1972 Plymouth 'Cuda - 5.7L Hemi + T56 Magnum

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Follow along here: https://www.facebook.com/GoodysGotaHemi/

I will try to post periodic updates here as the project progresses. I am a 29 year old fellow in Dallas-Fort Worth that has had this Barracuda for 12 years or so. It was a daily driver for a while, my Wife and I dated in this car and in August of 2014 I took the car [voluntarily] off of the road to restore it.


It lived its life as a 318/904 car, factory FY1 Lemon Twist car with the black stripe. It had some drag racing time on it with the rebuilt 318 Warlock1 and I did [my first rebuild]. I nearly quit driving the car completely because I was tired of it, I had a highly modified Wrangler that I built from stock and the Barracuda was slow and just plain tired. When I decided to start my Master's, I needed a new daily, either the Wrangler went or the Barracuda did. The Barracuda won. From there I tore the car down completely and have been doing all of the work, with the exception of body/paint, from within my standard 2 car garage. It's cumbersome, but it works.


Since 8/2014 I started the project as a Hemi swap with a 6 speed, which rapidly turned into a restoration and repaint. In that time I have started a new career, started and finished an MBA, bought a house and became a Dad…I have been busy! Needless to say, the project is behind its original schedule. Here is where I stand..




So let's get into the car:


- Rebuilt 5.7L Hemi, comp cam, TTI headers, standalone ECU
- T56 magnum 6speed manual transmission with the conversion parts from SST
- 8-3/4" rear, 3.91s Dr. Diff shafts, Wilwood 12.2" 4-piston discs
- Hotchkis front end
- Borgeson steering box w/Coleman 1.5:1 quickener
- Wilwood 12.9" 6-piston front discs
- Vintage Air Conversion
- Painless Harness
- Tanks Inc EFI tank
- American Racing 17s and 18s




Obligatory "BEFORE" photo
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/main-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/984203_840536482657078_81762686871337788-1.jpg


DISASSEMBLY


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/1002626_840533625990697_6055585050010887-1.jpg


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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/10449907_840542275989832_864125756777177-1.jpg




The car had typical rust issues in the “Tee” section, trunk floor, etc. All of which has either been treated and topcoated, or replaced entirely.


To help stiffen things up, the car was given a US Car Tool chassis kit


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/18E2AFE704844187B7354F3C86FE9F02-1.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/IMG_3975-1.jpg

I smoothed out the engine bay and epoxy primed it, soon after the Hemi was dropped in for mock-up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/car_1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/hemiIn_1-1.jpg

Soon after, the sawzall met the car to make room for the T56 Magnum. Keeping torsion bars requires pretty significant reinforcement to that area to ensure structural integrity.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/5ABEED17D1344428BD056182FA85ECAF-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/t56-1.jpg



I did some high level blocking on the car to see what I had to work with. The car had been painted yellow many, many times!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/IMG_4097-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/IMG_4176-1.jpg

The trunk was in need of serious work. I replace the floor, trunk extensions, tank supports and the rear rails completely.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/BA09321A640F45D4824E5E1AF69264B5-1.jpg

The interior was treated to epoxy primer, single stage Lemon Twist, topcoated with tinted RaptorLiner [bedliner] for noise reduction, heat reduction and some durability in the trunk.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/21F73CCEB9E74243BF60B2F77FC1C63A-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/0FFBE84127AB4A8C855931C867AD5AF9-1.jpg

[GoodysGotaCuda]

After working on my back for hours, under the car, I surrendered when it came time to coat the bottom of the car. I made up a <$100 tip-over rig out of wood…it worked very well!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/E3FD278169A84B28BDE14DF716244659-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/roll-1.jpg

The bottom of the car had Eastwood rust encapsulator sprayed in every crevice and rail hole I could get to. It was then sprayed with the rust encapsulator and topcoated with Lizard Skin ceramic coating. I also took this time to spray the bottom of the roof with the stuff has well, to help keep my melon from cooking in the Summer. Here you can see the modifications I made to the chassis, front and rear torque boxes, subframe connectors and the completely new forward member between the front rail and torsion bar crossmember. I did not care much for all of the 90° load paths up there. That crossmember will help take some load out of the rocker and redirect it through the new subframe connectors. I hope that it will help keep the doors/gaps more consistent and the car more rigid over time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/EAF259FF69304AE3A8B009CD33153C50-1.jpg

Fast forwarding a little more, the car was fitted with a 70-71 AMD deck lid [which fit terrible], Goodmark front fenders, an AMD door skin and an AMD header panel. I also took the opportunity to add a ‘Cuda rear valance and ‘Cuda hood to the car. Oh, and I did fork out a few more bucks for all new AMD door hinges as well, a seemingly small investment can help the car hold its lines and feel more solid [to me], with those in place.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20160731__IMG_6997-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20160731__IMG_7017-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20160731__IMG_7031-1.jpg

Two years after taking it off of the road, it went to the body shop. [Ward’s in Krum, TX]. While the car was out, I could finally get the garage clean enough to rebuild the engine.

