Author Topic: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower  (Read 1268 times)

Offline 7samurai

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71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« on: February 14, 2011 - 07:18:57 PM »
well, here we are after 2 years.  The paint job was a journey into the twilight zone and the rediculous.  A friend did the bodywork and welding, but could only work on Saturdays, so it took a while.  The body is about done. A local gunsmith poished all of the trim and I had the wheel moldings powder coated.  Interior is next and I hope to be on the road by May.  It has the standard  71 off white interior, but I am going with white interior and recovering in a gran coupe type pleat.  I know, not factory, but I like it better. steering column is getting painted and I am replacing all of the wiring.  I am dreading replacing the dash harness, but we will persevere and triumph.  Thanks to this forum for the help.  The information, advice and posts are priceless. It is difficult to put a car together without a map and sometimes pictures just do not answer the question.




Offline usraptr

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Re: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2011 - 07:34:50 PM »
I can sympathize regarding a friend doing the welding and body work.  I'm in exactly the same boat, 2 years and counting and we still don't have paint.  Anyway, yours is looking good.  Keep us posted on your progress!   :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 Bullitt-

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Re: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2011 - 08:25:43 PM »
Looking Sharp...Keep up the good work.........  :thumbsup:
I notice your ECU is lower on the firewall than usual. I suspect there may be clearance and heat issues with it there.
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
Screwed by Photobucket!

Offline bentpshrods

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Re: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2011 - 08:41:33 PM »
   That sure looks familiar.   :thumbsup:   When I did mine I thought it would take a year to get it done.  One turned into two +.  A lot of one step forward and two steps back.    :pullinghair:    Just keep plugging away and before long you will be headed down the street with a big smile on your face.  Car is looking good, but I might be just a little biased towards purple 71 cudas.    :bigsmile:

Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« Reply #4 on: February 14, 2011 - 09:00:17 PM »
Sweet lookin ride.  :2thumbs:

More pics please!! :picture: :picture:
"All riches begin as a state of mind and you have complete control of your mind"  -- B. Lee

Offline femtnmax

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Re: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2011 - 01:18:22 PM »
Your cuda is looking great.  Lets see pics of the interior/ your color white, sounds like it will look sharp!!
Phil

Offline brads70

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Re: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2011 - 04:47:47 PM »
Looking Sharp...Keep up the good work.........  :thumbsup:
I notice your ECU is lower on the firewall than usual. I suspect there may be clearance and heat issues with it there.

I wondered about that too but figured maybe it was a Cuda thing? If it's a new cowl are the dimples not there already for it, you just have to drill the holes?  :dunno: 
Your car looks fantastic! My most favourite year for the Cuda! Nice job!  :2thumbs: Plum crazy with white interior is going to look killer!  :drool:   You must be pumped about getting so close to getting it on the road! It's as close as we get to giving birth! :roflsmiley:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 7samurai

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Re: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2011 - 05:01:29 PM »
Yeah, I know.  My body guy filled the upper holes for the ecu.  It fit where it is at and I just wanted to get it off of the bench.  I will be using an msd box and tach drive.  I have a new engine harness, but I don't know how I am going to wire it, either stock looking or just use the msd box.

Offline brads70

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Re: 71 cuda progess.....slow and slower
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2011 - 06:31:26 PM »
Yeah, I know.  My body guy filled the upper holes for the ecu.  It fit where it is at and I just wanted to get it off of the bench.  I will be using an msd box and tach drive.  I have a new engine harness, but I don't know how I am going to wire it, either stock looking or just use the msd box.

Thought you might find this post interesting?
As per Tom's suggestion I mounted mine under the battery tray.
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=69119.msg709857#msg709857
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0