Cuda Capers: 1-27-07

The restoration has finally begun! I have photographic PROOF that actual bodywork is being performed on MY CAR! I'm so happy I could shit nickles!

http://images19.fotki.com/v381/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda007-vi.jpg

Left front fender had some rust repair that was well done. The entire car has lotsa dents though....

http://images14.fotki.com/v389/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda006-vi.jpg

My body guy isn't too happy with the right side fender. Tons of rust etched into the metal. Since these fenders are made of "unobtainium" he has to make do. Extra work, but done right.

http://images14.fotki.com/v389/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda012-vi.jpg

Some pin holes in the hood near the front from surface rust that has to be addressed too. He claims he can apply a wash/etcher that will prevent it from spreading. Can anybody confirm/deny this?

http://images20.fotki.com/v383/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda011-vi.jpg

Another spot I have rust..... although it's not bad at all.

http://images19.fotki.com/v365/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda010-vi.jpg

In the background you can see the owners big block Chevelle and under it is a Burgundy `57 Chevy that's being done too.

To say that I'm happy is an understatement !

Great start on the project. I wish I could get mine going. Maybe one day soon.

Congrats John, I was just talking to Rumblefish about your bad luck ( good meeting your Rob).

I would think the etcher he's talking about would be something like you get with the POR15.

Also my Barracuda had the same rust spot on the cowl. I think its a lead seem.

Congrats John, I was just talking to Rumblefish about your bad luck ( good meeting your Rob).

I would think the etcher he's talking about would be something like you get with the POR15.

Also my Barracuda had the same rust spot on the cowl. I think its a lead seem.

I should give R/Fish a buzz next time I go out to see the car. It's in Deer Park, not *too* far from him.

As for the rust in the windshield area, he said it was a lead seam also, with some minor rust in there. Overall I'm happy to see ANYTHING being done. I have a good feeling about this. REAL good feeling.

Great John! Mine's on it's way too. I feels better when you get down to bare metal. The other step would be when the rust is done. Can hardly wait!

Look's very nice John, :thumbup:
I am glad it's going your way.

And the documentation on this great car is going perfect,

Glad you found the perfect shop. :wav:

Rock and Roll John. Great to see progress on yours. I love shiny metal. The rust does not seem to be too bad at all. Hopefully, the rest of the car will be similar or even better than the front half. Keep us posted with the next "Cuda Caper"

Congrats John your getting a little closer to driving that fish!

Congrats John your getting a little closer to driving that fish!

A month ago I was ready to chop up that fish and have a yard-sale salad...

Yeah, it's begun. Now I just gotta keep grabbing my ankles and relax as I pay for all the bits-n-pieces. The body harnesses and TTI exhaust system are going to be the most painful....then the chroming. And of course our buddies over at Laysons, whom just got $300 from me for wheel well mouldings.

Thank God my wife is totally on-board with seeing this thing finished. Thanks for everyones encouraging words. No one is more tired of the bad-news stories than me. It looks like it might be going better now.

Congrats FB340
Great news, you`ll be out on the streets in no time :thumbup:

Im about to bite the TTI bullet also. $690 for a set of headers. I know from experience how well they fit though.

[QUOTE=FASTBACK340]A month ago I was ready to chop up that fish and have a yard-sale salad...

Yeah, it's begun. Now I just gotta keep grabbing my ankles and relax as I pay for all the bits-n-pieces. The body harnesses and TTI exhaust system are going to be the most painful....then the chroming. And of course our buddies over at Laysons, whom just got $300 from me for wheel well mouldings.

Thank God my wife is totally on-board with seeing this thing finished. Thanks for everyones encouraging words. No one is more tired of the bad-news stories than me. It looks like it might be going better now.[/QUOT


John it will all be worth it. What a great start :wav:

Im about to bite the TTI bullet also. $690 for a set of headers. I know from experience how well they fit though.

I'm going with the full 2.5" X-pipe system for my Flowmaster mufflers besides the headers. O-U-C-H !!!!!!!!!

John it will all be worth it. What a great start :wav:

Thanks Dude! If you get a chance, read my posts in the archive section and you'll see how this @&^%$*& car has been torturing me for the past few years... Some of it was entertaining, but most of it was frustrating.

