70 cuda project underway (update 1/20/08 It runs!)

[71bigblock]

Awww yeah. 

[FY1Cuda]

Looks very nice!  Planning on entering it in the Mopar Alley show next year?

[72hemi]

We'll see how it goes. I live down here in Sunnyvale now, but I don't know if I am going to go up to Redding to bring it down here for the show. The car will definately be done by then though.

[71340RT]

Your progress so far looks great and I bet you can't wait to get it done. Makes me want another project even that much more seeing your Cuda come together.

[72hemi]

Got a little more work done this past weekend. I installed the wiper motor and heater, I installed the rear light harness, my dad and brother helped me finish up the underside of the car; installed torque boxes (from Harms), gas tank, finished undercoating the floor, started stripping the rear wheel wells for paint, drilled holes for the cuda tail panel trim, and got the fenders hung ( we did not finish aligning them, but they are aligned pretty well for virtually no effort) I also restored the steering column and got the steering components installed in the car. And when we weren't working on the cuda I helped my dad jam his 65 chevelle malibu SS, back to the original color of Butternut Yellow (I call it nutter butt). The car is coming together finally. My brother is fully expecting to paint the car by the end of the month. I'll keep my fingers crossed. If he could do that I would be extremely happy. I think the next time I go up we will convert my flat hood into the shaker.

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

Good progress.............keep on   

[mrbill426]

I hate to step backwards, you are movng along nicely , but is that driver's side fender shield bolted, pop rivited or welded in? 

Sorry, I got here a bit late and happen to be doing both of mine now; go them out anyway.  Any words of advice?

Bill

Here is what I got done today. I also started stripping the front frame rails and the rest of the engine compartment. I should have the car from the firewall forward ready for paint by Monday at the latest.

[72hemi]

If you are refering to the inner fender well (the sheet metal where the battery tray among other things are attached to) it is welded in. From the factory it was installed with spot welds. I drilled out all the original spot welds and then drilled holes in the new innder fender and after clampled in place I plug welded the new inner fender in place, and finished by grinding the welds.

Also I just got an update from my brother, the drivers fender and door are ready for primer and final blocking. From what he is telling me the car will be ready for paint in 2-3 weeks.

[mrbill426]

Okay, thanks, the one and only photo I saw of it insalled looked like it was pop-rivited in.  Love to see some more pics of the engine compartment before you drop the engine back in.  Are you detailing the K-member and front suspension too?

Nice job so far! 

[72hemi]

Yep. I am coating all of it.

[72hemi]

Got some more work done last weekend. Got the tail pan painted and assembled, except for the cuda trim. My dad and brother have made progress with the grille and bodywork. We cut the underhood brace on the hood. Next time I go up we will cut the scoop hole. Also fixed the parking brake and painted it.

[mrbill426]

Looking good 

[72hemi]

Over the weekedn we got some more work done on the cuda. My dad was able to disassemble the engine and inspect everything which other than a spun rod bearing looked good (no damage done to the crank and rod should be able to save). We finished the shaker hood and painted the underside of the hood, decklid, hood hinges, rear wheel wells, hood pin brackets and insde the rear valance. We also got more body work finished on the car. We should have the car painted in less than a month. We also started to reupholster the rear seat. All in all a very productive weekend. Here are some pictures for you.

[72hemi]

My Dad and brother have been working hard the last week while I am away. I was sent these pictures today. My brother is expecting to have the entire car in final primer and blocked ready for paint by this weekend. My Dad has reupholstered the back seat and I am told it looks great. They forgot to take pictures of it so I will take those this weekend when I go up. This weekend I should be able to finish what ever is left from my brother for bodywork, and the seats should all be finished ready to install the car. I was so excited to see these pictures because it means we are soo close I can smell it.

[IMNCARN82]

You are movin' quick!   and got a nice dad and bro.         Thanks for the pics!!