1968 Roadrunner: 6.1L hemi, 6 speed, & IFS/IRS

[70B5Cuda]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/iLYwIVS-1.jpg

I first saw this car in 2000. It was a really solid western Kansas car but was missing fenders,hood,grill,auto transmission, radiator, front seat, differential, etc. I had a deal struck at $1200 but I came back with the money and the seller backed out because someone else had offered more $$$. Lesson learned: always have a trailer and cash when you go to buy....but that's ok because I was a broke college kid and would've had to sell it. I tracked the buyer and car down in July of 2015 and bought the car-the price was much higher this time. I had to buy this 68 Roadrunner post car, a 68 roadrunner post parts car, and a 69 GTX with no drivetrain (fender tag showed it to be a red 4 speed, dana 60 car) in order to get a good deal. I sold the 68 post RR parts car and the 69 GTX to recoup some money.

I really struggled with what to do with this car for many reasons. I wanted to keep this build simple because I already have a marathon 70 Barracuda build ( https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/85958-Heavily-modified-1970-Cuda?highlight=) that is almost 9 years in the making. I wanted to keep it simple...I really did...because:

1. I've just got way too many projects going for a guy in his mid 30's with 5 kids. Although I have too many projects, it's getting to be difficult to find a car this clean so I have a problem turning loose of solid projects.

2. This car has it's numbers matching 383, but I already have one original mopar (a 69 survivor charger w/ 383) and I'm more of a restomod guy. I want fuel injection. I've also parted out over a lot of SRT8s over the past couple years so I have all the 6.1L hemi engines I could ever want.

3. I just like to shift. Originally I wanted to mate an A833 4 speed behind the Gen 3 hemi because it would be easy and I wouldn't have to cut up the floor pans/tunnel/torsion bar crossmember. I had all the 4 speed parts collected, rebuilt, and ready to go. Then I came to my senses. I had been driving my 6 speed 2010 Challenger SRT8 and had been loving every shift. I kept wondering "why go easy with a 4 speed when I won't be happy with it?". Then I added up the value of all the 4 speed parts and hydraulic throwout setup and it was crazy how much I could sell it all for. I had several TR6060's and pedal/hydraulic clutch setups in stock from late model Challengers I had parted. Decision made....CUT UP THE FLOOR AND TUNNEL!!


Ultimately, I want something reliable that gets 20mpg. I want to be able to drive it to work 1 or 2 days a week (60 mile round trip) and not worry about it being parked in the parking lot. I post this with the hope that I can maintain momentum since people may be checking up on the project. Wish me luck.

I finally started rolling on this project in about September of 2016. Luckily, I have a great buddy Matt, who is an EXCELLENT fabricator. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have his expertise to lean on. Matt has never steered me wrong and he always has great ideas. Matt is the one doing all the metal work. I'll stick to mechanical work. Metal is his thing.


Feb 2024: I added YouTube video of the story of the purchase and preview video clips of the finished car:


https://youtu.be/NkRAbj_oAEs?si=oKktXwB8D-2Q5AxM

[70B5Cuda]

What drew me to this car was the solid nature of the frame rails and torsion bar crossmember.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/gHSujVg-1.jpg

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[70B5Cuda]

I was blown away by how solid the trunk floor was. Usually B body floor pans are toast by this age.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/izympML-1.jpg

From the factory it had red paint with white/red interior, which is a pretty cool combo. Most unrestored cars seem to be green anymore...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/JiUs57g-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The fenders look terrible but they're really quite solid.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/9KPCs2P-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IjDyPgh-1.jpg

It had lots of rash/dents down the sides. The right quarter has so many dents/waves that's its not worth trying to save. I'm sure someone could have...

[70B5Cuda]

After owning the car a year, I finally got tired of looking at the fenders and pulled them. I used a heat gun to warm up the rubberized undercoating on the back side and scraped it all off little by little. The fenders were originally from a satellite and had trim running down the top edge. A buddy welded up all the emblem holes, wheel lip trim holes, and the trim holes along the top ridge of both fenders. Then I took them to a local metal finishing company and they used aluminum oxide to strip the fenders. When I picked them up I was pleased. The guy who owned the business was blown away by how solid they were. They do have a few dings but nothing bad. This is how they looked after picking them up

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/ZNuDlt4-1.jpg

The fenders were cleaned with wax/grease remover and then fender metal was roughed in with hammer/dolly, spoons, and files.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Bpm76qI-1.jpg

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Metal was then ground with mud hog and 80 grit. Edges were hit with rolls scotchbrite one wire wheel. The entire surface was then DA'd again with 80 grit before being cleaned again with wax and grease remover.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/4XlkvoU-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Then fenders, nose filler panel, and radiator support were sprayed with 2 coats of Spies and Hecker etch primer, followed by 2 coats of Spies and Hecker 5400 surfacer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/dYc1SEW-1.jpg

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[70B5Cuda]

The passenger side quarter panel was cut off; the whole quarter was dented and wavy so it wasn't worth saving. The driver's side quarter just needed a lower patch panel. the dropoffs/trunk extensions are also being replaced. All pieces are AMD

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[70B5Cuda]

The passenger's side rocker had also taken quite a beating. A previous owner must have hit a pole. The damage got the door somewhat:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/g5UxhD0-1.jpg

Closeup carnage

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/IQIO6r3-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

First I took it to a local frame shop and had them pull out the dent somewhat.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/JBR5zaW-1.jpg

I bought a new complete AMD rocker, with the hope that just a section could be used if the rest looked ok underneath.....but that's never the way that works out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/1rrbGOJ-1.jpg

The front side of the rocker was very solid. The backside...not so much

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/XzpEJOQ-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

So much for just a patch/splice. The whole right rocker ended up coming out

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/cP0pyfp-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/HTPAYLm-1.jpg

New AMD rocker in place

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/N51iWzH-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I was curious what condition the roof skin was in. From a distance it probably looks like a vinyl top, but a previous owner used some sort of rubberized undercoating to cover the top. Considering this car came from Great Bend, Kansas, there should have been all kinds of hail dings. Great Bend always seems to get hail, and I've bought several old Mopars from that area that were HAMMERED with hail. But the rubber roof must have really protected the roof skin.

View of pinstripes on top:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/SB71RIQ-1.jpg

A closeup to show texture

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/otW1zy3-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The rubberized coating that was put on the roof was extremely hardened and wouldn't budge with a wire cup wheel; it would just smear. We tried a heat gun and putty knife but it took too much heat to warm it up and warping the roof skin was a concern. Finally, this disc did the trick. The key was not to drive through all the layers at once but do keep moving around and take one layer off at a time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/UDRv4Mq-1.jpg

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/hiWWGd2-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

When I first got the car, I looked at the rear window channel and thought it looked pretty solid:

It turns out i was wrong...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/1P6yW0O-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/ppDVIqF-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

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[70B5Cuda]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/W4JTvNm-1.jpg

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[70B5Cuda]

For several weeks, I would go check on progress and I would end up ordering more AMD sheetmetal. That's just the way these projects seem to go. Originally the rear crossmember, which is behind the rear bumper, was just going to get some patches. But once the bumper was off, and the rust was exposed, I ended up buying the rear crossmember, the sheetmetal right above it, and the rear corner pieces that run between the crossmember and the quarter panel.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Wb5v8KT-1.jpg

New rear crossmember.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/3pNDXjU-1.jpg

Matt cut a piece out of the new sheetmetal piece above the rear crossmember. We didn't want to disturb the lip/profile of the lower edge that sits agains the deckled

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/sIGrHsP-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/u6U7NQK-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/ija2wv5-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

This next idea is purely Matt's idea. The profile of the inner wheel house is pretty much vertical but the profile of the outside wheel house slopes into the wheel tub and encroaches on available tire space. After looking at the gap between the quarter panel skin and the outer wheel tub, Matt took some measurements and cut out a section of the old outer wheel house. Matt made a plug that will allow more tire by taking the slope out of the outer wheel house profile

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/HA8vJNc-1.jpg

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[70B5Cuda]

Right quarter panel went on after that

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/H5YrdmV-1.jpg

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[70B5Cuda]

Lower quarter rust:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/ekOF1dG-1.jpg

rust cut out:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/97PqaU3-1.jpg

Patch panel welded in:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/VLT0pl0-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Lower rear window corners looked solid at first glance, but they were nasty once the trim was off.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/otW1zy3-1.jpg

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/8SrS4QB-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

Man....this is a labor of love...and you have mad skills!

