Voracious Cuda "Under Construction"

[Gary Betsy]

49834Hey everyone. I have been a member for a few months. Since I joined our customers have told us we need to post some of our projects on here. So we decided introduce one of our projects. A Pro-touring Cuda build that is currently UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

We started out with a typical rotted out 1970 Barracuda Convertible. After consulting with the customer on what he desired out of the build. We decided to go the Pro-Touring route. Building the car around a 345/30/19 in the rear and a 265/35/18 in front. We consulted with Art Morrison and purchased a Max-G Chassis. We then purchased a 6.1 Liter SRT8 Hemi with a automatic transmission for starters. Due to the severity of the current body condition we also purchased all new body panels from AMD.

We decided to go the none traditional way and scraped the unitized style of the original car and fabricated our own body mounts/bushings and sub-rails. From there all the inner structure was change in someway to strengthen the car, while keeping styling and functionality in mind. While fabricating the car the outer sheet metal has been altered to make the car cleaner and smoother but not taking away the original style of the car. Every panel on the car has been modified in someway shape or form. Please take a look and give us some feed back on our progress. For detailed build pictures go to our web site www.gbrestorations.com (http://www.gbrestorations.com) Keep a look out for our other current projects and posts on pro-touring.com.

[SuperB70]

That just too sick! Love it in matt black!

[Ron.in.SoCal]

That just too sick! Love it in matt black!

Agreed! What are those mock up wheels?

[irregal83]

Looks awesome so far! love the stance!

[CruizinKev]

wow thats siiick!!! can't wait to see more!!!

[kmdracer]

Agreed! What are those mock up wheels?


Those are the latest super ultra light "Air" wheels, lol

Sorry bud, couldn't resist the dig....



To Gary, the car is looking great. I like the idea of going full frame, and looking forward to seeing updates!

[rfalker1]

^^^ I know its a joke, but those air wheels look awesome!!!! HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[go-fish]

Those are the New Gen "Ultra" Lite wheels! That is exactly how I want my 'cuda to look. I like the shaved door handles but you guys need to make up your mind and either shave the front side marker or bring back the rear one. I'm digging the bumper too.

I am planning on the same semi-gloss black and black bumpers. Was thinking of trying to do black chrome but I saw a black car with black chrome wheels yesterday and YUCK!

Great looking project Gary.

[sr73bu]

That car looks familiar...

Welcome to the site Gary....hahaha.. you finally made it on here.

Let me know if you are going to be at the shop tomorrow.. i'll stop by with my car in the morning..

-Richie Rich aka (Sean) haha...

[ramlinman]

i like what i see. hope to see progressive updates

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Good looking car are you guys gonna let the top of the 6.1 motor see daylight? Or is a cover gonna be made to cover it as it does not look like it sits below the hood line.

[LeighP]

wow, going to be very slick!

[linkstar69]

I don't normally like verts but I have to say that looks awsome.

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks for all the coments and feedback. Majority of all the panels are in factory E-Coat and the rest of the main body panels are sprayed with epoxy primer to keep from flash rust. As for the wheels, they are our new Ultra Lite Air wheels. For purchasing of a set of four we will cover the shipping charges. LOL. The rear bumper was a all fabricated component to resemble the factory style bumper but was fit flush to the car. For now they are just sprayed with E-Coat but will possibly be sprayed body color or a flat version of body color. We are going to shave the front marker lights also very soon we just have the front end sheet metal in mock up but all panels will be shaved and cleaned up. We are not planning on letting the motor see daylight. For now we purchased an aftermarket shaker hood and will be adjusting the opening to work with the motor. Customer is now deciding on a new supercharger from Arlington.

[GrabberGT]

^^^ I know its a joke, but those air wheels look awesome!!!! HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I dont get it. Wheres the joke? Those wheels are sick! Just what I've been looking for.

lol

subscribed... awesome build

[ProTouringCuda]

Awesome. Great to see another Mopar getting the AME treatment.

