71 Cuda update 3-5-2011

[R71CUDA]

I thought it would be going to the body shop in mid-January, though like most projects, between family, and all my travel for work, it just went in two weeks ago.  I have had the leather interior redone.  It turned out really nice.  The guy that did it painted everything and put in new foam.  He even put back the factory tags.  With his attention to detail, he even noticed there was a seam missing and put it in at no cost to me.  He wanted to look correct.

While at the body shop, we reconfirmed the numbers matching authenticity.  The serial numbers on the cowl, radiator support, and engine all match.  We didn't have time to look at the transmission, though confidence is high it is based on what we were looking at.  It will be confirmed when it is pulled to go the guy that is going to do the engine, trans, and rear axle, which we confirmed as a 3.55 sure grip.

The body shop put the Cuda up on a lift. It was the first time I have had a chance to really get a good look at the underside of the car without being on my back.  I was encouraged to hear his first comment on review of the underside; "Wow, this thing is really clean".  Gota love California cars!  No serious rust - less the trunk - which I knew about going in.  Just light surface rust and no large scaling.  They are going to start the process of tearing it down.  Taking pictures, bagging and tagging as they go.  Here are some pictures, enjoy!

[femtnmax]

Looks like you have a good starting point.  What color?  What engine/trany, and are you keeping it??
Questions please...Who did the seat upholstery?   How deep do you sink into the front seats? I ask because on mine, seems like I sink in a ways, and maybe I need new seat cushion springs.  thanks.

[R71CUDA]

Hi Phil,
The original color is B5 blue over B5 blue with no bill boards, and the black leather interior.  It has a 383 with the factory Holley 4bl, and a 727 slapstick automatic, and yes, she is a keeper.  You do not come across that many big block Cuda barn finds where the car is this clean.

I live the Minneapolis MN area.  The leather upholstery kit and foam was from Legendary Interiors.  I had a company called Street Threads in Ham Lake, MN do the work.  He does allot of custom street rod upholstery and interiors.  I do not sink that far in to my seats, so I do not know if it is due to new foam, or possibly the springs in the seat.  I hope that helps.

Steve

['Cuda Hunter]

Sweet Ride !!!

[usraptr]

Love the interior!    They did a great job!  The leather interior in the '71s looks so much better than the plain/drab vinyl ones.     Keep us posted on the body/paint work.   

[R71CUDA]

Thanks!  The leather does look nice.  Though one of my favorits that I do like is the way the used the foam on the buckets for the 70 Charger.  It has allot of nice styling ques in the upper headrest area.