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This car comes to us for work from our good friend and top-notch finance/business advisor 'Dave'. Its another Dave, not the same one. This is a true AAR cuda that has an automatic and rallye gauges. He brought it to us with the metal and paint work already done, and we will be completing the rebuild process from there. Front K frame and suspension will be removed and rebuilt using a Just Suspension Polygraphite kit, new stainless brake lines and fuel lines as well as gas tank. Engine and transmission work has already been done and will be installed as a unit with the completed front suspension. We will also go through the windows and mechanisms and install a new interior.
Watch the progress as we transform this pig into a street basher. |
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This is the rolling shell with fresh paint and the blackout treatment already done. First thing was to put the stipes on it so it would be a bit easier to look at. Next step is removing the K frame and front suspension. All the bushings were replaced with polygraphite and the remaining pieces were blasted and painted to remove overspray and make a clean installation. With the K frame out, it makes it so much easier to get in the engine compartment and start the process of re-assembly, without having to lean over the fenders. |
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After the K frame has been blasted and painted, it provides a good platform to assemble the majority of the pieces that make up the front of the car. Engine and trans can be attached, all the belts and manifolds are easily assembled without having to lean over the fenders. Front end components, including brakes, shocks, control arms and torsion bars are all there. The body is then lifted up and the drivetrain is then positioned under the car. After its lowered, it only takes a few minutes to make it a roller from the front again. This is not a new process or some eath-shattering proceedure. The factory did it on a bigger scale when they built the cars new. |
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After adding the heater hoses, wiper motor and arms,
assorted underhood items and carbs, its beginning to look a lot
like it should. Some of these items should have been installed
before the engine went in, but availability of pieces and
reconditioning schedule of carbs did not come together at the same
time. Just have to put a lot of blankets on the fenders and be real
careful. |
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Rear end is removed to clean and refresh a few of the bearings and seals. It gets steam cleaned, fresh paint and polygraphite bushings in the spring eyes. Axel bearings are replaced with stationalry green bearings, new wheel cylinders, brake shoes and hardware. Drums are turned and the assembly is ready to go back in. Meanwile, the bottom of the car is sundercoated over the original undercoat, to cover overspray from being repainted. Makes the bottom of the car look factory fresh. The whole car is covered to avoid overspray and there are places in corners that the assembly workers didnt dream of spraying. |
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We start at the edge of the back window, and cover everything to the firewall with foil backed high density foam, about 1/4" thick. It goes over everything and inside the quarter window cavities, doors and kick panels. This greatly reduces heat and noise, many times better than the factory material and proceedure does. Carpet, headliner and side panels all fit well due to the thickness. The dash assembly is then installed with the wiring harness intact, after the heater box and fresh air vents are installed first. A lot of trim work is all that is left. |
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Many hours and a thousand small pieces later, it becomes a car again. The sound deadner works well to insulate the car, graphite bushings increase manuverability and the car actually IS better than new. |
Just as a historical note: nearly 7 years after this car was built, the owner contacted us to sell it for him. It was put up for sale here on the site, and nationally through other advertising mediums that we use. It was sold and shipped to Norway, where the new owners have converted it to a Tremec 5 speed. |
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