I have wanted to build a convertable B body with a HIMI since by school teacher brought one home new in 66'. I finally started in 07 when I purchased a nice driving car. It took several years to buy and assemble the engine, K frame, Dana etc. I built sub assmblies while I waited for money for body work etc. By 09 the HEMI was built and dynoed at 635 HP @ 5,900 rpm, (it is 540 c.i.) There were a lot of herdles to overcome but I just brought it home from the interior shop last week. Next the hood (with metal RO/WO 23 hoodscoop), front bumper and etc. will be installed.

Sorry, got the pics out of order. The first is with the car at its worst, in the body shop

In searching for a HEMI, I came across a new shortblock, "Mega" block, 4.5" Callies billit crank, Manley H beam rods, Diamond coated pistons etc. It was a lot bigger than I wanted for a street car, (540 c.i.) but why not live a little? With a mild solid roller and stock Mopar aluminum heads it made 600ft. lb. of torque as soon as the dyno load was installed and 635 HP @ 5,900 rpm at peak.

With the engine and trans done, and the K frame built, it seemed easiest to install by dropping the body over the drivetrain. I have been told that this is impossible but here are the photos to prove it.

After the body drop, it was back home in the basement to re install the windows, regulators and etc.

There are some things that you just can't do by yourself. Even though I had the 8-3/4 in and out numerous times by myself, I had to "cry uncle" when it came to installing the Dana. Luckily, a neighbor was out of beer, so an afternoons help cost less than a six pack!

With the doors, fenders and glass in the car, it was time to go to the interior shop. I am fortunate to have a very talented, (and patient) interior shop owner just 5 miles from where I live. Driving the car over was my first experiance with the HEMI, (more on that later)

The interior installer quickly learned that Mopar convertable tops, window adjustments etc. are very different from GM! It took extra time but between me and an assembly manual, we managed

I am very pleased with his work, notice how tight the top is in the corners.

There are still some small issues with curtesy lights etc. but I am very pleased. Now to install the hood, front bumper and get the whole car aligned, including setting the cal tracs. I know it wont have any traction but hopefully it will stay straight!

Me likey very nice!
We definitely need more pics than this though.

Well thank you very much! LOL. I have TOO MANY pictures but here are some more. If you have questions, I have no secrets and will answer.

The picture above is a nice drivable car, with a nice economical engine, watch what happens next....

Out with economy and in with Horsepower. Honestly, I have only driven it 10 miles or so, but I am beginning to wonder about people who drive "street" cars with 900+ HP. I will say this, they have larger cahunas than I do!

Of course cramming all of this into the existing space can present a challenge. One is, with a 4.5" stroke, you don't have room for a stock internal pickup. So the drag link goes through the pan ala Ramchargers. What do you do when the link hits the top of the hole on one side, and the bottom of the hole on the other? I didn't know either, but you won't believe the simple solution if I told you!

With the exception of the paint, interior and help by a buddy with a lift, I did all the work in my basement. The car (unibody bare) came home from paint in March 2011, I rolled it outside to start the engine on October 1,2011.

When I say Rebuilt everything at home, take a look at the work bench that the dash is on! All the instruments are new with the exception of the speedo. I bought it restored. By the way, I like 150 mph vs 120 so it is out of a 67' RT.

Heater boxes are overlooked. I don't know how many times I have ridden in a "restored" car and at road speed with the vents open, trash is coming out into my eyes and all over the new interior! Heater boxes are simple to build and the parts are cheap. Look what I found in mine!

One of the few jobs that just took "a weekend" to complete.

Very nice. What is the white 'teens car in the background?