Andrew

[octane speed shop]

Wow a real 68 post car. By the way what are you going to do about the trans crossmember for you six speed, aren't those late model six speeds beefy right about part of your car?

[70B5Cuda]

Wow a real 68 post car. By the way what are you going to do about the trans crossmember for you six speed, aren't those late model six speeds beefy right about part of your car?

The 6 speed is quite large. The center of the torsion bar crossmember had to be cut out and a new crossmember will be constructed. Pictures coming soon!

[72BBSwinger]

This ^^^^

[68Cuda440]

This ^^^^

138014

[minendrews68]

Nice! This is going to be a great looking car. Keep it up, and yes, we all like pictures...

[70B5Cuda]

I took the dash frame to a local powdercoater, who blasted and powder coated it in a satin black. The only blasting cabinet he had big enough to blast this dash used coal slag, which is quite aggressive so I was worried it would warp the metal. I asked him to turn the pressure way down; he said he used 40 psi (instead of his usual 100 psi) and it turned out great! I am really happy with the texture and finish. Plus I got rid of the UGLY marroon.

I don't have a good picture of the dash frame beforehand, but the metal around the VIN plate will give you an idea of what it looked like. This car had been sitting in a field in western kansas without a windshield for more then 1o years so all the paint had been baked off the top of the dash frame

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/sLTWloQ-1.jpg?1

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After getting the dash frame pwdercoated and buying a new M&H dash harness, I started thinking, which is never good for my wallet. I realized I didn't want to work with the taxi dash gauges so i began looking for a 1968 rallye dash frame, which I bought off facebook. After considering dash options, I decided on a Dakota Digital unit for several reasons. First, I really like the look. Secondly, the TR6060 doesn't have a speedo output so Dakota has a GPS based speedometer box which is plug and play with the Charger VHX gauges.

[70B5Cuda]

The driver's side quarter had a bid dent on the character line. Picture before...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/9RoASaM-1.jpg

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[70B5Cuda]

I've got a 70 Cuda restomod that has snowballed out of control. Im currently 8 years into a 3 year build....Im sure many of you can sympathize. So....my original intent for this Roadrunner was for it to be simple. I had decided on just doing some sheetmetal repair and as far as drivetrain, I was going use a Gen 3 6.1L hemi, 23 spline 833 4 speed manual trans, and an 8 3/4" rearend. I didn't want this project to spiral out of control either so I was dead set against change. I just wanted to keep it simple to speed up the build, save money, and not have to cut the floor pans. I had a 4 speed completely rebuilt/ painted and I bought all the parts to convert from a 727 auto to a 4 speed manual.........and then one day I added up the costs of a installing an 833 (see list below) and I realized how much just a 4 speed costs.....I decided to install a TR6060 6 speed instead of an 23 spline 833. The 833 4 speed would have been easier and faster, but...

1. I had a 50K mile TR6060 sitting in the shop....with everything needed to complete the swap. I had parted out a 2009 Challenger SRT8 so I had the stock twin disc clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, hydraulic throwout, hydraulic line/reservoir, clutch pedals, etc....just waiting to be used. And it was originally paired to a 6.1 so it was easy to assemble.
2. I started adding up the value of all the parts for the 4 speed swap: rebuilt 833, Lakewood SFI Bell housing, new Mcleod clutch/pressure plate, Mopar Flywheel, hydraulic throwout bearing setup, z bar, fork, actuator rods, boot/seals, fork pivot, pedal assembly, etc and I thought... "Why am I spending this much for a 4 speed?!?!?!?!?" I'll could sell it all to pay for the tunnel and crossmember fabrication work."
3. I didn't want to cut the tunnel and floor for the 6 speed but in reality I want to drive this car to work 1 or 2 days a week (70 mile roundtrip) so why go to the trouble of a Gen 3 hemi with a 4 speed?!?!

At first I really didn't want to modify the floor pans since they were pretty solid, but I finally came to my senses. I'm really excited about the subframe connectors, which are made of 2"x4" steel rectangular tubing that channel through the floor pans. Should really help to eliminate flex and improve rigidity.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/cfODN4Q-1.jpg

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[70B5Cuda]

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[70B5Cuda]

View from below which shows how the 2x4" ties into the rear frame rails

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/BqsmoQq-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/mmJjcEI-1.jpg

[Godbolt]

I really like where this is going. If you are building it to keep, may as well do it right. Great progress.

[70B5Cuda]

I really like where this is going. If you are building it to keep, may as well do it right. Great progress.

Thank you! My thoughts exactly!

[brawls43]

Totally agree with your logic on the 6 speed vs 4 speed. Same reason I ended up doing a 5 speed in my truck. Daily driving without an overdrive is rough.

[Dave Pratt]

How did I miss this! I had a 70 RR before I bought my 69 Camaro.Too tired of paying double for parts as compared to my friends and their Chevys but thats anothe rstory.I still have a thing for Mopars though and I really like that 70 SuperBee you have in the back ground.I think it's a Bee but one of my favorite rides.Really like the work you did on the subframe connectors...keep er' goin!

[Zoomin]

How did I miss this! I had a 70 RR before I bought my 69 Camaro.Too tired of paying double for parts as compared to my friends and their Chevys but thats anothe rstory.I still have a thing for Mopars though and I really like that 70 SuperBee you have in the back ground.I think it's a Bee but one of my favorite rides.Really like the work you did on the subframe connectors...keep er' goin!

i bought a 66 Fury without doing research on the costs. It's languishing while I figure out a plan.

It sure is nice to have access to metal skills like that, and a great idea to fix the rear tubs while you had a chance.

Has your 383 found a home yet?

[70B5Cuda]

i bought a 66 Fury without doing research on the costs. It's languishing while I figure out a plan.

It sure is nice to have access to metal skills like that, and a great idea to fix the rear tubs while you had a chance.

Has your 383 found a home yet?

Thanks for the encouragement. I am indeed fortunate to have found such a good fabricator. He has done all the fabrication on my 70 Cuda as well. https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/85958-Heavily-modified-1970-Cuda?highlight=
I haven't figured out what to do with the 383 yet. It would surely need rebuilt but I would be open to selling it.

[70B5Cuda]

This picture is looking to the rear of the car and shows the driver's side subframe connector which channels through the torsion bar crossmember and ties into the forward frame rail:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/QzQWgwS-1.jpg

Same rail just viewed from the side:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/e7CEAiP-1.jpg

Passenger side subframe connector tying into the front subframe rail:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/EW8mtr4-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Originally I was going to make the original K-frame/torsion bar setup work but I changed my mind and decided to go with Reilly Motorsports for the front suspension. The RMS Alterktion setup showed up this last week. Woohoo!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/RG8hWqv-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/PfAXdte-1.jpg

The trunk floor pan was really quite solid but there were a couple small holes along the trailing edge that Matt patched:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/itrlrYn-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/Wwlhf2i-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I'm really excited about this next development. I had a few IRS K members laying around from SRT8's I had parted out so Matt convinced me to go IRS in the Roadrunner. I love the way my 2010 Challenger SRT8 handles/drives so that helped greatly in the decision. The K frame will need to be shortened 2 inches in the middle and the original mounting pads will need to be cut off so the IRS frame can slide between the Roadrunners rear frame railst. This is the IRS K frame before modification:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/i38VJ54-1.jpg

First thing, the K frame was reinforced/boxed in a few areas:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/uoanY8Y-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/Wqcnk14-1.jpg

[Godbolt]

Very nice work and very nice parts. Coming along now.

[454bug]

Man, great project and great work! You are SO lucky to have a friend like Matt! I am so jealous!

Keep up the great job! :cheers:

[70B5Cuda]

Man, great project and great work! You are SO lucky to have a friend like Matt! I am so jealous!

