Another Mopar Off My Bucket List - Barracuda Fastback
4&1/2 years was a long time to have gone without updates. Despite a bunch of problems that cropped up during that time I actually DID make progress on several projects.
UNFORTUNATELY............
I didn't take many pictures and my memory is so bad that I've probably forgotten most of what I'd done.
1) I did a bunch more work on my buddy's '69 Coronet. It's getting close to rolling out of the body shop in B5 Blue.
2) I did more work on my other friend's '71 GTX including gauge panels and factory (over the front fenders) stripe installation.
3)We gave up on the FAST efi and installed a Quick Fuel carb on the Roadrunner. After getting it dialed in it dyno'ed at 400 RWH. It was really fun to drive when the gremlins disappeared.
4)The '68 Charger has had a crap-load of welding/massaging done to the chassis. A new aluminum gas tank was purchased for it but had to be modified to fit properly to clear the cross brace located above it. We struggled to get the steering column coupled with the rack & pinion but eventually got it. The line-loc/brake lines are plumbed. An adjustable 'cushioning' device was installed to control drive-train shock when you pop the clutch. (it's supposed to prevent parts breakage and optimize line launches)
5) I'm still in the process of building a 26'X40' shop behind my house. I even purchased a 2-post hoist for it.
6) Unfortunately I had a bad accident on New Year's Eve while working on the shop. My left hand was de-gloved. They were able to repair most of it but I'd probably be better off if I had the now useless pinkie amputated. They say it'll be at least another year 'til I'm out of pain.
7) I bought an enclosed trailer and worked on modifying/painting it.
8) I modified our open trailer by extending the tongue, adding a spare tire mount, and an electric tongue jack.
9) I built another huge digital slot car track down the basement. This one is a banked oval.
10) I built Teresa's grandkids a home video arcade that's got over 1000 games on it. The custom cabinet I fabbed houses a 30" monitor and high end arcade sticks/buttons.
11) 4 more pinball machines were added to our home decor including 3 that are digital.
12) I finished constructing an open stairway in that house we were working on.
13) We put a new roof on that house also.
14) Dealing with local government continued to suck. Attorney fees last year ran me $10,000 fighting that Rising City city council. Here (where I live) in David City the building committee and city council kept adding fees, requiring I go above and beyond building codes (if I wanted a permit), and dragging their feet on allowing me to have my shop built. Between the additional costs of having to apply & re-apply for permits, the added cost of doubling the amount of concrete (that actually was required) and the increase in material costs (due to inflation while they drug their feet) my cost over-ran by almost another $10,000. Needless to say, this stuff almost bankrupted me.
15) To try to remain afloat I decided to sell the home farm acreage that some people had been begging me to sell them. (it had been in our family for around 150 years) After messing around for about 3 months and costing me another $1000 they backed out.
So anyway, I'll try to add new photos when I do get a chance. - But at least you guys are sort of up to speed on what all's been going on over here now.
