Minor project

[Mr Cuda]

Building a barracuda from a challenger. Cause, I don't do dodges.
They are making inner roof structure now, to go with the roof skin.
This one will have no roof.
But the other challenger might be a hardtop barracuda.

 

[70chall440]

Yeah thats a bit of work, but good luck.

 

[Mr Cuda]

It's really no problem. Natural progression from doing front clips, qtr panel, trunk floor together or full floor replacement.
Plus 40 years of heavy collision experience.
The jig makes it nice. I got the secret datum specs, (saved from being thrown out in 82') made the jig first, and a car dropped right on.

 

[70chall440]

Very cool, I'd love to have a frame jig but I don't really do enough cars to warrant having one.

 

[rklein71]

Yep, a minor project for sure! Yes, a jig is certainly a must for this kind of work.

 

[moparlee]

Where do you cut to make the shorter Plymouth wheel base?

 

[rklein71]

Where do you cut to make the shorter Plymouth wheel base?

That is a good question.

 

[fasjac]

Where do you cut to make the shorter Plymouth wheel base?

I haven’t looked in the body dimensions guide (cut/weld) section but, I would say one would follow the barracuda specs??? Interesting for sure.

 

[fasjac]

Building a barracuda from a challenger. Cause, I don't do dodges.
They are making inner roof structure now, to go with the roof skin.
This one will have no roof.
But the other challenger might be a hardtop barracuda.

View attachment 90110

View attachment 90111

Now that’s a project! I like your spirit. Look forward to seeing the progress.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I was wondering when that would come up! I would get the rear floor pans first. I believe that's where it's shorter. While you are at it I would get a rocker panel reinforcement kit.//When you cut the rocker panels and you move the rear section forward. I think you have a plan and understand you need 4 other jig point to sit on. also you might want to have them adjustable (All thread or nut and bolt washer or shims on jig pin) to line up with the front. have front fixed so it won't move.//I can't see everything but it looks like you used the gauge holes. only concern you won' be able to measure or tram.//I would pick up Steck tape
ebay.com/p/1600211734?iid=393097010352 , a laser level inexpensive will do (The set up is what maters) string line and plum bobs.You may already have this stuff.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Before you cut. Measure what the car is,so you know where you started and where your going.What you think is right can and will be wrong. thesis cars have error and it has to be matched.//From what I understand the car will have to be assembled from back to front. 1/4 panels dictate door gap. That's how I would approach it.That's where the rear jig preset would help.
So you probably know what you are doing or you wouldn't be doing this.Thought I would post a few things for the curious. Wish you where close it would be a challenge. I like challenges!

 

[Challenger RTA]

See what craws into the gauge holes. I put 1" plugs into all hole when done.2nd frame picture right click on to save.There is a blank frame page to measure before start or damage. 3rd also has datum line on.

 

[Mr Cuda]

I see Challenger RTA has a blackhawk frame dimensions book also! Yes that's my reference spec.
I laid out the 8 vertical post with large washers at stop points to hold at the right height.
Then slid it up under and non crashed car to confirm. It holds everything so well, there is no guesswork.
The extra length is all behind the drivers seat. So you shorten the rocker assembly that is hidden behind the qtr panel.
Don't know why it went bold.
Yes, while I was there, I separated the rocker panel and installed 2x3 1/8 wall tube the entire length. Complete with box sections that slide into the trans crossmember through a window in the inner rocker. I wanted everything to be hidden on this car.
I have put subframe connectors in other people's cars, usually convertibles, for years. Of course all pictures are film not digital so hard to upload. I always run the connector into the rear rail, and open the transmission crossmember from the top and box the inside where the connector hits the transmember.

I put subframe connectors in my first cuda in 1980. Then added gusset plates to the rocker. Eventually triangulated under the hood. Then made a replacement rear shock crossmember.
That car is stiff. The suspension no longer flexes the car, and it rides very smooth.

 

[Challenger RTA]

You got It! Just some time!

 

[rallysport]

Hi Mr Cuda,

You state: "They are making inner roof structure now, to go with the roof skin." If you don't mind, who is making the inner roof structure? Thank you,

Rally

 

[batman7349]

1973 Challenger Datum sheet for those that need one. Found it interesting that some dimensions changed from 1970!

 

[Mr Cuda]

I get emails from AMD. Never bothered to look up a catalog number as this one will have no top. I saw a picture with roof side header, c panel , and structure.
All I could find now was this link

 

[rallysport]

I get emails from AMD. Never bothered to look up a catalog number as this one will have no top. I saw a picture with roof side header, c panel , and structure.
All I could find now was this link

Very interesting. thank you so much Mr Cuda

 

[rallysport]

I get emails from AMD. Never bothered to look up a catalog number as this one will have no top. I saw a picture with roof side header, c panel , and structure.
All I could find now was this link

Thank you. I found everything on AMD's site. Cheers!

 

[cuda joe]

bear sight gages I haven;t seen them in a while