I already started a thread at Cuda-Challenger but was invited over here, si I thought I would start another one here. Long story short..the car started out as a 34 Cuda with 34K original miles. I traded for it and started the build last year. I figured it was a good investment since the Cuda and challenger really hold there value and are only going to be more desirable as time goes on. I wanted to build a tough looking "bootleg" resto-mod with some modern power and that's the way the car is going. We took the car down to bare metal and replaced anything that needed it. We also installed new suspension front and rear. Control freaks IFS and an Triangulated 4-link in the rear along with Vicking double adjustable coil overs. The 8-3/4 had the full treatment as well with a Eaton True track, Motive 3:91 gears and moser axles. Upgraded the brakes to Wilwood 13" six piston up front and 12" 4 piston in the rear. I will be running a 6.1 Hemi with a whipple supercharger and Coklin built 727 trans with a gear vendor. Even though the setup should handle Lots of HP....I decided to use a proven setup in the motor that will generate just over 600HP to the rear wheels since we want a reliable bullet proof setup. Forged rotating assembly, ARP head and main studs, stock 6.1 Heads with a custom Grind blower cam, Sanderson 1-7/8 headers with no cats and the 2.9 Whipple with water to air inter-cooler. Anyway to take a look at the pics. I will post more as the build progresses.
This is how it all started
Here it is on the rotisserie, stripped and blaster to metal. Motor and trans out...not a bolt left on it.
Here's the Cuda in the operating room. We decided to change the rear quarters and trunk because I wanted this car done perfectly.
Juan is the owner of "Juan's auto body in Peru IL and a personal friend of mine. He and his gange did all the work and did a fantastic job.
Here it is with the base coat, I went with a custom Urekem Metallic gun metal grey satin. I also installed the fram connectors, driveshaft hoop and mounts for the triangulated 4 link and com sway bar.
New rear Center section, Control freaks suspension and Coklin Trans.
I decided to change out the original tail lights for something a little nicer. I always hated way the reverse lights looked on the 74, so I came up with some nice led halo tails. I had to do a little fabricating but they work awesome and look great I think.
They are just sitting the tail section on the pics they are not fastened in.
Installed the sound deadening and heat sheild. We used 50mil Byutle rubber throughout.
Here is a pic of the rear suspension being installed, and the car getting ready to have the final base coat and the orange strips painted.
This weekend I installed the electric windows regulators in the P/D doors. They went in really easy. I also installed the auto-loc remote door releases. The Whipple 2.9 supercharger for the motor also showed up. A thing a beauty, cant wait until the day I install this.
What an amazing build! You are really going all out and doing it right! :veryexcited: :takealook:
I installed a 392 in mine in November and love it! Now converting it to a 4 spd OD.
Quote from: 303 Mopar on April 22, 2017, 06:28:05 AM
What an amazing build! You are really going all out and doing it right! :veryexcited: :takealook:
I installed a 392 in mine in November and love it! Now converting it to a 4 spd OD.
Thank you, I was planing on doing the 392 in this car as well...but the HP bug got hold of me and well, you know how that goes lol. I think the new motors in these classic cars is the perfect combination of nostalgia and technology. Cant wait to drive this car.
Fantastic build!!!!! :bravo: top level workmanship. You should be very proud of that car man.
Quote from: Cuda Cody on April 22, 2017, 07:13:51 AM
Fantastic build!!!!! :bravo: top level workmanship. You should be very proud of that car man.
Thank you very much, so far so good. I am glad to get some feedback on the work so far. Stay tuned, it will get done this year with any luck.
Quote from: TX9AAR on April 22, 2017, 07:26:05 AM
Your doing a fantastic job, keep posting pictures
More coming stay tuned.
Wow. I really like this car. You make it sound so simple. I am assuming this aint your first rodeo? The only feedback I have for you is :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:
Well been working on the fuel system. This is one part of the build I wish I could have done differently. Originally the plan was to fabricate a fuel tank to go in place of the original. I did not have enough room after installing the new rear suspension to run an original fuel tank. However, this just wasn't going to give me the room I needed to run exhaust and have a decent amount of fuel on board. So I reluctantly decided to run a fuel cell in the trunk. The Floor of the Cuda is not fuel cell friendly, meaning it's not flat. Took some doing but ended up getting a cell installed with a Walbour EFI pump and sending unit. I installed proper bulk head fittings on all the hoses going through the trunk floor as well. 6AN feed line, 8AN return line and 6AN vent all push-loc hoses and fittings. Also managed to get the battery mounted and the new aux battery post plate went were the original gas neck would have gone. I wanted this in case the battery every died I would have a place to hook up some cables to get power to the car since it has shaved doors. Over all it turned out pretty nice I guess.
Really nice! Looks like a clean professional install. :bravo:
Does anyone know where I can get new bolts for the alternator,water pump, power steering and A/C?
