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This just in from sunny California !
Just wait to see what's in store for this original 1973 318 Barracuda.
Plans call for a complete transformation into a 71 Hemicuda clone, decked out with all the sweet 1971 options and a great big ol' Hemi backed by a five speed transmission and Dana 60 rear axle.
Hang on...It's going to be one heck of a ride !
1971 Resto-mod 5spd 572 HEMICUDA
First step is to strip the car entirely apart. First impression was good, excellent condition frame and floors, trunk floor will need replaced and the driver's side inner apron.
After the car is completely apart the next step will include placing the car on a cart, then it's off to the sand blasters !
STEP ONE COMPLETE: The car has been totally stripped down to the bare shell. Lots of issues found in the trunk and rear quarter areas, but otherwise I nice solid shell.
Be off to the blasters soon !
Step two includes buying all the reproduction sheet metal from AMD to repair the rust and convert this 73 into a 71 ! A whole trailer full .
Check out these beautiful 17" YearOne Ralley Rims mounted on Nitto NT450 Tires....Sweeeet !
STEP TWO COMPLETE: With the car freshly blasted and epoxy primed, there's absolutely no more secrets. Every pin hole of rust has been cleaned out and sealed up with primer. Another excellent job by Eramosa Autobody
The car will now move on to step three at Keith Sim's Metalcraft.
STEP THREE:Starting with the front clip, Keith expertly attacks the firewall and inner aprons. A mixture of fabricated patches and AMD sheet metal will take care of all the rust issues.
Once complete the car will have all the correct 71 details under the hood. Take note of the custom "filled" firewall, that will be explained later....Remember this is a "RESTOMOD"
On to the floor. Actually most of the floor was nice except the area under the rear seat. New AMD panels take care of that in a hurry !
Out with the old....
The new AMD panels fit perfectly !
STEP THREE is all done. With all the new panels in place, no one will ever guess this 71 Hemicuda started life as a 1973 318 Barracuda.
Car now has the correct torque boxes, Dana 60 reinforcement plate along with the rear spring plates...Stronger then new !
STEP FOUR includes a mock up assembly. For that I'll have to order all the huge Wilwood brakes, sway bars and of course the Tremec 5spd transmission...Stay tuned !
Still waiting on the engine to arrive so I thought I would bring it in the shop and start getting it ready for the mock-up stage. Got all the new 1971 body panels in place, some seam sealing done. I also equipped the trucnk lid with these real cool gas charged shocks !
Talk about well worth the wait !
The monster has arrived. 572 All aluminum, FAST EFI, beautiful Bullet Specialties pulley system backed by a Tremic 5spd SWEEET !
You can see the modifications that have to be done to get the Tremic sitting at the correct height. Keith Sim is fabricating a new cross member ans will finish the floor to match.
The modified floor looks perfect from every angle !
Rear sway bar in place, and more "bling" for under the hood !
Got the Vintage AC box in place and Keith is working on a work of art himself....an all aluminum Shaker base plate !
Custom AC lines routed in the wheel well!
Scott Davis has done a wonderful job bringing the factory leather seats back to life !
All the lighting has been updated and the professionals at the Auto Clinic are wrapping up all the new electronics !
