And so it begins... 71 Cuda

[certifiablecuda]

Finally got a few hours to start on the project... I have been collecting parts and doing small things over the past year, but this past weekend, I started on door repair... basically someone cut out the doors to make them lighter?  for racing?  Not sure... but the project came with a set of 72 doors, so I cut out the centers and transplanted and got them back on the car.  Took some doing and I have a ton of finish welding to do, but this is a thousand times better than it was.

BEFORE
http://www.certifiablejeep.com/CUDA/images/page1/large/100_1382.jpg
AFTER
http://www.certifiablejeep.com/CUDA/images/page2/large/100_1423.jpg

Not sure when I will get more time to do the passenger side, but hopefully this weekend... been battling a terrible stomach flu.

cb

cb

[dutch]

nice start, that looks a lot better.        however, I do think you`re better of making the cut on a flat surface instead of in the corner.  The way you did it is difficult grinding and hammering when needed. 
wouldn`t know why someone would cut out that part of the door...    drilling the bars out saves pretty much weight, but this...?  might have been a huuuuge speaker... 

[certifiablecuda]

Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of choice when it came to the cut... the cutout and the torch heat really did a number on the door panel.  It isn't going to be the prettiest, but it is going to be a lot more functional and will allow me to look for another set going forward.  the other doors were pretty much junked on the bottoms, corners and outside, so donating the inside parts allowed for at least one door to live on.

cb

[dutch]

well its a huge improvement either way... once the interior is back in it will be as good as any door     nice work

[elitecustombody]

good save on the door, wondering why the rockers are so pitted

[certifiablecuda]

I am not sure why they are pitted that badly... passenger side is far worse, driver side is not too bad... either way, those will be addressed going forward.

I just ordered up new rear frame rails, and a new top as well... those are some projects I am going to get to in the coming months as well.

cb

[IMNCARN82]

The new rear frame rails fit is perfect. That's a lot of work to save a door. They aren't that expensive used in better shape.  But ya' saved her. Looks like you got some fun ahead. Looks good! 

[certifiablecuda]

This is the before shot...

http://www.certifiablejeep.com/CUDA/images/page2/large/IMG_3302.jpg

this is the after shot... well mostly...

http://www.certifiablejeep.com/CUDA/images/page2/large/IMG_3323.jpg

Basically Hotchkiss sent me coarse thread nuts and the bolts are fine thread... they have a new set on the way to me as we speak... but all in all it went well... nice to see that 'Cuda's are just like Jeep... a PITA to get some of the parts out, but you love every minute of it.

cb