Time to bite the bullet and start over again, not too many pictures and progress yet, so I should be able to move the thread here without too much effort. Apologize to anyone commenting on the old thread at cc.. Anyway, the first couple of posts will be a plain copy & paste...
Hello and welcome to my restoration thread!
This is the first post of many to come. I bought the car on eBay on the first of April (hmm, it really wasn't a joke).
In summary, this a real BS23 'Cuda with A/C, A22 rubber bumpers, A62 Rallye instrument cluster, 383 4-speed in my favorite color FE5. All the panels look like junk at first sight. Will be fun to see if there is anything salvageable.
Well I got it home (to Sweden) a week ago (in 2015) and have started to inspect the car.
2015
My goal this year is to take it apart as much as I can and get the front of the car stripped down and primed. I don't have a lot of time, money or knowledge of how to restore a car, so this will most likely take a long time to complete. I want to do this correctly. The front frame rails are solid but there is some damage on the passenger side. Will look into that later. Radiator support and cowl looks solid. All bolts, screws and attaching hardware is rusted but not to bad. I guess this is to be expected. What is the best way to restore the bolts, or should I just buy new bolts, screws etc?
Where is this project going?
I'm 99 % sure where I want to take this project (1 % uncertainty is if I find the matching numbers motor) and that is a Hemi clone. I have a 472 Hemi in parts and the engine build will be included here later. Transmission will be a Passon Performance 18-spline 4 speed overdrive and I plan on a B-body Dana for the rear. I also have a FAST XFI 2.0 with traction control to complete my build. I really hate carburetors.. :tired:
Will post some pictures when I decide where to store all restoration pictures.
So, it has taken me over a year to continue my restoration project. Better late than never right?
First a little recap. The following two pictures were taken by the seller.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fr50dv5xk7x57phf%2F1_zpsnj4txspp.jpg&hash=59eedc2f9d6c1ae517d81a315863ef56500736ee)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F3cgqcu8pazaobh6%2F3_zpsfpmgku7u.jpg&hash=b37c4710227e5e82ee52cd95f3e51144f1d25349)
I don't have any pictures of it when it got home. I guess I was so pleased with finally having a 71 'Cuda that I forgot to snap some pictures of it. Anyway, it was missing some parts, no bumper brackets, emblems were "lost" going from the seller to me, etc.
So what has happened this past year? To me, a lot of things has happened that made this restoration process a little longer than it could have taken, but it could have taken considerably longer to get where I am now. At the time when I bought the car, I lived in an apartment and I had my 70 'Cuda 340 4-speed car at my friends place which is some 30 minutes drive away.
My friend was able to clear out some space for me (I'm very thankful for that Sven!) to store the 71 and I was able to work a little on it, but the drive and the fact that I couldn't do any metal working on the car there, meant that progress would be slow.
After the car got home last summer, I started to take it apart. I did know it was a restoration project, I just didn't know how bad or good it would be once I got it down to the bare unibody.
First thing, get the engine out.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fazif6hed9p5vqxi%2F20150723_152022.jpg&hash=300ec3e35b01d1df5229cc83dfb1ad21edf2e3b7)
Engine is out, next step remove transmission, which is the matching 23-spline 4-speed, this will not be put back into the car.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F5kv7zscp8q1g6pc%2F20150723_174551.jpg&hash=e676f6f3f1706d07e348c05234961ded685f41ec)
Transmission getting removed.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F9hrp7gxymobrkzx%2F20150724_170739.jpg&hash=2c248006bbaf2350de293198e877613115f7d317)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fejcgtfomdxgcma8%2F20150724_170749.jpg&hash=7078589739bfc89df1e761bc6db174dbdf59d434)
Removing head lamps, A/C condenser etc. In this picture the vast storage space (shed) is visible. Clearly not the best place to start grinding and welding...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fncguce6vx36g1pk%2F20150727_163847.jpg%3Fdl%3D0&hash=ae27ef6d0dabec30af4a2532fbcc482e229f4ee2)
Removing the fenders revealed damage to the inner fenders on both sides. There is rust damage where the hood hinges are bolted and on the flares as is visible in this picture.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fiu9zsmxxzi0ym0l%2F20150804_172621.jpg&hash=8c04738e0c7a4db3faa4294695f7b63597281fe5)
Passenger side is in much worse shape than the drivers side. The door post, cowl and rocker panels have damage, both rust and previous collision damage. A 90 deg bracket is welded in place to hold the passenger side fender. At this point it doesn't seam like an impossible fix...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2lqpwkk0p0uiohc%2F20150804_172659.jpg&hash=673e4260c77a9cbf310c8b9ff8519b0160214ea6)
Just patch in a piece on the cowl and fix the door post and it should be good to go.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fhw1d3zbqsax5if0%2F20150804_172709.jpg&hash=1585bab3c92175689d3e8c4a5f6fa99c19f20678)
Firewall has some areas where there is suspected rust damage
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fthge16b19buco3z%2F20150804_172850.jpg&hash=10d0dc23b2c3a1749feab1f593848f6b8a257a38)
Driver's side door post and cowl looks much better than the passenger side, but we will see...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fja8niumcwro3jvg%2F20150804_202031.jpg&hash=edcaa8f4ff9ff8b6a86f2f1fecfc9d382308bc55)
On the plus side, the frame rails looks quite good on a first glance. Here is the passenger side.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fsl96hkl9hqd4shd%2F20150804_202208.jpg&hash=17db495306a35564852b16d23cb7b236e0349e84)
Driver's side
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F4lmao5nkk9rd4zm%2F20150804_202220.jpg&hash=dc162088ece439eb5d36e9e51097e62aeda84992)
Passenger side rocker to door post, some rust has gone through the rocker.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fgnj8kd1lp336smi%2F20150805_152103.jpg&hash=3a78777acd2bfc9ee0536d0f1c1fc68836763bf4)
Passenger side floor. Poorly patched together.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F9vqxk7lcjo6x5fh%2F20150805_164737.jpg&hash=9643499d6b0808b1c82c3def9b1f41c783476775)
Driver's side
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F3nsvgq8u1jx0msx%2F20150805_164745.jpg&hash=1f931b40d64a29c3c621889fe7a9ed5aff931914)
Removing the windshield, which was a pain in the a$$ due to some glue/silicon that was used to keep it in place revealed rust damage around the windshield under all glue/silicon. The dash is cracked, but that is likely to be expected..
