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1970 Dodge Super Bee Restoration Part 6 - On Solid GroundMaking our project car finally look like a car From the May, 2012 issue of Mopar Muscle By Randy Bolig Photography by Daren Irons
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Rendering by: www.carsbychris.com In our last installment, we showed you what it took to actually paint our project Superbee. Not only did we show you how we did it and what we used, but the suggestions we gave you will also work on your car. Now, we're finally at the stage in our build when things begin to really get us energized. Before any project car is painted, it sometimes seems that you'll never get to the end of the project, but once the paint is applied, it seems to create whole new ballgame so to speak. So, with our new found energy, it's time to start bolting on pieces that have been collecting dust for quite some time. When reassembling a car, installing parts in a proper order might not seem like a big deal, but for example, what if you have the car completely assembled, and then try to plumb the braking system? A schedule doesn't sound like a bad idea now, does it? Anyway, at this stage of our project, it was time to install some of the new parts we have, and some that are simply getting reinstalled. Our schedule means that the suspension, wheels and tires, and the braking system are next on our list. Over the years, we have acquired many of the parts that we need during this stage of the build, and having them on hand and ready cuts down on the time required. So, follow along as we get our project car to finally sit on solid ground.  8 Once the engine was finally...  8 Once the engine was finally bolted in place, the last job of the day was to install the Doug's headers. We used these headers when mocking up the Alter-k-tion front suspension, so we knew they would fit without a problem. The guys at Doug's tell us,  9 We're getting closer to...  9 We're getting closer to firing the engine and finally driving the Bee. In our next installment, we'll show you how we made our custom dash, and finished off the interior.  1 You can check out the complete...  1 You can check out the complete install of the Reilly Motor Sports Alter-k-tion front suspension kit in our July 2007 issue. For now, it's simply time to reinstall it. The Reilly kit takes into account most exhaust, engine, oil pan, wheel/tire, steering column, and other fitment issues, allowing you to use a variety of off-the-shelf parts, to keep costs at a minimum with no reinforcing necessary.  2 Our rear suspension supporting...  2 Our rear suspension supporting our DTS-built Dana is a kit from Unlawful Racing. It's a new triangulated four-link coilover rear suspension that is specifically designed for A-, B-, and E-Body Mopars. This rear suspension system is a self-contained unit that utilizes the original front leaf spring mounting points with its own sub frame that fits between the original frame rails. The sub frame requires minimal welding, and is a breeze to install. Their triangulated four bar system is completely adjustable for ride height, stance, tire clearance, pinion angle, instant center and more, making it appealing to all forms of racing and street applications. Their system allows for more tire clearance without tubbing your wheelwells.  3 Now is the perfect time...  3 Now is the perfect time to plumb your brake system, not after the engine and transmission are in place. We ordered all of our fittings, lines, and flexible hoses from Classic tube. Classic Tube has pre-bent lines available to fit just about any car, but with our modifications, we chose their builder kit in stainless steel.  4 When we installed our Alter-k-tion...  4 When we installed our Alter-k-tion front suspension, we also installed a set of Stainless Steel Brake Corporation's four wheel disc brake kit. The Force 10 calipers feature a four-piston design, and we opted to use their upgraded master cylinder as well. SSBC has disc brake conversions ranging from economical to full-boogie race and big brake systems.  5 This is the first time...  5 This is the first time that our 500-inch engine has actually met the car. The engine is 10.5:1 compression, and features Edelbrock Victor heads, a big solid roller, and a 1,050 Dominator. It should be streetable.  6 In our February 2008 issue,...  6 In our February 2008 issue, we showed you the complete install of our Classic Mopar 5-Speed transmission. Now all we needed to do was paint the bellhousing, and bolt it all together.  7 Our wheel and tire package...  7 Our wheel and tire package for the Bee consists of a set of Bonspeed Quasar wheels, measuring 18x7-1/2-inches with 4-3/4 backspacing, and 19x10 inches with 5-1/4 inches of backspacing. These wheels fit without modifying the body at all. Tires are Bridgestone Pole Position S-04s, measuring 245/45/18 and 275/40/19. The Bridgestone tire features an asymmetric tread design with a large outboard shoulder, interlocking tread blocks and a central circumferential rib to enhance dry road steering response, high-speed stability and cornering precision.  Some guys cringe when mounting...  Some guys cringe when mounting tires like this, and if they don't have the proper equipment to do the job, walk out of the shop. Lucky for us, A-C Tire in Waterford, Michigan, had the tools and know how that we needed. When placing larger than stock wheels and tires on a car, the sidewall of the tire will make or break the look. If you don't have enough sidewall, it won't look right.  8 Once the engine was finally...  8 Once the engine was finally bolted in place, the last job of the day was to install the Doug's headers. We used these headers when mocking up the Alter-k-tion front suspension, so we knew they would fit without a problem. The guys at Doug's tell us, "Every Doug's header is tuned with the proper tube size and length to efficiently remove all the exhaust from each cylinder, reducing pumping losses resulting in dramatic increases in horsepower and torque. Doug's headers are carefully developed on the vehicles they are intended to fit and are re-checked numerous times during the design and manufacturing process." 9 We're getting closer to firing the engine and finally driving the Bee. In our next installment, we'll show you how we made our custom dash, and finished off the interior.
 | Fixing Your Mopar's Failed Door Jambs |  | Even five hurricanes, and years of waiting would not stop Project Super Bee from being reality. |  | For the full story, check out November 2011 issue of Mopar Muscle magazine |  | We swap rusted and damaged metal for some new stuff with help from Unlawful Racing and Roseville Moparts. |  | For the full story, check out January 2012 issue of Mopar Muscle magazine |  | We have a near finished Project Bee, and a perfect scoop to choose. |  | Our Project ’Bee Gets Some Support From a Rollbar, Chassis Stiffening Bars, and a New Rear Suspension |  | Our project Bee gets closer to paint |  | If there is ever a turning point during a project car build, it has to be the actual painting process. This is the part of the project that when finished, makes all of the cuts and bruises, and hard work all worthwhile. |  | For the full story, check out April 2012 issue of Mopar Muscle magazine |  | Building a custom dash is so easy, even we can do it |  | We get our hands on AMD's new glass for B-Bodies and see how they look on our car. |  | Our Super Bee interior gets restored to prime condition so we could finally get a place to sit in. |
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