Gran Coupe in WA state

[GranCuda1970]

Yes the AAR grille has been repaired several times and has several big patches. It is missing several of the mounting tabs and is structurally not as sturdy as my origional grille which is very sturdy and is just missing the long rib section. Here's a few pics of the AAR Donor grille.

 




 My Father in law suggested that I cut it with a very fine hacksaw blade cut shorter with tape wrapped arround the ends for gripping. It should be easy to control and get a flat edge.

[GranCuda1970]

It fits for the most part!! Sorry AAR guys I said a prayer put on my hocky mask and started cutting. Had a piece missing from the aar near the hood release section I will have to fill in with material I will splice it there with metal backing.

 

[EB3-GranCoupe]

I had to repair the a/c trim piece that goes under the dash.  i used some 8x11 sheet styrene plastic that i bought at a hobby store to use as reinforcement.  it has worked out well so far!  with metal reinforcement, there may be a material expansion difference, and might cause future cracks.  just a thought.  looking good so far!  do you have the rectangular GC grill inserts?

[GranCuda1970]

Not yet!! I plan on getting them but getting the  from the old lady will be difficult and the parking lenses  I will do more honey do's maybe swap out the toilet in the other bathroom to make her happy before i ask.

[EB3-GranCoupe]

i ws lucky enough to find a new set on ebay for 2/3's of the cost new.  those suckers are expensive for what little plastic there is!!  but they do look great on a GC!!

[GranCuda1970]

Yes, I think they look great as well!!! Signature Gran Coupe peices, when all is said and welded I will repaint the entire grill. Then fork out the dough for the square trims. I think they are like 500 bucks now! How do people sleep at night.

[GranCuda1970]

Like new again and solid as hell!! Now I need to figure out how to take the trim off without ruining it.

 

[EB3-GranCoupe]

if you can't get them off, then try 0000 steel wool.  just be careful where you painted.  the 4-aught does wonders!!

[GranCuda1970]

I got them off and it was easier than I thought, I just like to tip-toe around new experiences with the restoration. Don.t want to spend more than I have too. I will try the 4-aught took the parking lense lights out and scrubbed her down. Wish there was a way to remove the cracks from the origional lenses since I now have 4 of them.

[GranCuda1970]

Cleaned up the aircleaner I re-wrinkled that is a de-cal on top I put it on there so it would keep the aircleaner tin rattle down if there was to be any.




I need to fab or locate the bracket that holds this prop valve in place.



This may be a stupid question but I figure the stupidist question is the one that is not asked. Do I need to cut out this part too fit the 4-speed? 

[GranCuda1970]

Bent up a bracket for the valve will look good but not as beefy as the origional.

[EB3-GranCoupe]

I would imagine that everything under the four speed hump would be cut out.  but i have never swapped  a manual into an auto car. 

[GranCuda1970]

Yeah I am not totally sure. I cut out the hole for the hurst directly down through the floor and thought the bigger bulge part was just to support a console. But it will be easy to remove and grind right if that is what has to be done. Probably clearance for the shifter linkage.

[GranCuda1970]

Looks like that is what I will be doing this morning. I have seen a few underside shots with the 2 parts cut out on either side of the mid frame. Not just the one.

[GranCuda1970]

Almost all better now!!