Keep up the great job! :cheers:

Believe me: I know how fortunate I am to have such a skilled AND trustworthy craftsman doing all the fabrication!

Here a few pictures of the K frame to better illustrate the cuts. The first picture is looking at the IRS frame from behind. The cut is a 1" slice that was taken from the right side, just outside of the right differential mounting bolt. A 1" slice was also taken out of the forward bar of the IRS frame (not pictured)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/q0CNr7o-1.jpg

The next two pictures are also taken from the back side of the IRS frame. The first picture is the passenger side where a 1.0" vertical cut was made to both bars of the IRS frame.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/u6L3Xjh-1.jpg

This picture shows the "Z" shaped cut on the driver's side-just outside of the left differential mounting bolt. On the driver's side a straight 1" slice was not possible duet to the contours of the IRS frame and the left side differential bolt bushing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/meTmvAy-1.jpg

This is not the differential Ill be using. I plan to use a limited slip 3.91 Getrag differential

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/y2N7bNO-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

We mated a 6.1 block to a TR6060 shell and dropped it in place

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/WnShdnI-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/E97Tr2X-1.jpg

This was the first time I got to sit in the car and make car noises.

[70B5Cuda]

Transmission crossmember from below:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/mMGWD3h-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/RreLOG0-1.jpg

Transmission crossmember from the top..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/bTkrMpT-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/JoW2rSc-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Master cylinder and pedals were sourced from the Challenger SRT8 I parted out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/VsvZPeq-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/ELTlhnH-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I tried to sell these Challenger SRT seats for 6 months with no luck so I guess I'll use them in the Roadrunner. Usually I sell stuff and 2 months later I wish I hadn't so this was a nice change!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/0ylp6Gp-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/ZfefT88-1.jpg

The roadrunner has never had front seats in it for the last 20+ years so It was fun to sit in the car for the first time

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/RFb40WI-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The pedals from the 2009 Challenger are mounted with 6 bolts. We tried to mount it with just 4 bolts, but the pedal bracket flexed too much so a plate with two more mounting points was added:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/3ywaEVl-1.jpg

View from the side. it will still be boxed in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/tSiV1Kh-1.jpg

Pedals were hung but the and placed the pedals over the steering column hole. The pedals were heated and straightened. Then they were cut and the foot pads were removed/reoriented

Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/wILAYRB-1.jpg

After
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/ccRiRkE-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

In order to keep the seats low and provide clearance for the electric motors, a custom pan was made under both front seats.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/B0fZ7ds-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/4b0aUOs-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/j4xRzzn-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/2SASsxX-1.jpg

View from below:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/23w7mnC-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I ordered a shifter with a 1.0" lateral offset (toward the driver) and 4.25" aft offset. Disregard the 4 speed pattern on the handle!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/5KR5b82-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/rqp9g2v-1.jpg

[Bossed]

Awesome craftsmanship and cool project, best of luck moving forward.

Bossed

[focused313]

great welds!!

[70B5Cuda]

Here's the first part of the tunnel:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/Rymmlvd-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/9EHuJDE-1.jpg

The Holley Dominator ECU mounts to the top of the tunnel near the firewall. You can see it in the next 2 pictures:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/3RAMKIg-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/r2FmH0B-1.jpg

[Crestronwizard]

Beautiful work!

[NCLBNY]

I am envious of your build and really like what you did for your subframe connectors! I will be looking at your build for future inspiration on mine, for now though I am just keeping it simple and getting the car on the road.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Nice fab work! This will be a cool build!

[RIDES BY DESIGN]

Very cool build

[70B5Cuda]

Since the Photobucket extortion, I've been dreading the thread rebuild but I finally bit the bullet and installed all the pictures using imgur.com. If anyone else is still looking for options, you should consider imgur. I grown to like the site in the last week. Anyways...

This is the second section of the tunnel has been roughed in and the new column has been installed. This picture also shown the shifter installed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/dDzB2Y7-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/4ceOOc7-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The rear wheels are at ride height in this picture:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/4mdTnWc-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The IRS is getting welded in so the frame rails were cut:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/i1oWYBJ-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/jOgDq8y-1.jpg

This is the plate that will be welded in to cap the frame rail.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/aYUOit8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/2vXeMym-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

On the rotisserie so the IRS K frame can be welded in:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/l7do0wH-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/9lpVBPu-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Second segment of the tunnel has been welded in. A bezel (seen in bottom right corner) is in process which will have a groove all the way around; carpet will fit into the groove.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/rx8KO3e-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

After having the Roadrunner dash powdercoated, I changed directions and bought a 1968 Charger Rallye dash frame off one of the facebook trader pages for $100 plus shipping. Here it is in place:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/EpRBQ7F-1.jpg

I also picked up a set of Dakota Digital gauges.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/nKVHRpy-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/k2hCd8o-1.jpg?1

[70B5Cuda]

IRS getting welded in

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/S1AIlgB-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/hUifp7l-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Tunnel from below

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/9ioXts1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/UNPOwQR-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/WNYKYt3-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/PV9J2ZN-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/ysIDT55-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Tunnel and tunnel cover/closeout

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/08/OSmgOT7-1.jpg

[keepat]

Great job grafting in the IRS! very cool!
Pat

[andrewb70]

Maybe I missed it, but is it a stock IRS? From what vehicle?

[Build-It-Break-It]

Maybe I missed it, but is it a stock IRS? From what vehicle?

In one of his posts he says he parted out a few SRT8s and had parts laying around. I assumed srt8 rear? Could be wrong tho.

[70B5Cuda]

In one of his posts he says he parted out a few SRT8s and had parts laying around. I assumed srt8 rear? Could be wrong tho.


I've parted out 50+ SRT8's so yes it was an SRT IRS. In hindsight, Matt said he would probably design his own IRS since modifying the IRS work has been a lot more effort then planned!

- - - Updated - - -


Great job grafting in the IRS! very cool!
Pat


Thanks Pat!

[70B5Cuda]

Inner wheel tub time! The inside edge of the inner tub was cut out on both sides. I new AMD inner tub will be welded in. In essence, this does the same job as adding the widening strip, which can be purchased.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/FcpXDst-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/ooUhOyo-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/LCRL3Af-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/EsWQJ79-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I love the look of the modified housings

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/v129knh-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/7o77bOX-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/zPjort5-1.jpg

[813Demon340]

I really love your build. You've done some really nice fab work getting the IRS in there! Keep up the updates. I think that finishing this car will help get your Cuda finished, as it will guide the direction you want it to go. Are you using a newer Challenger heater box too? I wish more mopar builds were like this one!!

[70B5Cuda]

Thanks! I appreciate the encouragement. The AC/Heat will be done with Vintage Air. It's already been mocked up. As far as the barracuda goes, it's on the back burner while I get this one going. I wanted a "simpler, faster" project but every project snowballs on me to some extent.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Lookin good! The Hemi + 6spd is a fun combo.

[70B5Cuda]

Driver's inner tub is in:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/E5VjxRc-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Suspension was hung. First pic is at full up travel
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/3bMiHLR-1.jpg

And extended:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/5HzKrSx-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The AMD rear window lower corner patches weren't even close to being right. They took a ton of work to make them look right. Right rear window corner patch progression:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/otW1zy3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/lYJEIsC-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/UUQtSOn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/ehUtlXi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/iRddqtE-1.jpg

It took a ton of work to make the window edge parallel the rear window trim this well.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/XlCY32p-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Left corner
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/YpCA2uR-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/PyzQaGn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/aP83ZLi-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

Great work on the metal finishing!

[sccacuda]

This thing is coming along nicely!

[Motown 454]

Beautiful job! I love what your doing here. That dash is going to be nice in there.

