My Bare Bones 71 Cuda Convert Build

[CudamanTom]

Busy day today.
Got the Z-bar bracket installed. My next door neighbor is a great welder so I let him do it.

I prepped the area for the bracket.


Some action welding shots of the bracket install.



And the final product.




After that I finished installing the brake lines and fuel lines with the clips and straps. (sorry, no pics)
Now I'm waiting for my fuel tank insulator/pad to come in next week to install the fuel tank.

Sprayed about an acre of weeds today as well  (no wind today )

Tomorrow I'm installing the dash cap on my dash pad. 
Then install the dash assembly soon. But....... 

While doing some more homework this morning  , I got to thinking.  I've got to get some insulation inside the upper/lower firewall and floor before installing the dash. Or at least the firewall. Then I got to thinking, crap I need to get the "weld-in frame connectors" installed before doing the insulation to the floor. Then I got to thinking, crap, I need to get the exhaust welded in at the same time I get the frame connectors welded in. Then I thought, crap, I got to drop the engine in so I can get the exhaust installed and connectors installed so I can install the floor insulation. 

My plan is in a week or so, haul the cuda to a muffler shop for the frame connectors and exhaust since they have a lift to do all that. But first drop the engine. 

I need a beer. 

[CudamanTom]

Installed the dash cap today. 

Although I won't know what the end result will look like until tomorrow, I will say this.
It wasn't that hard.
BUT...
Those guys need to add another tube of silicone and a roll of duct tape. 
I did plan ahead in thinking the worse case of not having enough supplies so I had an extra tube of the silicone and a roll of duct tape.
I wanted to dash cap that would be in place for a long time and not come lose on me, anywhere!!!
I might have placed a bigger bead around all the edges but I feel better doing it.

So if you plan to do a dash cap, I would highly suggest this.
About a dozen clamps, duct tape and an extra tube of silicone.
I followed all their directions as suggested and I think it was pretty simple.
We will see tomorrow....

Here is a few pics.

Prepped and ready to go.


And now curing for the night.
( I know, I know, it looks like a mummy  )
But hey, I wanted a really good fit. 





It was more work duct taping the thing than any other process. But I think it will be worth it.

Thanks,
Tom

[CudamanTom]

Well I'm goin have to say. I'm truly happy with the results. 

Removed the tape. WD-40 works great to get rid of any sticky glue left from the tape. 
A little wiping down and will be ready for install.

[anlauto]

Ohhhh...you were taking the tape off......now I get it....that looks better.........

[moparstyle]

That looks good, think you helped me make a decision...
Who supplied the cap?

[CudamanTom]

Ohhhh...you were taking the tape off......now I get it....that looks better.........

Yep, comin from Oklahoma you never know. 

[CudamanTom]

That looks good, think you helped me make a decision...
Who supplied the cap?

It was made by "AccuForm" but found a cheaper deal on Amazon. Less than $110 before shipping.
It fit like a glove and very easy to install.
For a driver and maybe even a car show thing, I think it works very well.
I have a budget for other things and since my cuda will be a driver I decided to go with this.
I would do it again in a heart beat. 

[johns cuda shop]

Nice.!

[ShelbyDogg]

I have 2 caps that were given to me. After I glued one on for the Vert, I found an original for $150 that wasn't cracked so I used it. For my wife's Cuda, I just bought a redone one from Ultimate rides at the Indy trade show last month. After trying to fit my original A/C vents into the cap, which didn't fit and realizing that the Dash is the main center piece, I decided that all of the exposed areas of that cap would not work for me.

[CudamanTom]

I have 2 caps that were given to me. After I glued one on for the Vert, I found an original for $150 that wasn't cracked so I used it. For my wife's Cuda, I just bought a redone one from Ultimate rides at the Indy trade show last month. After trying to fit my original A/C vents into the cap, which didn't fit and realizing that the Dash is the main center piece, I decided that all of the exposed areas of that cap would not work for me.

Rob,
Sometimes the after market stuff doesn't pan out but sounds like you got a good deal on the original. Since I don't have A/C, I didn't run into the same problem you did. Might have been a different maker of the caps too?
When I did my test fit prior to glueing, I carefully looked at the vents and all the edges and they looked really good to the original pad. That's when I said, let's do this.

[CudamanTom]

Well had a few hours to kill after working a half day. 

Finished up the fuel lines in the back along with the brake lines.
Painted the straps and installed the fuel tank.

[CudamanTom]

Well another week and more progress.
Worked on my dash frame for the instrument panel and switch panel. Attached the wood-grain and repainted the housing. Major improvement!!!
Then installed Fatmat for the area where the dash assembly, blower motor and fresh air vent goes. Waiting to get the sub-frame connectors welded in before I do the rest since everything has to be removed for welding in that area.
Cleaned up my heater control switch and repainted it (again, saving money but looks pretty good for a driver)
Then comes the vapor vent tube (cleaned and repainted) and a new fuel filler neck in the trunk.
I sure hope you guys don't mind pictures here. 





















Installed the fresh air duct today and started on my e-brake assembly.
Hopefully next week the dash will be installed after receiving my defrost vents to install and heater box assembly.

And lastly, I've been requesting help since the beginning from members here and just want to say thank you 
Everyone here is so helpful in info and parts. 
Thank you all!!! 

[hemiken]

Hi Tom, not sure if you care or not buddy. But the guage cluster you have in your Barracuda is a Challenger one buddy Everything is looking really nice too thanks for sharing your build

[CudamanTom]

Hi Tom, not sure if you care or not buddy. But the guage cluster you have in your Barracuda is a Challenger one buddy Everything is looking really nice too thanks for sharing your build

Thanks Ken. Much appreciated.
Well I learn something new every day. What is the difference in the two? 
The only thing I thought different was the ribbed part on the bottom for challenger. 
I would like to be somewhat correct in what I do.

[anlauto]

I thought maybe it was a Grand Coupe dash