Fried fish - rebiulding and upgrading the Barracuda

[torredcuda]

First project is making the grill I got in two pieces into one. I need to do it before taking the front end sheet metal off to make sure it aligns properly.  For anyone who missed it here are my old posts about the fire -

https://forum.e-bodies.org/cuda-and-challenger-general-discussion-roseville-moparts/2/bad-day-for-the-cuda-updated-pics-of-carnage/7214/msg100211#msg100211

https://forum.e-bodies.org/cuda-and-challenger-general-discussion-roseville-moparts/2/my-appraiser-is-a-moron/7549/msg104780#msg104780

https://forum.e-bodies.org/cuda-and-challenger-general-discussion-roseville-moparts/2/cuda-fire-update/7939/msg110080#msg110080

[Cbridgewater]

What's your plan/method to repair the grill? I have a 72 Challenger header panel that is fiberglass that I want to alter (cut and piece back together) but need a tried and true method.

[torredcuda]

There are a few different ways to repair plastic grills, I am using fiberglass to repair and strenghten the center area in the back as mine was broken into two halfs and it is a weak spot with these. I will V out the front of the crack and use a two part epoxy to fill it in and then skim with body filler to finish. Your header being fiberglass is pretty straight forward, grind fiberglass mat/resin to repair and sand out then skim with body filler.

[Brads70]

Nice to see you working on it again! 

[torredcuda]

Nice to see you working on it again! 

Been too long since I`ve driven it.    Finding the time with the kid having home school and my back holding up are my biggest challenges but I`ll keep at it. I have a long list of wanted upgrades but first need to focus on the needed things.

[torredcuda]

Nose is off, thinking of adding shock tower braces.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Any chassis reinforcement never hurts 

[YellowThumper]

Any chassis reinforcement never hurts 

Agreed and also glad you are on it again.

[jimynick]

I agree with the other lads about the bracing and would mention that you may want to check out US Cartool's frt apron brace. It's much more substantial and not too hard to put in. I put my money where my mouth is and haven't regretted it yet. Just FYI and my 

[torredcuda]

I agree with the other lads about the bracing and would mention that you may want to check out US Cartool's frt apron brace. It's much more substantial and not too hard to put in. I put my money where my mouth is and haven't regretted it yet. Just FYI and my 

I`ve checked out there stuff and already have thier frame connectors. As for thier torque boxes and fender bracing I work in a sheetmetal shop so can make my own as good or better and not pay thier big prices. I will obviuosly add a plate at the cowl and maybe another one near the tower. I`m not trying to bash US car tool as they have a good product and it`s a niche market so volume is low hence the prices.

[torredcuda]

I could almost get away without pulling the engine and transmission but 4 speed needs a rebuild anyway so out it comes

[anlauto]

I see a giant "snowball" in your future 

[jordan]

Do the bracing.  As long as you have to repaint the engine compartment anyway, this is the time to do it.  You will never see the under fender braces and the under radiator brace really holds the frame rails together.  Custom made or commercially made braces are better than none.  If you want a restored numbers match trailer queen, forget it.  If you are doing a driver, you will not regret it and will notice how much better it drives,  And wont rattle ever again. 

[torredcuda]

Just a 318 car so not worried about originality on this one.  Grill is now one piece,  just need to V the crack in front and do finish work.

[RUNCHARGER]

Excellent. I like repairing original parts when possible rather than phoning for repros.