Dave was unable to get sizes and lengths for the bolts I need because Mopar does not list them. can anyone else help out with this?
Thank you.
Might try http://www.rtspecialties.net/ If Tom can't get them, then maybe we just need to get the specs and you should be able to get them from your local fastener store.
Quote from: kjwalters on April 27, 2017, 04:50:54 PM
Dave was unable to get sizes and lengths for the bolts I need because Mopar does not list them. can anyone else help out with this?
Thank you.
Thanks for that....
That's what I was thinking..if I could get the sizes and lengths I would get something that would work for sure.
stand by.... let me see what I can find.
Quote from: kjwalters on April 27, 2017, 05:01:31 PM
Thanks for that....
That's what I was thinking..if I could get the sizes and lengths I would get something that would work for sure.
If you don't have one of these yet, they are super handy I you might want to look in to it. These are a few pages from Dave's book to give you an idea of the great details you can get from it.
http://shop.mmcdetroit.com/t/mmmc-detroit---e-body-fastener-manual-1970-74-fastener-manual-fme-1
IMO, his books are well worth the money and anyone restoring an E-Body should think about buying one.
That book looks great. Now if they made one for the 6.1 Hemi I would be all set. I just dont know were to look.
any bolt supply store assuming you are not concerned withoriginal head markings & now the length & thread size
You're past my ability. The 6.1 is all new to me. :sorry:
Quote from: kjwalters on April 27, 2017, 06:31:12 PM
That book looks great. Now if they made one for the 6.1 Hemi I would be all set. I just dont know were to look.
Quote from: kjwalters on April 27, 2017, 06:31:12 PM
That book looks great. Now if they made one for the 6.1 Hemi I would be all set. I just dont know were to look.
I offered two suggestions for some level of kit... :pokeeye:
There are some you will likely just want to go ahead and get from the dealer. The a/c and alternator hardware is not all that prominent once installed.
Quote from: Chryco Psycho on April 27, 2017, 07:29:17 PM
any bolt supply store assuming you are not concerned withoriginal head markings & now the length & thread size
Yep, and that's the issue I am having, no ones know the sizes or length of the bolts. Thought maybe someone on here that is building a 6.1 Hemi had them and would share that information. You would think it would be easy to find out, but it seems to be one of those odd things that isn't listed on any place.
Wow, just ran across this thread! You are moving right along and doing a top notch professional build that would easily rival any of those supposed restoration shops on TV! Keep up the good work.
Quote from: usraptor on April 28, 2017, 07:30:10 AM
Wow, just ran across this thread! You are moving right along and doing a top notch professional build that would easily rival any of those supposed restoration shops on TV! Keep up the good work.
Thanks man I appreciate that!
Installed the master brake cylinder, booster and proportioning valve today. I also had a chance to run and secure the fuel line. Yesterday my friend stopped by and helped me install the Vintage A/C unit under the dash. Here re some pics.
Looks nice. You're doing a great job. :twothumbsup:
What's your thoughts on the Vintage A/C so far with the installation part of it?
Quote from: Cuda Cody on April 28, 2017, 03:37:01 PM
What's your thoughts on the Vintage A/C so far with the installation part of it?
Well, what should have been an easy job was made difficult because Kim at MCB parts convinced me to purchases the non A/C Cuda version even though I had a factor a/C car. The reasoning behind this was that the non a/c version came with extra parts I could use if needed for the same price. So I went with it. This made the install take about 2 hours longer than it should have. The way Vintage Air packages these thing is ridiculous as well. Nothing seems to be package logically together. For eg, they tell you to oil the o-rings when you install the lines on the main unit with the "supplied oil". Problem is we could not find the oil....you would think it would be with the o-rings since these are the only things that need oiled....but nope. I ended up running to the auto parts place and picking some up....only later to find the tiny tube of oil in the bottom of the 2nd box which held the Evaporator. The instruction are not great either, at least not what I was expecting form a leading US manufacture. Little things like this make the install more difficult than it should be. Over all however, the quality of the product is there. and I am sure it will work great.
Well, since I am using a 6.1 and wanted to use the fly by wire pedal I had to fab up a bracket that would work. I was told this would be a pain in the ass and I should just go with a cable setup, but that's not the way I wanted to go. So today I fab the mount, and it wasnt that difficult. I made it so the pedal was adjustable. Here are some pics.
Really nice job. Looks professionally done. :twothumbsup:
Quote from: kjwalters on May 01, 2017, 01:53:26 PM
Well, since I am using a 6.1 and wanted to use the fly by wire pedal I had to fab up a bracket that would work. I was told this would be a pain in the ass and I should just go with a cable setup, but that's not the way I wanted to go. So today I fab the mount, and it wasnt that difficult. I made it so the pedal was adjustable. Here are some pics.