Congratulations John! I'm so glad to see some progress being made on you car after all the headaches you've encountered along the way. Oh, and you might want to wash off those rolls of nickles and save them for the bodywork. :)

Haha, your tooo funny John, Im glad to finally hear that the ball is rolling and your happy again..

Do you know how long he intends to be working on your car?

And it doesnt look that bad, you found a rarity out on the island.. congrads.

do you have pictures of it before it was striped?

Congrads..
Cerwin

I'm going with the full 2.5" X-pipe system for my Flowmaster mufflers besides the headers. O-U-C-H !!!!!!!!!


Me too but I'm trying not to think that far ahead, LOL

do you have pictures of it before it was striped?

Congrads..
Cerwin

Here's the oldest picture I have of the car from 1999. This is pretty much the way it looked when I found her, several shades of beat-up primer. All I saw was a solid foundation. It was a 4 bbl. 360 at this time. And I was 45 lbs heavier then.
http://images7.fotki.com/v141/photos/8/879262/3372242/JonCuda-vi.jpg


Then I replaced most of the trim with nice stuff and had this brillant idea to shoot my car 1 beat-up color. I tried to shoot flat black primer, which turned out to be black BASECOAT, and I obtained this lovely neo-ghetto finish you see below. This is the way the car looked last October when I pulled it apart. The car was F`UGLY!
http://images17.fotki.com/v294/photos/8/879262/3372242/Cuda3-vi.jpg

Naturally I'd like to post a picture of a turquoise `68 Fastback to illustrate what I'm expecting, but after all these years I've never found a picture of a turquoise `68 Fastback! That is, until the day I bring it to the first show. Thats when ALL the others will show up....:toothy7:

http://images15.fotki.com/v338/photos/8/879262/3567118/MyCuda1-vi.jpg
http://images14.fotki.com/v20/photos/8/879262/3567118/MyCuda2-vi.jpg
Here's a Johnny Lightning I re-painted in supposedly L1 Turquoise.

and you might want to wash off those rolls of nickles and save them for the bodywork. :)

Damn right! And once again, God bless my wife for willingly diving into this money pit with me. http://www.websmileys.com/sm/love/246.gif

I'm going with the full 2.5" X-pipe system for my Flowmaster mufflers besides the headers. O-U-C-H !!!!!!!!!

My brother got TTI's headers,3inch exhaust including the mufflers for his 72 Newport for evrything he layed almost $1200!
It's a really nice mandrel bent system.

...... for evrything he layed almost $1200!
It's a really nice mandrel bent system.

<sigh....> I know. This is definitely a "You get what you pay for" situation. I had figured it out to be about $1,000 for what I need. So be it.

Yeah, I bit the bullet pretty hard myself. I might have to get me one of those gangster mouth grills to go with the TTI bling-bling. They sure are pretty. You will love them.

Taking the plunge feels good doesn't it? Now it's just a matter of hunkerin' down for the long haul and seeing her through.

And having a supportive spouse is worth their weight in gold!

Taking the plunge feels good doesn't it? Now it's just a matter of hunkerin' down for the long haul and seeing her through.

And having a supportive spouse is worth their weight in gold!

Just my luck...I have a light-weight for a wife! Where's a BBW when ya need one?

Yeah, I've been saving up for this. Spending is cool, but cruising is even cooler.

Man, I can't BELIEVE the progress on my car! I dropped it off at the shop just over a month ago.

Look at it now:
http://images14.fotki.com/v389/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda021-vi.jpg
http://images20.fotki.com/v390/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda022-vi.jpg
http://images14.fotki.com/v386/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda026-vi.jpg
http://images6.fotki.com/v95/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda030-vi.jpg

This is my newest favorite person on the planet; Brett Cutrone. He's doing some great work. I can't BELIEVE the quality AND quantity....
http://images14.fotki.com/v388/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda035-vi.jpg
Here I am in a state of shock... I was told this afternoon that I should have it home by the end of March. PERFECT timing!
http://images20.fotki.com/v385/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda044-vi.jpg
I dropped off a pair of quarter panel skins that will be cannibalized as patch panels for my bondo quarter panel sculptures now residing on my car.

I'm at a loss for words to describe how happy I am with how smoothly this is rolling along. This makes up for all the bullshit I went through with the first shop. Needless to say, more details to follow. :thumbup:

That is awesome. You'll have you car before I do it looks like. Looking good man.

http://images20.fotki.com/v384/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda041-vi.jpg

"Hey, no one is happier than ME about all this! I have to live with the miserable bastard when the #$%@ hits the fan...."

