Author Topic: 71 Cuda evolves  (Read 2383 times)

Offline jaycuda71

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71 Cuda evolves
« on: February 19, 2014 - 11:29:24 AM »
Hi

you'll find my history with this car here: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=97003.0

Though it had been running really well and looked quite decent, there were the usual spots on the body to make trouble (rust)... :swear:
So i dismantled the car, put it on a rotating body stand and sandblasted it myself in a professional sandblasting booth.
It took many hours to get the sand out of every frame rail, and afterwards i "soaked" the body in a very thin rust preventing paint. There is no unpainted area left (thanks to that rotating stand!).
Had to replace the complete trunk floor, rear quarter panel skins and the rocker panels. Fixed the taillight panel with parts from two cars and got rid of the rust in the usual spots around the front and rear windows and trunk opening. Otherwise the body was solid and needed just a little straightening here and there.
For the Cuda conversion i bought very decent original Cuda fenders (just some minor rust work) at Carlisle for $1000 a pair! (to be honest, this was 18 years ago...)
The Shaker hood is duplicate made out of a standard hood, but it meets the highest standards. Paid also $1000 at Carlisle, with the cast aluminum trim ring!
Got another set of doors, in pristine order, from a friend here in Switzerland - stripped them and found no rust or damage at all!.
Trunk lid was beyond hope and will be replaced with a piece from AMD.
All seams got 3M Body Sealer and the whole underfloor got 3M Body Guard paintable coating.
Now it's time for a preliminary assembly to check on the parts fitment and then it will be painted Tor Red, if my budget permits...

Cheers
Jay





Offline moparmaniac59

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2014 - 11:52:28 AM »
Looking good! Coming along very nicely!  :bigsmile:


                                                                    Matt B.
Matt

Offline usraptr

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2014 - 12:16:35 AM »
Looks like a good solid project!  You're in the same position as lots of us on the forum with our restorations.  Don't be a stranger and keep us posted with your progress! :2thumbs:
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline jaycuda71

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2014 - 02:05:35 PM »
Next step: hood hinges

Corn shell blasted my old hood hinges and found the reason why they gave me some trouble;



Looks quite nice to me and it's working now, though the spot welds on the rivets will need some more attention... :bigsmile:



Cheers
Jay

Offline jaycuda71

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2014 - 11:41:32 AM »
Had a busy time sandblasting those bolt-on parts;

got some eyes...have a look  8)



« Last Edit: March 09, 2014 - 01:25:58 PM by jaycuda71 »

Offline CudamanTom

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2014 - 12:19:29 PM »
Lookin really good Jay!!!  :2thumbs:
1971 Cuda Vert 440-833 - (clone)
1971 Cuda 440-727 - (clone)


Because I like it fast!!!

Offline E-Body Products

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2014 - 12:50:11 PM »
Looking great!!


Daniel
www.ebodyproducts.com

Offline anlauto

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2014 - 12:58:36 PM »
Looking good...You're going to paint them black right ?
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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Offline Colorado-0A5599

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2014 - 11:31:06 PM »
I said it before. I love that color combo on car :)  :wow:
My wife ?   O.K.
My dog ?    Maybe
My Dodge? NEVER!!!

Offline jaycuda71

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #9 on: March 01, 2014 - 08:28:41 AM »
A question for the resto specialists:
my headlight buckets were zinc plated with black overspray on the front side - don't remember if i did this...
To be correct - should the be natural zinc, flat black or in body colour?

Thanx for a hint!
Jay

Offline anlauto

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Re: 71 Cuda evolves
« Reply #10 on: March 01, 2014 - 09:42:32 AM »
The four headlights in your picture come off of the mounting bracket.
The headlight "bucket" - the actual part the headlight sits in is a galvanized steel originally.

The headlight mounting bracket was never plated, they were pressed steel painted semi gloss black. There is some proof found on some that they were dipped in black paint where they were manufactured.

AFTER the car is painted "body colour" and the rad support "blacked out" they were installed  :2cents:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
www.alangallantautomotiverestoration.com