My Bare Bones 71 Cuda Convert Build

[johns cuda shop]

I would drive it like that.. NICE !!!

[CudamanTom]

I would drive it like that.. NICE !!!

Thanks John. 

[ToxicWolf]

She looks really great, Tom.  Very exciting.   

[CudamanTom]

She looks really great, Tom.  Very exciting.   

Thank you Jim, 
I'm happy just to hear it run while I work on other things (new wires and plugs, timing, adjust shifter rods, replace u-joints and other minor stuff). 
Still need to get the sub-frames installed so I can get started on the interior insulation, carpet, seats panels and such.
The budget isn't quite there yet for a new paint job (but at least get the driver's door painted gloss) so I might see how she looks buffed out and maybe slap on the chrome, gills and grill.
Still lots to do but now I can at least go out and start it up and rev her up a few times. 

[crocha617]

Thanit  you Jim, 
I'm happy just to hear it run while I work on other things (new wires and plugs, timing, adjust shifter rods, replace u-joints and other minor stuff). 
Still need to get the sub-frames installed so I can get started on the interior insulation, carpet, seats panels and such.
The budget isn't quite there yet for a new paint job (but at least get the driver's door painted gloss) so I might see how she looks buffed out and maybe slap on the chrome, gills and grill.
Still lots to do but now I can at least go out and start it up and rev her up a few times. 

You'd be surprised what a wet sand and buff can do. Mine has a few primer spots on It from the previous owner and i'm driving it like that for now.

[CudamanTom]

You'd be surprised what a wet sand and buff can do. Mine has a few primer spots on It from the previous owner and i'm driving it like that for now.

Hey Chris,
I appreciate that input and you have a good point. That's something I'm going to look into. 

I've never messed with paint jobs except waxing and buffing. I might have to check out the wet sand/buff idea. 

[crocha617]

Hey Chris,
I appreciate that input and you have a good point. That's something I'm going to look into. 

I've never messed with paint jobs except waxing and buffing. I might have to check out the wet sand/buff idea. 

Im sure theres YouTube videos on it. My friend bought a roadrunner.with terrible  orange peel and after a day of wet sanding and buffing it looks like a different car. It was a single stage paint job though not sure whats on yours.

[CudamanTom]

Im sure theres YouTube videos on it. My friend bought a roadrunner.with terrible  orange peel and after a day of wet sanding and buffing it looks like a different car. It was a single stage paint job though not sure whats on yours.

Thanks Chris,

I don't know what I have either but I'll check out YouTube. 
Thanks again,

[CudamanTom]

Well little stuff going on right now.

Got new Accel 5041R wires installed.



Got my 15 x 8 rims in (4 1/2 BS).
My brother gave me some free 295/50/R15 tires and had them mounted. Front tires will come soon. 







But found out earlier this week (with help from friends/members on this forum ) that I have a driveshaft without a plug inside my slip yoke on my driveshaft, which explains a big leak I had just behind the tranny.  How in the world??? 

So I can't do any driving till I get the yoke replaced. 

BUT... I can still crank her up and hear her run!!!   

[CudamanTom]

Well it's been over a month since last posting any updates.
Spent a couple weeks (just about every bit of free time) choreographing lights to music (light show) for my neighbor's daughter's wedding.

Then the heat has cranked up alot since. Gettin hot in the shop. 
But was able to get more parts and get little stuff done.
Like the boot.





Installed the front valance and lights.





And got the front grille goin.
The grille is molded black material so didn't paint that for now.
Painted the inserts and surounding areas for them though.
I took the chrome trim, applied tape and then installed each one to provide protection when painting the inner areas. Worked great too.
Attached all the chrome goodies and did a temp install to see how it looks.

[ToxicWolf]

That silver really pops. 

[anlauto]

Grill turned out fantastic

[CudamanTom]

Thanks Jim and Alan.

It was my first painting of a 1971 grille. I searched on-line about how to paint them but didn't find any helpful stuff so I winged it.
I have one more 71 grille to do in Sassy Green for my other cuda, hopefully by next spring.

[dfrazz]

Love that grill!  Great job! 

[usraptr]

Very nice job on the grill!     If I send you mine will you do it also.