1974 Plymouth Cuda - Restomod
The project moves on. Most recently was the purchase of a 2019 Scat Pack Challenger with low miles. The hope is transfer most of the electronics to the CUDA!
06/01/23 move car to shop, remove k-frame and rear end, mockup on floor
06/15/23 still doing sheet metal work. had to release all panels and re-assemble
07/01/23 Finishing left quarter panel area and wheelhouses
07/10/23 Install right quarter supports, wheelhouses and panel. Install diff and move vehicle
06//12/24 The Cuda returns
06/13/24 Strip out the left frame rail
06/14/24 Remove inner fender and shock tower
06/15/24 Mock up new frame rail, shock tower, inner fender, and front core support
06/17/24 Weld left side components, alignment check,
06/18/24 Strip firewall and prep for new gussets and install
06/20/24 Strip out right frame rail, inner fender, and shock tower
06/22/24 Weld new gussets to firewall right side and prep for new parts
06/24/24 Install right frame rail, shock tower and inner fender
06/25/24 Install and weld USCT frame stiffeners on right side
06/27/24 Install and weld USCT frame stiffeners on left side
06/29/24 Install new crossmember
07/03/24 Test fit the new fenders
08/12/24 Remove Floor
08/18/24 Floor Fitment and installation
09/01/24 remove doors & hinges, strip and prime hinges
09/08/24 Prep engine bay for primer
09/10/24 apply 2k primer to engine bay, cowl, inner fender area
09/30/24 add basecoat to frame rails & undercar areas
10/15/24 replace rear frame rails
10/20/24 test fit engine / transmission
10/25/24 lighten doors, prime, block & sand
10/31/24 paint engine bay / door edges / door posts
11/1/24 Donor car arrives
11/2/24 Test fit windshield
11/10/24 Start Challenger disassembly
11/10/24 Start Challenger disassembly
11/15/24 Re-install doors
11/20/24 Dynamat inside of doors, prep for door hardware installation
11/25/24 Start door hardware installation
12/1 -12/31 Meticulously disassemble Challenger for transplant into the CUDA
01/15/25 Prep and install Scat Engine
01/31/25 Mock-up IRS Suspension in the CUDA
2/10/25 Modify new style steering column and mock up for electronics
03/26/25 Start the rear end narrowing process
04/02/25 Frame modifications for the narrowed differential assembly
04/19/25 Differential assembly fitment
05/15/25 Rear quarter panel, trunk, and tail panel fitment
05/24/25 Driveshaft shortening, install and fitment
06/15/25 Install fuel lines
06/27/25 Build fuel tank assembly and install
07/01/25 Install fuel filter and hoses
07/16/25 1st wiring connections - get ACC & RUN modes working
07/27/25 Hack Uconnect radio out of anti-theft mode
08/01/25 Fit and install new radiator
08/05/25 Purchase new software and log into steering ECU
08/06/25 Install ABS controller
08/09/25 Finish undercar detail and install brake lines
08/12/25 BREMBO SPINDLE prototype arrives - mock up and test
08/13/25 1st ENGINE START
08/20/25 Disassemble rear axle, finish welds, paint and install custom rear axles
09/01/25 Connect all calipers and bleed brakes (fronts not on rotor)
09/10/25 Calibrate brake position sensor, start and back off the lift (1ST DRIVE)
09/25/25 Fabricate steering column brackets and raise column for 8" of clerance
11/15/25 Fabricate shock mounts and install rear shocks
11/20/25 Install & route a/c lines, connect condenser, evaporator and drier
12/2/25 depin door harnesses, route wiring, install grommets, route door wiring and re-pin harnesses
12/19/25 rear bumper fitment, bracket modifications, left quarter welding, package shelf welding
12/27/25 Install shaker hood, fabricate shaker scoop bracket, fit and test. replace trunk lid
12/31/25 ROAD TEST - BIG BLOCK - GO AROUND
1/3/26 remove roof, fabricate and install cross supports for roof
1/5/26 re-center steering suspension for rack & pinion
1/11/26 weld rear tail panel and install new rear crossmember
1/12/26 mock up rear valance for exhaust tips. move valance exhaust holes, re-finish panel
1/15/26 prep roof and add sealer, foam ceiling, install roof and weld in place
1/23/26 roof seam work and rear valance re-finishing
2/2/26 transport car and have custom exhaust fabricated and installed