That is awesome. You'll have you car before I do it looks like. Looking good man.

Congrats John, Looking real good.

Yeah... this absolutely ROCKS !!!!!!!!!!!

http://images20.fotki.com/v384/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda008-vi.jpghttp://images20.fotki.com/v390/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda022-vi.jpg

Lookin' Good John.. lookin good..
:thumbup:

The 'cuda is looking good John! I hope mine looks like that in about a month.

Jack

Yaaaa Hoooo.
Looking good John.
Can't wait to see this thing compleated.
Congrats.

Loks real good, looking forward to seeing it when it's done. Now if I could just get mine to looking that good.

You go boy!!!

Awesome FB 340.
So happy for you.
It`s looking really great :thumbup:

The waiting gets hard at this point doesn't it! You'll be on the road for prime cruisin' weather congrats!

Hi Amy!!! http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/125.gif

John it's looking good!! Congratz on the progress!

Uhh, whats that thing on your lip?

]Uhh, whats that thing on your lip?



LOL, I didnt want to say it. :toothy7:

I haven't cut my hair in months and I grew a moustache. I said to myself "that's money saved on razors & haircuts..." that could be applied to more urgent items, like my order to Year1 this week <OUCH!>
Actually I'm just mixing things up a bit. Now it's my Wife's turn.

I'm requesting a blonde again.... http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/025.gif

Now it's my Wife's turn.



I thought you were going to say she wasnt shaving either. :happy4: Sorry Amy LOL

I thought you were going to say she wasnt shaving either. :happy4: Sorry Amy LOL

DUDE! She walked up behind me and read that post! She's soooo gonna kick your ass when she meets you ! :happy4: She really did walk up behind me....

All kidding aside, I decided to grow some hair again. I'm *thinking* about a ponytail again, just so I can live up to the stereo-type 50 yr. old trying to look like a teenager again.... It just over a year away.

Thanks for all the compliments on the progress with my car. I'm very pleased so far. I've seen his finished work and it looks great, and he's been working there for 12 years, so he must be quality. Again... I have a good-vibe on this whole deal.

I am about two months behind you. Great inspiration. Awesome work

I am about two months behind you. Great inspiration. Awesome work

Howzabout some details on your car? What color combination, options, and naturally, engine size? Mine is an original Formula S that's been modified a bit.


And as for inspiration, I've been watching postings by Coyote Jack and Rumblefish with their projects, and it's helped me. Every time Kevin would post pictures of his Duster, or Dave his convert, it just made me envision my car done. Adams Scamp is another active project. And I love seeing them go together. That's why I plan on posting progress pictures along the way too. It's all too easy to loose sight of the finished project. Believe me, I know. If it helps one person get through theirs, it's worth it.

Enjoy! I'm finally starting to enjoy mine again!

All kidding aside, I decided to grow some hair again.


I wish I could grow hair again on too.

John - PROGRESS!! :headbang: Congratulations man!! If not for you, then for Amy at least. :love1:

[QUOTE=FASTBACK340]Howzabout some details on your car? What color combination, options, and naturally, engine size? Mine is an original Formula S that's been modified a bit.

It is a pretty plane car. Original 2bbl 318 with 3 spd auto. It does have the tow package (sway bar, heavy duty springs and torsion bar). My family bought it new of the lot. It was a daily driver for over twenty years. Lots of bondo. It's a California car so just a little bit of rust. I do need new quaters and a new trunk pan.

I am going for the orginal color TT1 Avacado Green. I used to call it Baby $#@^ Green. But i have grown to like the color. Black and white interior. I am planning on doing the car in stages. First stage is the body. Then it's a tighened suspension, bigger rear end, and disk brakes. I want it to turn as good as I can get it.

Finally the engine, keeping the 318 just hoppin' it up a bit (4bbl, performer intake, bigger cam, and new ignition). New exhaust also. Right now it's just a single exhasut.

Now I just need to win the lottery.

Lookin good John,it's progressing very nicely!
How soon until it's ready for some color?

My Duster is covered in primer and at a stand still until i can find a fender for it!
Maybe i'll take road trip to Conn.,I know there's a real nice Brown Scamp with the fender on i need!:evil2:

It is a pretty plane car.....
I am going for the orginal color TT1 Avacado Green.....
Finally the engine, keeping the 318 just hoppin' it up a bit .....
Now I just need to win the lottery.....