[wfo guy]

Looking good! Because we're in the same state, I expect to see the finished product sometime. :)

[70B5Cuda]

Looking good! Because we're in the same state, I expect to see the finished product sometime. :)

Sounds good! I hope its sooner rather then later. My 70 Cuda restomod is 9 years in the making and is on the back burner

[70B5Cuda]

Haven't done much in the last couple months but I did move my fenders and hood over to Matt's shop for fitment.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/nmUqfLF-1.jpg

It didn't realize it would feel so good to just hang doors and fenders on it. It looked so much more complete!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/G6Fy5KU-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/f5NS3ou-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Since I eliminated the torsion bars, I have a lot more options for exhaust. I decided to go with the factory stainless headers that came on the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. The SRT headers are really durable pieces that also flow very well; they flow as well as any aftermarket shorty header. SRT headers can easily run to 550hp. Only above that level would longtube headers make a difference. I couldn't use the factory headers from the Charger/Challenger/etc because they basically point at the firewall in a B body Mopar. The Jeep manifolds point down at a better angle but they will still need some modification on the passenger side.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/XdUtqy9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/f2C6826-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/IOa0CqD-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/h9My6vg-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/DEwngBL-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The driver's side manifold bumped into the alterktion motor mount so the easiest thing is to modify the motor mount.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/RfNsrHm-1.jpg

The straight piece was removed in favor of a curved pipe. this if the view looking toward the firewall (rearward)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/CfKLIId-1.jpg

This view is looking forward

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/rYvpVNH-1.jpg

I will have tons of room between the frame rails and manifolds. The manifolds will also be easy to remove if need be. I plan to drive this car a lot...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/gqDMe32-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

That is a very slick mod to the motor mount. Nice work.

[cbpldc]

Nice work! As I was reading through the thread I noticed you're from Newton, and I was just in your neck of the woods on Monday. I hope to see this on the road soon. I've got my 79 Camaro going (not with nearly the amount of work you're doing) and WFO guy is pretty much done with his truck, so we can have a rural Kansas cruise soon.

Chris

[70B5Cuda]

The passenger side crashed hard against the area on the bell housing where the starter mounts. The manifold wasn't even close to seating/mounting.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/sUhxdMv-1.jpg

Matt sliced the passenger manifold, heated it up, and bent the collector end outward a few degrees. Then he welded it back up. Sorry-the pictures aren't very good but the silver area in the next two pictures is where the slice was made.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/9ZlOoBx-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/gyOdPKP-1.jpg

[Protour_Pinto]

Ok, Gotta comment on the 2 post lift! The things of my childhood.

Great project. Excellent execution of ideas.

[Motown 454]

Ok, Gotta comment on the 2 post lift! The things of my childhood.

Great project. Excellent execution of ideas.

I thought the same thing about the lifts lol Nice fix on the motor mount for clearance.

[70B5Cuda]

Brake kits are too expensive and since I have parted out SRT8's, I figured I should use what I have. Matt had a bracket machined (and ordered 4 sets for future builds). Now i've got 4 piston Brembo calipers with Dodge rotors (for easy replacement). The other benefit is that my master cylinder and brake pedal are from an SRT Challenger so its a perfect pairing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/5PDOnyP-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/gGK7mIh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/5nuOSIb-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/gkCkXVZ-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

Nice brake upgrade! Should stop much quicker now.

[70B5Cuda]

The differential is going to be a limited slip Getrag unit that I pulled from a 2010 Challenger SRT8 I parted out. The Challengers with the 6 speed manual transmission received a 3.91 ratio vs the 3.06 that came with the automatic. My 2010 Challenger daily driver has the exact same 6.1L, 6 speed, and Getrag 3.91. With the .50 overdrive ratio, I am turning 2,000 RPM at 85mph. Should be fun off the line and still comfortable on the highway. The differential just got installed so that exhaust could be routed.

View from the right side...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/P6NDIii-1.jpg

View from behind:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/cUNEkOT-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The OEM SRT wheels just didn't look right so I finally decided on a wheel.....now that I know the 20x9 will fit over the Brembo calipers, I can order up the other 3 wheels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/fBp6qo2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/1EjkaGy-1.jpg

[GoodysGotaCuda]

The differential is going to be a limited slip Getrag unit that I pulled from a 2010 Challenger SRT8 I parted out. The Challengers with the 6 speed manual transmission received a 3.91 ratio vs the 3.06 that came with the automatic. My 2010 Challenger daily driver has the exact same 6.1L, 6 speed, and Getrag 3.91. With the .50 overdrive ratio, I am turning 2,000 RPM at 85mph. Should be fun off the line and still comfortable on the highway. The differential just got installed so that exhaust could be routed.


That's a pretty low cruising rpm, you may find a bit of resonance downspeeding that much in an old chassis. I run a 0.63 6th with 3.91 in my Hemi 'Cuda and it's touch a touch too high rpm in 6th. I opted out of the 0.5, it's just too low for me. Good luck, nice build!

[70B5Cuda]

That's a pretty low cruising rpm, you may find a bit of resonance downspeeding that much in an old chassis. I run a 0.63 6th with 3.91 in my Hemi 'Cuda and it's touch a touch too high rpm in 6th. I opted out of the 0.5, it's just too low for me. Good luck, nice build!

I've been thinking about that but I have the same setup in my 2010 Challenger so it can't be too different right???

[GoodysGotaCuda]

I've been thinking about that but I have the same setup in my 2010 Challenger so it can't be too different right???

Couldn't be further apart other than they both have long hoods and two doors. The LX platform is going to be designed around it's applicable drivetrains for resonant frequencies and modal responses. Good luck.

[70B5Cuda]

Couldn't be further apart other than they both have long hoods and two doors. The LX platform is going to be designed around it's applicable drivetrains for resonant frequencies and modal responses. Good luck.

Yeah-I was joking. Between the body stiffening, sound deadening, and exhaust, I think I can make it manageable

[70B5Cuda]

The 3" Exhaust is mocked up and tacked.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/FaPH5FC-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/f6wQQXy-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

Fantastic build!

Andrew

[2ndroundko]

great build. I noticed in your exhaust that you have a x pipe and a H cross over before the mufflers. Please explain.

[70B5Cuda]

The H pipe isn't actually a part of the exhaust. Matt just used the H pipe piece as a spacer while he tacked everything in place.

[70B5Cuda]

Front tires are 245/40/20 and the rears are 315/40/20. I've got room for more tire on the rear, but I'm happy with the 315 size and price. Since 315/40/20's come on several production vehicles, prices are much cheaper compared to a 325 or 335.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/ntkehgj-1.jpg

And a few pics of the wheels on the car...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/qMj8jZs-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/sVwKwrz-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/2lFfa4t-1.jpg

[Mikey97D]

Wow! Those wheels look good on the car. Didn't know how the modern 20" would look.

[70B5Cuda]

Wow! Those wheels look good on the car. Didn't know how the modern 20" would look.

Thanks! I am really happy with the satin black hellcat wheels. The silver OEM SRT wheels just didn’t look right; they looked too big and had too much contrast with the 40 series tires.

[USAZR1]

Front tires are 245/40/20 and the rears are 315/40/20. I've got room for more tire on the rear, but I'm happy with the 315 size and price. Since 315/40/20's come on several production vehicles, prices are much cheaper compared to a 325 or 335.


I looked up 315/40/20's on TireRack and got zero hits on that size. 315/35/20's are widely available. Typo?

[70B5Cuda]

I looked up 315/40/20's on TireRack and got zero hits on that size. 315/35/20's are widely available. Typo?


You are correct! I should have typed 315/35/20!

[70B5Cuda]

I bought a fuel tank (for fuel injection) from Tanks Inc. but the independent rear suspension frame is so huge that a stock fuel tank won't fit. So....the new tank had to be modified. Here's what it looked like in stock form:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/8X4A5pq-1.jpg

And modified....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/Obv7lQr-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/jV3jWPe-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/KGlqg4C-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

This 6.1L came out of a 53K mile 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that I parted out about 18 months ago. It ran great when I removed it, but I want a little more then the stock 425hp. I pulled the stock heads for inspection. The cylinder walls and pistons are in good condition.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/u3r0J17-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/WCZso7V-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I have a set of CNC ported 6.1L heads that came off a car I parted out about 4 years ago. I had then cleaned up and inspected by my machine shop. They did a valve job and installed new valve seals.
While the heads were off, I removed the lifters and installed an Arrington SR2B camshaft. With a good tune, the CNC ported heads and cam should be good for close to 500hp

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/Ek0F33p-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/YTRHvRh-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/JDntTz3-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

Those heads look awesome!!