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F6zhbab1c08k179q%2F20150805_184533.jpg&hash=aa5528d1f0fad7b218df29757e32a953e4d8f8cf)
Removed the dash.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Frz73n3cek7jkvx2%2F20150808_143744.jpg&hash=6ac1e7f4636b43fbca99397f15fc4038602db6b7)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fzgi0elksliwsx4s%2F20150808_143806.jpg&hash=b478ee2e739c6cad20f5f824bb2e3471b99333c5)
Removing the heater.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Forp8qdx10gasp8w%2F20150808_150602.jpg&hash=2afb7e5b32b47dddfac5c1a8e9317d83390d83a3)
Firewall doesn't look to bad at this point, some damage where the drain on the cowl is.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fky022ce1nnnqkhl%2F20150809_134559.jpg&hash=4ab4dc3315be2e2c84b5166e2e46bccbfa425179)
Continued with the roof to remove the vinyl and see how the roof has survived the past 45 years. Found one hole.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fqhz11alactja8pt%2F20150809_134703.jpg&hash=26d70deeb4fd5fec5b6dbbd3f468d8d09106ff2f)
And some damage where the quarter meets the window (don't know the name of this)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0pp7xjdyo9eo3tf%2F20150809_134714.jpg&hash=99dded979cb3c90d16fb27821c857a388895804b)
Is this factory markings on the roof to know where to place the vinyl?
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fwwyn5dlwatmbbdd%2F20150809_160751.jpg&hash=1db9e246387a3ef37b9ac8faf0e477341902450e)
Doors look good, that's at least something :)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F1i225got2l0crtj%2F20150809_173711.jpg&hash=bfbb6c4f3dc69723bf9a92347eadd4e0491ea853)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fjcuwhsci5q8ca4l%2F20150809_173721.jpg&hash=07366f0d5a6bb55b813f192b534820f4ff65faae)
A couple of shots on the inside.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fc9yvnslie6r3kpe%2F20150809_185109.jpg&hash=fffe88a3a15979bc225d8fcb17b634fe033378f7)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fjt4z28c8jj5v852%2F20150809_185119.jpg&hash=39545bb5ed681bc62295d555a40c9e20c75833ca)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F3kjfwvknbt6ptnj%2F20150809_193956.jpg&hash=018a3a07d8ced8a871a465e472202882d1a04960)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fsr4ao0y9nqv9czl%2F20150809_194001.jpg&hash=a815e7dd1bcb9729e9e4a770dda70e2f6a212342)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F74dymc9t6tfu1r7%2F20150809_194009.jpg&hash=89647a08d8476045da6ade89d53c49bd3388b9f7)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fpreamzfi4qfgrqq%2F20150809_194023.jpg&hash=4dccf7aeea91213ab6302647e7e2cff8fa81753b)
Found some plastic filler, almost a centimeter thick >:(
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F3989krwm20x8f5i%2F20150814_145316.jpg&hash=0414f725a49131dee15e95cbe5a324003ce5abd7)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ff98roo4idzcy1xp%2F20150814_145344.jpg&hash=b1e19ea44914b4d46407ae0252a032c72256187a)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F5vxwebwhd9ss8d4%2F20150814_155144.jpg&hash=d3017f9f6129ffb06cf88e7f1c1f88a1f333d98e)
Rear window has damage all around. :(
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fkj372rh4ltpc5hr%2F20150814_183939.jpg&hash=d2fbb37b79d1366d15ce8c964dd4e0604cfcfe91)
Original? gas tank removed, almost zero damage to it.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fm1jabwx0sdgwl3j%2F20150822_134149.jpg&hash=d5fd80a7de048b2b3d84191750dfddc4ee758a28)
Started to work on the driver's side quarter panel. Almost wish I didn't..
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2g2cysj369zjcst%2F20150822_175152.jpg&hash=a57b462a9277612f9e80d896ec7a15eec7381738)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fzbqza1k92o1pjdr%2F20150822_175158.jpg&hash=d67999a2e5026e779675199802fb2aeae8b2e410)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fphvtos1a7kdqr75%2F20150822_175226.jpg&hash=e65d1bd21d764c779988f1c22955ae5a22491594)
Passenger side is worse...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2yypmhn1pm6kavq%2F20150823_121948.jpg&hash=2d31db7c8cc3f9ea11f52b4155d109398b960797)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fqeocliuffl24ah4%2F20150823_121958.jpg&hash=37675d40f40a2da25caf5dbffff19b61bf1583f2)
Here is a neat tip for yah! How to fix a quarter panel with nothing but plastic filler, primer and paint.
1. Put paint the paint gun.
2. Use the empty paint can to make a structure onto which you can apply the filler. Attach the can to the car using wood screws or staples, in fact use anything you have available that isn't proper sheet metal.
3. Apply filler.
4. Paint the thing.
And here is the result. Good job right?
