I got the call...

MadFish · October 22, 2001

The body shop just called me. I can pick my 'Cuda up tomorrow afternoon. I cant wait. I need to clean the garage up so I can get it inside. But, ITS DONE. I think I am just going to put the car in primer for now. The sad part is now it has to sit:( I need to save some money to live for the next year. I know its not a truck or a GM, but Im to happy to worry about that now.

Chev4Ever · October 23, 2001

Sounds good!!!

What all was done???

MadFish · October 23, 2001

I had the roof replaced. It had a vinyl top originally and over time it rusted the roof skin off, the rear window channel, windshield channel and the A-arms. It wasnt a pretty sight. But, now she should be decent looking.

LT · October 23, 2001

Good news to have your "cuda" out of the body shop but tell me about your Cuda. Engine, mods, restoration plan, etc.

MadFish · October 23, 2001

I decided to build it into a Pro-touring car. But, heres the plan as it sits right now. Im going to take the 383 and the 4spd out and replace them with a fuel injected 440 and a Tremic TKO 5spd or Viper 6spd(depends on the money when I get to that point) I am rebuilding a narrowed Dana 60 right now. Im going to put 3:90 or 4:10 gears in it. Going to run disc brakes all the way around. 17x8 Crager super spokes on the rear and 16x7 on the front. Low profile tires. Im changing from a blue interior to black. But, the interior is going to be somewhat custom and somewhat original. I have to work around the rollcage, so some original things have to go. Its going to be painted a late 90's Ford Blue, with black 440 billboards, and 1970 style go-wing. Im moving the radio antena to the rear 1/4, instead of the pass. fender. There wont be any name plates on the car besides the 440-6 Cuda on the hood. I have a rallye hood. I painted the rallye inserts grills a Porsche red, along with the inserts on the grill. I still have to find a pair of gilled fenders or make my own. But, it shouldnt be to hard to convert mine over to gilled fenders. Im not to fond of the torsion bar suspension. So, Im planning on building a custom chassis with a Mustage II front suspension. I plan on lowering the car as far as I can and still keep it from rubbing on speed bumps. I have a Mallory ignition ready to go in. Plus a lot more, but my fingers are tired now.

76BBSub · October 23, 2001

Sounds like a cool project!

You should consider one of the hideaway radio antennas, it would be less work, probably the same money (considering body work), and look cooler. Or you could just skip the radio, like I did (factory radio delete Corvette). My music comes from 4 barrels, eight cylinders, and two pipes...

Keep us posted on your progress.

Jeff

MadFish · October 23, 2001

76, thats what the plan is. I am going to hide a radio in the car somewhere, most likely in the glove box or under the drivers seat. And where the radio should go I am going to put a 8-track. Just for that 1970's look. I might hook it up and find a 8-track tape to play in it or just leave it unhooked for looks.

96 Vortec · October 25, 2001

Well, it's about dang time. Just kidding. Glad to hear it is on it's way back to your garage. Too bad you gotta save your money for living expenses, but think of where you are going to school. You gonna be taking pics and posting them for us that are desk jockeys?

On a side note, one of the reasons I got rid of my 70 Camaro was becuse the rear quarters were completely rusted out around the fender opening and door jamb along with around the top of the rear window and around the rear valence. Ok. the rear of the car was shot. A couple of weeks ago I was on my way to Jeff City for a wedding and what do I spy? The complete rear portion of the body with the roof still attached sitting on the side of the highway for sale. Needless to say, I was a little torked off.

MadFish · October 25, 2001

I got the digital Camera warmed up and ready to go. I might not have a lot of time to get on the net. but, I'll try and post some pics of the cars out there.