68 Barracuda Convertible 452 cu.in. 4-speed

[barracuda400]

Hi Guy's

This is my project which started in 1990 in San Diego. At the end of our 6 month trip we've bought a 67 Barracuda Convertible in San Diego. After an accident in the container during the shipment to Switzerland I've decided to start to restore the car. Unfortunately I've found a lot of rust in the quarters, convertible top area, floors, the usual rust spots. The car sat for almost 10 years before I started to cut out the rusty sheet metal. It took me another 10 years to finish all the sheet metal work and changes I've always wanted to implement in this project. Before I sent the car to the sand blaster I've installed all the parts to check for fitment. End of May the car was ready for the paint job. It took almost 3 month to prepare the body for the final coat of light ivory. Now my car is back from painting and I install all the prepared parts. All of the metall parts are either powder coated or nickel plated to prevent any kind of corrosion. I've added some pictures of the restoration process.

 

[baracus]

Good work, what are the engine specs?

 

[4spdragtop]

Beautiful work, more pics please!

 

[barracuda400]

400 stroker with six pack from Muscle Motors Lansing. Dyno sheet attached.

 

[barracuda400]

Guys some pictures taken in the body shop

 

[barracuda400]

Now the car is back from painting and is ready for assembly. I've already started with installation of bumpers, grill, rear and electrical work.

 

[76orangewagon]

Looks nice, I like the subtle body mods.

 

[barracuda400]

Yes, that's exactly what was on my mind. To add modern parts but keep the character of the car.

 

[360DartGT66]

Very nice! You don't see many black engines and I think it will look great in the white engine bay.

I'm a little confused, though, is it a 67 or a 68? :???:

 

[barracuda400]

It was originally a 67 model. But I like the 68 grille and taillights and the graphics of the 69. So best of every year combined in one car.

 

[360DartGT66]

I see. Well it looks terrific to me so I guess you've got good taste. :thumblef:

 

[bbrroowwnn]

are you putting the Ford 9" back in or going with 8-3/4 mopar?

 

[barracuda400]

You're right. The 9 inch out of a 75 Monarch was the only option if you want to use disc brakes and have the calipers appearing almost like the mopar ones up front. I didn't want to install modern rear brakes on 8 3/4. To find a good mix with old parts and modern technologie is not easy. It was always part of the whole project to get the best of every world without loosing the look of a 60's car. Believe me this is not easy and I've spent hours to think about and I've redone a few changes twice.

 

[barracuda400]

To accept exhaust pipes between opened rear wheel wells and tank another modification was necessary. After several tries I've ended up to use a Charger tank instead of the original tank. This also requires to shorten the tank to fit in the shorter Barracuda trunk area. I've had to cut the spare tire housing and weld a flat sheet metal in the trunk. So a lot of adjustments for a small change, to have space for the 18 x 12 Rallies with 335/30/18 Goodrich rubbers. Pictures of the changes for the wheel housing will follow.

 

[340sFastback]

Car looks great. Very interesting what you did with the gas tank and trunk floor. Never seen that done before.

 

[barracuda400]

First of all you need to cut the spare tire part of the trunk. It's quite easy as you have spot welds in front and back of the trunk. I've cutted the sides next to the frame rails to hide the new spot welds. The charger tank is a bit too long for the barracuda trunk area. So therefore I've cutted about 7 inches at the narrow side of the tank. Welding the opening was a bit tricky but it worked fine. The angle of the side filler neck opening of the charger tank was not correct for the Barracuda. So I've to cut the Cuda tank filler piece and fitted to the charger tank. To avoid of possible rust inside I've filled the tank with a special 2 component painting. To mount the tank to the car you need to weld two front hangers near the gas shocks and two in the rear. So to have the possibility to attach the tank straps I've cutted the L-shape connection between the two frame rails and welded a self made u-shape frame piece in. I was never happy with the original L-connection cause of stability problems in the rear.

 

[barracuda400]

So I've attached some pictures to show you, how I've mini tubbed my Cuda. I was never happy with the offered boxes and relo kits for the leaf springs of the different manufacturers. I've decided to create my own frame connection. I wanted to use the original leaf spring hanger bolts to have a kind of original look without cutting too much of the existing frame. I've also cut app. 1/2 inch of the leaf spring near the front eye. Any feedbacks welcome.

 

[barracuda400]

Guy's, my k-member is now ready to accept the engine. I've focused on every detail including powder coating and nickel plating of the bolts and nuts. I'm looking forward for the upcoming wedding.

 

[limegreen70]

Wow I am in Awe of this car, You are doing some Fantastic work.

 

[jtkaaa07]

Damn, that is going to be a bad ****!

 

[barracuda400]

Thanks for your posts. I'm also happy with the outcome and the progress. I will post more pictures for you guys.

 

[68gtxman]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet! Nice fab skills! Love these vert's!

 

[barracuda400]

Yes, these verts are absolutely perfect as basis for any kind of project. I've finished the trunk carpeting today and it looks really nice.

 

[mosleyme]

Yes, these verts are absolutely perfect as basis for any kind of project. I've finished the trunk carpeting today and it looks really nice.

I love what you did in the trunk, I may have to borrow some ideas here. I was looking to do something very similar on my coupe. The notchback coupe and convertible share the same trunk lid and opening. My fuel tank comes up 4" into the trunk, I was planning to make a false floor panel over the top, then making side and rear panels similar to what you have done. Are the panels aluminum?

What is the windshield wiper reservoir from? I like hiding it here. Is it much pain to run the hose to the front?

What trunk gasket are you using?

 

[barracuda400]

Your setup with the custom made tank looks really nice. I was also thinking about such a solution but with the tank in the trunk you are loosing space which is not a lot in the cuda. To answer your questions: The panels are made of 1mm steel with a powder coating and covered with car carpet. The reservoir is out of a PT Cruiser (stick to Mopar) and an easy installation. The trunk gasket is normally used for doors. You can buy this in Switzerland as yardage in different profiles. Attached a detailled picture of the one I've used. If you are interested I can send you the appropriate length and profile. Just let me know.