Did you fab those weld-in inserts for the body mounts or are they purchased?

[xtreme]

Great build! How wide and how long are the dimensions on your jig?

[rfalker1]

I dont get it. Wheres the joke? Those wheels are sick! Just what I've been looking for.

lol

subscribed... awesome build

hahahahahahaha

[armourmark]

Looks great. Another vote for flat black paint job. shows the lines of the cuda prominent.

[Chris 68]

Always wanted a cuda, looking forward to seeing more!

[DroptopJ]

That cuda is AWESOME!!! can't wait to see it completed.

[exwestracer]

I dont get it. Wheres the joke? Those wheels are sick! Just what I've been looking for.

lol

subscribed... awesome build

Exhaustive searching has determined that those have the lowest unsprung weight of any wheel that size...:twothumbs

[kmdracer]

Hey, since I named them, can I get a discount if I order some? lol

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks for the coments of the car so far. Were still working away on it as we speak. The body mounts for the car we fabricated from solid bar stock. Were using them for the main body supports and front tubing structure. The car is going to be possibly painted some shade of yellow. Still looking into varances of the color but havent totaly decided on it yet. If you buy four of our wheels we will give you the full size spare free. Here are some more pictures of us started to lock in some of the new body panels and shaving the rear marker lights. We also got our tires in.

[joeko23]

Looks soo mean! Great job!

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone here are a few more pictures and updates to our cuda build. Check them out and give some feedback. Let us know how were doing.

[rfalker1]

Thanks for the coments of the car so far. Were still working away on it as we speak. The body mounts for the car we fabricated from solid bar stock. Were using them for the main body supports and front tubing structure. The car is going to be possibly painted some shade of yellow. Still looking into varances of the color but havent totaly decided on it yet. If you buy four of our wheels we will give you the full size spare free. Here are some more pictures of us started to lock in some of the new body panels and shaving the rear marker lights. We also got our tires in.

wow its really starting to take shape!!! so what is the asking price for these "wheels" lool

[csouth]

This looks good. subscribed!

[SuperB70]

Looking good!
What method did you use to make the radius edge on tube sidewall, beadroller and shrinker?

[Motorcitydak]

So what are you guys going to do for electronics to run that trans? Last I heard you needed wheel speed sensors and some other complicated stuff to make it work

[SickSpeedMonte]

I love the stance of this car... those Cuda's always look sick sitting low with wide meats.

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone thanks for all of the positive feedback. SuperB70 to make the radius on the wheel wells we fabricated a hammer form and then plenshided the radius. Motorcitydak we heard the same thing about the wheel speed sensors. We are either thinking about running it in the same way as factory with trigger plates or possibly reengineering the speed sensors to possibly run off the driveshaft.

[rfalker1]

This is fabrication to the max!!! Love the effort and looks great

[aps63]

Car looks great so far.
The attention to detail is excellent.

[CruizinKev]

wow dang awesome work!!!

[SuperB70]

With hammer form you mean that you really did it with hammer or with powerhammer?

If you would use factory style wheel speed sensor on every wheel, then later you can run with traction control. If you need/want.

That I have been desinging for my Bee. Better TC-systems monitor all 4 wheels and compare their rotation speeds.

[BuddyP]

Beautiful build! Nice parts and fab work. Going to be an amazing car when complete.

[Gary Betsy]

Thank you for all of the positive feedback on our build so far. We truly do appreciate it. SuperB70 as for the hammer form, we cut a buck for the desired shape of the wheel well, and attached it to the buck and hammered it over the edge and followed that by plenishing it until totally smooth. We have also took into consideration of using wheel speed sensors. With the supercharger we are talking about using we will definitely need some form of traction control. We want all the power to hit the pavement.

[birdsandbowties]

sweet !!!!! awesome metal work !!