[70B5Cuda]

Those heads look awesome!!

Thanks!

[70B5Cuda]

I had a few changes made. I was not happy with the fit of the passenger side door. It must have been tweaked because it never fit right. So I ordered a new AMD door shell, but the quarter panel was installed using the original door so the leading edge of the quarter panel had to be sliced and worked to match the profile of the new AMD door.

Both front fenders had to be tweaked to fit the big tires and the low stance. The brace that runs from the top of the arch (up over the tire) had to be reshaped. Also, the front corner of the arch was modified. The corner was sliced and moved forward.

I also didn't like the driver's side front fender. It had a pinhole that turned into more then we planned on. Plus I had a brand new AMD fender that I had picked up for pretty cheap so it was installed.

I picked the car up yesterday and I'm very happy with what was done. I LOVE the stance! Part of me wants to just get it running and drive it as is!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/3xC4w8D-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/XGKedU3-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/gPCv0ke-1.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/1tpGdG2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/qkGIZL0-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/16bMTy9-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/tILbs4z-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/09/kTfd1r7-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

....Part of me wants to just get it running and drive it as is!

...

I fully support this!

Andrew

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Part of me wants to just get it running and drive it as is!


Don't do it! Driving it only makes it 100x harder to tear it down and finish it right!

Car looks good

[70B5Cuda]

Don't do it! Driving it only makes it 100x harder to tear it down and finish it right!

Car looks good

Thanks! I wouldn't really do that but I really like the way it looks. I don't want to duplicate work or make things harder then they need to be.

[70B5Cuda]

Christmas Eve day was a rough day. It was such a nice day that I was determined to take my survivor 1969 Charger out for a drive. I was on a four lane blacktop and at the intersection ahead, a truck was on my left and he was signaling to turn right and drive north (opposite direction I was driving). As soon as the turning truck started rolling to make the turn, another truck (late model GMC Sierra) behind him pulled out as well. The 20 year old guy who was driving, decided to gun it across all 4 lanes of traffic. Because of the turning truck between us, I never saw the GMS and the driver of the GMC never saw me. I was doing 55mph when the GMC came from behind the turning truck and slammed into my left front fender. Our back ends clapped together before I spun and slid sideways into the ditch. I hit the steering wheel and was bruised/beat up but I walked away, which I am grateful for. I have a wonderful wife and 5 children that need me; so I feel blessed to have walked away. That being said, the old Charger did well. I was doing 55mph and I'm not sure how fast the other guy was going be he was in a hurry.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/TB0bo8R-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/EYVx7Sv-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/6s3pUW6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/M5BIqxm-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/cDsNsSZ-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Over the past couple months I've been really busy with coaching two of my children's basketball teams, band/school programs, and family get togethers/activities, but i have found the time to at least remove every ounce of undercoating from the Roadrunner. I used to remove undercoating with a propane torch and a thin paint scraper but I have found a superior method. I bought a cheap pneumatic needle scaler (about $30 on ebay), which has 12-15 rods which pop out and chip away at undercoating. It's dirty/messy, but its quick and it leaves a nice clean surface behind. The extra benefit is that you don't drop any burning pieces of rubber on your face or down the sleeves of your shirt. For reference, each inner fender took me about an hour to remove the undercoating. It would have been much faster, but my big compressor is down and I was using a 30 gallon Craftsman compressor so I spent a lot of time waiting for it to pressurize the tank.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/oTEBdi3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/vQ8DCTT-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/vOsetSa-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/01/cpowOi5-1.jpg

[Zoomin]

Are the pics from your needle scaler after the accident?

I feel nauseous for you.

[andrewb70]

The crash looks bad. I'm glad you're OK!

Andrew

[70B5Cuda]

I used the needle scaler on the roadrunner. The survivor charger is unrelated to this thread, but the accident is another reason I haven't gotten much done in the last couple weeks.

[70B5Cuda]

The crash looks bad. I'm glad you're OK!

Andrew


Thanks! Me too! At 55mph I was doing 80 feet per second so a tenth of a second earlier or later would have resulted in me getting T boned in the door or me t boning his half ton truck. Luckily we hit on the corners and the energy was fully absorbed by the initial collision.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Glad to see you are okay and am sorry to hear about your Charger. That's one of my biggest fears as I get my 'Cuda out pretty regularly, and it's not uncommon for me to have my 3 year old and/or 1 year old with me. I need to get off my tail and upgrade my seat belts and quit putting it off.

The needle scaler works well, but as you see, eats up a ton of air. You can also try a knotted wire wheel on an angle grinder. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES [and hearing protection....and a mask] if you use one. It will send wires out a the speed of light, but chews through the rubber pretty well.

[ryeguy2006a]

Wow, sorry to hear about your Charger. So glad that you walked away from the accident. That looks just awful...

[70B5Cuda]

Wow, sorry to hear about your Charger. So glad that you walked away from the accident. That looks just awful...

Yeah-it wasn't fun but it could have been so much worse-I'm just glad none of my kids were with me. And I believe that everything happens for a reason....

[FlyDoc]

its good that you walked away from the accident!
so did the other guy walk away? if so is he still alive?

[70B5Cuda]

Well, The last couple months have been nuts. On Christmas Eve I got T-boned while doing 55mph in my survivor 1969 Dodge Charger. Miraculously, I escaped the car accident with scrapes/bruises. I declined medical attention At the scene of the accident but a few hours later, my lovely wife convinced me to go the emergency room, where I received a chest x ray and a head CT scan. The ER Doc pronounced me healthy and sent me home but two days later I received a phone call. The head of radiology was at home on the day of the crash. Two days later, he was reviewing the work done over the holiday when he came across my chest x-ray. He spotted a bump on my right humerus (the big bone in the upper arm). Several x-rays/MRI's and 14 days later I was told I have bone cancer in my right arm. I'm only 36 and a father of 5 little ones so it hit me hard. The surgeon/oncologist said that I needed to have the top third of my right humerus cut out and replaced with a cadaver bone. It took 3 weeks to find a cadaver bone that had the right size/profile since the head of the humerus needed to fit my existing rotator cuff/shoulder. It took three weeks of taking it easy because the bone was so thin that it was close to breaking. The picture of the x-ray shows how bad it was-the black void is where the cancer had eaten out the bone. As soon as the bone came in, I had surgery. Before the bone could be removed, the surgeon had to cut/unhook and peel back all the muscles that attach to the shoulder (bicep, tricep, deltoid, pectoral, and 4 back muscles) before cutting the cancerous bone out and grafting in the cadaver bone section with a 6" plate and screws. After the graft, all the muscles had to be sown back in place. I spent 5 days in the hospital where the pain was BRUTAL. The first 5 days at home were pretty rough too but things got much better after that. I've been in a sling for 6 weeks now and I've never sat still so much. The surgeon thinks he got all the cancer, but I will be doing body scans every 3 months for the next 5 years. The bone was sent off for pathology and upon inspection, the bone was hairline fractured but the tissue above it tested clean. The surgeon says this bone can take 6-9 months to heal fully. If it's not healed by 9 months I will have to have another bone graft done so if you're a praying man/woman, please pray for healing. I have to take it really easy for the next year which is NOT MY STYLE!!
I'm not sure why this had to happen, but I believe that all things happen for a reason and I'm truly grateful to God have survived the crash and to have a solid chance at beating this cancer. I do know that without this wreck, the cancer would not have been found in time. This type of cancer does not respond to radiation or chemo so it can only be cut out. And when it spreads, it usually goes straight to the lungs....so all in all, I feel fortunate. If you pray, please keep me in your prayers. Enjoy the pictures...
The tumor....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/03/LR9PhEj-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/03/L3ZGH92-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/03/djWxWh0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/03/VuoyFAm-1.jpg

One of my favorite pics from inside the 1969 Dodge Charger...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/03/xph9fSY-1.jpg



Feb 2024...I finally made a YouTube video about the wreck and the subsequent cancer diagnoses...all because of the wreck!!!


https://youtu.be/Fyh4vtcluKk?si=KczaC9YSBoELAuLp

[brawls43]

Tons of prayers for you man! Crazy how they found it! Prayers for a full recovery!

