65 Barracuda w/500ci RB, Stage VI Max Wedge Port Heads, 6-speed, and 5.38 Dana

[Brad4406]

The T56 is in and the engine is at the same angle it was in when the 4-speed was installed. Time to continue the template for the upper crossmember.

I'm hoping that switch just below the shifter on the driver side is a neutral safety switch as I plan to remove it and cap it.

 

[Brad4406]

Upper template created and traced onto .100" steel.

 

[Brad4406]

First side cut and test fit.

 

[Brad4406]

2nd trimmed as well.

 

[Brad4406]

The distance between the cut pieces is 1 13/16", so I cut a piece that wide, long enough to go around the middle of the circumference of the cut pieces. I bent it in my vice to match the contour of the cut pieces so it can be welded into the middle between the two pieces.

The tack welds look ugly, but enough to hold it together for removal, so I can weld it outside of the car.

 

[Brad4406]

Anything not worth upgrading gets reused, e.g., the the spacers in the crossmember where the transmission crossmember attaches. I cut them down to 1 13/16" and centered them on the holes. They will get welded in when I weld the rest of the crossmember, but temporarily they will keep the metal from flexing while I drill the outboard holes.

 

[Dfr360cuda]

Nice work.
See you in Columbus ?

 

[Brad4406]

Nice work.
See you in Columbus ?

Thank you.

I hope so, but I'm not sure yet. My work schedule may not permit it, but I'm definitely going to try.

It would be great to see your Barracuda there. Your car looks amazing!

 

[Brad4406]

Fabrication of upper crossmember is complete; just need to weld it into the car now.

 

[Brad4406]

Welded in. Time for lower crossmember fabrication.

 

[Matto]

The progress is lookin good!

 

[Brad4406]

Well, all progress stopped months ago. I'm not going to get into personal stuff on here, but life has changed a lot for me. Everything is in storage units, I no longer live in my own home, and am no longer married. Not looking for any pity; I'll recover from this just like I recovered from my motorcycle accident in 2014; I'm like a phoenix and I'll rise from the embers.

 

[Brad4406]

All moved into my new place. Still working on unpacking, but hoping to start fabbing the transmission crossmember soon.