Great News on the Cuda, but now that you used the Hemi engine in the Challenger what will you do for a motor?

I don't have any car guy neighbors except for one guy who has medical issues a lot and is unable to help much. Moparts member Burkenator was nice enough to come over a couple of times to lend a hand but I just hate to bother people too much. I know they are busy and have lives and projects too. So my wife has been good about helping on small stuff.

Any updates Joe?

Hi Joe - I just spent this evening reading this thread and wow! it's a great looking car! Looks like the end might be in sight now that the motor and some of the glass is in.

Thanks for mentioning some of the sources you've used and your experience. I'm bookmarking them as I see them. I restored a '69 Charger almost 20 years ago. It wasn't quite the right car for me and eventually let it go. However, I've gotten the itch to work on another Mopar and threads like this are great to read so I can figure out how to do it 'right' this time. Thanks!

Thanks Homerr, I don't know that I'm "doing it right" but I'm doing it anyway.

Sorry Tom, I don't have too much to report. When I installed the steering column, the coupler retainer cap came off so I will need to pull the steering column out and redo it. I've spent the last 2 weeks battling a rezoning issue near my home and this weekend my oldest is in a Soccer tournament. She has 4 games and the youngest has one 1 too. I did order some parts from Dante so I can install the gas tank. That's next on the todo list. Should be able to get that in within the next week or two I hope. I had hoped to have this thing running by now but you know how that goes.

I apologize for not answering some of your emails, I had not logged in for a while but I just responded to them.

In the last week or so, I installed the fuel tank, filler neck and gas cap.

With the fuel tank in, the rear valance went on. Looks like I need to dust the rear bumper or work a little faster.

Looking good

Checking in to see:
-How the car is doing?
-How little girl is doing?
-How the zoning issue went?

Hope all is well.

Hey Joe. Hope you and your family had a nice Christmas. If you need anything....holler!

Thanks Jackie!

Wally, sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Daughter is doing very well. She eats and drinks great but is still on the thin side. Otherwise very healthy and keeping me hopping. Rezoning went in our favor but they had a year before they could come at us again. Instead of taking the deal we offered up, they are going to hit us again when their time is up. Big guy v/s little guy thing and we're the little guy. Such a waste of time but I'll fight for what's right all day long just on principle.

Nothing happening on the car right now. It is really close to being fired up, just can't carve out time to wrap it up.

Happy New Year though!

No worries, Great to hear that all is well!! I'm glad to hear everyone is healthy and happy.

My 2 little girls keep me moving constantly as well.

Looking forward to seeing progress!

The former owner of the car and good friend of mine came to pick-up some parts the other day and he was nice enough to help me with a few things.

For the first time in a LONG while, the car is sitting on the ground on all 4 wheels. I need to adjust the front ride height, it is too high. I did a rough alignment on it but it needs to be properly aligned. I have not restored the wheels or put new tires on it. I'll do that before having it aligned though. We put the hood and hinges on and after a little tweaking it settled into place nicely. The hood fits really good with the fenders and this thing is finally beginning to look like a car again.

Nice work! Thanks Joe for responding to my emails...seems like youre a busy dude.

Where did you get the t/a hood?

Nice work as always!

Thanks guys!

The hood was a "scratch and dent" hood that came from Year One. The repairs needed were very small. I don't know who made it and it isn't as "accurate" as some of the other aftermarket hoods but it does follow the fender body lines nicely.

I'm currently trying to carve out a little time in March to work on some more stuff. I'll post up pics as I get things done. Thanks to everyone for your interest in the project. It means a lot.

Joe

Making baby steps but hey...progress is progress. Hood pins installed. It was a riveting process.

Joe

That's absolutely right, progress is progress. Just keep on keepen on.

Last week or so, I did a little indoor grilleing. He he he. I also installed the hood trim. YO said that you could not install it on this hood, I beg to differ. I can't find the light bezel screws I have packed up somewhere so I'll have to get some, then I can install those.

Part of the delay in finishing the car is that I have been living in two cities for the past 2 years and haven't been able to do too much. It appears that may finally change and I will be back on track. As Tom Petty says... I'm Running Down a Dream.

Looks good. I'm glad you redid the grill correctly. I see too many off them completely black.

Thanks Darren! Can't believe it's been almost a year since I have logged in to Moparts. For those that have been wondering, we have had a relocation and a sick family member. Been too busy to get time to work on it. Car is sitting in the garage waiting for me to finish it up. Hope everyone has been doing well.

Joe