[FormTA]

It took your charger but it gave more time. Things happen for a reason. Prayers for quick healing and they got it all.

[Jetfixr320]

Wow! Prayers sent! Glad they found it.

[ryeguy2006a]

Wow, that is an incredible story. It's absolutely amazing to me that we live in a time where medically that is possible. Not only for them to diagnose that, but are able to find a bone for you that quickly. I wish you a quick recovery.

[andrewb70]

Wow! Take it easy and heal up!

Andrew

[builttodrive]

Very sad news. Prayers sent!!!

[70B5Cuda]

Thanks for the prayers and encouragement. For the first time in two months, I ventured out to the shop this week (twice!). My right shoulder (I'm right handed) has very limited range and i have to take it easy since the bones haven't grown together yet. The first day, I removed all the windshield trim clips from the window channels. Yesterday, I started the process of stripping the remaining red exterior paint. I only had 2 hours in me. In that time, I stripped most of the top of the right quarter panel. Here's about 30 minutes in...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/03/uaM4cx3-1.jpg
This is all I got done
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/03/Zjd3YO8-1.jpg

The disc on the left is the one I was using. I like them because they are quite effective and yet they don't build up much heat in the sheetmetal. I was using air and a gearless grinder.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/03/sgM0cHC-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I've been slowly stripping paint from the large open surfaces so that the media blaster won't warp those surfaces.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/05/uUGTM59-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/05/iOamwMl-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/05/wALQPL7-1.jpg

I also dug out all the putty/sealant that in the gutter rail. That stuff was HARD and difficult to get out!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/05/wUywHzc-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

After getting t-boned in my 1969 charger in December, I started to really think and worry about side protection. If the other guy had hit me in the door of the charger (instead of the front fender), I would have been in serious trouble. After mulling it over, I decided to send the Roadrunner back over to my buddy's shop in order to install a 6 point cage that will provide me with some side protection. We will also plan for some modern seatbelts with inertial reels. I don't want the car to be annoying to get in and out of, but my wreck has made me look at things from a different perspective. While its there, the lower radiator support will get boxed/reinforced, and plates will be welded in so that it can be provisioned for a Monte Carlo bar.

Without the front fenders, the front wheels look so huge...it looks weird.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/07/4HeTBEm-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/07/O0RII1M-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/07/A9xvIr2-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The cage should finish up next week but here are a few early pics
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/VAhm7wd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/c7FUGIM-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/XfEEh1g-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/4uvLdzZ-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/OsxPl0H-1.jpg

Matt tabbed up some finish panels that I'm really happy with...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/gXOdSPx-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/afQmXWP-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/VB9R1D7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/09/N3bt8dV-1.jpg

[Alwhite00]

GREAT build! So sorry to hear about the 69 but if that hadn’t have happened who knows what the outcome may have been. Here’s to a speedy recovery and a great RR build, one of the best. Keep up the good work.

[70B5Cuda]

GREAT build! So sorry to hear about the 69 but if that hadn’t have happened who knows what the outcome may have been. Here’s to a speedy recovery and a great RR build, one of the best. Keep up the good work.


Thank you Alwhite!

I wanted to reinforce the inner fenders so here's whats Matt came up with. The bottom plate ties into the plate on the bottom side of the shock tower.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/10/4AKms8l-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/10/7hwbEXp-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/10/mK9yzcB-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/10/9DSaA4n-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Lower radiator support needed reinforced and I didn't like any of the aftermarket options...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/10/tET1kOn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/10/Jece2w4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/10/ayjaNt4-1.jpg

[RMMiller]

That's some nice looking fabrication! I wish I had the tools and talent to build pieces of that quality for my turd.




https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/10/tET1kOn-1.jpg



My grandpa had a hammer just like that one. Shortly after getting married my wife was trying to drive a post for the paper box with it. She asked for help and on my second swing the head flew off and hit her Camaro. That was the end of that hammer!

[70B5Cuda]

I want safer updated seat belts but I'm not wanting any racing seatbelts. I don't want to be tied down in one place for everyday driving and yet I don't want to sacrifice safety...so I knew I wanted an inertial reel...so the seatbelts from a 2010 Challenger were chosen. In the 2010 challenger, they fit in a pocket in the pillar. The reel is mounted on a bracket that hangs by two hooks and is bolted at the bottom. The reel...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/GOBkZlZ-1.jpg

Next, Matt made a box for the reel bracket to hang on/mount to...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/DiLffyR-1.jpg

Hanging in place...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/Vlc2Re9-1.jpg

It's hard to show in the picture, but the belt fits flush with the inner sheetmetal panel. The factory door panel will fit right over it and will just need a slot for the belt to pass through. The final result will be a safe and comfortable belt system that uses everything from a late model challenger.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/5nvg9eH-1.jpg

[Cop Magnet]

Glad to see you back at it!

[70B5Cuda]

The saga continues...after 9 months, the right humerus bones hadn't grown together very well. Monday, I had a bone graft surgery in which bone was taken from my right hip, ground up, mixed with some type of adhesive, packed in the bone joint all the way around, and then the bone joint was actually taped up. I was warned that the hip would hurt more then the arm, but I had no idea!! It feels like my stomach muscles were rearranged to get to the hip. If I cough or use my stomach/core muscles at all (and they are used all the time), the pain is brutal!!
I'm not sure when I'll be back out in the shop again since the arm needs about three months to fuse. Its a bit of a bummer, but at least I got the 68 roadrunner cleaned up and mounted on the rotisserie last weekend. Its scheduled to get media blasted and sealed in epoxy the first week in December.

[70B5Cuda]

A few odds and ends pics of the car getting cleaned up on the rotisserie...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/YDoRv0Z-1.jpg

Being upside down made it a lot easier to finish welding in the hard to get to areas
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/G1hfOlQ-1.jpg

While I had it on each side, I used the needle scaler to knock the undercoating off the inside of the left quarter panel. I also spot checked the floor to find any little areas I may have missed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/AVs5byG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/HZRXQns-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I also took the opportunity to clean up the roof skin. I was really surprised that there wasn't ANY scale on the roof! I was mainly removing a yellow glue that was all over the skin. The roof structure wasn't scaly or rusty at all. It was still dusted red from the factory. It seems bizarre that this car did so well sitting out in a field for 20+ years...I can only guess that it aired out quickly without a windshield, rear window, or carpet in it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/mVqjLjf-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/vtMQlJd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/11/a8ZRW3K-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The roadrunner went to the media blaster Monday, where aluminum oxide was used to clean it up inside and outside. It's fun to see it in bare metal and all in one color, but it's always disappointing to see the little spots that seem to come out of nowhere...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/NuF5JCQ-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/68XEFWG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/gmOFxfR-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/1Ljhleh-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

The aluminum oxide brought a few things to light...the most disappointing was the drivers floor board. It looked really solid until blasted...so a partial patch went in...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/a65cd0S-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/21fFqN1-1.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

Then it went in primer...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/9RTkQ2n-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/eeBsmZv-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/zJkUpN2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/12/IjRmAz1-1.jpg

[keepat]

I had the same problem with my drivers front floorboard. Your car looks awesome! Great seeing it all one color even if it is primer.
Pat

[70B5Cuda]

I had the same problem with my drivers front floorboard. Your car looks awesome! Great seeing it all one color even if it is primer.
Pat

Thanks Pat! I'm excited. I've also been jealous of your progress lately!

While it is on the rotisserie, it's time to spray some color. Original paint code was PP1 red but I went with R6 red, which was the color of my wrecked 69 survivor Charger. Lonny Moore (Moore's Colision) epoxied the whole car and laid down the red. I LOVE the color stage!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/pg8qB8q-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/yEtqrAb-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/nsT5rkv-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/mutyJY3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/2mWz0pZ-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/KfrseuX-1.jpg

[1965gp]

Damn the color looks great

[andrewb70]

Looking good!

[Tincup]

Looks good...

[70B5Cuda]

Thanks guys!