As for the plain car deal, these cars are so uncommon that they're ALL pretty special on the road! The green will definitely jump out. And the 318 is about as dependable as you can get. My Dart turns heads like crazy... I can't imagine what's gonna happen with the `Cuda. Mines going to be LL1 Turquoise with a black bench seat interior with a 4 spd. The engine is a 360 with a 6 bbl. The entire suspension is polygraphite and I'm using KYB gas shocks. I have new .820 torsion bars and a set of Espo's S/S rear leafs. The car rides as tight as a new Maxima.

And a nice lottery hit would ease the pain!

Lookin good John,it's progressing very nicely!
How soon until it's ready for some color?

My Duster is covered in primer and at a stand still until i can find a fender for it!
Maybe i'll take road trip to Conn.,I know there's a real nice Brown Scamp with the fender on i need!:evil2:


The bodyshop should be done with it by the end of March, which is just right for me to start assembly. Color....I've dreamed of color for 8 years. I can't wait. And as for the Conn. road trip, stop by NY. I'll show you what pizza & bagels are SUPPOSED to taste like... :cheers:

John - PROGRESS!! :headbang:

Yeah....FINALLY! You have no idea how good I feel seeing cosmetic progress being made!

And yes, Amy's happy too. The sooner I finish this one I can start HER car: She wants a white VW Cabrio with pink scallops, 17" wheels, exhaust, stereo, yada-yada..... which should be a check-book project with no insane parts scrounging involved. Just gotta find a clean one and pretty it up.

The bodyshop should be done with it by the end of March, which is just right for me to start assembly. Color....I've dreamed of color for 8 years. I can't wait. And as for the Conn. road trip, stop by NY. I'll show you what pizza & bagels are SUPPOSED to taste like... :cheers:


Hey now, I may need a pet Bear of my own. No go on that Dart parts car. Front end is pretty crappy.

Lookin good John,it's progressing very nicely!
How soon until it's ready for some color?

My Duster is covered in primer and at a stand still until i can find a fender for it!
Maybe i'll take road trip to Conn.,I know there's a real nice Brown Scamp with the fender on i need!:evil2:

Dude, what fender do you need? I still have both front fenders off the Scamp and they are very clean.

Swwwweeeeeet! Must be nice to have a bodyman who's actually doing something.

Swwwweeeeeet! Must be nice to have a bodyman who's actually doing something.

Yeah...my man Brett is a worker, NOT a jerker. I can't believe how fast it's all rolling along. It's going so quickly, that now I'm scrambling to get everything here to assemble it. As a matter of fact, I just heard from Tri-City on the bumpers: $295 ea. plus Pa. sales tax if I get them at Spring Carlisle and exchange mine. Looks like I'm coming out to Pa. this April !

I just heard from Tri-City on the bumpers: $295 ea. plus Pa. sales tax if I get them at Spring Carlisle and exchange mine. Looks like I'm coming out to Pa. this April !

John let me know if you do me and my brother are going down and i'm planning on meeting up with Brett (416 Scamp )

I think you will be very pleased with Tri-City's work!

Dude, what fender do you need? I still have both front fenders off the Scamp and they are very clean.

What year is your Scamp?
I need the left front for my 71 Duster.

I just send a month's mortage payment to Year 1 this afternoon. Shiney stuff a-coming! I've never heard anything bad about dealing with them so I'm expecting a painless transaction. I sent for my side marker lights, headliner, a harness, and all the little clips, fasteners, headlight adjusters, starter relay, and rubber bumpers for under the hood. My engine harness was the only thing not in stock, and it has to be ordered. I send my bumpers to Tri-City this weekend. Then we shop for the exhaust and taillight assembly chroming, or replacement. Then we call Laysons for lenses, which hopefully won't be a problem.


I'm also just finishing up restoring my heater box. I removed the doors , freed up the hinges, and hit `em with a fresh coat of paint.... it looks GREAT! Scrubbed the box and pressure checked the heater core. I'll install fresh foam and we're good to go. I designed an adapter plate to mount the non-A/C heater box on the A/C firewall. If it all goes as planned, it'll look like it grew there. My fingers are crossed as I can't double check until next week. And I'm sure as hell NOT changing the firewall. Or installing A/C....

