Cliffjumper
Well-Known Member
Hello ladies and gentlemen, boy's and girl's. I have been a member of FABO for a little over a year now and have decided start my own Member Restoration Thread. There are a lot of Awesome Mopar's on this website, a lot of good ideas, helpful tricks and cool people. Looking over the Restoration page and reading how you guys are restoring, making power, modifying your Mopars has convinced me that its time for me to start a BIG project.
I have been learey about any kind of BIG projects with my Barracuda. Let it be room for it in my Garage or in my wallet. I have been there before with my past Classic; a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. I was 15 and it was my first car. It needed a new radiator support and a new 307/PG. It was a great car untill I tore it all down.. Balancing school, girlfriend, work and a social life took a tole on the Malibu. Quickly that radiator support and engine swap turned into a HUGE project that I (being 16 now) could'nt afford.. So some lucky fella from the next town over bought the Malibu with a new radiator support, 307 and Powerglide and the rest of the car being a "basket case" for a 1/4 of what it was worth. Sad story, but if that is what it takes to show me how to be responcable and learn how not to let my car projects get too far over my head...a lesson learned.
School is over, girlfriend went to College and work was picking up with all the OT I could get (while it lasted). Being a muscle car guy I always had a thing for Mopars and was on the internet 5 times a week watching everything sell. Good deals slipped by, but I was patient and was in the "saving money" boat. Researched muscle cars/imports/homes/property for about 2-3 years picking up info about everything trying to make a desicion on what to invest my "savings" in. Came to the conclusion I was going to invest in an A-Body Mopar. Gathering all the info I learned into what I was looking for I made a list. (1) 67-71 A-Body Mopar. (2) Big Block 383,440 (3) Full interior (or mostly. with a few things missing OK) (4) Good or OK body without any trim or glass missing. (5) Running with a transmission (Doesn't matter to me).
After spending alot of time on the internet searching through classifieds I found 3 within 200 miles of me. The first one was a 70' Duster (big Duster fan) with a hot 360 auto. That was a really nice car but the interior was cut up, had too much stereo and I wanted a B/RB. The second was a 1969 Dart. Everything I wanted but the price was steep. The third was a 1968 Barracuda Fastback. This car had everything I wanted running with a nego. price. This car was the furthest away but was definatly worth the trip.
Purchased the Barracuda in early April of 2008 and took delivery later that month. With a new, larger garage I had a shop to be proud of again. The Cuda had been modified and restored about 15 years ago so I started with a few small projects not going crazy.
The ignition was worn out and old so I spent some time upgrading it. MP mag pickup distributor, MSD Mopar Capactive Discharge Ign. mod, MSD Blaster, Helicore wires, Pro boot gaurds, Accel shorty plugs, and a Foward Light/Engine Harness from YearOne (pricey) plus a few odds and ends. Just by doing this upgrade it really brought the 440 to life.
I spent the rest of the summer cruising around tuning the carb, changing oil and burning rubber. Took the trip out to the All-Chrysler Party and Car Show in Carlisle, Pa. for the Cuda's 40th Birthyear (Had a blast). By the time Winter rolled around I wanted something to keep me busy during the storage months. Threw a 440 scooped hood on and restored the entire grill. Did an entire restoration of the rear end.. as in the 8 3/4. Upgraded from a highway 3.23 to something with more snot.. a 3.91 suregrip (cone style SG 489 case). Threw some MP axle bearings on the SBP axles and got her back on her feet. I like the back roads much more than the highway, reason being I live in New Jersey (answers that).
So this is where I stand today as modifications go (realizing how much I have to say here). Did some cruising this year but, I'm starting to hear some noises out back when I gouge in it. It's time for a serious project.
The noise out back is from original springs, shackles and bushings making it bounce around and slap the exhaust pipes here and there. So refering to what I have mentioned above, its time to start an new project with good planning and not going out of control.