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0231p74vufz7j64%2F20150823_123721.jpg%3F&hash=02a49e2656c0deda1716bc7e3f44e7a9ede37560)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fqlzaco9zi0s40wc%2F20150823_124830.jpg&hash=3f32303b7f93b6d9f4b2a8e5a39feda70b2cd1a7)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F21h2nxgk2dh6ai3%2F20150823_135855.jpg&hash=3d9054d3ba151d95e05f639362daca41fe7c0318)
Use as much filler as you need.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fz5lzffyz4r4m9tn%2F20150823_132144.jpg&hash=e39d4a0843dd2d008ea68e0479ec0d8af458a580)
Is this a stock bracket hanging down on the passenger side?
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fk75at7bkopc3dq9%2F20150823_155647.jpg&hash=3cb0e367f8e0fd71402f7f38abee8eba16526a8a)
The car then sat like this until June of this year.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F9y1qi6kxadd808m%2F20150814_171455.jpg&hash=2cc690850c9c608cfaa8e1b578798820668203af)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F1h1e3nonw63qd21%2F20150814_171535.jpg&hash=98cf4e74166b3103313750190855288e6f57dfa8)
So this year me and the wife bought a house, finally. We moved in January. There was a garage (45 sq meters or 480 sq ft for you Americans), but it wasn't finished which became the first task. I had to do pretty much everything to get it to were I needed it, walls, floor, electric etc. But after long hours working on it, it was finally done.
The first thing I did was to bring the car home, with a little help from another friend (pictured) :ohyeah:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fjaitfghr4vo2qzw%2F20160626_153308.jpg&hash=2eb5032bfbd14fcc47538bc43d67fa6ced198e13)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fysdmsxxgtbqu9lx%2F20160626_153318.jpg&hash=a21915ff5f6cf2f27dee7bdd49ac7bf20494e96e)
At this point I knew that I would need to bring the car in and out of the garage to do heavy work on it such as blasting it down. I also wanted to be able to move it around in the garage, while being fixed as I needed to remove body panels. So I built a jig for it.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2c1rnrgbjja9ct2%2F20160802_192119.jpg&hash=87f20d05746812f294fdcb0281cd2ce71f458d13)
Placing the car on the jig was a challenge. Should probably invest in a lift at some point if I'm gonna restore another car...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F109r7bo9ua3auth%2F20160816_154540.jpg&hash=deec36cb1afb6e431af739f9018d473db8ff9be6)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2bx3te5frv97y85%2F20160816_154550.jpg&hash=a4613f9c5a80be3641654b2db7d2683e2cbb2b7b)
But it turned out great I think.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fwsix7sucm8fe5wc%2F20160817_143821.jpg&hash=f299a6c0f60330ba92058e9cfd89a214e22ba9b8)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ffeb9uh8ya7lamgs%2F20160817_143840.jpg&hash=ca1d9e2b30ea76a01d7bfc3e546e615d3eec8a0d)
I started to sand blast it.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F86fzw7fw5s7kc5v%2F20160818_111651.jpg&hash=be8fcb1702fdecd0584d5c4b8c93dd2579f4a039)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F5ubix7iqewp9nwo%2F20160818_111721.jpg&hash=af00f0ae2f282ba17f407eb7cc5b28aa645e58ee)
Only to discover that the firewall was in much worse shape than I had thought.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F12yt6mvkk3g8sc1%2F20160818_215909.jpg&hash=43464a1d469d52836df318c35d0c35ca423b9eea)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fueem6f4c3hr1vt8%2F20160818_215920.jpg&hash=588b5a9c3d34eb3f12e2e0dc884c913f4b428ad1)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fm4jpqkek000fp58%2F20160818_215931.jpg&hash=8dc98f14f35783c5c804737c4c64ceefb5769f0f)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2t3magtcfrba5hz%2F20160818_215949.jpg&hash=7e6a094f0ff4fa6658eb3304fe8d68ec074a29b3)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fha2oalcsooohe8c%2F20160818_220044.jpg&hash=93b01f7e30f9185d101b97ac92a4e3dff3a753b1)
A-pillar corner to cowl is also bad on both sides, no surprises here...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fd1s5bchlkm7lis8%2F20160819_103144.jpg&hash=ef5de0651778c3b145b1e6cae71b168d7ec77c3a)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fnb3wzzdkr9z0yju%2F20160819_103200.jpg&hash=0852b0b271817a6cf11de79a835d50d4574b9e13)
At this point I was advised (by a third friend who has actually restored a car before) not to try to fix the firewall, but replace it. So that is what I will do.
No more firewall... :(
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fsg504bjit2vg9qr%2F20160906_220119.jpg&hash=db390f2f4f736828be3386511a0dadd847181c0b)
A-pillar corner is gone.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F7lbkguyxbhbixro%2F20160906_220142.jpg&hash=b0b27d80c2c5d95197b090612e02849b7f003e08)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F4sbwkxw6tsm1p1m%2F20160910_115200.jpg&hash=0b5edb53456c345f15ae89cb1d3245605b34d98a)
At this point I know this car rather well and it is really poorly put together from the factory. The gaps and alignment in the panels are appalling. Just look at this rather simple piece.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fimwhq8jyhuqot2x%2F20160910_115304.jpg&hash=53b2be99d54945d3c98f8c56149246887c347813)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fl86lrnpznmc5iv0%2F20160910_115402.jpg&hash=3e701c0c344c30ad5ac183c1c39aa43efd291103)
Removed the right door post to fix damage in the right rocker panel.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fpowypre7iwvk5yu%2F20160910_165800.jpg&hash=2bf93e4507377c77cccec7648906207c9388f07c)
Here is the damage to the rocker panel, both rust and collision damage at some point.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fj1ejfa5t528wztb%2F20160910_165808.jpg&hash=3c94a82b921eb05096dc775b2e49a931aac40dce)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fpb2xyvllhm6zcgj%2F20160910_170025.jpg&hash=0223fd16d2e721c018a39b361e78780519d16696)
And this is a shot from last night after an entire day of sand blasting the remaining pieces of this poor Cuda.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0hkr7r8536n17j6%2F20160912_082439.jpg&hash=8c1718cc5e770e1f64ce0eea74ea467aee32e0fe)
I will try to update this thread more often now when I finally have both time and a place to work on the car. I will bring it back and beyond its former glory.