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks for all the positive feedback. Here are a few more updated pictures of us making up our cowl inner structure. Also making a new smooth wiper cowl. More pictures to follow. Give us some feedback.

[burnout]

very nice project. keep up the good work and keep those pics coming.

[SRD art]

Very cool stiff going on here. I'm digging all the fab work. Keep it going!

[Motorcitydak]

I absolutely love the work you guys are doing. Check out hotwireauto.com for your wiring harness. They say they can make a harness to run that trans. Call em up and talk to Chris if I remember correctly, he will be able to help you make that thing run as good as it looks

[Motorcitydak]

I also want to add that the trans you have there, the A580, is a lot more work and money than it is worth. You can pick up a 545rfe which is the other auto trans offered behind the 5.7 and you will save around $1000 in the wiring harness/ECM area. Those transmissions can be picked up for 2-300 bucks too and are way easier to work with. No external sensors necessary

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback. We truely do apprectiate it. Motorcitydak thankyou for all of the information on the transmissions. We will defently let the customer know some more information and hopefully decided on what route to continue on. Here are some updated build pictures of our custom made firewall. We also finalized our front floor pans. Take a look and let us know what you think.

[sr73bu]

Saw this car in person last week.... looks incredible.

Between both Gary and Matt's fabrication skills and experience of building/driving race cars this is going to be one amazing creation...

-Sean

[CruizinKev]

wow amazing work!!! :twothumbs looks sick!!!

[SuperB70]

Looks awesom!

Keep it up and pics coming..

[LeighP]

Just a suggestion, you may want to think about some swage lines on the floor panels...it'd stop any possibility of them oil canning and add a little strength.
going to be an awesome looking car!

[linkstar69]

I like this one and I'm not even into verts. Great metal work.

[Gary Betsy]

Hey guys. First off thankyou for all of the positive feedback on the build so far. Sean you should see it now man is it coming a long way. LeighP we are planning on doing some kind of bead rolls in the floor pans soon. First we want to mock up our seats and other mounting holes so we don't plow attachement points in spots where there are beads. Plus the floors all 16ga with 14ga subrails. Should defently be pretty stout. Here are some new pics to check out. We wound up locking in our transmission tunnel and attachement points for the firewall with the new subrails. Also wound up welding up our motor mount standoffs. Take a look and give us some feedback.

[tazzz25906112]

Stunning car and great fab work...... Congrats gentleman and I hope we see this stunner out at some events in the coming year or two.....

[cobraguy65]

Sweet Cuda. Kudos on the fab work.

[thedodgeboys]

Nice I'm looking forward to more on this build.

What ECM will you use?

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks everyone on the positive feedback so far. Thedodgeboys we are possibly going to use a flashed stock ECM. But it is all going to depend on what the supercharger company will recomend when we concour that stage of the build. Untill then here are a few more pictures of us fabricating our motor mounts, transmission mount, and front sub structure mounts. Also us locking in our front cowl structure. But here is the new news. The current owner of the car is flirting with the idea of possibly selling this build. But we are determined on seeing this car all the way through to completion. We thought we would post this on our form to see if there is anyone that would be interested in seeing this project through to completion. There are alot of parts ordered and project is still moving forward and fabrication is almost finalized. We do have alot more pictures of the car they just have not been updated yet. Contact for more information.

[78 Type-LT]

wow...this is killer

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone here are some new and updated pictures of our build. We wound up ordering a set of off the shelf stainless steel headers to save on build cost. With some minor alterations they actually fell right into place. We removed the top collector O2 sensor and are going to install them in better locations when we get to fabricating the exhaust system. Also our all aluminum radiator came in. We fabricated our radiator halo and started to lay out our front sub frame structure. Take a look and give us some feedback.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone here is a few more pictures of our cuda project. We wound up ordering all new front sheet metal from AMD including a shaker hood, upper header panel, and lower valance. We aligned the fenders and started to square the nose. Due to the engine set back of 8 inches, we then determined to lengthen the shaker opening rather then moving the entire scoop back on the hood. We felt that by extending the hood opening would look proportional to the car rather then moving the entire scoop back. By extending the hood we wound up shaving the hood vents and went with he smooth style hood. You can see how far we moved it in the picture of the stock shaker trim ring compared the extended opening. Here are some pictures of our hood customization. Take a look and give us some feedback.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[go-fish]

This is going to be crazy. The shaker mod is a great idea. I haven't seen it before in the 31 years I've been a Mopar follower.