That pedal looks really nice! We had a PITA getting mine in and bastardized a couple pedals together.
You are really working fast! Getting things done. Nice job with the pedal bracket! Did you make your own cover for the fan hole in the firewall?
How are you run the lines to the 6.1 AC compressor? I see some people have them outside the inner fenders.
Quote from: soundcontrol on May 01, 2017, 05:54:40 PM
You are really working fast! Getting things done. Nice job with the pedal bracket! Did you make your own cover for the fan hole in the firewall?
How are you run the lines to the 6.1 AC compressor? I see some people have them outside the inner fenders.
Thank you. The car is coming along, I try to do something every day to move it forward. I did make the cover for the fan hole out of piece T6 aluminum, same as all the block off plates on the firewall. I was considering running the lines through the wheel wells, but I think I am going to run them in the engine compartment for the sake of maintenance and accessibility. That may change but for now that's the plan.
Great build! Subscribed and following!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I know it's been a few weeks since my last update. The car is back in paint getting the clear redone and should be back by the end of the week and I will post some pics.
Looking forward to it. :popcorn:
Quote from: kjwalters on May 17, 2017, 08:29:48 AM
I know it's been a few weeks since my last update. The car is back in paint getting the clear redone and should be back by the end of the week and I will post some pics.
Well, I havent forgot you guys on here. We have been having bad luck with the clear Urekem sent us; and with Juans mom getting sick. We have cleared the car 3 times and every time it comes out with a different gloss level or blotchy. It's been a test of patients and endurance. Juan finally decided to go with a different supplier for the satin clear and it seems to be the ticket. We finished shooting and clearing the chrome tirm black and it sheen is exactly what we wanted. Here are a couple pics.
Also I managed to install the new gauge bezel and ordered the custom speedup gauges. With any luck the car should come back to my shop tomorrow.
PS, I also FINALLY got the custom wheels from Bonspeed. They are nice, but I wouldn't deal with them again.
Well the Cuda came back to me on Friday. We had some problems with the clear, but 3rd time is a charm and Juan finally got what we were shooting for. This week he will do the finally clean up and install the side glass and trim on the car. Today I worked on getting the Fuse black and ECM for the GEN III Hemi mounted in their positions and ran the main engine wiring harness to the engine compartment. My best buddy Matt Peters came over and we started to work on the wiring for the rear of the car. All in a all a great day and it looks like it's going to be a very clean and tidy install, just a few hundred more wires to go lol.
Looking good! Satin clear can be a bit tricky and hard to spray.
The firewall is looking great!!!! :lurking:
Yes it can! Glad it's over with. Thanks for the comments.
Looking good , the custom wiring always takes time to work through .
I am glad you got the clear redone & finished up
Some very nice work, good stuff! :popcorn:
The Cuda got her new headliner today. It looks really good. It's nice to see the car starting to come back together slowly but surely.
We also took some time and had to shave the inside lip of the fenders so the new wheel would fit. Bonspeed certainly filled the wheel well up and with the 295 /35/20 on the rear, it just about all she can handle. Yesterday I installed the electric rear window conversion kit which was actually pretty easy and well worth the effort. You can get a peek at the motor in one of the headliner pics. Fits perfect under the panel.
Headliner turned out great. Nice job.
Hey guys I have a question I hope one of you can answer. When running after market gauges on a Gen III hemi, how is the best way to get signal? do you just tap into the existing wiring on the harness? or?
Thanks for the help in advance.
Jamie
Can't answer your question but you did a great job on that headline! :worship: Brings back memories of when I did mine. Got any pictures of those new wheels. Anxious to see them. :banana:
Quote from: kjwalters on July 04, 2017, 04:31:38 AM
Hey guys I have a question I hope one of you can answer. When running after market gauges on a Gen III hemi, how is the best way to get signal? do you just tap into the existing wiring on the harness? or?
Speedo doesn't change since its run off your trans, new fuel sending unit for FI should have the same wiring, for temp I ran it off a t-stat in the radiator, there is no tach wire on the new harnesses so you have to get an adapter and splice into the new harness depending on which harness you have, everything else is straight forward.
Thanks for the help. I am using a custom Autowire harness that is plug and play for the Hemi. I just wasnt sure if I had to tap all the sensors. I am running Speedo, Tach Oil pressure, water temp, volts fuel level on the cluster, and will also be running a boost gauge on the console. I thought maybe the tach would be tricky since they Hemi has individual coils. Not sure were to hook that up to get it to work right. The Speedo is GPS so no worries on that.
Progress has been fairly slow the last week or so, but I am making headway. Yesterday I installed the Jute underlay for the carpet, and I have been working of trying to get the rear bumper and valence lined up correctly. That's been a pain in the butt.
The brakes got bled on Saturday as well. Little by little. Heres a pic of the Jute and I shols have more pics by the weekend. Thanks guys.
Any progress gets you closer.
