The 'Cuda and Challenger's Shaker hood is as iconic as a wing is to a Superbird. Only available on the performance version, the Shaker hood was mounted directly to the engine of E-Bodies. Heck, why am I telling you guys this, you already know it. But did you know you can now add a factory-inspired reproduction of that hood to your flat-hooded 'Cuda and/or Challenger?
Scott Smith of Harm's Auto is a true Mopar enthusiast, who says, "Our shop strives for 100-percent accuracy in everything we do." We decided to put that statement to the test. For the last few years, we have been promoting the Young Guns part of this hobby, bringing younger enthusiasts into our world. Well, Matt Gaisbacher is one such enthusiast, and we thought if a Young Gun could do this install, anyone should be able to, right?
So we contacted Scott and found he did not develop a one-kit-fits-all design for his Shaker conversion. Scott and the guys knew that if they were going to do this, they had to do it right, and just like the factory, the 'Cuda and Challenger Shakers are body specific. This means if you order a 'Cuda Shaker, it will fit your 'Cuda.
But what about installing the Shaker? Would the kit be easy enough for anyone to install? Would you need a body shop to do the work for you? It depends on your ability. If you tend to farm out your paint and bodywork, then your shop could easily handle this hood modification. If you do your own bodywork, something like this should present no problem for you.
When putting it to the test, we let a 16-year-old young man do the install. Now Matt is not your standard-issue enthusiast, he and his dad have been building Mopars for quite a few years, so he has some knowledge about bodywork. follow along as this Young Gun's 'Cuda gets to Shakin'.
1 Before any cutting can...
1 Before any cutting can begin, you need to fit the underhood brace. Lay the structure in position and trace out the outer edge of the brace with a marker. Do not cut on this line. You will need to cut to the inside of it, approximately 1 1/2 inches. This removes the bracing where the new structure goes and leaves some of the old structure to weld to.
2 Next, you'll need to use...
2 Next, you'll need to use a combination of a cutoff wheel and, possibly, a reciprocating saw to remove the part of the factory under-structure where the new under-structure will be installed.
Be careful not to cut through...
Be careful not to cut through the outer hood skin
3 After the cutting of the...
3 After the cutting of the under-structure is finished, use a hacksaw blade to cut the glue that holds it to the hood's outer skin. Only cut the glue under the part of the factory brace that is being removed.
4 Now you can use either...
4 Now you can use either a scraper or putty knife to remove the factory glue that remains on the hood's skin.
5 flip the hood over so the...
5 flip the hood over so the top side is up. Lay the Shaker's flange ring on top of the hood and center it from side to side. Use measurements given in the instructions to measure from the back of the hood. Challengers and 'Cudas are different. Also use weights to hold it in place, no clamps.