's see how it goes. (patience with the little lady please, the pressure is intense  )