1970 Cuda resurrection

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Offline HP_Cuda

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1970 Cuda resurrection
« on: March 28, 2012 - 01:03:22 PM »
I thought I'd post some pics of my restoration of a obvious sea bound Cuda which I brought back from the rust devil. It started life as a Hamtramck, Michigan car and found its way to Maryland. It sported a 318 column shift with AC and power steering. It will make it's comeback with a 1969 440 HP motor and a 489/742 3.55 rear end all this fun traveling through an A833 4 speed.

This all started 25 years ago when I helped a buddy restore a 1970 Gran Coupe with a blown 440 and nitros to boot! I fondly remember getting that one up to 6lbs of boost just getting on the freeway and wow the fun of torque called me back.

Here is a pic of the car just before it went into the shop. Doesn't look that bad eh?  :clueless:
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD




Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2012 - 01:05:29 PM »

Hood and motor pulled....

Know anyone who wants a flathood and a 318 with tranny?
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2012 - 01:08:52 PM »

Pulling panels. Let's see the front fenders look like they can be saved but in the end only one does. The firewall is toast, rear quarters goners, tail panel not enuf rustoleum in the world to save it, trunk pan forget it, well you get the idea.

1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline Jocigar

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2012 - 01:52:20 PM »

As a cuda lover since my teens, I can appreciate saving any fish.   With-out disrespect…. why not buy a 5k shell in better condition?  I’m sure you are very capable, just wondering why this one?  The only sheetmetal left is the tail panel and Dutchman  :faint:

For certain, I will learn a lot from your resto thread!  I have a future convertible project that will need all frame rails replaced as a starting point.

 :ylsuper: :cheers: best of luck, can't wait to see the progress  :popcorn:

 

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2012 - 03:08:55 PM »

Most project Cuda's I've been eyeing have been in the 10k range and not in the 5k range. I bought this one for much lower than 5k so.....

Heck if Dynacorn made ebodies I might have gone that way.

Time for another pic!  :woo:

As a cuda lover since my teens, I can appreciate saving any fish.   With-out disrespect…. why not buy a 5k shell in better condition?  I’m sure you are very capable, just wondering why this one?  The only sheetmetal left is the tail panel and Dutchman  :faint:

For certain, I will learn a lot from your resto thread!  I have a future convertible project that will need all frame rails replaced as a starting point.

 :ylsuper: :cheers: best of luck, can't wait to see the progress  :popcorn:

 
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2012 - 03:13:50 PM »

Hey Fred Flinstone want to drive my Cuda?  :rofl:

We don't need no stinking pans!!!  :villagers:
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2012 - 03:20:29 PM »

Trunk pan is new again!
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2012 - 04:40:46 PM »
Laying the pan down and welding in place ....... :2thumbs:
« Last Edit: March 28, 2012 - 04:53:25 PM by HP_Cuda »
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2012 - 04:45:02 PM »

Front shot of the pans minus firewall....
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #9 on: March 28, 2012 - 04:55:27 PM »
Quarters installed and tail panel but without roof skin....
« Last Edit: March 28, 2012 - 04:57:09 PM by HP_Cuda »
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #10 on: March 28, 2012 - 04:57:50 PM »
Test fitting the roof skin.  :cheers:
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #11 on: March 28, 2012 - 04:59:27 PM »
Ready to weld up the roof skin.
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #12 on: March 28, 2012 - 05:02:16 PM »

Hang the doors, front fenders, and primer her up... :22yikes:
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #13 on: March 28, 2012 - 05:03:26 PM »

The other side....
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda resurrection
« Reply #14 on: March 28, 2012 - 05:04:27 PM »

Looks good from the front eh?  :clapping:
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD