72 Cuda Resurrection

[Edison1970]

I haven't posted any progress for a while.  Starting to get thing going again.  Applied some filler over the welds on the inner fenders and fire wall.  Removed the passenger side door today and stripped the door jam areas.  Didn't look too bad.  Seems that where ever there was seam sealer, there was rust.  Roof rail area has some little holes coming through that I will have to patch.  One trick I used today to remove the roof rail trim was to heat it with a benzo torch and the glue was soft enough to pull the trim right off without distorting it.  Also made the holes for the cowl screens.  The aftermarket piece had no mounting holes.

[Edison1970]

started to weld up the holes I made in the roof today.  Not bad.  Getting a little better with the welding.  Hope to get all three patched up by this weekend.

[cudamadd]

What a great job , It takes a lot of guts , sweet and pain to  do this . I take my hat off to you. Been there with one of my ebodys . WHEN ALL SAID  and done you will be a very proud in all the work that has gone into this labor of love . Please keep us up to date .cheers 

[Edison1970]

Thanks for the positive feed back.  This has been a great challenge.  Never welded myself before until this project.  I think the quarters and the trunk will be easier compared to the patch work I'm doing now.

[mrbill426]

That's LOT of work, looking good though 

We're in the middle of a '72 restoe too and know how long it can take.

 

[Edison1970]

Finished all patching over the passenger side roof.  A real pain.  There was a spot that I missed that was weak and I blew a hole through it.  Just ended up taking me longer than I wanted.  Started to strip the paint on the lower rear quarter panel.  I expected to find more than I did.  In front of the rear wheel, there was some rust but
not all the way through.  I'm thinking I will cut it out and patch it.  Am I being to cautious?


Here is a picture of the rear quarter behind the wheel.  Looks like some one backed over a garbage can.

A lot of small rust spots.  Only a few go all of the way through but I think I am going to cut it under the side marker light and put a patch panel in.

[mrbill426]

I don't think you can be too cautious with rust 

Am I being to cautious?

[dutch]

    the panel behind that area will have rust 

[GranCuda1970]

How many colors has that car been in it's life ? Mine has been two! deep burnt orange and red eventually limegreen. Looks like that one has been at least 3 or 4 different colors.

[Edison1970]

The original color was blue, then hemi orange then a teal color.  I'm taking it down to bare steel on the outside and painting it a dark metalic blue.

[larry4406]

good work.  looks like petty blue (basin street blue) originally.

[Edison1970]

Wow!  I can't believe my car looked like that at one time.  Well, now back to reality.  I figured that I need to order a patch panel for the passenger side so I better check the driver's side and possibly order them both at the same time if needed.  Looks like the driver's side might need a complete quarter panel.  Behind the rear wheel on the lower part is shot.  Small hole in trunk drop off.  The worst part is the 1/4" load of bondo starting at the rear of the fender lip and continuing up the panel.  Looks like some one smacked a wall.  Also, the front of the lower quarter has 2 holes in it.  What do you guys think about a skin or complete quarter?

[Topcat]

Wow!  I can't believe my car looked like that at one time.  Well, now back to reality.  I figured that I need to order a patch panel for the passenger side so I better check the driver's side and possibly order them both at the same time if needed.  Looks like the driver's side might need a complete quarter panel.

 What do you guys think about a skin or complete quarter?

Do the whole quarter panel. It's ton of work but when you're done; you'll be glad you did.

[Edison1970]

I have a 2 piece trunk pan that was given to me with the car.  Should I replace the pan after I replace the quarter panel?  Before I remove the quarter, should I make sure the drivers door is aligned?  Should I take any measurements before I cut it off?  Sorry to ask so many questions but this is a first for me. 

[72cudamaan]

I have a 2 piece trunk pan that was given to me with the car.  Should I replace the pan after I replace the quarter panel?  Before I remove the quarter, should I make sure the drivers door is aligned?  Should I take any measurements before I cut it off?  Sorry to ask so many questions but this is a first for me.

Yes definitely make sure the door is lined up properly and the hinges are tight. ie no sag.  Then
when you mock up the quarter panel, you can line it up to the door and know it is correct.