Per
So, I did not keep this thread up to date.. Been working a lot on the Cuda and my day job and have not really had the time to update this thread. Then all the pictures I had at photobucket disappeared :stomp:
Moved my pictures to another location and will now continue with the story. This is all before Christmas.
Cut out the sides of the quarters to be able to media blast the wheel wells and remaining structure which will not be replaced.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fhyi1xu8zvxtmdx3%2F20160913_182835.jpg&hash=214a380a7f39f8a53fb5c6391d532a37325824ea)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F1pgm690ir3tcn0c%2F20160913_182846.jpg&hash=b74b104955e24bc8a296f3b886d416c926f5ab24)
Then media blasted everything above the rocker panels and top of roof.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fzmyvu32ub8k6phh%2F20160918_180626.jpg&hash=44454d4db1b502a53757f911a7039c372bacc755)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F6xfr7oqoaa99wte%2F20160918_180631.jpg&hash=02af91ccc827e81b1d192c574c48fcf630dd6576)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fuczndvw9o28z18w%2F20160918_180643.jpg&hash=ef526cc60d0fbf721c105e61cc157c09668603ae)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F6zamrbjnxi51xnm%2F20160918_180656.jpg&hash=37d476faef7a9a3cf4658adb1d4ba0ac05320a38)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fnm8nqqk8szi5g4n%2F20160918_180714.jpg&hash=184e3bd0e58ea2fbbfa0336cccebec921f2a2c60)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fwtxlvtl0ajj3spu%2F20160918_180732.jpg&hash=1e5d66abfd293e54c57df646ce6b87373a1f1035)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F99v51zidln8cj0b%2F20160918_180740.jpg&hash=a51ef25237dc3601c1d0836193c761a775a04758)
After all the media blasting I fixed the panel under the firewall on the drivers side, don't know what this is called and I don't remember what was attached to this hole? :clueless:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0gi54814k26hr3a%2F20160920_214842.jpg&hash=ac45fbd2a1ebd58a7b24578548493cbb3ed60a75)
Start working on the damaged rocker panel, fabricating a new corner by comparing to the drivers side.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fu0wl8feq6kc0rtd%2F20160923_211011.jpg&hash=10b7511cba6a87413cbc23c6990c8a832db6eee7)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fd0ccxebbrc0o9kv%2F20160924_171129.jpg&hash=485f9296b3ca21c48c3f9f012d6f8b4934e8065f)
More to come...
Still before Christmas and the cold and damp weather of south Swedish winter I continued to work towards a goal of having the body in primer before Christmas and by body I mean the sheet metal that will not be replaced.
Repaired the front frame rails on the passenger side. Before:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ffrrpgu4yjcg3327%2F20160925_123232.jpg&hash=844c85b606cecb89dcd6e06ca3040be7354dd314)
After:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fih6sj2q6fah29xw%2F20160925_191009.jpg&hash=dca1ccf7def8a812646710d29273dc51f3fed2c0)
And then a minor repair on the drivers side. Before:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fd96sl0lsi516dog%2F20160925_123248.jpg&hash=99e25105da8eca2ba631a90f5f3856bb1c028bdb)
After:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fyjh563ms2rx3al0%2F20160925_190955.jpg&hash=0b5a8a9f48b59cd46040fdf184afffa898e004b7)
Then a coat of epoxi primer :bigsmile:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fevlj2nb7hog5x8t%2F20161001_103941.jpg&hash=8e61d32a938e164a74dacd00c09f7f62d154468b)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fiea8k6xhcvm9oy1%2F20161001_103946.jpg&hash=69f260e33563230d44fda63af7d316341dbb3bb7)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fayk7b21hgyoeyuv%2F20161001_103952.jpg&hash=79ca9e7aa5cb5d6632badfdddb1b960764f2bd5c)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fwy0k134q900sfv6%2F20161001_104005.jpg&hash=59820f3558579f8d16e684f25ff3c85c27215fb6)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F9gv8le98ebkzxw9%2F20161001_104011.jpg&hash=56a7f6ae20885eef9bc298893bdc959d7f52c466)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2o9ub536f5dzkcf%2F20161001_104021.jpg&hash=2547927f24fa404b40c241d3a47cb9a5f3cc3433)
More updates to follow shortly. This was still before Christmas and I have done a little more since then which is yet to be revealed.
