Tom's 1968 Plymouth Barracuda 318-4/904, 8 3/4

[jamesfreddys]

I just wanted to start this thread to document the build of Tom's 1968 Fastback Barracuda as Phase 1 is completed.

A few months back Tom invited Seth and I over to look at a Barracuda he was considering purchasing. My first impressions after seeing the car was to get it and I think we were all in the same boat. I'm not exactly sure how the negotiations went but Tom got the car and I know that he is a more than fair man.

The Beginning

Tom got the car running and drove it around for a bit to get a grocery list together of what the project had and where it was headed. It was about this time that a '73 Dart Sport came up on Craigslist with a new crate 318, of coarse the front suspension we were after and a truck or van 8 3/4.

The Barracuda was pretty greasy and I don't know how much time Tom had in cleaning it up but he pulled the drive train and started getting everything lined up. A local engine builder disassembled the 318 and built it making sure everything was in order. I will try to get more info on him and the final specs of the 318 for the thread. The 904 was rebuilt and I'm sure was stiff'nd up a bit.

Getting started

We picked up the project and got it ready and off to the blasters. Then I continued on the tear down of the Dart Sport's front suspension getting it ready for the sand blasters. In the final shots we see the engine bay all blasted and nice and clean.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5zURGgXc5w"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 168 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Project‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

Metal work

In these shots I epoxy prime the blasted metal, delete the blower motor and smooth the battery area and body work the areas. We also begin to look at the color for the car and it's formula.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-njpME4e60k&feature=relmfu"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 169 Barracuda Project Epoxy Prime Metalwork & Filler Application‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

Priming and suspension

I finish out the bodywork and get the primer-surfacer sprayed out in this segment. Then I paint the suspension and start to get the urethane bushings in and general suspension work like that done for the '68.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGu9QBDsFo&feature=relmfu"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 172 Plymouth Barracuda Suspension Upgrades.‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

Paint

Color code JJ1 Ember Gold Metallic.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5PxODUwwlo&feature=relmfu"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 173 Painting the Engine bay on our 1968 Plymouth Barracuda‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

Disc Brake Upgrade

So the '73 Dart Sport gave up the power Disc brakes and the large bolt pattern for our Plymouth project and so I took a few shots to show them being rebuilt.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tlJy1ji-pE&feature=relmfu"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 174 1973 A-Body Disc Brake Upgrade in our 1968 Plymouth Barracuda‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

Installing the Motor and Trans. on the K-Frame.

Building the K-frame by putting the lower control arm assemblies and steering gear on then of coarse setting the 318 and 904 in place.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D38KRqQEhLk&feature=relmfu"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 175 Installing the Motor in the K-Frame of our 1968 Barracuda‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

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Putting the Motor in the Beast

I got after the harness and various other loose ends before I get the gang to help me install the Motor, Trans., and front suspension.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqJjV4Oom08&feature=relmfu"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 176 Installing Wiring Harness and the Engine in 68 Barracuda‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

Getting ready for First Start

Various tidying and chores in preparation for the first fire including battery relocation, wiring issues, lowering rear suspension, adding -06 braided fuel line and a bad water pump.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2rdwS2Rv1I&feature=related"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 177 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Getting Closer to First Start‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

Breaking in the Cam

Well it never goes totally smooth so after a bad fuel pump and some ignition issues we got the 318 fired and broken in.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeQbv0D3Vew&feature=relmfu"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 178 Starting the 1968 Plymouth Barracuda, Breaking in the Cam‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

Phase 1 Complete

We got the Quicksilver in, timing and idle set and it's time to deliver the Barracuda to final out the first phase of the 1968 Plymouth Barracuda.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwj_ljwIs2w"]‪MUSCLE CARS & HOT RODS Episode 179 Phase 1 1968 Barracuda complete‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]


We are now waiting on the completion of the rear diff. so we can get the brakes fully bled. the drive shaft will be rebuilt and balanced for piece of mind. Finally we need a set of killer steel wheels with dog dish caps.

I think the Barracuda may need quarter panels, trunk drop-out's and maybe even outer wheel tub work but we will know more after it's date with some walnut shells. Also there is a plan for a fiberglass hood with scoop in the 'cudas future but that is all more for a later date.


Your input into our project is always appreciated and thanks for checking out Tom's 1968 Plymouth Barracuda.
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