71 'Cuda restoration project

[rhamson]

I understand exactly what you are saying. The reasoning for all of this, is that I want to have the possibility to go back to stock. Obviously it will not be 100 % stock as it is missing its motor, but apart from that I can put it back to stock. If I didn't care at all about that, I would have bought a 72-74 and clone that into a Hemi car.

So, I want it stock everywhere it counts (body) and that includes the trunk pan. I hope this made sence, even though you don't like the modifications I have planned.

I am going through a similar process not quite as bad as yours. If you are going through this much trouble shouldn't it be what you want? The originality of the car is only for investment purposes because these cars only went fast when they were originally new. Stopping and turning is more important to me. 

[Challenger in NC]

Great work on a super cool car, will be awesome when finished.

[twalker]

Great stuff!  Keep it coming


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[HemiTunis]

Thanks guys!

rhamson, yes exactly. As long as you can put it back to stock without buying sheet metal and firing up the welder, I say go for it. These cars really did go fast but lacked in stopping and turning as you say, except for the 71 383, which didn't go very fast either...

Spent the weekend with a hammer and dolly in my hands with the occasional welding and grinding. And then some more welding and grinding. I really hate it when the metal thins out and you think to yourself: Hmmm, that spot right there really needs a tiny bead. And then that little tiny bead just melts a big hole.  But perhaps that only happens to me..

Anyway, I'm not sure how I'm going to get the correct profile of the fender in the front. Any suggestions? I also want to recreate the style line (the one that goes in the mid of the fenders) which was completely lost by all the holes and bumps caused by the filler expert that worked on the car previously. Can this be done with a hammer and dolly, or should I just forget it? Where should that line end? If anyone could provide me with some reference photos, that would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

[rhamson]

Thanks guys!

rhamson, yes exactly. As long as you can put it back to stock without buying sheet metal and firing up the welder, I say go for it. These cars really did go fast but lacked in stopping and turning as you say, except for the 71 383, which didn't go very fast either...

Spent the weekend with a hammer and dolly in my hands with the occasional welding and grind. And then some more welding and grinding. I really hate it when the metal thins out and you think to yourself: Hmmm, that spot right there really needs a tiny bead. And then that little tiny bead just melts a big hole.  But perhaps that only happens to me..

Anyway, I'm not sure how I'm going to get the correct profile of the fender in the front. Any suggestions? I also want to recreate the style line (the one that goes in the mid of the fenders) which was completely lost by all the holes and bumps caused by the filler expert that worked on the car previously. Can this be done with a hammer and dolly, or should I just forget it? Where should that line end? If anyone could provide me with some reference photos, that would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

I have a '72 Challenger that came to me via many failed and abandoned restoration attempts. So originality is a lost cause and I am not worried about a reversal of any modifications in the future. Mind you I am not changing any shape modifications as I love the original shape just as it is.

As far as hammering out the metal too thin you have to pick your battles as thinning out the metal also will distort and oil can what you are trying to fix. In many cases leading is not possible on big sheet areas because of heat distortion. Filler will have to be used in most cases, just not too much of it. Good luck with your project and you have a hand full left to do.

[daaboots]

Great work bringing it back to life!

[redo1973]

Awesome thread. It brings back memories.  Fantastic progress and excellent work.

[scoose]

Here is a neat tip for yah! How to fix a quarter panel with nothing but plastic filler, primer and pain.

1. Put paint the paint gun.
2. Use the empty paint can to make a structure onto which you can apply the filler. Attach the can to the car using wood screws or staples, in fact use anything you have available that isn't proper sheet metal.
3. Apply filler.
4. Paint the thing.

And here is the result. Good job right?

HOLY COW!!!  Now thats some good ol redneck engineering right there!!!

I wonder how many laughs and beers that "bodyman" while the car was driving away

[HemiTunis]

Thank you all for the positive comments! 

scoose: Haha yeah, I have been thinking that myself a few times and cursed him/her even more times.

[70CUDA4SPEED]

I have a full floor from AMD you can have for free, I don't need it.

[HemiTunis]

I'll come and pick it up one late night when you are not at home and take some more parts I need (Dana 60 )

[dakota]

I really hate it when the metal thins out and you think to yourself: Hmmm, that spot right there really needs a tiny bead. And then that little tiny bead just melts a big hole.  But perhaps that only happens to me..

If I had a dollar for every time I turned a little hole into a much bigger one with my welder, I'd be a very rich man.   And then I'd probably convince myself I should buy another project car.   No, you're definitely not alone with this problem.

Great progress on a challenging project.   Keep up the good work!

[wantone]

After buying the car and taking it down to 3/4 of a shell, did your wife come out to the garage and just cry at any given point?   My wife freaked out when I took the top of the motor off and the hood haha.

[HemiTunis]

Wantone: Haha yeah. My wife calls it 'the monster' and the tone suggests that it would be closer Frankenstein than something positive...

She comes out to the garage every once in a while and looks and sighs, but her feelings for the 'Cuda is improving with every piece of sheet metal the goes back on.

[wantone]

My wife keeps a running tab of $$$ that i'm throwing "into the fire" and she's beyond upset.   I can't imagine had I taken my car down to the level you have.   And then to spend the time you have.... she'd have left.  Your wife is a trooper.  Give her a hug and say you appreciate her and to hold on for how much more you'll love her AFTER the car is done LOL.