[linkstar69]

Love the hood

[sr73bu]

...the hood came out cherry!

-Sean

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback so far. The hood mod wasn't easy but it did achieve the look that we were going for. In this next set of updated build photos you can see that after we locked in the location of the hood and front end sheet metal we continued with fabrication of the front tubing structure. We bent it all out of.120 wall DOM tubing and fabricated frame stand offs out of 1/8" plate. Here are a few of the pictures of us getting the structure all tacked together. Take a look and tell us what you think.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[go-fish]

That just went in the Spank Bank!

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks go-fish. We really like how this project is coming out so far as well. Here is the next set of build pictures. In this set you can see how and why we laid out the front tubing structure the way we did. It not only supports the front end sheet metal but also allows us to mount our radiator and duel transmission coolers that we are running in series. This will allow us to run the auto trans at the proper temp and not allow it to over heat or get sluggish. After welding the front structure together we weighed it in comparison to what was originally holding the front and sheet metal. Not only did we add tons of more strength but we shave 50 lbs. Take a look at this set of pictures and give us some feedback.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[sokoloka]

Simply amazing.

[blazer4corners]

ya knw not much of a mopar guy but this is goin b 1bad ride. the front substructure 4 the radiator an fenders cool idea.....gives me more ideas. u guys are all bad influences

[go-fish]

If that thing ever gets in a wreck I feel sorry for what it hits!

[ProTouringCuda]

Sick fab skills certainly giving me lots of ideas. Appreciate you sharing.

[chunger]

...In this set you can see how and why we laid out the front tubing structure the way we did. It not only supports the front end sheet metal but also allows us to mount our radiator and duel transmission coolers that we are running in series. This will allow us to run the auto trans at the proper temp and not allow it to over heat or get sluggish. ...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Are those two coolers the only coolers for the trans fluid? They alone don't seem like enough to cool a trans, especially one with a stall.

[Dolmaner]

unreal job, this car is so sexy

[Uneek68]

very awesome project, quick progress too

[wellis77]

It not only supports the front end sheet metal but also allows us to mount our radiator and duel transmission coolers that we are running in series. After welding the front structure together we weighed it in comparison to what was originally holding the front and sheet metal. Not only did we add tons of more strength but we shave 50 lbs.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


I love this front structure! I have been struggling on what to do with my Dart and what you've done has given me some ideas on how to pull mine off. How will you be attaching the front sheet metal to this structure? And what size tube did you use for it, diameter and wall? Thanks a bunch. Great work!

[bhcustomdesigns]

You guys do excellent work!!!!! :twothumbs

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks everyone for all of the feedback. We do appreciate it.

"Chunger" yes those are the two transmission coolers we will be running they might look small but defiantly aren't. They are a 10" x 7" x 4" with a 7" fan. They recommend that one would cover the transmission. But we decided to go with two so we can better control the transmission temperature. They also come with a 175 degree thermostat. We went this style rather then getting a radiator with a transmission cooler installed is to take heat out of the radiator. With running the two coolers in series they will never let the temp get out of hand.

"Wellis77" the front tubing structure was fabricated out of 1/14" .120 wall DOM tubing. We have a couple of tapping stock spuds welded to the front of the tubing structure to allow us to attach the front sheet metal.

