Back into it after about 12 years - Need Ebody help

Hi Guys ! My origianl screen name was mopART back when I was more active on this site about 12 years or so ago and I added this one a short while ago. I have forgotten more about cars than I want to admit but I have come here from time to time to see what's for sale.

So I have gotten myself into what I think is a worthwhile project. It's a '73 'cuda that was converted to a drag car (no engine or trans) - tubbed, caged, inner fenders cut out - the standard stuff. As raggedy as it is, i like it! I am keeping the tubs and part of the cage but I am replacing inner fender wells, radiator support and other engine bay items.

Anyway, what I need to do first is get it rolling again steering so I can move it around easier and on and off a trailer. There are some issues with steering, brakes, axles and it has 4 different size wheels on it now .

Can someone tell me what the factory track width on the front end (hub face to hub face)? It has a narrow front track width and it doesn't look right to me. It may not be stock which is part of the fun of doing a deconversion. It has drums on the front which may or may not be right - I don't know. If the track width is wrong and since I want discs all the way around, I may replace the whole K and suspension/brakes assembly.

Also, it has a home-engineered fast-style steering contraption in it now that is all jacked up. I am removing that and putting in a manual steering box.
Does the steering box mount on the K or the frame rail?

I am probably gonna need a lot of parts. lol !

thanks guys!

It's good to be back
Rob

Steering box mounts to the k frame with 3 bolts. I have a complete pair of front drum brake setup, if you want to go that route.

Ok - thanks. If I need the brakes I will get back to you. I appreciate your help.

The stock track width on my Challenger is 59.8", Nearly 5 feet! 'Cuda my be a little narrower but not by much. A lot of drag cars are narrowed in the front. I don't know why you would want to replace the stock inner fenders and associated stuff that it just in the way when working on a hot rod. I would look into a 1 piece fiberglass front end from maybe Glasstek. Sounds like the car is already cut up and I would just go with it.

The car will probably never see a track again. I am going to remove part of the cage so I can get in and out of it easier. Replacing the inner fenders will reduce the likelihood of debris getting in the engine compartment because I will be driving the car some on nicer days. I am by no means trying to restore this thing either, not even close. I just want a decent driver for my own enjoyment and maybe a little tire smoke every now and then.

And thanks for the specs on front track !

We need pics!

That is one BIG project. A LOT of fun to be had...

I hope to have it running, rolling and stopping by mid July. We shall see. I expect I will accumulate quite a few cuts, bruises and dirt in the eye - just like the old days.

Keep us updated. I would like to follow the build if possible.

Hi guys,

I am working on getting the car rolling and braking. I knew when I bought this Cuda that the rear end was torn up and that the brakes were not working. I have spent some time collecting parts hoping I could get in a few days work and put my accumulated parts on. I have found a few here on the swap meet and I thank you guys for helping me! I will need more!

So I got the wheels off and was not surprised to see NO brakes at all on the rear. The axle retainers were bent and it seems as if there's something that goes where the red arrow is pointing. Is this where the backing plate goes? I cannot remember. Something is not right.

I'm having my housing checked for straight and true, looking to buy axles and I have a nice 489 suregrip to go in.

And it looks like I will need complete brake assemblies along with axles. Any suggestions on a good source for these used parts? I haven't had much luck in the swap meet.

thanks !

Yes backing plates go in that spot you need complete brake assemblies

Ok - thanks. That's what I was hoping. Now I need to get all the brake parts.

Welcome back,
The same thing happened to me.
Got "lost" for about 15yrs.
Now working on this project, one of three, with my 14yo son

[video:youtube]https://youtu.be/iSaYF3Va4RY?list=PLEQmGOZDx8smgrcx3nuaL_WBhYVIgtyfd[/video]

Thanks! Man, that's great. You can teach him the joys of rusty dirt in the eye, vintage style knuckle busters and trans fluid in the hair!

What is wrong with those axles you have? The plates do not need to be perfectly straight, yours look fine from here.

Look at this picture below, the brake parts are oddball so forget that, but the way the plate mounts is what you should look at, the axle and bearing goes in there and bolts down. Pretty simple.

Yes, that's what I was hoping to see.
Look in this picture at the red arrow and you can see where a home-job axle shortening was done. It looks like they cut the spline end off, shortened the axles and welded spline section back on. Take note of the yellow arrow which shows the spline section is missing- home shortening fail. There wasn't a chunck in the rear end so it's been exposed to the elements.

I can only assume they shortened the housing too which is why I am having it checked

Updated, repaired, cleaned, painted and ready to install... slow but getting there.

If you have a rear end housing with lots of rust you need to clean out, use Naval Jelly! works great .

Good job! Cool!

Nice job on the rear end and brakes

Thanks, guys! I still have a long way to go... I will be rebuilding the front end and brakes next! More updates to come

I'm working on rebuilding the front suspension now. The next hurdle will be to re-install the front fender aprons and radiator support. Whatever braces were there to support these pieces is gone too.
Can someone give me a diagram of what pieces I need? I have contacted two sheet metal suppliers asking for help and no one has responded as of yet and I haven't had much luck looking online myself. I don't have better pictures right now but maybe you can see there's nothing


Got the rear end in and wheels on

Thanks guys !

I should have been posting updates. So far I have replaced the firewall, upper cowl, full floor and now installing new fender aprons so this will be a fast forward ... Working on attaching the radiator support now. How are the upper and lower supper pieces attached to the side pieces?
And can someone tell me what size clips and bolts I need for attaching the fenders to the aprons?

I pretty sure both upper and lower radiator support pieces were original spot welded on. As to bolts to attach fenders I would say go to ebay and search e-body fender bolts, you'll find full bolt/clip/stud kits for attached both fenders.

Great - thanks! And what about the junction where the top support meets the apron; do you know if it's spot welded there too? I appreciate your help.

I had the same idea about the bolts right after I posted this.. I'll be able to find it there. Thank you!