Ep 9. Hellcuda Unleashed

In Junkyard Empire season 4 episode 9 titled "Hellcuda Unleashed," we follow the crew of the Maryland-based auto shop, Cohen Recycling, as they embark on their next project to turn a '70s Plymouth Barracuda into a modern-day sports car, or what they call a "Hellcuda."

The episode starts with Andre, the lead mechanic at Cohen Recycling, discussing his vision for the Hellcuda project with his team. He explains how they will use parts from other cars to upgrade the Barracuda's engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes. The crew seems excited about the project, even if it means working long hours in the sweltering heat of the junkyard.

As they begin to strip the Barracuda down to its bare bones, they discover some issues with the car's frame, which means they'll have to improvise and fabricate some custom parts to make it work. This sets the team back a little, but they're determined to make it work and don't give up.

Meanwhile, Andy Cohen, the owner of the junkyard, is faced with a different kind of challenge. He's found a rare 1948 Studebaker truck that he's been trying to sell for years. Despite its rarity, no one seems interested in buying it. So, Andy decides to up the ante by giving the truck a complete makeover and transforming it into a one-of-a-kind hot rod.

Back at the shop, the crew has managed to overcome the frame issues and is making steady progress on the Hellcuda. They're installing a new crate engine, adding custom headers, and fitting a modern suspension system. The team is in high spirits, and it's evident they're enjoying the challenge of turning a classic car into a modern masterpiece.

However, the final hurdle the team has to overcome is the car's brakes. The original drum brakes on the Barracuda won't cut it for the high-performance Hellcuda, so they need to swap them out for a disc brake system. They manage to source a brake kit from another car, but it's not a direct fit, and they need to get creative to make it work.

As the team works tirelessly on the Hellcuda, Andy Cohen's Studebaker transformation is also taking shape. He's added a new transmission, suspension, and a modern engine, and the team is working on the final touches, which include a custom paint job and a vintage-inspired interior. It's evident that Andy has put his heart and soul into transforming the Studebaker, and he's proud of the final product.

Finally, the moment of truth arrives as the Hellcuda is fired up for the first time. The team gathers around nervously as Andre turns the key, and the engine roars to life. It's a moment of pure joy and excitement for the team, who've put in countless hours of hard work into the project.

As the episode draws to a close, we see Andy and the team proudly showing off the Studebaker and the Hellcuda to their friends and family, who are impressed by their craftsmanship and dedication. It's evident that the crew of Cohen Recycling has a deep passion for cars and a love for turning junk into treasure.