So I have been off the radar here, but incredibly busy nevertheless.
I have been learning skills I may never have to use again, and doing what I can to save pounds and pennies where possible. I know that is not what fellow Mopar enthusiasts like to hear when restoring a car such as a charger but I am on a budget to some degree and need to do what I can in order to keep the project moving in the right direction.
At this point I must mention and thank David Gray. Enduring my endless stupid questions and endless inquisitions. He has lent me his tools to work out my cylinder bore wear and gone as far as posting me tools to help. He has not once asked for anything in return and quite honestly, in my opinion he is an absolute asset to this hobby and one of the nicest human beings. I can’t thank you enough for the advice! At this point I must say he is not responsible for my decisions in how I have decided to build my engine! That’s all on me. But honestly I could not have got this far in the build without this very kind person. Till now he has not blocked me, let’s see how far I can push my luck
So il just start by saying I am absolutely not building a race car. I have said a few times that the idea with my car is to create friendship, family moments and life memories. I may get it on the strip one day for the experience but right now, all I want is reliability over anything. I plan to drive long distances and be able to fix most things on the side of the road. I want a responsive street cruiser at best.
I decided to rebuild the engine myself. This decision is mainly financially influenced. I feel confident enough to do most things, I have the tools and the space. My neighbour is an old school Mopar guy and he has been great with my inexperience in this area.
At this point, I have my block back from the machine shop and I have had the cylinders bored just .20 over. I am currently learning about camshafts and need to order a cam that will be a little more lively than what came originally with the 2BB 383. Crank shaft has been polished and checked and is in a good way.
I have most over components to complete the engine rebuild. Caps, plugs, seals, bearings, rockers, rings, gaskets. I have gone with Keith black hypereutectic pistons.
I will be handing over my transmission to Blue at the Nats for a rebuild.
So while all this has been going on in the back round I have been dealing with some bodywork issues, rectifying imperfect AMD panel stamps, stripping and refinishing the engine bay, restoring parts that will be re used amongst other jobs. Honestly it feels like it never ends but looking back over pictures surely helps to appreciate how far it’s come…..
I should mention at this point, my car won’t be for the purist. I have chosen not to do everything as the factory had in 1969. This is partly because it’s being rebuilt in my barn with limited tooling and space, and partly because of how I prefer to do things.
Some pictures now for your viewing pleasure….
I have sealed and finalised the underneath. It was important to be that underneath was well protected and looked good. I looked at a lot of underbody protection positions and I didn’t want anything that stayed ‘soft’. I also didn’t want anything too clumpy and thick. So in the end, although worked out a bit pricier that it needed too, I went with Upol 2k raptor. I also used this on the inside of my rear quarters and other chassis areas. This stuff is awesome and also looks nice when it’s cured. It is very durable and I am happy with my decision here. I absolutely love how the underneath of the car has come out.
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