Not much progress since my last post. Although I did receive alot of new parts for the Hemi. New Chromedome air cleaner which has been discontinued (Tony's Parts still had some in stock). New black wrinkle valve covers that are on nation wide back order (found on ebay). New exhaust manifolds, motor mounts,pulleys, and of course a hassle free dual quad induction system with calibrated edelbrock carbs from Mancini.

My delimma now is that I am having second thoughts about leaving it automatic. I already have alot of the 4spd parts needed. I'm just not sure my poor knees will tolerate it as I get older.

I still havn't found a better hood yet either which is holding up the progress on painting.

I had a friend get Paintless Dent Removal done on his Grand Cherokee this weekend while we watched. It was an amazing process and when completed you couldn't tell there had ever been any dents in it at all!

He did it on the side for $150 for 5 very large dents!

Finally started back at the project this past week after an 8 month break. I had no luck in finding a better hood, so I decided it's time to repair the one I have.

Along with the hail damage, the glue between the two layers had also let go. Plus it had two of the welded nuts broke off inside the hood. Plus it had surface rust and a mouse nest inside that I just couldn't seem to completely get rid of.

The only way to really take care of all these issues was to drill out the spot welds and get inside.

Mouse dirt....

Hood safety catch welded nut was broke off and rolling around inside...

Sanded off any remaining paint and as much of the rust as I could. Then used Rust Not on the remaining surface rust.....

The inner webbing got sand blasted and then a coat of epoxy primar....

welded back together and painted.

Top side looks much better now.....ready for primer.

Got a few more pieces painted...

Good bye automatic.....I'm going 4 spd! I will leave those tabs on the tunnel just in case it ever needs to go back to auto.

4spd hump installation...

pic 2

Underneath pic of 4spd hump...

Painted the black on the inner doors....

How did you get the dents out of the hood? Looks good.

Wow...the project is very impressive. I love those tribute cars. I've always wanted to do a 68 Landy Coronet myself. I love it. Nice job!!
Thanks for posting the pictures. It gives the rest of us a shot in the arm to get going on our own projects.I love what you did with the buldge hood. Looks nice after you put it back together. Not too many guys I know would have made that kind of repair.But...with the good parts hard to find, we have to fix what we have nowadays.
keep rockin my friend.HR20

very nice cars and great work!