1968 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback (old school build with a new school feel)

[jrlegacy23]

I'd love to see clearance pics once you have your pipes on. Nice job on the rear end by the way.

I have not done them yet, but it looks pretty easy. I may have to be creative to keep them tucked up high though. I will take some pics when I do it all.

Thanks for the compliments.

 

[jrlegacy23]

Disappointing today. I got my new driveshaft dropped off from UPS. I ordered a 42 5/8" center to center, they sent me a 40 1/2" driveshaft with little 1310 Ujoints..... SMH. I was hoping to be driving it this weekend, but guess not.

On the plus side, I got the kick down linkage all installed and working properly on the 46RH, the stock 2 piece A904 worked perfectly.

 

[Kendog 170]

That sucks. Sounds like my luck.

 

[Gearhed73]

Im glad to see that those universal radiator hoses bother someone else too...

 

[Kendog 170]

Im glad to see that those universal radiator hoses bother someone else too...

And those flexible exhaust pipes too

 

[Gearhed73]

Yes sir. At one point we would bring in clean examples of muscle cars. One of the first things that would happen would be removal of all the aftermarket dressup items. It was amazing what the hoses/belts/clamps/decals and colors will do for the look and value of a car. Needless to say, we had a HUGE pile of swap meet parts.

 

[dartslantsix]

I got the brake lines on this weekend, and then moved to the engine compartment. I ended up getting the PITA flowtech headers off. I pulled the motor mounts, lifted the engine about 3" and still had to use the sawzall to cut each header into about 47 pieces. I got the Hedman ceramic shorties all bolted up, but no down pipes on yet. I am very pleased with them. Especially for a street car.
Don't judge on the beautiful radiator hose, this is how I bought the car.

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What headers are these? They look different from the shorties I found on their website. Part number if you got it. Thanks.

 

[jrlegacy23]

What headers are these? They look different from the shorties I found on their website. Part number if you got it. Thanks.

Mine are Hedman 78506:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hed-78506/

Also available in Black ceramic, 78503:
Hedman Tight Tubes Street Rod Headers 78503

Or for budget minded, available in black painted, part number 78500:
Hedman Tight Tubes Street Rod Headers 78500

I hope this helps you. I tried the generic truck shorties, they would not even come close to clear the power steering box.

 

[jrlegacy23]

While working on the car, I am building a 340 I picked up as well. I bought a 340 that was running with a .508 purple cam from a friend. He had the engine bored 30 over, forged pistons, and had it running well. He decided to upgrade the camshaft to a 292 .508 lift and did not do springs, so he broke a valve spring. He then ordered a set of Z Heads from Tony D'Agastino from Tony's Parts. The heads he had rebuilt with the correct springs, hardened valve seats, opened up to 2.02 intake valves. Then he sold his 74 Barracuda and I bought everything for $500. They need a little clean up form sitting on the shelf but not a problem in my book.

I am going through the engine anyways, so I bought a little smaller cam (Comps Cams Thumpr) to match the heads that I am going to self port (just a clean up). This means that I have a 292 .5-0 cam if anyone is interested. I also am running a 2500 stall converter, which I feel is too low for a 2500-6500 RPM cam. I felt it would really need to be at least 3000 stall. So I have an extra 292 .508 cam for sale

 

[4spdragtop]

Oh and I see a "-1" core,
Beautiful work!

 

[jrlegacy23]

Oh and I see a "-1" core,
Beautiful work!

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Yes, I was happy to have a first core. The date code is January 13, 1973.

 

[jrlegacy23]

I got the wheels bolted on, and jacked it up so it was sitting on it's own weight. I really like how the tire/wheel width came out. Yes, I know I really need to clean the garage, but it was a long winter and a lot of work has been going on. LOL

I also move the rear back about 1/2" to center it in the wheel opening. I like the centered look, it is more aesthetically pleasing to me.

 

[Idaho]

Great car and nice progress.

 

[Kendog 170]

I stretched the fronts of my rear wheel openings 1 1/2"to get the extra space and same effect. A little scary cutting new Quarters and Tin knocking but came out smooth.

 

[jrlegacy23]

I stretched the fronts of my rear wheel openings 1 1/2"to get the extra space and same effect. A little scary cutting new Quarters and Tin knocking but came out smooth.

WOW, that looks great. I am not quite that talented so I did what I could with my limited body skills. I love that you finished the look as factory, most just cut and leave it as is.

 

[Kendog 170]

Thanks,When I tubbed it I fabricated outer rear inner fenderwells. I heard most just silicone to the quarter panel. I think there's a lot of strength there that is needed.

 

[Darter6]

FYI, Body shops now-a-days use a product called Panel Bond by 3 M.Super strong and tough as weld. Cool stuff if you are working with body parts that are already painted,like "Damn, I ment to weld that before I painted the quarter !"

 

[jrlegacy23]

My little helper was out helping me bleed the rear brakes. He did awesome on his part, never missed a beat. I also got the B&M Pro ratchet distributor installed, but still need to finish the little details. Chances are that I will be pulling it out of the garage tomorrow, with open shorty headers (small down pipe) just to get it out and check the new transmission.

The new driveshaft arrived today, painted it red and got it all installed.

 

[Dartfreak75]

Nice progress! Keep up the good work that is a cool car!

 

[jrlegacy23]

I was able to get the car started today with open headers. It shifted through the gears nicely. I have not hooked up the overdrive and lock up switch yet. A few pics will follow tomorrow. The new wheels and tires look amazing, can't wait to get some pics in the daylight tomorrow.

 

[Kendog 170]

Nice!

 

[Idaho]

Where's the pics?

 

[jrlegacy23]

Here are a few quick pics:

 

[Idaho]

Nice. I especially like that you don't see many.

 

[Kendog 170]

Great stance !