I disassembled the dash and had the dash pad sent for restoration as I continued to work on the body.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Faslpezro7kvgyzw%2F20161002_220734.jpg&hash=770314ef9b2cc6938e3d2bcbd38aef87e534bc69)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F1w2org9g6bteosv%2F20161011_183345.jpg&hash=4c90e0df0c6f445a65a582c647a242e974ad6708)
Test fitted the lower cowl/door hinge panels on the passenger side
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fwelfb2hqalgksx5%2F20161004_200514.jpg&hash=0c6f083a15ec05e0bea15373e90f1b128a70b882)
And replacement firewall piece
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F6wdkd8618uu6vw1%2F20161004_213456.jpg&hash=c3ef437b38ec9688c03be580b2d1cc98b0a21d17)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fudpkmwnb9aiqoj5%2F20161004_213443.jpg&hash=7c95127e01a97e16ec9f84c7e219c79d8b1e220b)
The lower cowl pieces from AMD do not really line up as good as they should and had to be modified some, that is something that I keep encountering as I go along :(
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ft50p8cy87mpsqtv%2F20161015_143749.jpg&hash=aefcea3305ab29068470164ca06749b66176aba8)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F25skxflqz7stasn%2F20161015_174305.jpg&hash=8769097adca9e810a3857865298f1fbd976c63e3)
The time had come to spray some paint on some parts. First up were the inside of the cowl and firewall area.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fv0n1ycpm6i1z40a%2F20161119_144838.jpg&hash=a31d5d82e469c99f5ecbcb2dae048378c500ebce)
Time to test fit the cowl.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ffaytpth5t5l5w2h%2F20161124_191655.jpg&hash=4b64a72dcc63ad914c1d09357026f56e064e91e5)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ftk0vvqvieaaa7au%2F20161124_191728.jpg&hash=87fccc38fe01f71b8caeffcc97ba0d46363e419c)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fp1vka8t28y6f3fk%2F20161124_191756.jpg&hash=c3f551b810af7b4ea29da365370a7127e884c000)
When everything was looking good, I welded the firewall in place.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fisa7kyx4nyifqem%2F20161127_184729.jpg&hash=93e308097f767d41851e5ce7c3a846c2880972b2)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fu5u6fib7f5r2w2e%2F20161127_184738.jpg&hash=cf712025361b5db88db72b7818528735c9f401b1)
And finally the cowl was welded in place. It is starting to look like a car again :jumping: :jumping:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fdc1c80z9mmsjl6b%2F20161204_175143.jpg&hash=f2cf7a8f247069943882959d6cb792a23597825c)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Flg0fhbssesi319p%2F20161204_175153.jpg&hash=0f96b8fb31c87bf7b79333ebd96bb2c5abafdc80)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Flkcpf926g142hay%2F20161204_175206.jpg&hash=076c57834da7b42f2e06980218688249e764003d)
Took the time to media blast the dash frame before sending the dash pad to restoration. Added a couple of coats of primer to it then some black paint. Couldn't help it but I test fitted the dash frame in the car just to see some progress...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fna73vuu4hi42htf%2F20161207_212548.jpg&hash=53984c2306f35cbc945afc83970c3b460a33ec13)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fat10yktgn5jylfo%2F20161207_212602.jpg&hash=0f37cc39c8c826985802c0e5d507049d85a85ff4)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0uoirtj13rt2dry%2F20161207_212614.jpg&hash=e206cb43c80d7dad0e2c55971d72233963bd2ba6)
Time to do some minor rust repair on the car. Starting with the wind shield area.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F60gnc6e5uejl77w%2F20161209_174457.jpg&hash=9c84872faf26b985ef6df2c859b0a50858a5a602)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F6yjq11cqjm79tvy%2F20161211_180147.jpg&hash=b23a2e700919b275c1a14e6f1e70fba54f52b04a)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fu5urdgtqsnv60xj%2F20161212_200234.jpg&hash=85c23fa4501b4142072355654a02a3e92aa07804)
Onward to the left wheel wells. Here I had to cut up the rocker panel to access the little remnants of metal left so I could recreate it.
This wasn't the easiest part to repair so far and it took several days to get it just right.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2z8f24ls1ptt0sx%2F20170114_174730.jpg&hash=2b16a762439f17f936260976cded13426d627654)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fwg8e1rbh6okapd4%2F20170114_174750.jpg&hash=0a595ead0e3e0b138bc5e44c156f117493b7b8d4)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fj3mambi1st0stge%2F20170126_200109.jpg&hash=4dbe6deb89a9d5a7f692b484b3c41ab02d5192b6)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fon647oluk0684g8%2F20170126_200117.jpg&hash=0b63411ce5c51fc72cc44bee352fe23bcb1b53b5)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fh4q27ig68ewigqr%2F20170128_141153.jpg&hash=ab999b7002bff281f26a9e4aba6b2b053631d5c1)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F12gw3etms5ceslz%2F20170128_141210.jpg&hash=0748ff6933c4b96d2838e4fa0202aa25d1d0185b)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fe18cxz383um2tg1%2F20170128_191750.jpg&hash=09c77dcb30d98010c201867ea2229c0e01d023b4)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2wiocz2jsdyxqvu%2F20170128_191832.jpg&hash=8dc4657834091e84dc7d5fef16ada06db0764fcb)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fu1fo21dkgfvrmpa%2F20170128_191852.jpg&hash=fa02482c3798d8f7d3a7256e79ddfa4f392bd326)
Time to start working on the doors. I removed a couple of pounds of filler from both doors and found them full of holes, some drilled and some caused by rust. I don't have a picture of the doors at this point, but they will need new skins which I have ordered.
I also bought some new hinges from AMD, both upper and lower. The lower worked perfectly with super tight movement, the upper were a different story. Look at the following pictures, how could AMD get this measurement so far off? :pullinghair:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F80kndtl67k5d1dk%2F20170118_201718.jpg&hash=9e89cead19185156fff840eff2b9e82b6938ea67)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fyq6qlr9fggx8ocl%2F20170118_201751.jpg&hash=dfdeb678c41d1fea87cfd01786a428cf7e2e1879)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fc2p3m036ffuidgp%2F20170118_201805.jpg&hash=3eb10189c9bc3e5d1b7c5483abb466a40fc9f35b)
But that was the least of my problems as I could grind the holes a little bit larger, but still annoying.
