My Bare Bones 71 Cuda Convert Build

[CudamanTom]

Pretty close to a month from the last post.
For the most part, it's been slow but have made some progress.
Had to sell some stuff to get funds but parts are on the way.
Seat covers from Legendary
Vert top from Year One (nice sale helped)
Side rear interior panels (from 4C)
Side markers from 6771plymouth
Vert well liner

So in the mean time, I've been working on stuff. Little stuff that adds up.

Glued passenger side mirror and installed both side mirrors.






Installed the gills in the fenders.



New repop door handles.




Sanded and painted the interior window trim, installed visors and rear view mirror.






Cleaned, painted and installed the door latch and lever.




And lastly, a biggie. I installed my new vert top cylinders and used hoses and pump (cleaned and painted pump). 
Had to make adjustments with the top frame adjustors for the pins to line up but all is good. Top goes up and down really well.









Here is a little tool I made to fill up the pump motor tank. Made out of a section of pre-bent fuel line that I didn't use and a small funnel.
This made servicing the system way easier and less mess.





Coming soon...
Seat covers and top replacement.
I'm debating having this all done by a pro. I got a $1,000 quote for all seats and top install. Sounds tempting and much faster and better than I can do it I'm sure.
Then dying door/rear panels.
I still have to get the sub-frames welded in before doing the insulation/carpet. Might have that done while waiting for seat covers (custom made from Legendary takes 4 to 6 weeks).

Well that's all for now. Thanks for listening. 
Tom

[dfrazz]

Looks like some great progress.  Nothing like knocking out some of the little things to get a sense of accomplishment.
 

[CudamanTom]

Looks like some great progress.  Nothing like knocking out some of the little things to get a sense of accomplishment.
 

Thanks dfrazz,
And yes, with a lot the little things done, it's starting to clear the muddy water a little. Still more little things and some attention to detail, but not as much going forward. I started out with about a half dozen boxes of parts and just emptied the last one. Still a ways to go but I'm getting there.

Thanks again,
Tom

[Haddixj]

I helped a guy do the top on my dads camaro and it was a ton of work. I think I would pay to have it done as you run the risk of ruining a decent amount of money in parts. Car looks good and gas come a long way in a short amount of time. Hopefully I can get started sooner or later

[AARuFAST]

That is going to be one sweet ride cruizin with the top down in the moon lite.

[CudamanTom]

Well now that the heat of summer is past us, I'm ready to get going again before the holidays kick in. 

Received my seat covers from Legendary Auto (custom made all vinyl and buttons to replicate Gran Coupe) and new convertible top from Year One.
I will attempt to install these a little later.











And installed the carpet I purchased from ACC. I purchased the thick plush carpet with rubber backing and insulation. Heavy duty stuff but is super nice.
Mainly had to trim the sides and front edge under the dash.
I used a soldering iron for all the holes. That idea I got from a thread on here. Great idea too. 















I have purchased the door and rear panels that need just a little work. I should be installing them soon.

I hope to get the seats recovered and installed next and then the top. Again, I'll be doing these myself and create a thread on that.

Thanks,
Tom

[roadman5312]

            Looking Awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

[moparman82]

Good progress tom!  My wife is headed down to Tulsa for a couple days for a work function, I was tempted to go with her so I could drop her off and head over to see your progress in person!  But that's a loooong couple of days for my 2&4 year olds haha

[340challconvert]

Pretty cool "tool" you made to fill the vert top pump motor.
I will need to replace my lines and refill the motor on my A66 vert
Thanks for the idea
70convert

[CudamanTom]

Thank you guys for your comments.

Scott, if you get the chance, come on down and we'll visit. I understand about the young kids. makes it a long day for everyone. LOL

70convert,
When I originally tried to fill that pump motor, I was making a mess just trying to get some fluid in there, spilling more than what was going in. Then I found some extra fuel line lying around and a small funnel. With the bends already in place, it worked out perfect. I know it wouldn't take much to make one even out of copper tubbing.
Made topping off the pump so much easier with hardly any mess.

[CudamanTom]

Well I survived the holidays then started working over time at work the beginning of February. So since my last post, I haven't done much till a couple weeks ago.
Work is slowing down a bit and it's getting warmer outside so it's time to do seats. 

Please keep in mind, I have NEVER reupholstered seats before. So caution of my work of the following to all those pros out there. 

I'm reusing the foam that came with the seats. They weren't too bad off.

I did some homework to get supplies for my seats (already have the seat covers from Legendary  ).



Laid out my seats to assess the situation.







So the beginning of April I started on reupholstering my seats. Started with the front seats first. I installed the seat latches.





Started the process. Covered the springs with burlap to protect the foam and installed the listing wires.





Then installed the foam and attached with hog rings.



Here is where the horizontal listing wire is attached.



With the cover installed, it looks pretty good. I think the heat/sun will help with relaxing the material a little.





After doing both seat sections, I assembled them. Front seats done. 





Next up, the rear seat.

[roadman5312]

Nice work on the seats Tom, that is something I would not attempt . Sitting them in the sun is the best thing to do. Thats what my upholstery guy says every time I critique his work, they didn't sit in the sun yet.      

[CudamanTom]

Now for the rear seats. 

The bottom section first.



Again, I installed burlap to protect the foam.





And installed the cover.



Next was the upper rear seat. This needed a little more attention. 





I made a separate burlap panel for the top to keep the material from sagging in between. I used burlap and the original listing wires that came with the seat.



Then burlap for the rest to keep the cotton material in place.





I also installed the original burlap with supporting wires. I figured hey, it can't hurt and keeping the original stuff there will be neat to see again another 20 or 30 years later, if ever at all.





Then laid out the cotton.





Then attached material over the cotton to keep it in place when installing the cover.





Ran the listing wires for the cover.



Hog ringed the cover to the frame.



Done with the rear seat. 

[CudamanTom]

And here they are done and installed. 














I forgot to mention, I decided to test fit my door panels (which can be seen in some of the pics). They aren't attached, just resting in place.
They don't look too bad for used original panels. 



Then went ahead and installed the sill plates but didn't do the two inside screws just yet.







So I am trying to make up for lost times here. I still plan to message the seat covers once they set out in the sun a little. And will probably add another layer of cotton for the rear upper seat. Then attach the boot molding to the back of the seat.

Hope you all enjoy. 

[CudamanTom]

Nice work on the seats Tom, that is something I would not attempt . Sitting them in the sun is the best thing to do. Thats what my upholstery guy says every time I critique his work, they didn't sit in the sun yet.      

Thanks Mark. 

Glad to hear an upholstery guy says to set them out in the sun. He's lucky to have hecklers in his life.