72 Cuda Resurrection

[YellowThumper]

Just sat down (for a long time I might add) and read your whole thread.
Incredible amount of repair you have done there. Looks like you can start seeing the light at the end there.
Thanks for posting up the many many details. Definitely inspiring to see.

I will be watching...
Mike.

[Topcat]

The studs you're welding on have inconsistent heat penetration.

These can be tricky.

Too little heat and the whole stud breaks off. Nothing accomplished.
And if you have too much, when you pull it makes a hole.

Do the count...One thousand and one and immediately let off.

Try newer car sheetmetal and it's even more difficult.

[Edison1970]

Thanks.  More work than I planned but I've learned a lot.  I try to keep myself on track that it is only a driver for me.  The stud welder has been a great tool.  I have only had a few spots where I made a hole with it.  Mainly when trying to remove the stud.  I started putting filler on the fender last night.  I hope to have the fender done by this weekend.

[johns cuda shop]

Looking good Dave. All this work now will make it that much nicer when its done. 

[Edison1970]

I haven't posted in a long time.  I have been doing all of the filler work.  Not my favorite part of the build but hope to get it all done in the next month or so.  Both doors are done, driver's fender and passenger quarter.  Ran into a brick wall with the passenger fender. I have another that I am probably going to use instead.  It stinks since I put so much work into the other one but I just can't get it to where it needs to be.

I got the hood stripped and pulled a few dents.  I should have it done this weekend.

[johns cuda shop]

Nice work Dave , i need to stop by and look at your progress

[twalker]

Looking great!  Take your time...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brads70]

Lots of hours spent there!  Good job!

[Edison1970]

Haven't posted an update in a while.  I really have been struggling with the passenger side fender.  I finally gave up on the one I have been working on and started with another.  This one has some rust issues but is pretty straight.  If I had the funds, I would have bought a new one but the $$ are just not here right now.  Anyway, I patched 2 spots on the top edge, filled the turn signal indicator holes and antenna.  Now, the fender was hit below the headlight where the front valance attaches.  I had another crappy fender that I cut the same area off and I plan on welding it back in just under the lower body line.  The last repair will be to cut out and patch the dog leg.  Wish me luck.

[AAR6BBL]

Dave,
Very nice work
Following along on a project like this is inspiring to those of us who are just getting started on our metal work.
Keep it up and keep posting those pics!
Greg

[Edison1970]

Thanks for the kind words.  I was able to get some more done this weekend.  It wasn't easy with the 100 + degrees outside but I managed to get a little accomplished.  Replaced the dented and rusted up piece in front of the wheel.  Came out better than I expected.  Next is patch work on the leg.

[redo1973]

Highly motivating thread.  I've been following for well over a year. I am a few months behind your progress.  My welding isn't as nice as yours but clearly I need to be more persistent as you.  These projects are very helpful for those of us learning as we go.  Thanks for the extra effort to share the pics and dialogue. I'll be posting progress of my project in the near future.

[johns cuda shop]

Looking good Dave...

[Edison1970]

thanks.  Trying to put this fender behind me.  Just about finished the welding.  I have one small spot on top to do and close up the side marker and I'm finally done.  I took it to my friend's shop today and sanded it to bare metal.  Over all, the fender is coming out pretty good. I just have a small amount of filler work to do on this and it's finished. 

[Edison1970]

I forgot to post the pictures of the lower leg.  It would have been easier with a new patch but I was tired of putting money into the fenders so I cut up an old fender and made one out of two really solid pieces.  Came out ok.