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Voodoo Rising - A Build Thread

Voodoo

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Jul 9, 2023
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Location
St.Petersburg, FL
It's about time I start the new build thread, and I figure more folks might see it here in the general 66-67 Mopar section. Allow me to introduce my project 66 Charger, dubbed Voodoo.

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This car came across this forum, as well as a few websites a little while back. I was late to the party but thankfully was able to connect with the seller, and make a deal on the car. You guys may have seen my last thread in the 66-67 Charger section, my old username was Cherry Bomb. I put a TON of work into that car, some of which I was able to retain to go with this one, most of which went on to it's new home with the car. So what's the scoop?

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I had been building up a 440 and a 4 speed to go in the previous charger, and was starting to work on all the nitty gritty parts for the swap when I came across the green machine. Three key things grabbed me with this one. First, it's green! My absolute favorite color for these cars, saved me re-painting the red car down the road. Second, it's a factory big block car, which is always nice. Third, and most important, it's a factory 4 speed car!!! Numbers matching, lots of good history, lots to love.

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So what is the downside? Well the interior is in need of full restoration. The floors are GONE. Oh, and the motor is locked up, and the trans needs a rebuild. All of this was very clearly disclosed by the seller, I definitely knew what I was getting into. Still worth it if you ask me! I've never done floors before, but I am going to take my time and ensure it is done correctly whether I do it or I find someone local who can for a reasonable price. So where are we now?

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After getting the wheels and tires on the car, and putting a trunk latch on so I could keep that lid closed, we are staring the tear-down phase. The interior has to come all the way out and that has proved to be interesting. I made some fun discoveries in the car, including an empty beer bottle under the drivers seat, and an 8 track of "The Sound of Music" wedged down the side of the passenger seat. Looks like the car was last registered in December of 1977, and was likely stored after that.

For the first time ever, I am starting a build with the full budget in-hands for the first phase. I have already acquired all of the parts to do the entire drivetrain, suspension, etc. Just need to get an aluminum radiator and hoses, the floor pans, and to be safe, a full wiring harness. The goal is to get all the mechanical, electrical, and interior all brand new and perfect, but leave the exterior in "barn find" condition for the time being. I'll enjoy the car looking rough and ready muscle car for a while, until I can move on to doing body and paint one day to get it 100% perfect.

I'll post updates here as I go, so follow along if you're interested! I should note, I also plan on sharing this build series on YouTube, on the channel "Low Tech Garage", so you can follow over there as well if you prefer!
 
For the first time ever, I am starting a build with the full budget in-hands for the first phase. I have already acquired all of the parts to do the entire drivetrain, suspension, etc.
Wow, I'm jealous! I wish I had the budget to do everything at once!
 
Nice.
 
Wow, I'm jealous! I wish I had the budget to do everything at once!
It was carefully calculated. Had a small amount of money saved, and was able to sell the other car for a fair price that left money for all the parts needed!

I should add that it helped having a ready-to-go big block and 4 speed sitting on the shelf haha. Without that I could have never made it happen.
 
Nothing like a project to get your desire up. Floor pans are cake com[pared to outer body. Have fun.
Doug
 
Nothing like a project to get your desire up. Floor pans are cake com[pared to outer body. Have fun.
Doug
I appreciate it, trying not to get in my head about it. Just going to push until I get past that project, the rest is stuff I've done before and should be smooth sailing.
 
Bit of progress over the last week. I hung the stainless headers on the 440, mostly to get them out of my shed, and to build some more excitement. Not sure if I mentioned this previously, but the motor took a tumble while being transported from one shop to the other. Dented one of the valve covers and broke two spark plugs, but that was it thankfully! The floor of the Uhaul truck was less lucky... Replaced the plugs already, and found a good deal on a set of M/T valve covers here locally.

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I have been fishing around for the right deal on a dual quad hemi style air cleaner, but I am thinking that isn't going to happen any time soon. I know they are pretty valuable, even the repros are out of my budget. Not super in love with the chrome Edelbrock one that came with the intake setup, but I had an idea to at least make it more appealing to me. I was already planning on hitting the M/T valve covers with wrinkle black paint (big thanks to the members who shared images in my recent valve cover thread) so I figured maybe paint match the air cleaner.

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I had never used a wrinkle paint before, but I am very pleased with the result on this! Not bad for my first time. I also picked up a new filter for the air cleaner, as the old one was crushed a bit when I got it, and had seen quite a bit of life. I'll share pics of the valve covers soon, they needed a bit more prep and I am almost done there. After having fun with nice clean looking parts, I got back onto pulling Voodoos interior. This was the first dive into the car, still full of barn debris, trash and a few gems.

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Found a Schaefer beer bottle under the seat, along with an old style beer can, and several bottle caps. All Schaefer, this guy was loyal, and liked his road sodas haha. Definitely tracks with a car last used in 1977. I poked around and found a few old coins, tons of pens and pencils, and some other odds and ends. Then I saw something wedged down the side of the passenger seat.

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I was excited to find an 8 track, but "The Sound of Music" was not what I'd have expected to find all things considered haha. On the recommendation of someone (I forget if it was on here, or on social media) I checked under the back seat. Lo and behold, the broadcast sheet is there!! It is definitely super delicate and already torn in several places. I took photos to try and capture the information the best I can. I am leaving it be until I can get some professional help removing it. Likely from the interior shop.

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I don't know much about broadcast sheets, other than it's cool and a good sign of originality in a car. If anyone can read this sheet and discern anything neat from it, I would love to know more! Anyway, going to be stripping more of the interior soon. I think I found a local who can assist me with the floor pan for a fair price, which is super exciting. Once I get past that hurdle, I am 100% in my element and I can go pedal to the metal. Thanks for tuning in!
 
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