This is my plan to have done by the Spring of 2010. Lets start with the engine. Its a 68 dated 440 block that has a good 6K miles on it after its rebuild. 906 heads have had some work done but the valve cover bolt holes have some stripage. The heads also have exhaust studs I want to replace with header bolts. There are Schumaker shorty headers bolted on without chrome or ceramic coating which I want to get done. The engine needs a good cleaning, tear-down with all new gaskets and a new oil pan for which is dented up but good. Want to 007 up the engine and make it look stock, out of factory. Going with a new carb set up to compensate for the hot spark so I've decided on a Holley Street HP 750 carb and a K&N 360 air cleaner (cool man cool) tho I havent made my mind up if I want vac. secondaries or mech. This will sit on top a painted MP intake manifold I plan to have port matched to the heads or new cast heads. Hopping it up from a stock fuel pump to a mechanical Holley. Ditching the flex fan and I'm going with an electic fan that doesnt draw too many amps mounted to a new Mancini radiator (OEM style Aluminum). Nice, I really needed to write all of this down so I can reference as well as entertainment.
Going to update the front suspension a little with a tubular K-Frame from CAP Automotive, while using a stock quick ratio steering box, upper and lower tubular control arms, stock 9" drum spindles and a SSBC Non-Power Disc Brake Conversion to 4.5" bolt pattern. Shocks and springs will most likely be reused (I hope). New torsion bar set from MP with all the hardware replaced. Out back I plan on using Espo HD 6 leaf springs and stock shackles. Thanks to GTXperience I have some LBP axles I can swap out. Thanks again Ben! For wheels I have desided on Cragar's Keystone Klassics 15X6 up front and 15X7 out back with BFG or MT tires.
The transmission has been leaky and not shifting properly... so depending on my mood I might replace or rebuild it.. new non-leaky lines and a trans-cooler. I have been using the stock shifter so far but, plan on upgrading to a Hurst Quarter Stick with a line lock.
I spent some on tools from Dutch Brothers including the Herculies stand and Crazy Eight Lift to assist with all of this. The body and interior is to be done later in its life. I want to get everything on the car and have it operational before I tear it down for a more thorough restoration.
I started this thread so I can share with ya how much fun this is going to be with pictures and words that may interest you. I also wanted to keep tabs on what I have done to my Barracuda since I had it. Your complimets, comentary and sarcasm is most weclome on this thread! That was a good chunck of the story of my life up there LOL. Have fun, keep it safe and Enjoy!
By the way would anyone be interested in that pistol grip auto shift handle? LOL I replaced that first thing!
I have been learey about any kind of BIG projects with my Barracuda. Let it be room for it in my Garage or in my wallet. I have been there before with my past Classic; a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. I was 15 and it was my first car. It needed a new radiator support and a new 307/PG. It was a great car untill I tore it all down.. Balancing school, girlfriend, work and a social life took a tole on the Malibu. Quickly that radiator support and engine swap turned into a HUGE project that I (being 16 now) could'nt afford.. So some lucky fella from the next town over bought the Malibu with a new radiator support, 307 and Powerglide and the rest of the car being a "basket case" for a 1/4 of what it was worth. Sad story, but if that is what it takes to show me how to be responcable and learn how not to let my car projects get too far over my head...a lesson learned.
School is over, girlfriend went to College and work was picking up with all the OT I could get (while it lasted). Being a muscle car guy I always had a thing for Mopars and was on the internet 5 times a week watching everything sell. Good deals slipped by, but I was patient and was in the "saving money" boat. Researched muscle cars/imports/homes/property for about 2-3 years picking up info about everything trying to make a desicion on what to invest my "savings" in. Came to the conclusion I was going to invest in an A-Body Mopar. Gathering all the info I learned into what I was looking for I made a list. (1) 67-71 A-Body Mopar. (2) Big Block 383,440 (3) Full interior (or mostly. with a few things missing OK) (4) Good or OK body without any trim or glass missing. (5) Running with a transmission (Doesn't matter to me).
After spending alot of time on the internet searching through classifieds I found 3 within 200 miles of me. The first one was a 70' Duster (big Duster fan) with a hot 360 auto. That was a really nice car but the interior was cut up, had too much stereo and I wanted a B/RB. The second was a 1969 Dart. Everything I wanted but the price was steep. The third was a 1968 Barracuda Fastback. This car had everything I wanted running with a nego. price. This car was the furthest away but was definatly worth the trip.
