My First Mopar- 1966 Barracuda project

BenNSB · Jul 16, 2021

Worked (7) 12 hour shifts in a row, finally have a day off. Guess I can order a bunch of parts now.

Pulled out the extra old gauge cluster spare for a compare and contrast. Debating on blacking out the Speedo/Tach trim ring insides like stock, or leaving the aluminum finish.

Got some cheap center caps ($9 shipped) and bought a set of period correct Magnum center inserts. The caps fit the wheel perfectly, but the inset was about 1/8” too small for the aluminum insets. Did some trimming on the grinder and they fit like a glove. Will strip the clear on the lip and polish those later.

mpgmike · Jul 16, 2021

BenNSB said:
Pulled out the extra old gauge cluster spare for a compare and contrast. Debating on blacking out the Speedo/Tach trim ring insides like stock, or leaving the aluminum finish.

Yea, it looks sharp in the aluminum and black. I'd put black in the inset that runs the perimeter of the bezel, like the factory one. That black sets off the sea of silver.

BenNSB · Jul 16, 2021

mpgmike said:
Yea, it looks sharp in the aluminum and black. I'd put black in the inset that runs the perimeter of the bezel, like the factory one. That black sets off the sea of silver.

Was already going to blackout the perimeter. Lol, sea of silver is right. I think you just made up my mind on the Speedo and Tach pods.

BenNSB · Jul 17, 2021

Got the outline blacked out with a paint marker and blacked out the inner portion of the main gauge bezels. Turned out okay.

BenNSB · Jul 18, 2021

Should look pretty good in the car when the dash is painted satin black.

BenNSB · Jul 27, 2021

Driver headlight lines up, passenger side needs work. Body filler on the dash. Going to sand it smooth, spray with high build primer, block sand it with 320 grit, then spray the satin black 2k.

66340SEDAN · Jul 27, 2021

Coming along nice, I like your attention to detail, the center caps are a nice touch! Great job

BenNSB · Jul 27, 2021

Dash filled, sanded, and primed. Calling it a day.

BenNSB · Jul 28, 2021

Hopefully the weather holds out and I can get this sprayed satin black this weekend. Pretty happy with the ‘66 Fury knobs on the Sanyo AM/FM cassette player.

BenNSB · Jul 30, 2021

Weather cooperated, dash is painted. Time to hunt down all the hardware to attach everything.

moparmat2000 · Jul 30, 2021

Nothing finer than a fresh coat of paint. Looking good. Interesting on how your 66 cuda dash looks like martythetrimmer dash on his 67 ute but in reverse. Should check out his build thread too. Lots of great ideas.

Challngd73 · Jul 30, 2021

Dash looks great man.

Martythetrimmer · Jul 30, 2021

moparmat2000 said:
Nothing finer than a fresh coat of paint. Looking good. Interesting on how your 66 cuda dash looks like martythetrimmer dash on his 67 ute but in reverse. Should check out his build thread too. Lots of great ideas.

this is looking great ben, what's next? Thanks moparmat....been looking at these dash fascia's and thought I should have bought one to cut up to make a righthand version. So similar yet so different to the Aussie dash. I could then have made a mould to cast new like I did mine! Hindsight is a wonderful thing!!

moparmat2000 · Jul 30, 2021

Now that woulda been cool. A RHD 66 barracuda dash in a 67 aussie ute.

BenNSB · Jul 30, 2021

moparmat2000 said:
Interesting on how your 66 cuda dash looks like martythetrimmer dash on his 67 ute but in reverse. Should check out his build thread too. Lots of great ideas.

I just saw that thread the other day. I’m a big fan of the Aussie cars (‘72 Holden HQ Monaro GTS being an all time favorite). I did a double take the other day when I saw the stock dash, bizzaro world. I also noticed the ‘67 Dodge Ute used the ‘66 Barracuda fenders and bumper.