Nice! Did you glue or fastened the underlay to the Noico somehow?
Quote from: soundcontrol on July 14, 2017, 02:33:34 AM
Nice! Did you glue or fastened the underlay to the Noico somehow?
Yes I used 3M 77 spray adhesive. I have done this on several cars I have built and I like the way it forms to the floor and make the carpet lay uniform. There should be no reason to remove it in the future since all the wiring will be between the jute and the carpet.
About a moth ago I had the opportunity to trade one of my welders for a Milling machine. I jumped at it, and went over it, converted it from 3 phase to 2 phase and added some extras I knew I would need. Well, today I spent the day machining some parts for the Cuda I was going to need for the custom console I am making; mainly the heater/Ac control panel, and also the front bezel for the Tablet/stereo I will be using. Here are a few shots. Tomorrow my buddy and myself will have about 5 hours to work on getting some other things done, so I will post more pics as soon as I have them.
That's some nice work you have done with that nice Bridgeport !
More progress on the Cuda today. Man tomes flys when your working in the shop. Juan and I went in at 8am and 1pm came so fast we hardly got done anything we wanted to. But we did get some of the trim put on the car and also finished the amp and rear speaker install. All the wiring is done for the tablet/stereo now just have to hook up the power.
Nice! That's almost like cheating, I have a drill and a grinder. CNC milling machine for a welding machine, must of been a very nice weld machine.... Looks like you already know what your doing, very nice pieces. Great build too.
Quote from: Cudakiller70 on July 15, 2017, 04:41:13 PM
Nice! That's almost like cheating, I have a drill and a grinder. CNC milling machine for a welding machine, must of been a very nice weld machine.... Looks like you already know what your doing, very nice pieces. Great build too.
Thanks, but it is not a cnc it's a manual mill. So I have to do a little more work. One day I will have me a cnc lol.
Your project coming along nicely
Nice progress. :wrenching: Keep up the good work.
Great stuff, a milling machine would sure be fun.
Good tools are awesome to have access to , cannot wait to see the results with the custom console & stereo face plate in place
Well, I finally got around to putting on the new wheels. Honestly, this is one of the things I look forward to most. There's just something about seeing your vision start to take shape before your eyes.
The wheels look pretty amazing, exactly like I wanted. You cant fit another centimeter in the wheel wells they fit like a glove. I still would never use Bonspeed wheels again, but at least all the aggravation and crap I had to deal with turned out. Here are a few pics.
More pics to come....stay tuned.
Some great details going on in this thread.
One of the more challenging things about this build is the center console. The dashes in these E-bodies are strange how the merge from metal to plastic. Things are not centered like you might think; This makes fabricating a console rather difficult, especially if you want to keep the original dash shape intact. Yeah I could have just cut up the dash and made life easier, but thats not what I wanted. The last couple days I have been working on the new console which will house the Tablet information center, the Ac/Heat controls and the front and rear air vents and window controls. Still got allot of work to do, but it's coming along. I will have some more pics in Monday or Tuesday.
Who makes the conversion kit for the electric rear windows?
Quote from: 74CudaChief on August 08, 2017, 03:20:22 PM
Who makes the conversion kit for the electric rear windows?
It's a universal kit you can get from AutoLoc. It's the one with the long geared leads. These motors fit perfectly under the original interior panels if you mount them as I did. I will post some better pics in a couple days. These work excellent, however I totally rebuilt my window mechanisms, thoroughly cleaned the tracks and all re greased them.
Here is a pic of kit and parts. The kit is cheap and has everything you need to get it up and running.
How exactly do those power window kits work? Do they drive the original manual regulator?
Quote from: larry4406 on August 11, 2017, 03:15:53 AM
How exactly do those power window kits work? Do they drive the original manual regulator?
Yes the drive the original regulator. There are not allot of options out there for these e-body rear windows. This one works and does it well. Lifts the windows without any problems and quite. I was a little skeptical at how well it would work, but I am pleased with the results and it was very very cost effective.
Quote from: kjwalters on August 11, 2017, 04:54:43 AM
Quote from: larry4406 on August 11, 2017, 03:15:53 AM
How exactly do those power window kits work? Do they drive the original manual regulator?
Yes the drive the original regulator. There are not allot of options out there for these e-body rear windows. This one works and does it well. Lifts the windows without any problems and quite. I was a little skeptical at how well it would work, but I am pleased with the results and it was very very cost effective.
Sounds clever. Any pictures showing how this is done? I searched their web page and no details. I saw their power window switches which retain the window crank as the lever on the switch which is quite cool.