Purchased the Barracuda in early April of 2008 and took delivery later that month. With a new, larger garage I had a shop to be proud of again. The Cuda had been modified and restored about 15 years ago so I started with a few small projects not going crazy.
The ignition was worn out and old so I spent some time upgrading it. MP mag pickup distributor, MSD Mopar Capactive Discharge Ign. mod, MSD Blaster, Helicore wires, Pro boot gaurds, Accel shorty plugs, and a Foward Light/Engine Harness from YearOne (pricey) plus a few odds and ends. Just by doing this upgrade it really brought the 440 to life.
I spent the rest of the summer cruising around tuning the carb, changing oil and burning rubber. Took the trip out to the All-Chrysler Party and Car Show in Carlisle, Pa. for the Cuda's 40th Birthyear (Had a blast). By the time Winter rolled around I wanted something to keep me busy during the storage months. Threw a 440 scooped hood on and restored the entire grill. Did an entire restoration of the rear end.. as in the 8 3/4. Upgraded from a highway 3.23 to something with more snot.. a 3.91 suregrip (cone style SG 489 case). Threw some MP axle bearings on the SBP axles and got her back on her feet. I like the back roads much more than the highway, reason being I live in New Jersey (answers that).
So this is where I stand today as modifications go (realizing how much I have to say here). Did some cruising this year but, I'm starting to hear some noises out back when I gouge in it. It's time for a serious project.
The noise out back is from original springs, shackles and bushings making it bounce around and slap the exhaust pipes here and there. So refering to what I have mentioned above, its time to start an new project with good planning and not going out of control.
This is my plan to have done by the Spring of 2010. Lets start with the engine. Its a 68 dated 440 block that has a good 6K miles on it after its rebuild. 906 heads have had some work done but the valve cover bolt holes have some stripage. The heads also have exhaust studs I want to replace with header bolts. There are Schumaker shorty headers bolted on without chrome or ceramic coating which I want to get done. The engine needs a good cleaning, tear-down with all new gaskets and a new oil pan for which is dented up but good. Want to 007 up the engine and make it look stock, out of factory. Going with a new carb set up to compensate for the hot spark so I've decided on a Holley Street HP 750 carb and a K&N 360 air cleaner (cool man cool) tho I havent made my mind up if I want vac. secondaries or mech. This will sit on top a painted MP intake manifold I plan to have port matched to the heads or new cast heads. Hopping it up from a stock fuel pump to a mechanical Holley. Ditching the flex fan and I'm going with an electic fan that doesnt draw too many amps mounted to a new Mancini radiator (OEM style Aluminum). Nice, I really needed to write all of this down so I can reference as well as entertainment.
Going to update the front suspension a little with a tubular K-Frame from CAP Automotive, while using a stock quick ratio steering box, upper and lower tubular control arms, stock 9" drum spindles and a SSBC Non-Power Disc Brake Conversion to 4.5" bolt pattern. Shocks and springs will most likely be reused (I hope). New torsion bar set from MP with all the hardware replaced. Out back I plan on using Espo HD 6 leaf springs and stock shackles. Thanks to GTXperience I have some LBP axles I can swap out. Thanks again Ben! For wheels I have desided on Cragar's Keystone Klassics 15X6 up front and 15X7 out back with BFG or MT tires.
The transmission has been leaky and not shifting properly... so depending on my mood I might replace or rebuild it.. new non-leaky lines and a trans-cooler. I have been using the stock shifter so far but, plan on upgrading to a Hurst Quarter Stick with a line lock.
I spent some on tools from Dutch Brothers including the Herculies stand and Crazy Eight Lift to assist with all of this. The body and interior is to be done later in its life. I want to get everything on the car and have it operational before I tear it down for a more thorough restoration.
I started this thread so I can share with ya how much fun this is going to be with pictures and words that may interest you. I also wanted to keep tabs on what I have done to my Barracuda since I had it. Your complimets, comentary and sarcasm is most weclome on this thread! That was a good chunck of the story of my life up there LOL. Have fun, keep it safe and Enjoy!
By the way would anyone be interested in that pistol grip auto shift handle? LOL I replaced that first thing!
