Restoration questions!!

[ronscuda]

Ok I have my cuda stripped down to the shell and I am getting ready to hopefully mount it to a rotisserie!!! My questions are.. Will I need to brace my door openings ?? I do plan on transporting it to the blaster and to the painter on a rotisserie. The body is in great shape no real rust issues( no paint off yet either)!! Is there anybody in the Detroit area selling a rotisserie or renting one?? I am going to replace all my suspension does anybody have a suggestion for which manufacturer to go with.. I would like to improve handling but it is not like I will be racing it so I am thinking going with rubber instead of poly?? I am thinking of painting my k member to match the car is that a horrible idea?? I am just looking for opinions and tips I know it's up to me I am just looking for information to make my decision on??

thanks

 

[challenger6pak]

If it is a hardtop you shouldn't have to brace the door openings. It can't hurt to do it. There are several good aftermarket suspensions. If it were my car, I would figure out exactly what I want to do with the car and then find a suspension that is made for what I want to do. It will take some research to figure it out but it will be worth it. As far as a body color K-frame, it is your car. Do what you want. You may not have your original K-fame depending on what suspension you use. What color are you planning on using?

 

[moparleo]

How good are your welding skills ? US Car Tool not only sells about the best weld in frame connectors but they also sell rotisserie kits or complete units.

 

[ronscuda]

I want the car to have a stock appearance but it wouldn't hurt to have a little better performing suspension. I just plan on blasting and powder coating the LCA and the UCA, Probably same for the k-frame and the cross member that mounts to the trans. New spring leafs and torsion bar and front end kit... Which kits are closest to factory? I am going sassy grass green...I would love to put on a billboard graphic but it's a 70 and don't think I could do it.

 

[ronscuda]

Thanks for the info on US car tools.. I actually just bought one today and hope to have the car on it right after work tomorrow.

 

[moper]

You don;t need braces as mentnionned for a hard top. The k frame - IMO should be black... It looks odd from the front with it body color but that's just my opinion. I like urethane suspension bushings - everywhere BUT the lower control arms. Those get rubber because I find they are most likely to squeak and the road vibration transmitted get's beyond what I like in a cruiser. I buy my components from a local parts store - I get only Moog Chassis. The rest is offshore stuff and the quality is terrible. The Moog's slightly better...lol. Best would be NOS. Be careful about the leaf springs - many have reported sagging after a couple years because they too are cheap crap.

 

[ronscuda]

You don;t need braces as mentnionned for a hard top. The k frame - IMO should be black... It looks odd from the front with it body color but that's just my opinion. I like urethane suspension bushings - everywhere BUT the lower control arms. Those get rubber because I find they are most likely to squeak and the road vibration transmitted get's beyond what I like in a cruiser. I buy my components from a local parts store - I get only Moog Chassis. The rest is offshore stuff and the quality is terrible. The Moog's slightly better...lol. Best would be NOS. Be careful about the leaf springs - many have reported sagging after a couple years because they too are cheap crap.

Thanks, I think I am going to powder coat the k-frame black. So they urethane doesn't squeak anywhere but the lower control arms? What kind of springs do you recommend? I think I am going with a .96 torsion bar do you have any recommendation for a torsion bar?

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[moparleo]

Check with PST. They are one of our sponsors and give us a discount. They will be happy to recommend the correct set-up that you need.

 

[moper]

Urethane can squeak anywhere the bushing rotates - lowers and uppers are the "normal" places but uppers you can hit with something to stop it. I also install using antiseize - not the compound they give you. On the torsion bars - it depends on what the car has now and what you want it to do later. Bigger bars are a stiffer ride.

 

[ronscuda]

Thanks for the info every bit of knowledge from others experience helps!!

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[moparleo]

I remember that the Challengers had a " squatting " rear end attitude when they were new. Had nothing to do with quality. Most probably don't know this because of the common practice of the time with " Hi-jacker " air shocks and Big and littles , larger rear tires and smaller front tires.