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Phase Two is the current phase of the project. After getting a safety check, the car was road worthy (well not 100%, but close). Since then I've slowly been improving the fish so it's a decent daily driver; suitable for a few years of fun and enjoyment!
After the initial push to get the car driving, I then attempted to correct some problems. First, a front end alignment could not be accomplished. Something was wrong. After a lot of investigation we found the front K-frame to be pushed in equally on both sides, right at the front rods (whatever they're called). This caused the castor (I think that's what it's called) to be off. The lower control arms were also bent. Repairs were done and it was finally alignment worthy. I replaced the front seat foam, sprayed the seats with some Dupli-color vinyl paint, added some tunes, cleaned everything and then my friend Jason and I took the fish to Chryslers at Carlisle where we had a blast! We did the 9-hour drive with the CAM guys and didn't have a single problem! It was a fantastic summer..... Later that summer a new steering box, resonator and other small things were done before being stored for the long Ottawa winter.
In 2001 I did not do much to the car except try to enjoy it, but a mysterious and annoying clicking sound finally turned into a non-stop howl and I discovered a blown head gasket. The car was sidelined until spring of this year when we replaced the gaskets, frost plugs and valve seals.
In the summer of 2002 tragedy struck and I was rear ended by a minivan. Thank God for insurance! It was a crushing blow, but it reinforced my conviction that I want a car that I use, not a garage queen that I don't use. Shit happens, so with help from Al Stigter of ASE Motorsports, repairs were done and I was back on the road!
In August my son Nathan was born and it was a big event to bring him home in the Barracuda. I had added rear seat belts for the event and they worked good. I hope he grows up to want a Barracuda just like the Voracious Fish, and I hope I'll be able to give him one!
Soon the car will be put away for winter again, but soon I plan a front disc upgrade (small bolt pattern of course!), instrument cluster overhaul (again), maybe some new tires and other small things. Stay tuned!
