69 Barracuda FB. The next evolution

[gomopar440]

Not much left, and there's still more metal that needs to come out. The right side trunk drop off might be saveable with some patching, IF it's solid enough to weld to.

I haven't found any reproduction parts for those bumper mount support wedge pieces anywhere. I'm going to have to straighten and repair them before I put them back. The same goes with the trunk latch mount that got ripped out when we were unloading the car. At least the trunk mount isn't too big of a worry for me. I'm leaning towards using a pin-on style fiberglass trunk lid, so I might not need it at all.

I may just use some flat sheet metal for the floor, in order to omit the spare tire recess. If I do that I can use a larger EFI capable fuel cell in place of the 18-19 gallon factory tank. I'd like to figure out how to get the floor pieces bead rolled a little to prevent oil canning, and keep it looking sorta stockish to the untrained eye.

Although the driver quarter, driver trunk drop off and rear valance appear to be new-ish repops, they were NOT installed very well at all. At least seeing this level of welding carnage makes me feel better about my own admittedly crappy welding. lol

While I was out earlier, I picked up a battery box and a Group 24 battery (750 CCA). The battery is going to live in the trunk for better weight distribution. I'll need to add long battery cables to the shopping list before I can hook it up. And fix the trunk floor where it's going to stay of course.

 

[gomopar440]

Just making plans. Measured out how big of a piece of sheet metal I'll need to re-make the trunk floor. Then I drew up a rough sketch of the roll cage layout. I still need to sort out the details, especially around the front and rear coil spring mounting points.

I also clamped the rear bumper support bracket back in place to see where it lays on the top of the sub frame rail.

 

[gomopar440]

Today I talked to a local fab shop about getting them to come out and do the structural welding for the subframe connectors and roll cage. They also can sell me the sheet metal I'll need for the flat trunk floor. I just need to make a template pattern for the new floor. My friend with the race car has a large metal brake I can borrow to make the weld flanges for the floor piece. Since I'm thinking about possibly using a larger capacity fuel cell instead of the factory 18-19 gallon tank, I'm also planning to add a couple square tube cross braces around it. One in front of, and one behind the tank, welding them to the rear sub frame rails and the floor.

The subframe connectors were oily from the shipping preservative, and also had a tiny bit of surface rust where the pieces were saran wrapped together. After a quick wipe down with brake clean and a 3m scrubby pad, they got a coat of the rust converter paint to preserve the bare metal until they can be welded in place. After they're welded to the front and rear subframes, I'll be able to cut out the front floors.