Several lead joints were fractured, cracked, or missing so I had the pillar to cowl joints and the quarter panel to rocker joints re-leaded. The guy who did it did a really nice job

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/3IrREQ6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/oXIdE9K-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/5DJ9TfJ-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/01/WvuFLm8-1.jpg

[1965gp]

This is a very nice, high quality build

[70B5Cuda]

The Roadrunner came off the rotisserie for some panel alignment. The hood, fenders, and doors were all pinned for easy removal and reinstallment.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/02/x9AtsL0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/02/buLMxYF-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/02/i8dojK8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/02/0q0gFyn-1.jpg

[71_Challenger]

Going to be honest, I read the first thread and skipped to this last page simply to say. I want a 68-70 B body so badly, I would trade my 71 Challenger for one in a heartbeat lol. Going to go through the rest of the build now lol.

[jeff351]

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason also; it amazing you are doing so well on this build while also dealing with the cancer and related surgeries.
Car looks awesome. You have some great friends helping you on this.

[ryeguy2006a]

Wow, lots of great progress! Paint work is so time consuming, but so satisfying when it's done.

[70B5Cuda]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/IXtDoBu-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/OjU4vOj-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/OFKic2a-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

initial blocking is done and now its in slick sand.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/EJKHOBB-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/yLkDAQh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/J4J1Ws8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/03/H1TBj8Z-1.jpg

[slimjim]

massive progress. good work

[70B5Cuda]

Out of paint!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/vAnMgFD-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/VhLkTCG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/ZYAjsQZ-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/Eaw3vMe-1.jpg

[thumper877]

That a good looking red. Got it painted pretty fast too. Congrats

[andrewb70]

Wow!

[egoman]

I hate red cars, but that's really nice.

[Bobbywracing]

Badass , what paint brand / system did you use?

[70B5Cuda]

I hate red cars, but that's really nice.

Oddly enough, I usually don't like red either. I usually prefer blue/silver but I think my R6 Red 69 Charger (that was totaled) warmed me up to red. Red is so hard though. So many reds have a lot of orange in them, which I don't like.

[70B5Cuda]

Badass , what paint brand / system did you use?

Spies Heckler base/clear

[Cop Magnet]

Saweeet!

[Rolling_Thunder]

I approve - I as well am usually not a fan of red but that deep red looks amazing on that body - I don't know what your plans are but the factory hood treatment in Organisol and the white side pinstripes would really set it off (personal opinion) --

I caught a lot of crap for staying white on my 68 Charger - Sorry to see the pics of your old beast - broke my heart

[JayinMI]

Is that R5 again, or some other color? It's gorgeous. I used to have a Hyundai Genesis Coupe in Tsukuba Red that was only slightly more orange than that, I think. I have an '89 S-10 that will need paint someday. It is red (with a green bed, lol) now, and I'd like to change it, but that is a pretty red.

Jay

[70B5Cuda]

Is that R5 again, or some other color? It's gorgeous. I used to have a Hyundai Genesis Coupe in Tsukuba Red that was only slightly more orange than that, I think. I have an '89 S-10 that will need paint someday. It is red (with a green bed, lol) now, and I'd like to change it, but that is a pretty red.

Jay


R6 Red!

- - - Updated - - -


I approve - I as well am usually not a fan of red but that deep red looks amazing on that body - I don't know what your plans are but the factory hood treatment in Organisol and the white side pinstripes would really set it off (personal opinion) --

I caught a lot of crap for staying white on my 68 Charger - Sorry to see the pics of your old beast - broke my heart


Thanks! As cool as that Charger was, it was meant to be and worth the sacrifice. Besides, I couldn't modify it and I'm really not a stock guy!

And I've always loved the wheels (and color) on your 68 Charger. If you ever decide to change it up on the wheels, let me know!

[70B5Cuda]

The 6.1L engine and TR6060 transmission are mated and on the RMS K frame. The engine is a 50K mile factory built short block. I added an Arrington cam shaft and CNC ported heads. The intake manifold has also been ported. From the factory it was rated at 425hp. It should comfortably make 500hp.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/MXGWqtth-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/yjHrroah-1.jpg

Holley wiring harness added
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/LGNyz8Uh-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/qblowigh-1.jpg

[CTK]

Great work and good to see it coming together.
Real dream machine
Also hope your mending well.

[70B5Cuda]

Great work and good to see it coming together.
Real dream machine
Also hope your mending well.

Thanks! I'm really felling very good. Just need to keep working on the range.

Rear suspension is loaded! The axles are from DSS and they slipped right in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/sUD4JwRh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/9wIEqh2h-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

The drivetrain looks amazing. I hope you use a double DV driveshaft from the DSS!

Andrew

[70B5Cuda]

I don't like the taxi cab clusters so I bought the Dakota Digital gauges for 68-70 Charger. I rooted through my parts stash and picked out my nice Charger panel switches and cluster bezel. The bezel was redyed and came out pretty nice

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/Y2pD5AHh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/DZ0LWY1h-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/0zVToFUh-1.jpg

[syborg tt]

The car looks incredible

[70B5Cuda]

Sitting on its own suspension! It will sit at least an inch lower all the way around.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/qctDdb1h-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/fUlB8pEh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/05/ISLtXAKh-1.jpg

[shelteredchevelle]

Looks awesome! I really like how the cage disappears, double kick myself for not installing one.

[70B5Cuda]

Wiring and plumbing in progress...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/06/tfOGhtFh-1.jpg

[454bug]

Very nice project! Great color. :cheers:

[70B5Cuda]

Finally received the driveshaft a couple days ago. I was a little late ordering it. The axle shafts I ordered in March arrived about 3 weeks after ordering so I assumed the driveshaft would take about that long but when I called with the driveshaft dimensions, DSS said they were 8-9 weeks out on driveshafts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/07/aHhW191l-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/07/RheUrdxl-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Radiator is in...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/wakjHb7l-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/QSvtw5fl-1.jpg

The stainless and chrome trim finally all came back from the powdercoater.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/Hu3lg67l-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Dash frame assembly is coming together...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/rTRZanWh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/rvGPSTGh-1.jpg

[dengue]

What's your plan with the bumpers ???
The same color of the body, chrome, black ???

I want to see you project finished, really good looking car with a lot of brain and not multi millionaire budget ...

[70B5Cuda]

What's your plan with the bumpers ???
The same color of the body, chrome, black ???

I want to see you project finished, really good looking car with a lot of brain and not multi millionaire budget ...

Thanks! The bumpers are out for powdercoating right now. Not sure how I'll like the full look yet. I am looking at using some wrap as accents to break up the blacked out front grill and tail panel.

I'm really excited to drive this car.

[70B5Cuda]

Driveshaft and exhaust went in today...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/KEu9EW6h-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/qLXFQFSh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/08/VX6pENhh-1.jpg

[Mikey97D]

Beautiful!

How is your arm healing?

[wfo guy]

Looking good. The exhaust got close in a few places. :) Wiring, exhaust and underhood plumbing cause large spaces to disappear. :)

[Motown 454]

Wow nice work! The car looks great in that color.

[70B5Cuda]

Beautiful!

How is your arm healing?


Overall, my arm feels pretty good. I still can’t lift it above shoulder height but it’s strong below that height. I don’t think my range will get much better but I’m ok with that. Thanks for asking!

[zx14kawboi]

okay i had to go back and edit my post. Thank GOD you found that cancer. man saying things happen for areason is the understatement of the century. i too have some health issues, in 2018 i was placed under pallative care and given 18 months to live. im still not well but im better than i was.... Damn man that is badass. I have a 70 roadrunner that I'm fixing to start on. Your car looks great. I think I'm going to build a procharged trick flow headed 451 stroker backed up by a727 torque flight with a gearvendors overdrive. I'm normally not a fan of red cars but wow that bird is sharp a.f. in that color

[70B5Cuda]

okay i had to go back and edit my post. Thank GOD you found that cancer. man saying things happen for areason is the understatement of the century. i too have some health issues, in 2018 i was placed under pallative care and given 18 months to live. im still not well but im better than i was.... Damn man that is badass. I have a 70 roadrunner that I'm fixing to start on. Your car looks great. I think I'm going to build a procharged trick flow headed 451 stroker backed up by a727 torque flight with a gearvendors overdrive. I'm normally not a fan of red cars but wow that bird is sharp a.f. in that color


Thanks! i do thank God every day. I'm beyond fortunate and so thankful. I wish you the very best on your health issues. If there's anything I can do, please let me know.