The bigger problem was with the door pushed on the hinges fully towards the body, there was still a gap of almost 1/2" to the rocker panel. And that was outwards from the body, not down to the border of the rocker.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fzprlaykd5jviltr%2F20170119_193225.jpg&hash=9304315af17391bf8d901036a0be6fc7290c325d)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fqgyixlq46sdynsa%2F20170119_193240.jpg&hash=f5a3baefe820e53619f3a18b2819666d51acf794)
This had me puzzled for a couple of weeks as the door lined up perfectly against the quarter panel. I have figured it out now and a little massaging of the hinge area of the body helped get the hinge further in and the lines are almost perfect! :bigsmile:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fb1cbrs2wj5uegdv%2F20170201_190650.jpg&hash=18c8e8e54e3c7fb519ba84a98de68918369b0c37)
I started working on my front fenders and removed about the same amount of filler from them as were on the doors and quarters. A lot of drilled holes in the fenders, but not much rust if any. I will try to save them as I can't afford to buy new ones and want to see if it is possible (for me)...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fkebiwx38wnlngwr%2F20170204_183738.jpg&hash=49ee49f2238798d780357f1590ad530d891ed683)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ff0hpq5rdt9644st%2F20170205_160001.jpg&hash=fce55f01c6cb95e16a302dd7433670c867469ebd)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fe0kz52uvgeb15be%2F20170205_160036.jpg&hash=6a87a36081dbe5275d47a5471659ee40265f8903)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F5e4e0ejgdgv8cby%2F20170205_160122.jpg&hash=523e75229a8138759d45048b90ec2b93beb11c60)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F4gb5uavf0o33lvc%2F20170205_160136.jpg&hash=c73eb0f15aaef566695006ed2c6037868bbfcda7)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fzxapvpla08ubf3n%2F20170205_174205.jpg&hash=855a629bc96742283fbb89365b81cb8eba09ab2c)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F51xgmn6qze2t6ry%2F20170205_174217.jpg&hash=2246ec47e34d0a744bf55774d61e7e01c52c297a)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0wi9vvr8ksc6ypa%2F20170205_174228.jpg&hash=26d4576c8e554eb3f7229e2557040f00b392848f)
And finally the header panel was cleared of filler. Will work on that when the fenders are good to go. A couple of holes and dents, should be fixable if the fenders can be fixed. :)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fcq3uve3r9cejlg1%2F20170205_160146.jpg&hash=2c079d60b0f218324c772f4c4411b4b6bc317c61)
This is what I have been doing this week. Now the temperature has dropped down to below freezing and my air compressor is struggling. So I will wait out the cold indoors. Will start work on the fenders as soon as I have some compressed air to work with so I can start welding up the fenders.
I don't update this thread as much as I would like to. Anyway, time for another round of pictures and continuation of the story.
After media blasting, I found some more holes and welded up a couple of holes.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fgyckqdj97eujf89%2F20170219_112633.jpg&hash=f6172866bbfe8cd43627cef06049b0a74c67e769)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F6co2vn4o4b6pt7g%2F20170219_133752.jpg&hash=0ce62da59cf0fff6f5ae7925f6cfbfa085c9804e)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0ekmao9zhkkka5l%2F20170219_133741.jpg&hash=ea2ca43e83cff693ac0b4f9bff4ac29e924fc4bd)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fhh25td3h52p2grh%2F20170219_141834.jpg&hash=eac1749fc447aef2a24dff094e4309a33bba6e14)
Eventually I spent too much time on the fenders without being sure I could rescue them. I guess in the end it is up to the guy doing the paint to determine if they are good enough to save. All I will do is fix the rust, holes and try to get them as straight as possible.
One of the things I wasted my time on was this part (the one on the right) of the fender were the factory didn't line up the two pieces of sheet metal before welding them together.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fpq2rbgkx6jal60l%2F20170219_174540.jpg&hash=f32271716dc1ecd092cc02acf1c9df777953231a)
A closer look, where it's clear that a piece had to be bent to access the threads under it.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fkffzuppj75temzy%2F20170219_174551.jpg&hash=da1172bfb0e3fda44e1f4abc517d676fcc09da23)
The bottom doesn't look to be out of place as much as the top.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fklep0jg30e021r4%2F20170219_174556.jpg&hash=cee7df0dbf695e806773dbab39be02136654402d)
I sure didn't want this, so I spent a few hours fixing it. First separating the parts.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F1zc5y8904k5ymxr%2F20170219_181311.jpg&hash=04add7265c0d4c0bac2d53a9eba21af86ff64a83)
Then sand blasting the rusted areas.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fpcvduxlorbk3hxf%2F20170219_182505.jpg&hash=7f35bd5a7d58e3aa1ef269cd973b21c268b0f2c8)
Applying some weld-through primer to both parts.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fg2kdi80qnceargg%2F20170219_185211.jpg&hash=6cba5d75758235a2b54f9347839f7c241a479108)
Then welded it back on.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fiweotmw8wkgv6ol%2F20170220_175757.jpg&hash=de3d9e9250de49b55146a383e2e789d10e1a6b3d)
I have a lot more pictures of the fenders, but I'm sure they get quite boring after a while. After working with the fenders for a couple of weeks, I really wanted to start with the body again. The next part was going to be the right quarter panel, which was going to be a simple replace operation... Yeah right...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fy0i2ekrkvp2hlfs%2F20170304_101802.jpg&hash=e72687fb764e1574a095dbbea28fa49f221767f6)
So the roof needs a little patch where the roof meets the QP.
Cutting away the remaining pieces of the quarter panel.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ftxyqeqs8z4sx0ik%2F20170304_142051.jpg&hash=c233d871151ee28189d8a0c9f8f83aaa58caaf9b)
Had to test fit the new QP :ylsuper:
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fiqmx6cw4120me3n%2F20170304_132738.jpg&hash=ba14a083030b31702688553a8bc7d1925aa4c106)
Before quarter panel could be installed permanently, the inner structure had to be repaired.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fjl2zr5mlrogz338%2F20170304_155452.jpg&hash=3f420d1826f3abd0dd059e6bee8a0714129da8f5)
It has rusted away quite a bit and a new piece had to be fabricated.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fei9nt2uit2t2j4y%2F20170304_161502.jpg&hash=6d4e0103cd60c8750ecfeb1f3a47d8600e9ee3f5)
And finally welded into place
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fnhrkpnpv8xvg6um%2F20170304_170549.jpg&hash=63ea4df58fc646959fc7bedf440a662107c62652)
Next up was this part over the quarter glass.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Flwfwy01jgf30nhn%2F20170304_172639.jpg&hash=9e7e7ec8c5d5e12589c29c9deafcf4b8681d6410)
So two options to access this area to repair the rust, cut out a piece of the roof or the inner structure. I didn't really want to do either as butt welding a big piece of the roof back would require some skills. On the other hand I didn't really think I could access the damage by going from the inside out. So the roof had to go.