Here is our next set of build picture updates. In this set of pictures after getting all the front end sheet metal installed and gapped out we discovered that the body line in the new AMD front fenders wasn't lining up with the door body line. It was 1/4" off. You can really see it in the picture with where the body line was drawn on and where it was suppose to be. So we cut and welded up the fender and made/adjusted the body line. Also after we removed the pinch welds we had to fabricate a new lower fender attachment set up. So we fabricated our own lower fender mount. We wound up drilling up through the rocker and attaching the fender in from the bottom. Take a look at this next set of build pictures and give us some feedback.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone here is a few more updated pictures of our cuda build. Well as posted earlier people wanted to know what we were doing with the marker lights in our front fenders. So we stuck with the rest of the theme of the car and went ahead and shaved those as well. Here you can see how we laid out to cut out the marker light recess. We cut out the recess so we can hammer weld and metal finish our welds to require no filler at all. We also make templates of the actual contour of the panel. We pre stretch all patch panels with the English Wheel, to fit the proper contours. This requires less metal work to the actual panel. Here are a few pictures of us performing this next step.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[wellis77]

Words do not do justice to the work you do. Beautiful!

[Gary Betsy]

Thankyou Willis77. We appreciate all the complements.
Hey everyone here is another update of our build. This is step one of our front end bumper construction and lower valance. After spending the time to go ahead and fabricate our rear flush mount bumper. We started to look at the stock front bumper and decided that it just wasn't going to work. So we fabricated one from scratch just like the rear bumper. After looking at how we changed the shape of the rear quarters to fit the stance better we went ahead and used our same jigging plates from the rear and used them on the front. After doing that the lower valance was too narrow and we went ahead and changed that as well. We fabricated our own bumper mounts and fabricated the bumper out of 1/16" ga. steel. This stage only shows the basic shape and lay out of us fabricating the bumper and extending the lower valance. Stage two of the front end to follow. Take a look and tell us what you think.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[linkstar69]

Simply awe inspiring

[wellis77]

There aren't many shops on my list of places to work on my junk, but if you were closer you'd definitely be one of them. Loving your work on this Gary!

[Gary Betsy]

Thanks for the positive feedback Linkstar69 ans Wellis77 we truely do appreciate it.
Hey everyone here are a few more build updates of our cuda build. This is Stage 2 of our front bumper and lower valance fabrication. In this set of pictures we finalized the new smaller opening of the lower valance. Also finilized the shape and fit of the valance to the new bumper. We fabricated the ends of the bumper and welded the bumper structure all together. Take a look at our new build pictures and give us some feedback.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone. Here are a few more updated build pictures of our project. In this set we wound up getting our Rick Stainless Steel tank in and started to fit it in. We fabricated our own tank mounts and started to get it square and level in the car. We tacked in all of our mounts and then fabricated the start on our filler neck. We didn’t make the whole neck up still deciding on where we want to put our filler neck inlet. Take a look at our pictures and give us some feedback.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone. Here are a few more updated pictures of our current cuda build. We finalized our rear section of floor pans screwed them all in a welded them all up. Also we fabricated our trunk shelves acess covers and installed them as well as final welding up our filler neck on our Rick's Stainless Steel tank. Alot of progress has been made and we are going to be updated it as soon as possible. Take a look at this set of pictures and give us some feedback.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[SDS MACHINING]

Really nice fab work, I can appreciate how much time you have invested into this car.. Looks killer to me.

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone here are a few more build updates and pictures of our cuda build. You can see a side profile shot of the back half of the car with the quarter removed of our trunk shelf covers installed. We fabricated the top edge of the quarter panel to resemble the stock style revel due to the fact AMD only makes quarters with a sail panel. Also we fabricated a drain tube out of Stainless Steel to control how the flow water drains from the convertible top. Instead of leaking down the wheel well and filling up the quarter we have redirected it to flow through the tube and right infront of the wheel well. We have the whole back half all squared up and are waiting to make our decklid hindge assembly. But in the mean time we recieved our side mount brakeing system from Kugal, our Lokar E-brake assembly, and our Vintage Air mock up system. So we fabricated all the mounting tabs. With some alterations we got everything to fit under the dash. Take a look at this new set of pictures and let us know what you think.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[wellis77]

You guys do beautiful work!