I got new bumpers from AMD and had them powder coated in satin black along with every other piece of stainless trim on the carhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/12/uyJWhZ1h-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/12/xuXS2nMh-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/12/dxnw2vTh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/12/mSGUnLgh-1.jpg

I didn't like the contrast of the orange foglight and black bumper so I had the orange lenses tinted and love the way they turned out

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/12/iGz88qZh-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

That's a great red!

[thumper877]

That red with the satin trim badass!!!

[Reckn8]

Phillip and I use the DSS shaft in the 65 Cutlass. A very nice product they make!!!

[brawls43]

That looks awesome! Make sure to use some extra bright amber bulbs to get through the darkened tint. That satin bumper looks amazing though with the red!

[70B5Cuda]

The side glass and windshield is in. The rear window is close to being installed. The engine was started up and tuned. It sounds great. After the rear window is installed, it's down to headliner, carpet, and the rear seat. It looks like I should actually be driving it this summer.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/02/zhJ4Co9h-1.jpg
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[Motown 454]

Very Nice!

[Peanut1959]

Go, man, go!

[Senek67RS]

That car looks fantastic!

[GNon18s]

Awesome build. Something different too!!

[Enve46]

Have a soft spot for these Mopars and this thread is pure awesomeness. Love the color, stance and blacked out trim but what I love the most is the positive outlook and perseverance. Kudos my friend!

[70B5Cuda]

Have a soft spot for these Mopars and this thread is pure awesomeness. Love the color, stance and blacked out trim but what I love the most is the positive outlook and perseverance. Kudos my friend!

Thanks! I appreciate it!

I ordered door panels 8 months ago and got them about three months ago, The Roadrunner has been in upholstery limbo since then since the carpet material I wanted couldn't be found in the states and shipping is nearly impossible. I settled on another material and now It's now in upholstery. A rear seat will be fabricated with matching materials to the front seats. all my interior metal parts are out for powdercoating and I am rounding up small pieces. on the left is a Hurst shifter I pulled from one of the cars I parted out about three or four years ago. I ordered up some new pistol grips and installed them...so much better!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/06/DY6lMAT-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/06/NjkEPHV-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

I had the car dyno tuned. It's a stock longblock except for an aftermarket camshaft. Stock HP is 425HP and I thought it was making between 475-500 at the crank. It made 406HP at the rear tires, which comes out to approximately 480 at the crank. I think there is some more left in it, but it really won't hook up as is. It's the most fun I've had driving a car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/06/wbY1WKW-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

That's a really nice, flat torque curve. I bet it drives great!

[70B5Cuda]

Headliner is in

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/06/rqirc5p-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/06/YlGPpGc-1.jpg

[70B5Cuda]

Carpet, headliner, and rear set were installed...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/8NGLl3jh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/07/gcKlthah-1.jpg

[rv1890]

Looking sweet! What kind of carpet set is that? Is it custom made or a kit?

[70B5Cuda]

Looking sweet! What kind of carpet set is that? Is it custom made or a kit?


It’s custom

[70B5Cuda]

The factory hood louver callouts needed updated so I had these designed and milled out of aluminum. They will be powder coated black

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/09/nDw5QKHh-1.jpg
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[Motown 454]

The interior looks great. and those will look sweet on the hood.

[Jaden Young]

Geez, this car looks so cool. I like its interior, you did a fantastic job with this build.

[wareaglescott]

Awesome build!

[Jonathonar89]

Beautiful interior work. Good stuff!

[70B5Cuda]

The TR6060 has been a long annoying saga...

When I parted out the 2009 Challenger SRT8 for its drivetrain, I assumed that the engine/trans would be fine since it only had 50K miles. But whoever owned it did not know how to drive a manual transmission. Second gear synchro was shot and 6th gear must have fallen off the shaft because there was no gear available in 6th gear. That's just the beginning...
I bought another 2009 Challenger SRT8 out of northern California this summer...specifically for the 6 speed. With all the truckers avoiding California, it was really difficult to get it picked up. After racking up $500 in storage fees, the best I could manage was to find someone who would haul it to Dallas for for $1200. SO I had to use a vacation day, get a hotel (left after work one day), and spent $1700 on shipping/storage fees (insurance auction). When I met the trucker at the salvage yard, I walked up to the car and looked underneath it to see that the previous loser owner had stolen the transmission, catalytic converters, and exhaust. I was TICKED. I went back and looked at the insurance auction pictures and realized that they had piled parts in the engine bay to disguise the fact that the engine was leaning back due to not having the transmission. Someone had even propped the shifter up to look like it was still there.
So I bought another 2010 Challenger with 100K miles. I knew the engine was trashed and the transmission looked greasy/rough. I sent it off to D&D Performance to refresh. The report was not good either: it need a new input shaft, reverse gear, third gear, synchos, and seals. The overhaul was going to be about $1850, but he had a brand new TR6060 in the crate that he had bought from Tremec. I gave up and bought it. It arrived last week and was installed yesterday. I finally have 6 gears.

Pics before installation:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/01/46xIRLvh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/01/bRzpFEah-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/01/fXAmOODh-1.jpg

[Peanut1959]

Sorry for the ordeal. Is the Tremec a direct bolt-in, or do you have more work to do in adapting it?

[70B5Cuda]

Sorry for the ordeal. Is the Tremec a direct bolt-in, or do you have more work to do in adapting it?

I went with the tremec TR6060 because it came mated to the 6.1L that was in the Challenger SRT8 I parted out…so I already had a clutch, pedals, hydraulics, etc. so I’m still money ahead from buying a t-56 magnum and the Having to complete the setup. The tunnel required modification to fit.

[toyotajeep]

I know it has been awhile. But any updates on this? How's it drive, mpg? Roll bar on exit and entrance hard to live with? I really appreciate your build and respect the hard work. Pretty cool!

[70B5Cuda]

I know it has been awhile. But any updates on this? How's it drive, mpg? Roll bar on exit and entrance hard to live with? I really appreciate your build and respect the hard work. Pretty cool!


It's been sitting in the garage all winter...just waiting for the salt/brine to get washed away. I've got about 300 miles on it now and I love the way it drives/handles! I have never calculated MPG's so I don't know what to tell you. I do know that my foot is always DEEP in the gas pedal....so mileage probably is not great...lol.
The roll cage doesn't bother me at all. I have been in some cars with roll cages that were really annoying to get around so this one was designed/shaped to be as unobtrusive as possible.

[mc84_zz4]

Awesome build! Tastefully done!
Enjoy the drive!

[Shorty Thompson]

Okay , so here's where I chime in. What's the front suspension used? My car's not a 68ish,,,,,,,,,, it's a 73/74, but I am looking forward to upgrades, even if I have to graft.

[Shorty Thompson]

While this is very sad. I know that this particular years have a very good front frame rails. Hope you didn't let them take it away from you. This is just another project for another dream.

[Shorty Thompson]

Your a better man than me. I'd been absolutely livid!!!!

[Shorty Thompson]

Overall 1 thing remains on my mind and in question. Q.; Why instead of shortening everything, Why didn't you just use the frame rails and all in the '68? Nevermind I got my reply. Thanks again.

[70B5Cuda]

Sorry Shorty! I haven't checked out this thread in awhile. The last couple months have been crazy busy with kids activities and work. I also just passed the 5 year mark with my bone cancer and had my last appointment with my oncologist last week...and all is good! 2024 is the year that I will get at least 3 of my old Mopars back on the road.
I also started a youtube channel about some of the projects I have been working on and a couple about my wrecked 1969 Charger and the subsequent cancer fight. If you're interested, check it out.

This video features some video preview clips of the finished Roadrunner and the story about how I bought the car (twice sort of)!


https://youtu.be/NkRAbj_oAEs?si=xUQJPZYs9vQW4ecQ

The wreck/cancer story...which is quite wild!


https://youtu.be/Fyh4vtcluKk?si=JDIkA077RDJKvoMz