Valve springs were swapped with PAC racing springs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/4744856F786E4F49B69C302803E0D5AE-1.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

I was able to get all of the accessories together before assembly, then got after it!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20160918__untitled20shoot003-1.jpg


***VIDEO***
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/th_IMG_0254-1.mp4 (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c298/goodysgota72/IMG_0254.mp4)

I sprayed the engine with single stage acrylic enamel Hemi Orange after epoxy primer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20161001__untitled20shoot134-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/14440925_1300018066708915_59490930724314-1.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

I finish assembled the engine and trans together and had it setup on the powdercoated K-frame.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15349723_10210355653104273_6507326599992-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15267679_10210355653344279_4099424552148-1.jpg

with the drivetrain and powertrain together, the car progressed at the body shop behind the scenes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/primer1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15095023_1344279598949428_10475397467857-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15032666_1343498255694229_71624497729162-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15321670_10210373066739603_2051103556_o-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15398875_10210373066659601_1013915758_o2-1.jpg



…and that is where I am up to!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

After working on my back for hours, under the car, I surrendered when it came time to coat the bottom of the car. I made up a <$100 tip-over rig out of wood…it worked very well!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/E3FD278169A84B28BDE14DF716244659-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/roll-1.jpg

The bottom of the car had Eastwood rust encapsulator sprayed in every crevice and rail hole I could get to. It was then sprayed with the rust encapsulator and topcoated with Lizard Skin ceramic coating. I also took this time to spray the bottom of the roof with the stuff has well, to help keep my melon from cooking in the Summer. Here you can see the modifications I made to the chassis, front and rear torque boxes, subframe connectors and the completely new forward member between the front rail and torsion bar crossmember. I did not care much for all of the 90° load paths up there. That crossmember will help take some load out of the rocker and redirect it through the new subframe connectors. I hope that it will help keep the doors/gaps more consistent and the car more rigid over time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/EAF259FF69304AE3A8B009CD33153C50-1.jpg

Fast forwarding a little more, the car was fitted with a 70-71 AMD deck lid [which fit terrible], Goodmark front fenders, an AMD door skin and an AMD header panel. I also took the opportunity to add a ‘Cuda rear valance and ‘Cuda hood to the car. Oh, and I did fork out a few more bucks for all new AMD door hinges as well, a seemingly small investment can help the car hold its lines and feel more solid [to me], with those in place.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20160731__IMG_6997-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20160731__IMG_7017-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20160731__IMG_7031-1.jpg

Two years after taking it off of the road, it went to the body shop. [Ward’s in Krum, TX]. While the car was out, I could finally get the garage clean enough to rebuild the engine.

- - - Updated - - -

Valve springs were swapped with PAC racing springs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/4744856F786E4F49B69C302803E0D5AE-1.jpg

I was able to get all of the accessories together before assembly, then got after it!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20160918__untitled20shoot003-1.jpg


***VIDEO***
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/th_IMG_0254-1.mp4 (http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c298/goodysgota72/IMG_0254.mp4)

I sprayed the engine with single stage acrylic enamel Hemi Orange after epoxy primer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20161001__untitled20shoot134-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/14440925_1300018066708915_59490930724314-1.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

I finish assembled the engine and trans together and had it setup on the powdercoated K-frame.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15349723_10210355653104273_6507326599992-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15267679_10210355653344279_4099424552148-1.jpg

with the drivetrain and powertrain together, the car progressed at the body shop behind the scenes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/primer1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15095023_1344279598949428_10475397467857-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15032666_1343498255694229_71624497729162-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15321670_10210373066739603_2051103556_o-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15398875_10210373066659601_1013915758_o2-1.jpg



…and that is where I am up to!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

On Tuesday (12/06), the car came home from paint. I stuck the rear axle under the car that evening and dropped the car on the K yesterday.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20161206__untitled20shoot006-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20161206__untitled20shoot011-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/20161207__untitled20shoot009-1.jpg

[Later-A-body]

Really nice work your doing. I also did the restoration on my car in my garage. It's a lot of work but you really feel good when you can tell people you did all the hard stuff. Nice choice dropping in the modern Hemi and six-speed. Hope you get in on the road soon.

[1965gp]

Very cool

[ah64pilot]

OST...very nice! Can't wait to see what you do with it!

[Fahrenschnell]

Looking Great. Keep after it.

[Crestronwizard]

Sweet build! US Car Tool is down the street from my shop. Good group of characters.

[ryeguy2006a]

That's an awesome build there! Nice work getting it done in the home garage!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Thanks all!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

MegaSquirt MS3 ECU arrived today.

134955

[68Cuda440]

Staying w/ the same wheels and tires or changing that also? What size F/R do you have now anyway?

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Staying w/ the same wheels and tires or changing that also? What size F/R do you have now anyway?


Staying with the same wheels for now. 255/45/17 front, 295/45/18 rear.

[wfo guy]

What is the logic for using megasquirt? Car is looking good. :)

[GoodysGotaCuda]

What is the logic for using megasquirt? Car is looking good. :)


Speed Density

[wfo guy]

10-4.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Developed my own power steering pump mount. I had bought a mount, while it worked fine, it placed the pump a little too high for my liking, and I was also looking for something a little more refined. The bracket that I developed mounts this Speedway Motors pump about 2-3/4" lower than it was before while maintaining adequate belt clearance.