As previously mentioned, details to follow.

congrads John.. your just flyin along now eh?

hows it feel?.. Pretty good? :thumbup:

Im really jealous... :cussing:

Cerwin

I have had real good luck with year one.

Movin' right along - that's great! I've ordered from Year One before - no problems. In fact, I'm waiting on a delivery from them right now. The stuff isn't cheap. After spending a boat load of money with them, when the package arrives and you open it, it always feels like, "That's it? Seems like there should be more in here." (or it should be bigger or something - ha!)

Sounds like an expensive week. Can't wait to see the finished product. Mike

Sounds like an expensive week. Can't wait to see the finished product. Mike
Ditto

Same story here. Always had good luck with Y1.....it's like others have said though....not cheap. In fact I always think of that John Mellencamp song everytime I order something from them........."Hurts So Good". LOL I figured since you were a musician and a Mopar nut you could relate. Good luck on your project, and keep us posted.

i just have installed about 4 mopar cars wiring harnesses, recently and all from Y1. all fit and look original. when there is a problem, they are pretty good about fixing it. you're right, not always the cheapest.

Sounds like an expensive week. Can't wait to see the finished product. Mike

I just called them and made an additional $$$$ order.....Lord help me.

And yes, I can't wait to see the finished product either!

They are expensive, especially their freight. After a 4 1/2 year complete restoration of my 69 SBee I learned to shop around a little, try and buy at shows to save shipping and ask around on this and other Boards for cheaper sources. That being said, Y1 sometimes is the only source. Also, after your FSM and Parts Book (musts) the Y1 catalog is a pretty good parts source.

Always had good luck with yearone also....

I have used them but it has been a few years back.head liner for a 66 barracuda and carpet.I would say they are the best!!. And it show's in there pricing.
You can bet the part's will be right and fit perfectly.Good choice :thumbup:

I received my first order from Year1 this week. It only took about 3 days between the phone call and one of the primates at work to throw the box across the shop floor to me (assholes...) The only problem is holding that $46 side marker light and saying to myself "and there's 3 more in the box...". Or waiting for the back-ordered $800 worth of wiring harnesses to arrive.


Yeah....lotsa cash, but nice stuff.

:wack: thats when you want to yank them across the counter and through them around :headbang: . I dont even buy my parts from the dealer I work at, I caught them trying to charge me $100 over cost on a part. now I buy from another dealer that only charges me there employee cost.
anyhow great to hear its getting closer.

I have had nothing but great service from year one and real nice products

:wack: thats when you want to yank them across the counter and through them around :headbang:

We only have 2 guys that are certifiable knuckle draggers in the parts deptartment. When I told him he just threw 2 weeks worth of HIS paychecks across the floor at me he kinda caught my drift.... This is the same guy whom throws light bulbs & oxygen sensors across the parts counter. This is his station in life: to be the exmple of what NOT to do or be.

Besides, if he broke anything of mine they're find him with his crushed, bloody head stuffed in a urinal in the locker room.....

That is looking great. And I do love them 67 - 69 Cuda's. Ron

Nothing much to report here... Progress was being made, but at a slower pace. The guy who's doing my car has been swamped with work (his lot was FULL today, plus inside the shop...) but he promises it won't be too long before it'll be done.

I can't wait.
http://images14.fotki.com/v389/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda042-vi.jpg

The trunk lid is almost done, although it was nice to begin with...


http://images21.fotki.com/v578/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda066-vi.jpg

The lower right edge of the body line is whacked right on the crease and under both tail lights are dents from where the rear bumper was drilled into the quarters at one time in my car's past. This was all cleverly hidden with a HUGE application of Bondo....


http://images22.fotki.com/v520/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda068-vi.jpg

Here's the drivers side being pulled. The entire rear valance is seperated from the quarter panel. He's not sure if it'll be easier to just graft in the areas from the quarter panel skins I brought out to him. I left before he made a decision.

http://images22.fotki.com/v518/photos/8/879262/3372242/Barracuda067-vi.jpg



Next week I'll run out there and see where we're at. Updates to follow.

Looks good John. I'll let this run for awhile before I add it to the other threads of yours.

Looks good John. I'll let this run for awhile before I add it to the other threads of yours.

Fine with me. Like I said, there's not much going on this week. Next week there should be more.