72 Cuda Resurrection

[70chall440]

I am in somewhat of the same boat; I have been working on my Cuda for about 10 years on and off; only seriously over the last 5 or so. My issue is that of competing projects, procrastination and life in general. That said, it has somewhat worked out for me in that when I procrastinate and go to another project (96 ram diesel, 52 B3B w/330 Hemi, 70 Challenger RT, 76 Dodge D700..) it seems like I end up making the Cuda better because I learn new skills, buy new tools and think through the issues/actions on the Cuda. It comes in spurts for me; most recently I replaced both rear quarters, fit the rear valance and built new bumper brackets so the rear end is sorted. I began to align the doors and got the pass side done and removed the drivers side, then stopped and went on to the D700.. Now I think I am ready to get back to the Cuda; I had built a new instrument cluster for it, but then saw some Speedhut gauges on another build here and decided that is what I wanted, so I ordered a complete Rallye bezel set, speedhut gauges, etc. Now I am ready to rebuild the instrument cluster.

[Edison1970]

Need some help.  I was working on the Rally Dash today and was going to replace the wood grain.  What is the best way to remove the aluminum wood grain from the plastic backing?  Can seem to get it apart.  The glue is still to strong.

[anlauto]

Need some help.  I was working on the Rally Dash today and was going to replace the wood grain.  What is the best way to remove the aluminum wood grain from the plastic backing?  Can seem to get it apart.  The glue is still to strong.

Look on the back side of the plastic, there's little metal tabs that need to be twisted and straightened out before you can easily remove the wood grain

[Edison1970]

I did straighten the tabs but it seems that the adhesive still has a good hold on it.  I tried to slide a putty knife between them and still no luck.  What do you think about hot water?

[TelisSE440]

Make sure that you have the tabs straightened and then proceed with hot water, give it a little more strength, it will come out eventually...

[70chall440]

I have seen some that had glue on the back side; I cannot say this was done originally but it might have. If so, it will be hard to get off w/o destroying it. why are you taking off? If you are going to put a new adhesive wood grain sticker over it, do it all together. I did my Challenger several months ago, much easier.

[Edison1970]

It's been a long time since I posted an update on my car.  I went through some major life changes.  Divorce, employment, move, ect.  Life goes on and I was still able to keep the Cuda.  I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the body.  I just did the last bit of block sanding and it is going to the paint booth later this week.  I'll post some pics after the weekend.

[redo1973]

It's nice to see you posting again.  I hope that everything is okay for you.  BTW - need pictures

[cudamadd]

Thats good news .That things are looking up for u . When you can post some pics cheers .

[Edison1970]

I put the last coat of high build on about a month ago. 


I just finished the final block sanding last weekend.  Test fit all I could to make sure everything fit.  This weekend is paint.


I'm pretty excited to finally get the paint done.  Things are heading in the right direction!

[redo1973]

Awesome.  The smell of fresh paint.  Can't beat it.  Good luck with the paint.

[cudamadd]

Love that colour ,its gunna be .

[340challconvert]

Your car is looking great, especially compared to the way it was when you first got it.
Thank you for saving another E body.

[Edison1970]

Things are finally starting to happen.  Paint got pushed a couple of weeks because my friends body shop was full. 
Hit the car with 600 and got it in the booth for the sealer.  We got most of the panels painted today.  Cleared the engine compartment and jams.  Color is on.  Tomorrow we are going to go over it with 1000 grit then finish color and clear.   

[redo1973]

WOW!  That looks fantastic.  Congratulations! The color will really pop with the clear coat.