That looks like a good bit of custom work. Looking forward to seeing the end result. :lurking:
Quote from: kjwalters on July 29, 2017, 05:38:25 PM
One of the more challenging things about this build is the center console. The dashes in these E-bodies are strange how the merge from metal to plastic. Things are not centered like you might think; This makes fabricating a console rather difficult, especially if you want to keep the original dash shape intact. Yeah I could have just cut up the dash and made life easier, but thats not what I wanted. The last couple days I have been working on the new console which will house the Tablet information center, the Ac/Heat controls and the front and rear air vents and window controls. Still got allot of work to do, but it's coming along. I will have some more pics in Monday or Tuesday.
Quote from: larry4406 on August 11, 2017, 02:42:58 PM
Quote from: kjwalters on August 11, 2017, 04:54:43 AM
Quote from: larry4406 on August 11, 2017, 03:15:53 AM
How exactly do those power window kits work? Do they drive the original manual regulator?
Yes the drive the original regulator. There are not allot of options out there for these e-body rear windows. This one works and does it well. Lifts the windows without any problems and quite. I was a little skeptical at how well it would work, but I am pleased with the results and it was very very cost effective.
Sounds clever. Any pictures showing how this is done? I searched their web page and no details. I saw their power window switches which retain the window crank as the lever on the switch which is quite cool.
I dont have any pics but will try to get some thins weekend. Basically they give you a gear drive that fits over the gear end of the crank were the original handle goes. You them secure the housing so it can't spin when it turns the crank, and then mount the motor. Work's fine on the smaller rear windows, but I have an electric life kit for the front windows. I am mounting my switches in the custom center console so I can reach them all easily, and I can use the LED color I want. Their switches are pretty good though.
Quote from: kjwalters on August 11, 2017, 04:38:16 PM
Quote from: larry4406 on August 11, 2017, 02:42:58 PM
Quote from: kjwalters on August 11, 2017, 04:54:43 AM
Quote from: larry4406 on August 11, 2017, 03:15:53 AM
How exactly do those power window kits work? Do they drive the original manual regulator?
Yes the drive the original regulator. There are not allot of options out there for these e-body rear windows. This one works and does it well. Lifts the windows without any problems and quite. I was a little skeptical at how well it would work, but I am pleased with the results and it was very very cost effective.
Sounds clever. Any pictures showing how this is done? I searched their web page and no details. I saw their power window switches which retain the window crank as the lever on the switch which is quite cool.
I dont have any pics but will try to get some thins weekend. Basically they give you a gear drive that fits over the gear end of the crank were the original handle goes. You them secure the housing so it can't spin when it turns the crank, and then mount the motor. Work's fine on the smaller rear windows, but I have an electric life kit for the front windows. I am mounting my switches in the custom center console so I can reach them all easily, and I can use the LED color I want. Their switches are pretty good though.
Thank you. Looking for the picture update. Where do you mount the switches and how are the factory regulator holes for the window crank shafts in the interior door and quarter trim panels addressed/trimmed?
If anyone is in IL and knows how to do wiring I would greatly appreciate some help. This is not my strongest skill and especially not with a late model Hemi. We are at the point were the wiring should be completed so we can move forward more quickly.
let me know if you anyone has the skill to help.
I am in Spring Valley IL 61362, and have a heated and cooled shop to work in.
Thanks
Making more progress on the Cuda. Couldnt find any help for the wiring so I am learning as I go...it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be, although I purchased a very good wiring unit from American Autowire. The wiring on the rear of the car is done, As you can see by the pics, I found a solution for the reverse lights and a way to utilize the extra hole in the bumper since I am not using the bumperettes. I used a set of 15W led lights which fit the square hole perfectly and do a great job at lighting up behind the car. I also made a set of stainless mess covers for the holes in the lower rear valence that the bumperettes would normally cover. I welded a stud onto the valence before painting to mount the cover securely personally like the way it all turned out.
I modified the rear trunk hinges to accept a set of hydraulic prop rods as well, although the pics dont show them, I will post pics later.
Side Glass and electric window conversions are in and the door Trim and weather strip around the door in place. The carpet under lay has been laid. The head light wiring, running lights, horn and wiring has been run to the front of the car as well. Moving along nicely. More pics to come.
Looks great, nice job! :bravo:
Your project is coming along nicely good job. Plus u gave me an idea where to put my reverse lights right into that bumper opening.
:rebelflag" Nice work. :banana:
Your project is looking great! I too used the American AutoWire kit. It worked good for the most part but there were places I had to wire differently than their instructions. Their customer service was good though and now that it is completed, I am very pleased with the results.
Really like what you did with the back-up lights and valance openings.
Cheers!
Mickm
Quote from: Mickm on August 24, 2017, 05:49:11 PM
Your project is looking great! I too used the American AutoWire kit. It worked good for the most part but there were places I had to wire differently than their instructions. Their customer service was good though and now that it is completed, I am very pleased with the results.
Really like what you did with the back-up lights and valance openings.
Cheers!
Mickm
Thank you, I appreciate your feedback.