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone we haven't been updating as much as we should but we have made some serious progress on our 70 Cuda in the past couple of months. Here are a few of the over seeing pictures of some of the fabrication we have been up to. First of all we modified our Hedman S.S. headers by removing the ball end style clamp and replace it with a V-band style to keep the exhaust tucked up in the car. Second we fabricated our custom exhaust hanger brackets and finalized our exhaust system from the headers to the mufflers. Next we fabricated our battery box for our Odyssey batteries and finalized our welding on the sub rails. We also welded in our front sections of floor pans. Finally we had our new deck lid hinges water jetted out. We finalized the machining and fabricated our mounts and got the deck lid swinging. No prop rods here we used all gas shocks. Take a look at these few pictures and tell us what you think.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Payton King]

I really like the work you are doing. Hinges are killer!

[GT500KR_Vert]

Really Nice Work.

[ILLMATIC]

excellent work

[KnightMare]

Great work, going to be a beautiful cuda when complete

[village idiot]

Some amazing fab work. You guys are true masters of your craft.

[sr73bu]

Looks awesome Gary! I've been meaning to stop by...i've just been so busy with my house repairs I can't find time.... Hope to stop by soon!

Again, looks amazing, as usual...

-Sean

[thedodgeboys]

Do you have any more shos of the trunk hinges?

How did you mount the gas shock?
Thanks
Scott

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone thanks for all the positive feedback we truly do appreciate it. (thedodgeboys) we do have some more shots of the actual deck lid hinges on our website. We are actually getting a kit together to do replacements of the factory style hinges and torsion rods to our new billet chamfered style with a gas shock.

Here are a new set up some updated build pictures of our Cuda. First of all we finalized our recesses in the fenders for our fabricated bumper. Second we welded up the front half our exhaust system including the headers. Finally we welded up and started to lay out for our new bear claw latch assembly with poppers. Take a look at our next set of build pictures and let us know what you think.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[darkgable79]

Those trunk hinges are sick!

[sccacuda]

Looks great! Can't wait to see this one finished.

[LSfan70s]

Awesome build!!!

Very smart move with that pipe on the quarter to drain water.

62333

Subscribing! :cheers:

[chumscustoms]

gonna be sweet

[village idiot]

Any updates??

[Pinto5.0]

Impressive build. I have so many new ideas after viewing this thread that I'm chomping at the bit to get on my project.

[dangina]

thats alot of sick fab work! we need videos of this thing when she's finished!

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone. Sorry for the lapse of updates but we have been trying to stay focused on making some serious progress on our build. Here are a few pictures to highlight what we have been up to in the past few months. Take a look and give us some feedback. Also if you want to see some other picutres check out and like our facebook page @Gary Betsy Auto Body/ GB Performance Restorations.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Removal of lap welds on quarter panel to rear body panel.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Factory pot metal tail light bezel.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
New 18 ga. ring.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Factory rear licence plate hole.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Deleted licence plate.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
New smaller opening.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Fabricated ring with plate mocked up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Deleting rear trunk lock. On the right is the completed tail light bezel.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Rear section of exhaust before rear.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Section of exhaust over rear mocked up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Rear section all welded up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
All exterior sheet metal all installed and gaped.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Front shot of all under hood panels. Fabericated out of .050 alum.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Side shot of under hood panels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Relocated car and frame bench into center spot in shop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Picture from front of shop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Blowing all front sheet metal back off.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Wheels arrived from Rushforth Wheels. Thanks again Jason.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Pulled the firewall out so could finalize welding on firewall.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Final welding on tubing structure.