Cutting on the line...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F2o17vld08u4sis8%2F20170305_101046.jpg&hash=06d816ce2d6905398025772303ee014b6189bf6c)
And off it goes. The damage is clearly accessible now. Looks like the drip rail is pretty much rusted away.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F3tmjmwz5hjt8bfx%2F20170305_104056.jpg&hash=17b9f2ca210fe3b83ac036bf4633ec867b79365b)
First fixing the damaged inner structure. Cutting away the rusted out areas.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F9w5vv9rkjntlili%2F20170305_115930.jpg&hash=1ee85210c9a0caffcead619dfee09ef750a9d360)
Welding some new metal into place.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fsc36fo9xwzkclaa%2F20170305_162156.jpg&hash=df31ef36b85b627e3c5f08d8efcc38d9e8601111)
Finished!
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fmgxw23q43w7avpq%2F20170305_185159.jpg&hash=45173d229e181e3d4760b4b58d051003f69afbf1)
A coat of rust protecting primer.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F9acxja17pqwwq1f%2F20170305_185751.jpg&hash=4a1549a8d82f689e0cdb264e6f73863b2aa47a41)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fbwjs7pysd2i9dej%2F20170305_185759.jpg&hash=2fb051d985ffbdc2b547397cdf9d3737ecb700a0)
Onto the drip rail. It is pretty much gone and a new piece is in the making.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fls8z8p9eo390bvu%2F20170307_214346.jpg&hash=eebe85a922765cf87ff10299da5fcac2e93863b0)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fuypebtezj08p82r%2F20170308_180343.jpg&hash=b11dbdc827ca668576298b5dbe88396235146396)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Frk9za1rbnjfsq9i%2F20170309_182308.jpg&hash=c26a40a8fd083be7726b902e8363512b66707f94)
I had a bunch more pictures of this on my phone, but they were deleted by mistake. Finally the roof is welded back into place with a perfect fit to the drip rail. I'm really surprised at what I could do :)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F9dlg8nw0d2xur9d%2FIMG-20170312-WA0002.jpg&hash=ab23b8ee92f75c52cf00bc344c6a9b02343b8e6c)
Here are a few fresh pictures of the roof and drip rail after some grinding.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fnoqsz2w8eo1mekp%2F20170325_110129.jpg&hash=659e2478704b4b192718d9b06a78bf8f88cd9d46)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fdelegc2eikh42ey%2F20170325_110140.jpg&hash=8b74818e63050875095533f560e09c8dd6524f31)
Now I found myself once again with two options; replace the quarter panel first so everything is lined up when the rest of the panels are replaced, replace the trunk pan and extensions first then the fenders and tail light panel. I'm sure there are many reasons to go one way or the other. I wanted to go with the first option, but later decided to do the latter :clueless: don't know why I switched after a while, but I did..
I cut out the trunk pan to get access to the rails, I wanted them blasted and primed before putting the new trunk pan in. Blasting the rails was done a few weeks ago at the same time as I blasted the inside of the fenders. I then applied a coat of epoxy primer to the rails, fenders and some other parts I had prepared.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Ff7c91tukr8vmaul%2F20170318_130138.jpg&hash=056144fc93f2e7baa167f7f43de63e6952194589)
After that I blasted the support rails for the trunk pan and welded them to the underside of the pan. Also drilled a million holes in the trunk pan. It's a lot of hard work doing a restoration..
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0ek534ljq6dj7t2%2F20170320_182044.jpg&hash=90da5a8563601377721da03fff19eea77663f3e3)
Applied some weld through primer on the rails where I was going to be welding.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F3514ztgywiristo%2F20170320_182058.jpg&hash=79821dd0be689b50b90c14bf4e785bc6b0ba1103)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fehof042siq23kns%2F20170320_182106.jpg&hash=c79c89179d063df79e72cd937b35f496ac07fa97)
This weekend I started to install the trunk pan with extensions.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fsqgduq5dyo4sgko%2F20170326_194934.jpg&hash=cd44c057d281c6fbddf80ec8ee6249ef1ea18374)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F1g2ejm834na7unh%2F20170326_194952.jpg&hash=be72ebd10c1159cf734a29bdf244bfb529e02d99)
And now I'm once again up to date with pictures and progress. :jumping:
Now all the restoration thread is here. Again, sorry for all the comments that didn't make the transfer.
Per
nice progress, at least on this forum I can see the pictures. haven't been able to on the other one.
Cool, this thread isn't so much without the pictures as I don't really put that many words into what I do. :)
Anyway, thanks for the comments turbostang7!
Excellent work Per, I'm glad to see this car is being restored :worship:
I have a slight connection to this car and always hoped I'd be the one restoring it. The gentleman you bought it from out of New York contacted me back around 2005 to restore this car and/or the 70 Cuda convertible that he owns...
We even talked about trade deals where I would restore the convertible and end up owning this 71, that never happened...
Fast forward to 2017....The Convertible is on it's way here and should arrive next month.
