Replacing quarter panel on a Cuda or Challenger

[RUNCHARGER]

I've used the panels adhesive and I'm a big fan of it. Not for a stock resto but it sure rocks on stuff that you aren't concerned with proper spot welds.

Sheldon

[nsmall]

@JohnP

You were just tagged.  How about an update on your 71?

[JohnP]

Hi
All stripped on the way to the panel shop. Chassis is twisted but not too bad and been straightened now. I am replacing all new parts from fire wall but excluding lower fire wall. I wish I had also purchased the lower as there is some rot there which will need plating. The upper and lower has been patched before so it is lucky I have the new upper fire wall. Hope to have it back by mid Feb as I have supplied all the parts. Hemi  and Tremec gearbox on a trolley with Radiator ready to fit dash. New MegaSqirt gold to be wired up off the car to test run ready to fit to the car when it comes back. Hope to have it completed by mid April. I supplied the chassis measurements for 1970 and 1971 as I am not sure which is correct. Log book says 1970 and valuation says 1971. This car was brought in from US but numbers were changed in Cape town South Africa so no way of checking. I also purchase Dakota Gauges and renewed the Alterkation suspension on the front. New flaming river steering column and new locking parts. Cannot wait for everything to be completed. I have attached some photos of before, after and on way to panel shop.

Will keep you informed with more photos.

Cheers
John

[RUNCHARGER]

Great, make sure to post progress pics if you get a chance.

[JohnP]

I  drained sump and gearbox to check oil pick up and if any metal filings but all ok. Would like to use Synthetic oil for both, any recommendations.

Cheers

[nsmall]

Maybe start a thread about the oil under the following link....https://forum.e-bodies.org/engine-transmission-and-rear-end/4/

Maybe include what oil you were using and what you are thinking about going to now.



As for your 71, glad to see you saved it and will get to enjoy it again.  Thanks for the update and I wish you the best of luck

[rhamson]

Lead is best!

[Shoooter]

this is all great info!

[JohnP]

Hi Sorry for the late reply. Well it has been 6 months now and nearly thrown the towel in 3 times. Brake specialists ?? really did a bad job with only 3 threads on the banjo bolt on the Wilwood 6 piston calipers and pressure side valve and spring wrong way around on the power steering pump. You know what they say is if you want it doing correctly do it yourself. first ride had some problems. Back at panel beaters now to roll the fenders as the front wheels and the back inside are touching. At 65 MPH the steering wheel shakes and 70 MPH the whole front end shakes side to side. I have had the wheel balancing done and one tire rotated on the one rim. It could also be that I wound the Alterktion coil over springs up high to clear the fenders.  I will see when the panel shop has finished so I can test drive the car again.

It would help if I can get the settings for the wheel alignment with Alterktion front suspension and any tips for the vibration. I have added some photos in my gallery of the build.

Cheers
John

[Brads70]

Did you replace the steering rack? I know from circle track racing that those mustang racks can't take much abuse? Did you replace anything on the altercation front end?  How did the alignment go? Did you do a 4 wheel alignment seeing as how it was in a collision?

[JS29]

A bad wheel can create A vibration! My car when I bought had A vibration and pulled to one side. Front end alignment, tire balance nothing seemed wrong. swapped front tires side to side, pulled the opposite way. new tires, pulling went away but still shuck but at A different speed. had the tires re-balanced, still there. had A different place road-force balance them and found A wheel was defective.       

[Brads70]

   after a bad wreck like that, everything impacted is suspect. Did you completely disassemble the altercation from end and check for bent control arm's and , bolts, bushings, ball joints, steering arms etc...

[JohnP]

Hi. The car went on a chassis stratener and new Rails fitted. I have replaced the whole front end including the fire wall. New Alterktion suspension, steering column and balenceing. I had the wheel alignment done but not sure if the specifications were correct. That is why I am requesting the specs from anyone who can help. The steering Rack is from Alterktion and has been tested.

Cheers
John

[JS29]

I would still have the tire and wheel road-force balance done, It is better than A regular weight balance! 

[JohnP]

All replaced new and double checked all ball joints.