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone. We felt like we should do a double update today so here is the next set of pictures for you. Take a look and give us some feedback.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is the firewall all epoxy primed inside and out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is the firewall all spot welded to the tubing structure.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is our new fully servicable front hubs from The GMR. We are now dealers for them over here on the east coast so you can give us a call or can contact them directly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Well we got the wheels all mounted and balanced by Ultimate Sound and Security. If anyone needs any type of security systems, electronial, wheels and tires these are the people to go to. We will be using them in the future for our total sound system.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here it is. Standing on its own power. If you look at the date on the first picture on this thread this is the first time it is sitting on rubber in awhile.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is a shot from the other side.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is a shot from the front with the front tubing structure installed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is a picture of the mock up engine and transmission all loaded up and heading of to Martinsville VA to Arrington Performance to pick up one of their 426 Hemi's with the new Nag1 transmission from Southern HotRod Transmissions. Should handle all the power we are giving it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Our Strange 3rd member.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Picture of the engine and transmission getting cleaned up and ready for primer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here it is all primed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is a picutre of the engine and transmission all painted.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here is a picture of our Magnuson Super Charger. Its been worked by Arrrington to put out 12lbs. of boost instead of the 6lbs. it was orginally set up for.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here it is starting to get put all together so we can drop it in and start laying out wiring and plumbing.

[MichaelLeeHearn]

Very nice build and work

[RMMiller]

Nice use of the axle spring perch for the exhaust install, who would have thought? That is going to be one hell of a car when it's done.

[72BBSwinger]

Awesome ! Any estimates for power output? I would think 1000ish.....

[dangina]

you guys make me want to take up metal fabrication as my next trade! :) Car is a work of art!

[70cuda]

Just fantastic. Spectacular fab work and I love the little touches like the taillights and license plate!

[ekmxryda]

Very nice work, what engine paint did you use?

[CodexGigas]

Very nice. *Drools*

[armourmark]

Great work! Love the rated x wheels

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone its been a busy last few months here at the shop and have been making some good progress on our cuda build. But here are a few pictures of what we have been up to. Take a look and let us know what you think.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/432_zps1c45b3f1.jpg.html)
Here is a sho of the car with all the sheet metal back installed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/415_zpse8ac1373.jpg.html)
Side profile shot.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/434_zps3c044149.jpg.html)
Shot of all the under hood sheetmetal work using .050 alum.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/435_zps6227ddc4.jpg.html)
Shot of the 92mm big mouth throttle body with the custom air inlet tubing to make it all fit under the hood.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/436_zps8a30d9bc.jpg.html)
Shot of the passenger side. You can see how we went around the electric fans and the side mount of the after cooler reservioir.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/416_zps16119a1d.jpg.html)
Shot of the custom air snorkles with the hood off. Sent it out to Ron Francis for helping us out with the chassis wiring harness.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/417_zps5d3556e0.jpg.html)
Shot of the rear seat tubing structure.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/418_zps8c04ed3b.jpg.html)
Shot of the alum. seat pan skins all installed with the alum floor pans.

[68FBODY]

Awesome, this cuda is going to be simply gorgeous when finished. A lot of time and work went into this car and it shows. Good Work

[RobNoLimit]

Looks fantastic. The body is lookin so good it hardly looks like a mopar

[GRIMMEY71]

One bad ass converabtle, a supercharged 3rd gen 426 hemi!

[FlyDoc]

I just love it!!
I know of a disabled Vet that was in Iraq 4 times that would just love to have this car!! (ha-ha)
keep the good work up, gives me ideas for my Camaro.
Bryan
DUSTOFF!!!

[monteboy84]

Looks fantastic, great work guys.

-matt

[67speedfreak]

Killer looking project ! Nice work guys !

[MidnightSpecial]

Holy 4th of July Batman.

excuse me while I roll my tongue back into my head.

