Converting 72 front fenders to 71

[EMCD]

I'm cloning my 72 into a 71. Does it make more sense to buy the new mad fenders with the gill punch out verses patching in gills and the thinner side light?

[72cudamaan]

It all depends on what shape the fenders are in and what your capabilities are. I determined
that it was more cost effective to use new instead of fixing up the old fenders and putting
patch panels in. A big concern is warpage too.

[cudasteve72]

you also need to think about your side marker lights head lights buckets etc. if you really just want the gills or if you are creating a 71 completely.  my 72 now is all 70 an i got 70 fenders but had none to begin with. like cudamaan said condition and capability also come into play

[72cudamaan]

I didn't even think about the headlight buckets. I'd bet you'll have
close to 250-300 bucks into conversion parts alone per side.

[EMCD]

i have the head light buckets and all the wiring to complete the conversion. including the marker lights and light buckts for the sides. my 72 fenders have little to no rust, but are dinged up and will need some massaging to make them straight. what about using panel bond instead of welding the patches in?

[72cudamaan]

Panel adhesive is a great way to go. I welded my marker light panels in because
I leaded the seams over instead of body filler. I don't think the adhesive would like the heat.

[EMCD]

so, dropping 1.5k on '71 repops doesn't make sense, aye?

[Topcat]

so, dropping 1.5k on '71 repops doesn't make sense, aye?

There are so many parts & nuances exclusive to 71 Cuda's & even more so on 70 Cuda's.

It's your choice of course. Anyone well experienced in E Bodies even without Tags and the Vin covered up would be able to tell it's not a true 70 or a 71.

[72cudamaan]

I'm just saying that if you were to use lead to finish the patch panels that
you probably can't use panel adhesive. You would probably be better served
by using body filler to fix the seam. I don't know what temp the adhesive  will withstand.

[EMCD]

I agre. i'm not trying to fool anyone. i just want to make the car in my vision. i'm going to put a aar hood on it later. it will be a mutt of a car, but i think it will look great. not for a purist, but that's not how i roll.

[dodj]

i think it will look great. not for a purist, but that's not how i roll.

Me too! Only thing original on my car is the roof.  But i completely understand someone with a more desirable model being MUCHmore particular about what goes on their car. If TC did to his car what I did to mine....he would kill it's value.