71 'Cuda project underway

[Mopar426power]

I've had this car for 30 years, my brother had it before me, and has been great tooling around in. Funny pick of my son sitting on the engine (he is now 27)..

Finally getting serious to fix 'er up right. Step #1 - get the chassis metal as close to factory fresh as possible...

 

[rklein71]

Details please. I see an 8.75 rear so if an original six barrel car, must have been an auto. What is the plans for the build, restomod, stock, etc.?

 

[Mopar426power]

It is an original 340 car, unfortunately the original engine was long gone when I got it. The 440 that was in it is on the floor beside the car.

My wife told me to go big or go home... so I am recreating my all time favorite car - a 71 Hemicuda 4 speed. My goal is to make everything pretty much stock appearance, like it could have rolled out of the factory this way. I have a Dana 60 for the project.... just need a hemi now... should be easy to find right?

 

[heminut]

just need a hemi now... should be easy to find right?

Yup, finding a hemi is easy, finding the money for it.....not so much!

 

[Mopar426power]

Found and secured a 1968 Hemi engine in good shape, one thing down, 100 to go.....

 

[Mopar426power]

Chassis now at AMD for some new metal.. Other items:
Hemi K-Frame - check
426 Motor - check
Hemi carbs - check
Suspension parts - check
Hemi brake booster & master cylinder - check
833 Trans conversion - check
Shaker hood - still looking
70-71 Valve covers - still looking
Hemi exhaust manifolds - still looking

 

[jujuka]

Right on! Let the good times roll! Going to be a very nice ride. Lol, don't forget new billboards.
I plan on doing a shaker on my restoration And I have looked everywhere for a hood.
Just none around, stocked, back ordered, or in production. So, let me know if you find one. The trim ring and backing piece are available, I'm not sure if you can build one with your hood?
Have fun with your project!

 

[Cuda Hunter]

I hate fakebook. Today I saw an original 71 cuda shaker hood for 8K.
Can't find it now. Looked and looked. It's out there somewhere.

 

[Mopar426power]

Btw, I talked to AMD, they plan on making more reproductions (which I hear are decent) but the container prices right now are so high, they are waiting to make another batch. They told me price would almost double because of the shipping container costs.

 

[Cuda Hunter]

shaker hood on moparts 7500
#3019424 02/27/22 06:15 PM

 

[Mopar426power]

Thanks, I will check it out.

 

[Mopar426power]

Looks like a 70 hood without crumple zones, for that kind of of money I would need a 71, but thanks for the tip!

 

[Mopar426power]

Been a little while, car is back from AMD installation center, they did a great job getting the chassis like it just rolled on the assembly line back in 1971!

Some more prep work then off to the body shop!

rolled onto the assembly line.

 

[Mopar426power]

Project is moving along, getting close to getting a complete blast and off to the paint shop.

I am sticking with Curius yellow and black billboards.

Just got my seat covers from Legendary interiors after a few months.

 

[Mopar426power]

Also, I after 9 months have looking, I finally found the valve covers thanks to Andrew at the Mopar Nats!

 

[Cuda Hunter]

Looking great! Can't wait to see some more pictures.
Great find on the cover. What did you have to fork out for it?

 

[Mopar426power]

$1,350.

 

[Mopar426power]

It is crazy how time is flying by, but at the same time still waiting on some parts. Good news is most of the engine parts are in, so the old Hemi is getting a fresh makeover.

 

[cosgig]

How is your grille? I have a super nice original grille I’m looking to sell, I live in Michigan if you’re interested.

 

[Mopar426power]

Possibly, I have my original grille which is a little rough. I see repops are available now but would prefer an original one. Can you send me pics and asking price?