[qnitro]

I just had an accident in my pants...That thing is AWESOME

[72BBSwinger]

Sexiest Musclecar of them all IMO, its pretty hard to do one wrong. This one has "Ultimate" written all over it.

[sccacuda]

Very nice. Great stance. Wheel and tire size fit perfect. Only Mopar I've ever seen that looked "right" on low profiles. Really like the inner aprons and engine closeout panels.

[68firebird]

This car looks awesome so far, great work!!!!

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone here are a few more pictures of some fab work we have been up to on our Cuda build. We are currently trying to finalize alot of the fab work, get this thing ready for body work, wiring, and plumbing. Check out this next set of pictures and let us know what you think.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/420_zpsabfbeb73.jpg.html)
Here is a picture of our rear jack mount.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/422_zps020b2a7d.jpg.html)
You can see why we went with a jack plate in this picture. The rear splined sway bar runs right under the rear housing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/424_zpsce7bcb07.jpg.html)
Here is a shot of of rear sway bar arm and mount.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/430_zps419f6b2f.jpg.html)
Here is a picture of our splined front sway bar with our frame standoff mount.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/426_zps2359d7c4.jpg.html)
Here is a picture of our rear belly pan front mount. All pans are made out of .050 alum.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/427_zps6ca7d318.jpg.html)
Here is a shot of the .375 alum rear defusers fabricated all in house. From rought pieces to brushed perfection.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/428_zps089461eb.jpg.html)
Rear shot of the car with the finalized exhaust tips and rear belly pans with the defusers all installed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/429_zps7e08dd5b.jpg.html)
Here is a picture from under the side looking up at the pans.

[85coupe50]

WOW, That is one HOT Cuda! Your fabrication skills are great!

[GrabberGT]

what is this?

76989

[2wolf_Michael]

a jack plate they welded to the rearend housing. in the second pic.

[Gary Betsy]

Hey everyone after looking through my photobucket account this past week I noticed that pictures got moved around and all the pictures I put up on here were gone so I went back through and threw some of them back up. Here are a few of the picutes that were lost.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/398-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/398.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/400-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/400.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/401-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/401.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/403-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/403.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/396-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/396.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/406-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/406.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/407-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/407.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/408-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/408.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/409-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/409.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/410-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/410.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/413-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/413.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/411-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/411.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/412-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/Voracious%20Cuda%202/412.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/414-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/414.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/416_zps16119a1d-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/416_zps16119a1d.jpg.html)

[Gary Betsy]

Here is some more pictures that were lost. Sorry for the inconvenience. Here are the last set of picutes we posted. The car is in body work stage now getting it ready for interior and paint work. More picutes to come soon.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/417_zps5d3556e0-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/417_zps5d3556e0.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/418_zps8c04ed3b-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/418_zps8c04ed3b.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/420_zpsabfbeb73-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/420_zpsabfbeb73.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/422_zps020b2a7d-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/422_zps020b2a7d.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/424_zpsce7bcb07-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/424_zpsce7bcb07.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/426_zps2359d7c4-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/426_zps2359d7c4.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/427_zps6ca7d318-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/427_zps6ca7d318.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/428_zps089461eb-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/428_zps089461eb.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/429_zps7e08dd5b-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/429_zps7e08dd5b.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/430_zps419f6b2f-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/430_zps419f6b2f.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/434_zps3c044149-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/434_zps3c044149.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/435_zps6227ddc4-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/435_zps6227ddc4.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/436_zps8a30d9bc-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/436_zps8a30d9bc.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/432_zps1c45b3f1-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/432_zps1c45b3f1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/415_zpse8ac1373-1.jpg (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/GaryBetsy/media/Voracious%20Cuda/415_zpse8ac1373.jpg.html)

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Another mopar... Subscribing!!

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Car is over the top Gary.

[alexandros]

This should be a magazine car. Bad ass to say the least.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

any updates here?