Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project

[usraptr]

Last weekend I sold some used truck rims that wouldn't fit my new truck.  This gave me some extra money to pay a couple of guys to install the vinyl top my wife bought me for my birthday last Sept.  I had thought about trying this myself.  After watching these two guys, boy am I glad that I didn't.  There is definitely an art to it and these guys were pros.  Best money I ever spent, at least recently.   
Here's some pics of the installation.  Now it's time to start polishing the stainless trim pieces before installing those.

[usraptr]

A couple more pics of the finished product! 

[don340-4]

  Brad, Your car looks awsome, Black with the vinyl top is just beautiful, will love to see it when it is finished.

   

       

[barracuda7199]

that is so sweet love a black car! sure is some deep wet paint you definitely got your moneys worth judging by the shine alone!!!!

[GranCuda1970]

  Brad, Your car looks awsome, Black with the vinyl top is just beautiful, will love to see it when it is finished.

   

       

 

[usraptr]

Weather has warmed up and I've started making some progress on the 'Cuda again.  Started to install a new head liner last week but found out I was missing one of the bow clips.  Found one on E-Bay for $3, $4 shipping, naturally.    So the headliner is on hold until the bow clip arrives.  Ron, my paint and body man, came over Sat and he sprayed the tail light panel and tail light grills.  He use "Hot Rod Black" which seems to be the closest to original and color of choice now for the panels.  I was a little concerned at first because even after drying a few hours it was still very glossy.  However, a check the next morning showed that it had dulled very evenly and looked great.  Also, received my NOS "'Cuda" tail panel emblem from a forum member earlier in the week.  I'll install that in a few more days after the paint has cured well.  Does anybody have the exact measurements of where the 'Cuda emblem goes?  I don't want to guess.   Here's a few pics of the painting.  Enjoy.
Brad

[usraptr]

One more question regarding the headliner install.  I've read several threads here on the proper installation and RestoRicks write up along with a U-tube video.  Some mention using headliner "clips" to hold the edges in place.  Others don't mention them and say to use pony clamps, etc.  Year One and others also sell the clamps, others do not.  My question is, are the clamps that Year One sells permanent or are they just used to hold the head liner in place while the glue drys?  When I removed my old headliner it didn't have any clamps so I'm assuming they are just temporary but want to make sure.   

[7212Mopar]

I just finished installing the headliner with the front and back glass not removed, my very first attempt. Definitely not pro grade as there are a few wrinkles. Hopefully the heat gun will take care of them after I install the rest of the trims. BTW, I used lots of binder clips, the stuff you get from stationary stores. They seems to work very good.

[usraptr]

I finally finished attaching the trim, lights, gas tank filler tube, & 'Cuda emblem to the rear tail panel.  Also installed the trunk lock mechanism and rod shield in the trunk.  Polished up the key mechanism on the tail panel and I have to say the difference is amazing.  It looks like new now.  Just noticed that in the picture the gas tank appears to be hanging lower on the driver's side.  Will have  to put it on the lift and check this out.  Now to finish the headliner.  Injury to my knee last month put that on hold but I think I'm up to finishing it now.   

[dutch]

looking super nice      cant wait to see some outdoor pics 

[burdar]

The factory headliner clips are very small and stay inplace.  They don't hinder the installation of the side trim.  If you have them, use them.  If not, just use a good amount of glue and those orange rubber dipped spring clamps.  Once the glue is dry, the headliner isn't going anywhere.  The side trim clips slip right over the same lip that the headliner clips attach to.  They will hold it inplace.

The car is looking very nice! I hope the tank being crooked is an easy fix. Are the tank braces that weld to the trunk floor original?

[usraptr]

Thanks Burdar. Just so happens I did find about 8 of those headliner clips in my parts stash so I will use them and leave them on.
Re the gas tank, no the tank braces are not original.  We had to install a whole new trunk floor pan and braces.  However, the tank was level before I lowered it slightly to install the gas filler neck. Ended up having to cut a little larger hole in the floor pan to get it in.  Who knew that something so easy could end up being such a PIA.,  especially since we had already test fit it.    Apparently when I tightened the gas tank straps back up I didn't get it even and hadn't noticed until today.  I'm sure it will be an easy fix.  Also, thought I was doing good to find and buy a NOS "Cuda" emblem instead of one of the repos.   After 43 years the backing was permanently stick to the sticky tape on the back of the emblem.  Another simple job turned into a nightmare trying to get the backing off without destroying the tape.  Ended up using some cement to attach it as all the "sticky" was gone from the tape by the time I got the backing of.  I hope this is not an indication of what's to come with the rest the restoration.   

[usraptr]

Making more progress, slow but steady.  I've come to the conclusion that I have two many projects/hobbies.  Consequently I can't devote the time to the 'Cuda that I'd like.  Anyway, sanded, polished and installed the trim around the bottom of the vinyl top and finally finished the new headliner install.  Test fit the visors, RV mirror, dome light, front and rear window trim/moldings and side moldings.  They will all have to be removed and repainted with some SEM Landau black, but at least the headliner itself is done.  For my first headliner it came pretty good if I do say so myself.  Minimum wrinkles and I haven't hit it with any heat yet so it should tighten up nicely when I do.  I did put a small kink in the bottom of the passenger side sail panel.  I'm hoping the side trim will cover most of it if not all. 

[brads70]

Looks great! Go man go! 

[usraptr]

Thanks Brad