I used their hiway 22 kit. everything seems pretty straight forward except you have to allow some changes while integrating the new Gen III hemi ECM, the remote shaved door and trunk kit...and stuff like that. For example, their panel has provision for the fuel pump, but the ECM wiring comes with a fuel pump hot wire with a relay, so I was told to use that fuel pump send as opposed to the one on the Fuse panel. I though their directions and diagrams were very well done for sure...I hate wiring and this is helping me. Thanks again.
I'm actually starting to dream about wires. This has been my view for days, I just keep telling myself, one wire at a time....LOL. On the upside I am learning a lot and sometimes I even enjoy doing it. However, cant stand trying to figure out how to integrate everything together..it hurts my brain lol. Anyway, I will try to get some more pics soon.
Here is a question for those of you running a Gen 3 HEMI. How did you get a tach feed? from one of the coils?
Glad it's you doing that and not me. :) I hate electrical. :clueless: Nice progress. :twothumbsup: Keep us posted.
Managed to get the trunk prop rods in today and working as they should. It's not that hard to modify the original trunk hinges to accept the struts. You just have to do some clearance work on the hinge and drill a holes in to to accept the 10mm Ball mount stud, then just mount the other end to the X bracing in the rear seat area...it's that simple. Here are a couple pics of the end result. The setup works great.
How many pound struts did you use? You have a spoiler correct?
Thanks, Wes
Nice mod I'll be using that 1.
Quote from: MoparCar on August 26, 2017, 06:10:47 PM
How many pound struts did you use? You have a spoiler correct?
Thanks, Wes
Hi Wes. I used 60lbs struts and yes I have an AAR spoiler.
Nice! I'm gonna try that also, never seen it on a convertible.
Quote from: kjwalters on August 26, 2017, 07:09:58 PM
Quote from: MoparCar on August 26, 2017, 06:10:47 PM
How many pound struts did you use? You have a spoiler correct?
Thanks, Wes
Hi Wes. I used 60lbs struts and yes I have an AAR spoiler.
Thanks! Wes
Quick Question for anyone that knows their E-Bodies. I wanted to run a 2 speed wiper motor as opposed to a 3 speed motor. Does anyone know a part number or what Wiper motor I should be looking for. Lastly does the 2 speed wiper motor take up any more room than the 3 speed? I want to get this wiring and installed as soon as I can.
Thank you in advance.
Quote from: kjwalters on August 28, 2017, 03:51:31 PM
Quick Question for anyone that knows their E-Bodies. I wanted to run a 2 speed wiper motor as opposed to a 3 speed motor. Does anyone know a part number or what Wiper motor I should be looking for. Lastly does the 2 speed wiper motor take up any more room than the 3 speed? I want to get this wiring and installed as soon as I can.
Thank you in advance.
Wiring, switch, arms/linkage is different.
Quote from: Brads70 on August 28, 2017, 05:17:20 PM
Quote from: kjwalters on August 28, 2017, 03:51:31 PM
Quick Question for anyone that knows their E-Bodies. I wanted to run a 2 speed wiper motor as opposed to a 3 speed motor. Does anyone know a part number or what Wiper motor I should be looking for. Lastly does the 2 speed wiper motor take up any more room than the 3 speed? I want to get this wiring and installed as soon as I can.
Thank you in advance.
Wiring, switch, arms/linkage is different.
Wow...o.k Then I will stick with the 3 speed since that's what it came with. I will have it restored and use it since i know ti works. All my wiring is custom any way as is my 3 way LED switch I am using for the wipers. Thank you for the quick response.
Quote from: Brads70 on August 28, 2017, 05:17:20 PM
Quote from: kjwalters on August 28, 2017, 03:51:31 PM
Quick Question for anyone that knows their E-Bodies. I wanted to run a 2 speed wiper motor as opposed to a 3 speed motor. Does anyone know a part number or what Wiper motor I should be looking for. Lastly does the 2 speed wiper motor take up any more room than the 3 speed? I want to get this wiring and installed as soon as I can.
Thank you in advance.
Wiring, switch, arms/linkage is different.
Hmm, didn't know the linkage is different, anyone know how to ID a 2 vs 3 speed linkage? I just bought a linkage with arms for my 73 project, I do have a motor, but will they fit together...
Quote from: Brads70 on August 28, 2017, 05:17:20 PM
Quote from: kjwalters on August 28, 2017, 03:51:31 PM
Quick Question for anyone that knows their E-Bodies. I wanted to run a 2 speed wiper motor as opposed to a 3 speed motor. Does anyone know a part number or what Wiper motor I should be looking for. Lastly does the 2 speed wiper motor take up any more room than the 3 speed? I want to get this wiring and installed as soon as I can.
Thank you in advance.
Wiring, switch, arms/linkage is different.