This bracket started with a rough concept in Solidworks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/concept-1.jpg


From there I printed the concept in 1:1 and built a rough bolt-pattern prototype off of the drill press.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/mockup-1.jpg

Once I honed in on the dimensions I was able to send off the DXF and have it cut out of 1/2" mild steel. I also used this same mount to provide a spot to anchor a torque strap. I've been wanting to avoid a solid driver's side motor mount but struggled to find a clean torque strap mounting location. 3 bolts to the head via 1/2" steel ought to do it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15621593_1380993425278045_40894076144303-1.jpg


Mounted up

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/smaller22-1.jpg


The bolt locations are spot-on and do not require any "wallowing" out of holes to mount to the head or pump. The only change I would make is to create a larger surface for the countersunk bolt to rest within, otherwise it turned out to be just what I wanted.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

This is a dream build for me, great work! I really like the home made rotisserie too, I'm going to have to try that one day...

[wfo guy]

The truck engines all have the ac and other accessories up high. Is there a reason that people aren't using that layout? You are tying the engine on the drivers side to avoid ripping the mount in two under heavy use? Good progress. :)

[GoodysGotaCuda]

This is a dream build for me, great work! I really like the home made rotisserie too, I'm going to have to try that one day...

Thanks! The wooden tip-over rig worked out pretty well. I'm a bit space constrained for a typical rotisserie and I didn't have a burning need to buy one. I'd do it again.


The truck engines all have the ac and other accessories up high. Is there a reason that people aren't using that layout? You are tying the engine on the drivers side to avoid ripping the mount in two under heavy use? Good progress. :)



Aesthetics. To me the truck engine looks like, a truck engine with the accessories there. It packages well in early Hot Rod applications but looks out of place to me in anything else. The truck intake is also required and puts the intake right on top of the engine, which is difficult to work with.

And yes, the torque strap is intended to still allow the engine to be isolated via the rubber mounts, but on hard throttle/launching/shifts, the torque strap will limit it's movement. This is pretty effective and not as harsh as using a motor plate or a solid steel driver's side mount.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Gauges arrived from Speedhut!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/15780987_1394460310598023_39331325415529-1.jpg

[jaybee]

Cool car! I learned something highly useful with your car tipping rig. A quick Google search on that topic and I found a handful of variations. Well done.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Cool car! I learned something highly useful with your car tipping rig. A quick Google search on that topic and I found a handful of variations. Well done.

Glad you found something helpful! I wish I had done it sooner in the process!




Not much "done" but I am pecking away at progress.

After fighting with the Vintage Air a bit and their assembly process I was finally able to get it in there in a manner I accepted. I wish it was better, but it will be as good as it gets. I ended up mounting it differently so that I did not have to drill through the smoothed firewall. I installed the dash frame so that I can reference it for wiring and component locations [Fuse box, relay box, ECU, Wideband controller, etc.]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/20170101__untitled20shoot001-1.jpg

Not much to see here, but I wrapped up the hard parts of the rear brakes. I have yet to tackle the parking brake or hydraulic lines.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/20170101__untitled20shoot008-1.jpg

The upper control arms I ordered were backordered around 4 weeks and held me up from putting the car on the ground. Regardless I assembled what I had of the front end, Hotchkis lower control arm pivots, strut rods, and sway bar. I have the Hotchkis tie rods ready to go as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/20170101__untitled20shoot014-1.jpg

The power steering bracket I designed was wrapped up as well, so far so good. I was able to use a factory Hemi 6.1L drive belt. I have some interest in the bracket and may sell a few.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/20170101__untitled20shoot017-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/20170101__untitled20shoot018-1.jpg

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Not much excitement in this update, it's been nothing but wiring for me lately.

I started with a Painless harness, a EFISource Hemi harness and a Vintage Air harness, they are all being well integrated into one complete vehicle harness. The Painless fuse box turned out to be more trouble than it was worth to me. Many of the circuits I would either not use, or it would be mislabeled, which I found annoying. I also needed room to put relays, quite a few of them.

So I took the perfectly new Painless fuse box and cut it out! I replaced it with a Bussman fuse/relay box that I have wired from scratch. I am nearly complete with that part of it and am working to ensure I account for all of the new circuits I want to incorporate. Vehicle speed into the ECU, oil temp, check engine light, 2-step, flat-shift, traction control, datalogging, etc., etc.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/53C9265480FF44049DA8B55841FCDDB7-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/73971691C8A04CC08A8A98FB195172DF-1.jpg


The idea is to trim the new fuse box in using the original glove box inserts. In my head it will turn out very nice with a semi-functional glove box with a nice tucked in fuse box within it.

It looks like a war zone but anyone that has done a completely custom/EFI harness like this likely knows how it goes. I hope to be able to put power to the car by the end of the month, but that may be a stretch. I have yet to upfit the gauges into the gauge bezel, which will hinder some of that progress as well.

...eating the elephant one bite at a time and working late in the garage after my toddler goes to bed!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/4031AB34CA3A416AB08A3178AAA46645-1.jpg