Thanks for all of the positive feedback everyone, I really appreciate it. I'm not trying to start a "pity party" for myself but I could see how some people would think that we were skipping some things or maybe doing things backwards. The problem is we started working on it ONE MONTH before I had to start school that was 6 hours away... That being said, we only have had time for the basics (motor, trans, floors, weatherstripping, seals, etc.) because either its reliable and drivable on move-in day, or it's not and my parents are gonna have to drop me off at school and the project will come to a screeching halt until Christmas break. I prefer the first option, so I don't have to bum rides off everyone else for a whole semester. I guess there are many more all-nighters ahead of us, haha.
awr68, tones2SS, Vegas69, and 70rs:
Thanks, and yeah, he was an amazingly talented drummer in a local Memphis band that was starting to receive national attention. He was a really fun, crazy guy. So we are gonna try to build it the way he would have. My dad was really happy with the floors too. We were both pleased with the POR-15 (silver stuff) on the floors and it's definitely worth the $$$. The transmission we used was a 200-4r with the lockup torque converter for gas mileage. As for staying in the family, it's not going anywhere, I don't care how much it's worth. I've already had people bugging me trying to buy it. I'm gonna need all the luck I can get my hands on for college, I'm down at LSU right now at a "Pre-Med boot camp", so I haven't been able to make any progress this week, but this weekend I'm going back home and will definitely have some more updates. While I'm gone, my dad is modifying the TH350 crossmember to fit the 200-4r.
And as for the Spaghetti Engineering Digi-Tails, they weren't on the budget or plan... but thanks to an awesome girlfriend, I'm gonna have some pretty cool tail lights.
I agree with awr68, this one needs to stay in the family and am glad to hear you agree too.
Reliable and drivable as you put it is a great plan and you are well on your way. You will have the coolest ride in school I'm sure.
Thanks for posting and sharing, keep it coming. Lot's of coffee and Red Bulls for those all nighters but it will be worth it in the end!
Thanks for the encouraging words guys. When I was gone my dad mocked up a new transmission crossmember for the 200-4r with some plywood and took it over to Fedex to fabricate it. He used 1/2 inch steel so, in his words "It should be able to hold up a Mack truck." I'm also putting up some older pics I forgot to post, so everything is kind of random. But hopefully today or tomorrow we will be putting the exhaust back together and firing her up for the first time.
Here are some "before" pics of the engine bay, subframe, brakes and booster, and firewall.
Factory Stamping I found when I took off the original A/C unit, I thought this was pretty cool.
Very cool project, and fantastic photos! Following your build in here is like reading a magazine tech story, but with more character. We're all looking forward to seeing how the car turns out. Send some photos and we'll put the car in our "G-Rides" section on the site.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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