I'm no "expert " on that, just what I was told when I considered switching myself. :alan2cents:
Passion4Mopars has a lot of documentation about the wipers/linkage combos
Yes, Kim is doing my Wiper motor for me. They know there stuff.
Seems like the wiring never ends. But I am learning allot, and that's pretty awesome. I cant say enough about the customer service at American Autowire and Hotwire Auto. They are very patient. The last couple of days I have been working on the dash and getting the Gauges in and all the other controls. This looked like a bunch of spaghetti before the 75+ zip ties and routing them all were then needed to go. Here is a pic of the rear of the dash, just about done and ready to install.
Nice wiring work. :rebelflag"
most if not all wiper CRANK & LINKS have the part number stamped into them
wiper CRANK - bolts to wiper motor
wiper DRIVE LINK - connects wiper motor crank to pivot
wiper PIVOT LINK - connects pivot to pivot
'70 3-speed = 289, 291, 293
'73 3-speed = 518, 291, 514
Took some time off wiring to install the carpet. Some of the center wiring runs through the console so it needs to come through the carpet to be accessible; so I thought I might as well get the carpet in and the center wiring done. Turned out pretty good, it's still settling in and once I get the seats mounted it will sit as it should.
Finally got the console done this weekend. I had Juan's interior guy cover it for me since I dont have an industrial sewing machine. I think it turned out really nice. It was covered in Black Madrid pattern vinyl which closely matches the dash color and pattern. As you can see it houses the Andriod Touch screen, GPS, AM/FM bluetooth entertainment system, The Ac/Heat controls, Front and rear air vents, front and rear power window controls, USB for both front and rear passengers and of course storage. This should look right at home in the Cuda.
Quote from: kjwalters on September 04, 2017, 06:19:11 PM
Finally got the console done this weekend. I had Juan's interior guy cover it for me since I dont have an industrial sewing machine. I think it turned out really nice. It was covered in Black Madrid pattern vinyl which closely matches the dash color and pattern. As you can see it houses the Andriod Touch screen, GPS, AM/FM bluetooth entertainment system, The Ac/Heat controls, Front and rear air vents, front and rear power window controls, USB for both front and rear passengers and of course storage. This should look right at home in the Cuda.
Awesome work. :banana: :rebelflag"
One of the things I really hated about the rally hoods was the fact that the twin hood scoops were decorative and not operational. I decided early on to fix that problem, but it was not any easy fix. It took some time to figure out just how to do modify the original scoops so air could actually flow through the. The end result turned out really nice, I am pretty happy with the results.
Impressive work man. :bravo:
kjwalters, Those scoops look cool 8). They look good and the fact that now they serve a purpose is aweseome! Iwould be interested in seeing how you did them. Did you take any pics during the process that you would share?
Cheers!
Mickm
Quote from: Mickm on September 07, 2017, 08:28:13 AM
kjwalters, Those scoops look cool 8). They look good and the fact that now they serve a purpose is aweseome! Iwould be interested in seeing how you did them. Did you take any pics during the process that you would share?
Cheers!
Mickm
Thank you. Unfortunately I didn't take "in progress pics". The process is as you might expect, you first have to cut out the backing of the air inlet. This takes patients, a good 90 degree cut off wheel and a good die grinder. Once you have that done you need to finish the edges a little with a small Barrel sander like you would have in a dremel tool, and finally wet sand. If you dont do this, when you will likely have bad results when painting them. After you have cut the whole out the next part is to buy some stainless perforated sheet, .045-0.65 will work fine. At this point it's you cut a piece roughly the size you need then cover it in masking tape so you can draw on it. Trace the inlet outline of the UNDER SIDE area of the vent, were the grill will be attached. Allow enough on each end so that you can bend it slightly to hug each end. It takes time to do this right so dont rush it, you want the grill to fit against the opening flat without any gaps. You dont have allot of room to fasten the grill, so you have two choices. One is to use a quick set crystal clear epoxy and lay a thin bead around the area that the grill sits against. The down side with this is that epoxy likes pressure when curing, and the shape of this air intake makes that difficult. The other option is to purchase some Super High bond double sided industrial adhesive strips and cut them to size. If your not familiar with this stuff, it's pretty amazing, they attach bus and truck panels with it. It takes the place of welds and rivets and bonds instantly so no need to clamp it. The down side is that it's a little pricey depending on which one you go with. The good stuff is 18-$20 a foot..and they only sell it in 10ft, 20ft 50ft and 100ft rolls. But 3M makes a versions in the VHB series that are suppose to be pretty good as well and you can get it in 9ft length for $20. I have never used this but form what I read people seemed impressed. I went with the more expensive alternative because I wanted piece of mind. That's all there is to it. Good luck.
Mina are functional also, but just open, some previous owner just removed the tabs were you screw the inserts. I should put something like that in also.
