Author Topic: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project  (Read 125067 times)

Offline usraptr

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #345 on: July 21, 2017 - 10:52:21 AM »
Thank you 7340.  The pictures are very appreciated.  I will check them when I take them out to paint the gaskets.   :2thumbs:
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.




Offline usraptr

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #346 on: August 04, 2017 - 08:42:49 PM »
Despite the 95 degree heat, again, I managed to spend some time in the shop today.  Took my door panels out of storage, cleaned and then painted them.  The driver's side wasn't in to bad of shape but I'm not sure what happened to the passenger side but it is hammered.  Sun backed with numerous deep scratches.  Both these panels were off the car when I bought it so I get the impression that the passenger side is not original but have no idea what happened to the original panel or why they would buy such a beat up panel to replace it.  With a fresh coat of paint they're both good enough for now as I have other things to spend $800 on, like new tires, so new door panels will have to go on a Christmas/Birthday/Father's Day wish list. :)  I installed my new custom wooden pistol grip shifter handle and a new bezel and shift pattern emblem.  That took a lot longer than expected since I had the Hurst shifter handle re-chromed and the new chrome bezel wouldn't fit.  Out came the Dremel and after working on both the bezel and the shifter I finally got it to fit.  I also managed to loose one of the pistol grip screws in the interior.  How do you loose a screw in the interior??   :headbang:  Anyway, I'm sure it will eventually turn up.  I also installed my new door VIN decal and jack instruction decal that I recently received from ECS.  I also received several other decals from ECS but didn't get around to installing them yet. I also installed the new nylon carb fitting washer that Quickfuel sent me and the front bowl fitting still leaks.  I don't know what else to do so I'll call Quickfuel and see about getting the carb exchanged or something??
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline redo1973

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #347 on: August 06, 2017 - 06:27:44 PM »
Sweet.  Details, details, details, seems to slow me down.  Yours is looking great.

Offline usraptr

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #348 on: August 06, 2017 - 06:58:11 PM »
Thank you  :2thumbs:
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #349 on: August 12, 2017 - 11:24:07 PM »
What did you paint the door panels with, I have to do mine soon.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline usraptr

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #350 on: August 13, 2017 - 08:57:37 AM »
I used SEM Black Landau rattle can spray paint.  I cleaned the the panels really well first, then applied adhesion promoter and then the paint.  A lot of people use the SEM Trim Black also.  I started with that but ran out so I finished with the Black Landau as I had two full cans of that.  Personally I can't tell the difference. 
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #351 on: August 13, 2017 - 12:42:26 PM »
I used SEM Black Landau rattle can spray paint.  I cleaned the the panels really well first, then applied adhesion promoter and then the paint.  A lot of people use the SEM Trim Black also.  I started with that but ran out so I finished with the Black Landau as I had two full cans of that.  Personally I can't tell the difference.

Thank you, I will get some. My panels were/are blue that have already been painted over. I need to scrub and clean them and then recoat them.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline usraptr

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #352 on: August 25, 2017 - 07:48:00 PM »
Got back at the 'Cuda today after taking a few weeks off preparing for and then going on my annual 7-Day Long Range Fishing trip out of San Diego. 
Got both mirrors installed, the vapor barrier for both front doors, and the both door panels installed along with the door handle pulls, window cranks, lock levers and the mirror remote on the diriver's side door panel.  Like I stated in the previous post, I'll replace the door panels down the road but they are good enough for now until I finish up the rest of the car and get it running and sorted out.  Still need to install new sill plates, the front kick panels, steering wheel center trim, and front seat belts.  Otherwise the interior is done.   :bananasmi
A special thanks to Alan and Cody and others on this site who helped me through the door window regulators, glass and lock mechanism installations and adjustments.   :2thumbs:
« Last Edit: August 25, 2017 - 07:54:58 PM by usraptr »
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #353 on: August 25, 2017 - 09:48:14 PM »
That's awesome and glad you got it assembled, now you can help me as I am about to assemble mine too..
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline usraptr

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #354 on: August 30, 2017 - 07:43:33 PM »
Been plugging away in the shop the last few days until it just gets too frigging hot to work out there in the early to late afternoons.  Nothing really picture worthy but have accomplished a fair amount. I R&R'd my side marker lights and painted the gaskets body color so they didn't stick out like a sore thumb.  Installed my headlights, and tail light, back up light and side marker light bulbs.  Thankfully, they all work without issue.  The flashers work, however the turn signals don't.  I installed a new turn signal assembly when I rebuilt the steering column so hopefully it something simple like a wire I forgot to connect or a fuse.  I installed most of the engine compartment wire harness clips andI bleed the brakes (all new brake system including lines) and installed the driveshaft.  As soon as I get my carb back from QuickFuel I'll drive it up and down the driveway.  That will be the first time it's moved under it's own power since 1983 or before.  Today, I pulled out my horns, tested them successfully and then media blasted the old paint off them and primered them. I also attacked one of the front bumper brackets and cleaned off 47 years of rust, grim, dirt and the paint from at least two repaints off them.  That pretty much took most of the afternoon as I was using an air grinder with a wire wheel and while it didn't take any time to empty my air compressor, I had to wait for several minutes each time for it to re-charge before proceeding.  I did discover something interesting, at least to me, while cleaning up the bumper brackets.  They have "Made in Canada" stamped on them.  I wonder what other parts for my 'Cuda were made in Canada?
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #355 on: August 30, 2017 - 11:25:36 PM »
you will find that "made in Canada" in a number of places like air cleaner bases.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline usraptr

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #356 on: August 31, 2017 - 08:59:48 AM »
Thanks 70chall440! :2thumbs:
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline usraptr

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #357 on: September 02, 2017 - 11:13:24 AM »
After going through two wire wheel brushes each on both my bench grinder and air grinder, I finally finished cleaning 47 years of rust, grime and over spray off the front bumper brackets for my 'Cuda.  What a dirty job as evidenced by the below picture.  When my wife saw me after I finished she ordered me into the garage to strip down to my undies and throw away my work cloths because she wasn't "putting those filthy rags in my washing machine."  Time for primer and final painting now.   :bananasmi

Also called QuickFuel about my Carb. that is MIA.   A very courteous, patient and apologetic Tech Adviser discovered that somebody had accidentally pushed a wrong key on the computer and it hadn't been sent out yet.  He told me the error had been corrected and it would be sent out immediately.  It's nice to deal with a professional company.  Just hope the issue with the carb leaking is corrected.
« Last Edit: September 02, 2017 - 11:33:50 AM by usraptr »
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline 70chall440

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #358 on: September 02, 2017 - 12:57:29 PM »
I think most of here that work on our car feel your pain on this one.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline redo1973

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Re: Brad' second '70 Cuda and first (and last) restoration project
« Reply #359 on: September 02, 2017 - 08:38:52 PM »
Ahh, the grime is everywhere.  I was pulling undercoating from the horns and the grill.  The wiper mechanisms were a mess also.  Looks like you're getting closer.  That mirror shine of your paint is awesome.