I feel like I’m in the Stone Age looking at his work.

moparmat2000 · Jul 30, 2021

BenNSB said:
I just saw that thread the other day. I’m a big fan of the Aussie cars (‘72 Holden HQ Monaro GTS being an all time favorite). I did a double take the other day when I saw the stock dash, bizzaro world. I also noticed the ‘67 Dodge Ute used the ‘66 Barracuda fenders and bumper.

I feel like I’m in the Stone Age looking at his work.

I feel that way too. Martythetrimmer has some mad skillz doesnt he. I love making something from nothing. But he definitely has that one nailed.

BenNSB · Jul 30, 2021

Martythetrimmer said:
this is looking great ben, what's next?

Thanks! Not too shabby for an “old” Ocean Lifeguard here in the States.

Installing new 225/45 17 tires on the front to clear the front fenders is next, getting new calipers and pads and plumbing the brake system soon after. I like the 235/55’s on the rear given the 3.73 gear ratio with no overdrive... might wind up with 245/45 17’s on the rear though.

Floor pans are next so I can spray the underside with Raptor Liner like I did my Firebird and hopefully get the 360 and 727 nestled in their home and out of my garage where they are taking up space.

The car didn’t come with front seats, I’m debating on factory buckets or BMW 325i seats out of the junkyard (or wrecking yard). If I go that route I’ll try to grab the back seat cover and try to trim and see it to for the Barracuda’s back seat. Maybe punch in some brass grommets to keep in spirit of the stock seat pattern. I have to weld the perches on the 8.8 Mountaineer (Explorer) rear but need the motor and trans in to figure out my pinion angle.

I tend to go in spurts so we’ll see. Progress is progress, as long as I’m getting a few things done. It’s nice to not have a deadline and be able to not rush things.

As far as “what’s next” project wise, I’d love to build a ‘69 Mercury Cougar with a 302 Ford, since I haven’t worked on a blue oval engine yet. Old Chevy 350’s, mid 90’s LT1/4’s, a Pontiac 400, and this ‘96 Magnum 5.9 liter are what’s on my mechanic’s resume so far.

BenNSB · Aug 1, 2021

Got the headlight and washer switches installed. Missing the bezel for the headlight mount nut. Looks like they are the same part as a ‘66 Mustang, guess I’ll try that first before paying Mopar prices on old stock.

BenNSB · Aug 5, 2021

Got quite a few things ordered and should be making some decent progress in the weeks coming up. Windshield, gas tank, sending unit, trunk spare tire panel patch, key lock set all on their way... Once I get the floors and trunk patched I will spray the underside with Raptor Liner and run the brake lines, paint the engine bay, drop in the engine and trans, then weld the new perches to the 8.8” rear. Will be nice to get the engine and trans out of the garage and into their new home.

BenNSB · Aug 9, 2021

Swapped out 235/55 front tires for 225/45’s that clear the fender, picked up new windshield, found spare tire pan, gas tank, sending unit, and keyed lock set had been delivered. This should keep my busy for a while.

BenNSB · Aug 10, 2021

Got a ways to go, but started on the A-pillar rusted out sections.

BenNSB · Aug 13, 2021

Was able to find a right rear wheel arch molding with the cut outs for the rocker molding. Learning the joys of sourcing one year only parts that aren’t reproduced for a 55 year old vehicle. I did find pictures (someone else’s car) of how this one looked when it was new; light blue with painted 13 inch rims.

GGs66GT · Aug 13, 2021

Tires and wheels make or break a vehicle.

It’s no wonder that the Mustang left the Barracuda in the showrooms.

moparmat2000 · Aug 13, 2021

Was riding on donut spares. Can you even buy a 13" tire these days?

mpgmike · Aug 13, 2021

moparmat2000 said:
Was riding on donut spares. Can you even buy a 13" tire these days?

Check Tractor Supply.

My First Mopar- 1966 Barracuda project

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