I think some people would be surprised at how long it takes to do wiring and make it look decent. Today I managed to get the l.e.d. Dome light and door switches installed, the l.e.d Headlight, turn signal and halo's wiring done and the trunk weather strip installed. Every little thing done, is one less thing to do. Once I get the front window switches and relays installed I should be ready to get the dash back in and install the Console. As a side note: the Headlight buckets needed to be modified to accept the new LED headlights. The hole in the rear needed to be enlarged as you can see in the pics.
Quote from: kjwalters on September 08, 2017, 03:49:44 PM
I think some people would be surprised at how long it takes to do wiring and make it look decent. Today I managed to get the l.e.d. Dome light and door switches installed, the l.e.d Headlight, turn signal and halo's wiring done and the trunk weather strip installed. Every little thing done, is one less thing to do. Once I get the front window switches and relays installed I should be ready to get the dash back in and install the Console.
Ahh, I love wiring, and I'm a nut case about it looking good. It does take time and patience , but even if it can't be seen, I know its there so I perfect it. Nice work
@kjwalters (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/kjwalters_414) :banana: :rebelflag"
Quote from: kjwalters on September 08, 2017, 03:49:44 PM
I think some people would be surprised at how long it takes to do wiring and make it look decent.
I hear ya, it took me weeks and weeks to finish wiring the entire car + EFI.
Quote from: GoodysGotaCuda on September 08, 2017, 05:45:19 PM
Quote from: kjwalters on September 08, 2017, 03:49:44 PM
I think some people would be surprised at how long it takes to do wiring and make it look decent.
I hear ya, it took me weeks and weeks to finish wiring the entire car + EFI.
I may want to pick your brain if I run into any issues or am unsure about something if that's o.k. The Guys at Hotwire and American auto wire have been great...but sometimes owners have good input.
Quote from: kjwalters on September 08, 2017, 06:21:54 PM
Quote from: GoodysGotaCuda on September 08, 2017, 05:45:19 PM
Quote from: kjwalters on September 08, 2017, 03:49:44 PM
I think some people would be surprised at how long it takes to do wiring and make it look decent.
I hear ya, it took me weeks and weeks to finish wiring the entire car + EFI.
I may want to pick your brain if I run into any issues or am unsure about something if that's o.k. The Guys at Hotwire and American auto wire have been great...but sometimes owners have good input.
Please do. However I am running an aftermarket ECU the rest of the harness is essentially a "hacked up" painless and vintage air harness combined. I did my fuse/relay box from scratch too.
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Dash is going back into the Cuda after days of wiring everything under the dash. Now the dash can come out with simply unplugging 4 connections and 1 wire. It looks great and everything fits and works nicely. The Custom made speedhut gauges really look great. I will get a pic of it all lit up as soon as I get everything checked and powered up.
4 connections and 1 wire. :banana: You must love wiring like me. Nice work. :rebelflag"
Quote from: Roadman on September 19, 2017, 04:11:00 PM
4 connections and 1 wire. :banana: You must love wiring like me. Nice work. :rebelflag"
Well if everything works as it should I will like wiring....lol. Thanks for the comment.
Very nice. Love the custom gauge cluster. :banana:
So I have been wrking on finishing and testing the wiring and dash components. So far everything works great. Kim at Passion for Mopar's sent me out a new wiper motor and I installed that. It was a little tricky to sory out since I am not running the original switch. But a couple relay's, a resistor and an LED switch later and I have it working as a two speed Hi-LOW-Off setup; not that I ever plan on needing them but if I do they will work fine.
I installed the new column and Billet steering wheel and am currently working on the linkage to the PW steering. The rear window went in and the rear trim as well. I am just about to a point that I need the motor done to finish the other stuff. Here are a couple pics.
Sooo nice, Just so well done. I'm amazed at the quality work you and others do and share on this site. :clapping:
Quote from: Cudakiller70 on October 14, 2017, 07:57:21 PM
Sooo nice, Just so well done. I'm amazed at the quality work you and others do and share on this site. :clapping:
Thank's man I appreciate the kind words.
Looks great !
Wiring is not really difficult but it does take time to make it work & look clean , great job :bigthumb:
Really like that custom center console - I may have to steal that idea. Nice work!
Quote from: shawge on October 16, 2017, 08:58:50 AM
Really like that custom center console - I may have to steal that idea. Nice work!
What he said! :twothumbsup:
Attention to detail is what differentiates a good project and great project.
All the little details no one notices when done right but everyone sees when done badly.
I am plagued with that as well.
Mike.
I have been inspired by a lot of what you've done with your Cuda. My build is nowhere near as nice / intense as yours, but I wanted to say thank you for all the stuff you shared here, it's awesome. I hope everything is going well with you and your project.
Take care,
Alan
Would like to get an update. However...
Subscribing to this thread since I have to keep searching for it seeking build info.
Nice work brad!
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He looked so close to done with this car.. I'd love to see how it got wrapped up