Modern Bullitt Charger build

[keepat]

Test fit the hood today to check the clearance for the air cleaner and was happy to see there is 2 ½” at the front throttlebody and 3 ½” at the rear throttlebody. My earlier estimates were at about 2 3/8” and where an 1/8” more may not sound like much, it is a lot! Before ordering the modern-man Indy intake I could not find any info on the hood clearance other than the folks at Indy saying it will fit. Not sure it if would be the same with the stock K member?
Thanks
Pat

[72BBSwinger]

Not sure about the Alter-K but some others like Magnumforce set the engine higher than the stock K to clear the rack and the steering shaft. Its not a ton, maybe 1/2", but its higher. I made my own mounts and have about 3/8"-7/16" between Milodon pan and factory K member.

[68Cuda440]

This is the shifter that came with the T56 and I would like to find an original 1968 T handle shifter that I can modified the T handle to trigger a relay for the reverse lockout on the new trans. If anyone has one or knows where to get one please let me know. I’ll check at Carlisle in a few weeks.
Thanks
Pat

Are you referring to the Inland shifter? The one that has the piece you lift with your fingers for the reverse lock out? That is early '68, later '68 used the Hurst.

[keepat]

Not sure about the Alter-K but some others like Magnumforce set the engine higher than the stock K to clear the rack and the steering shaft. Its not a ton, maybe 1/2", but its higher. I made my own mounts and have about 3/8"-7/16" between Milodon pan and factory K member.

Hard to say what the stock height would be on a gen 3 motor. I do know the motor is as low as it can be as I have about an 1/8" from the oil pan to the steering rack. I'm happy with the 2 1/2 inches of clearance as I know I can make a custom base for the stock looking hemi air cleaner.
Thank you!
Pat

[keepat]

Are you referring to the Inland shifter? The one that has the piece you lift with your fingers for the reverse lock out? That is early '68, later '68 used the Hurst.

Yes that's exactly what I'm talking about I'll try to find a picture and post it. I think it would be cool to use that trigger that you lift up with your fingers to release a relay and allow the T56 to go into reverse electronically. It will take a lot of modifications but I think it's doable. Please let me know if you know of one for sale.
Thanks
Pat

[keepat]

Today I started fitting the backseat to see what modifications would be needed to fit the min-tubs. Both inter wheel wells have been moved inboard about 2 ½” each. After the 1st test fit I was pleasantly surprised to find very little modifications would be required, and most importantly the stock seat cover could be used!









The seat needed no modification as the seat frame cleared the wheel well.









The two tabs at the bottom of each wheel well needed to be moved to their original location. The tabs hold the seat back down.









These two metal rods need to be moved in about 1 ½” on each side to clear the wheel well.





Here you can see the 2 rods moved and the original rod to show the difference.





Fits great just need new black seat covers.
Thanks
Pat

[wfo guy]

It's nice when something works out without major effort.

[Motown 454]

Sweet! Nice to catch a brake once in a while.

[72BBSwinger]

I had to mod the frame on the seat back to clear the minitub in my Dart. The seat bottom fit good like yours too luckily.

[SaturnVUEguy]

One hell of a project, loving the progress!

[keepat]

Thank you gentlemen!!!
Pat

[keepat]

I picked up an aluminum air cleaner from Chris with Classic Haulage at Carlisle PA yesterday. Chris is a nice guy and he makes a great aluminum Hemi type air cleaner. A chrome plated repro of the original steel air cleaner is now available but as my motor is all aluminum I keep the aluminum theme. I need to make a custom filter base and get a 426 Hemi Head air cleaner sticker to finish the look.
Thanks
Pat

[Motown 454]

Damn that looking sweet!

[keepat]

I removed the fenders and doors for the 1st time since the factory installed them in 1968. One of the things that attracted me to this car is it has all of its original body panels and has never been in an accident! The doors, fenders, trunk, hood, and a few other parts will go to the soda blaster Monday and the hinges will get shipped to SMS to be rebuilt. Interesting to find that the left and right fender had the same size shims with exception of 1 additional 1/16 shim on the bottom right rocker.
Thanks
Pat

[wfo guy]

What's your guesstimate on completion?

[Motown 454]

Quote "Interesting to find that the left and right fender had the same size shims with exception of 1 additional 1/16 shim on the bottom right rocker."

That's very rare to find any car from that era with tolerances that close.

[keepat]

What's your guesstimate on completion?

I'm shooting for next spring and possibly take the car on the hot Rod power tour in June???
Thanks
Pat

[keepat]

Quote "Interesting to find that the left and right fender had the same size shims with exception of 1 additional 1/16 shim on the bottom right rocker."

That's very rare to find any car from that era with tolerances that close.

Wayne,
Yes that was quite surprising because I've had quite a few cars apart and I've never seen tolerance that close.
Thanks
Pat

[andrewb70]

Pat,

You did yourself a favor starting with a clean shell. It's totally worth it to start with a nice body because in the long run it'll probably end up being less expensive than replacing rotten panels.

Andrew

[SixPackDaniel]

Build is awesome. Did the 9" rear already come with the upper 4-link mounting tabs welded in place or did you have to do that?