Again....great to see this 71 getting done ? :bradsthumb:
I see you moved all the posts from cc, nice, lotsa work though. Following! :popcorn:
Quote from: soundcontrol on March 28, 2017, 06:45:29 AM
I see you moved all the posts from cc, nice, lotsa work though. Following! :popcorn:
There's no need for CC.com anymore :alan2cents:
Great job on this car! It was better in spots than I thought it would be. 4 speed with A/C, gotta like that.
Awesome work per :worship: Very impressive metalwork, fancy a job :wrenching:
:welcome: That is some impressive work on a very rusty Cuda!!! I have one that is similar, but not quite as bad and will be using your pictures for reference. My project has stalled for some time now. Keep up the good work and continue to share your progress. :cheers:
:welcome: :popcorn:
Nice job! I'm digging in to my trunk floor now, have a 2 piece.
When I was satisfied, I started to weld the quarter to the roof.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fr3bbnoyj7mjlv4b%2F20170402_190744.jpg&hash=79b5dfab15b8eb09d0cdf81fe84122a7e53aaac6)
And to the inner structure.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fi68a9bhr8ji8j5n%2F20170402_190752.jpg&hash=c8a964f0390d024a1d27fa1545841b63bc69bd88)
I didn't take enough time to test fit the quarter unfortunately and it was not exactly a perfect fit...
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Flz7m43gdelcq2ws%2F20170404_181109.jpg&hash=438be99d489cd480cd74070e47f707a7e7236f78)
I don't mind cutting up old and rusted sheet metal, but starting to cut into a brand new panel is for me always a long mental process before I can begin. By that I don't mean long hours of planning, just the argumentation inside my head if I really need to do it or to just proceed without any change since I could be wrong. Heck it's a brand new panel, it should fit right?
I want to have perfect panel gaps on this car, so I knew was going to have to cut it up in the end anyway, so I cut it, as close to the flange where it bends around the door post. Then tacked it in place.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F0xexjeysxq9rqdd%2F20170404_195653.jpg&hash=57e2f4fbbf88fafeae6ab55d9ce4888a9803e54b)
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fkcx1lbalb8artnn%2F20170404_181155.jpg&hash=e309f1c3360ae6052e155995d030989b9318874a)
It now gapped up better to the door. Still not good enough, especially at the lower corner of the door.
Then fully welded it up.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2F4zmjs50vlwgb40j%2F20170404_204344.jpg&hash=a6391ecade3f9745b356626def5c57640541f579)
Between these photos I cut up the quarter, where the lower corner of the door is, to better follow the door before grinding the welds down.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fr8y8vla5uxv8ep8%2F20170409_192349.jpg&hash=c991c2f0dd1bb5b1419d3aa9a4510fdff26d1278)
Continued to weld the quarter to the outer wheelhouse.
(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropboxusercontent.com%2Fs%2Fz7dpwvkuf22stio%2F20170409_192359.jpg&hash=e09ee4b3c1fee10382875cb7227581110ff94862)
It is now fully welded to the doorpost, to the rocker and about halfway around the wheelhouse. I have one big problem that I couldn't get right though.. The quarter panel's profile don't match that of the rocker. I can position the door so the curve matches perfectly between the bottom of the door and rocker, but then the quarter is a few millimeters out of the door. I can also position the door so it follows the quarter panel, and if I do that, the quarter panel and door are a almost perfect match, but then the door is a few millimeters out of the rocker. Also the quarter panel is to far out on the rocker.
I guess I only know the problem and the only solution for it and that is to cut up the quarter panel where it is goes out too much, push it in and weld it up. But is there anything I could have missed? I really don't want to weld to much to these big sheet metal surfaces because I don't feel comfortable with heat control, grinding etc..
Appreciate any help!
Per
Looking really good. Your attention to detail is overwhelming :worship:
Vary good! I know what it takes to do what you have done there. I also know self proclaimed professional body men that did not do as good A job as I see in those pictures. :twothumbsup:
Thank you guys for the fine praise! :worship: It's funny how the real professionals never have the need to tell others what they can do, they just do it... (I don't consider myself a professional at this, everything takes me forever to do). Cheers Cody! :drinkingbud:
Keep up the great work and the descriptions as you go. It will definitely be a "go to" thread for me and others that will be doing the same. :perfect10:
Can anyone help me with the correct measurement for this? Basically the offset from the tail light panel to the edge of the quarter. Should it be the same all around?
Thank you!
Make sure you fit the window trim in, I think you need a bit of work where the roof transitions into the quarter in the rear window area. Fitting in the window trim at this point will make everything obvious.
Earlier this week I finished the quarter to roof section on the right side.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/517z5f6w4aw43t7/20170413_112314.jpg)
And welded it together.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/okyv1zom4lho8ry/20170413_113239.jpg)
Got some work these last few days and hopefully I can do more work tomorrow and Monday. Decided to wait with the taillight panel and focus on the left quarter panel first.
I was afraid the drip rails and roof would be equally bad on this side as well, but I was so pleasantly surprised when I removed the seam sealer.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/9kolvv4r55qv1fu/20170413_122733.jpg)
No nasties there! :bigthumb:
Quarter panel removed except by the door. I need to replace the hinges and then reposition the door before I can remove all of the old quarter.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/8ces5mtrnruw1jz/20170413_134659.jpg)
With the quarter removed, the inner structure and the damage to it was revealed.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mjsuwcbwepfsio2/20170413_134708.jpg)
Cut out the bad metal.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/h8ynowyf3for38m/20170413_155818.jpg)
First piece of the puzzle in place.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2yifysw5s29bq10/20170413_181555.jpg)
Inside after welding. It's going to be difficult to grind this down. Maybe I can sell this picture as art... :thinking:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/dmdc6fz9qpiz2g4/20170413_181759.jpg)
The damage extended up and under the roof, so I had to cut that part out. It was rusted and had to be replaced anyway.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ecqtno88j6x9c83/20170415_150550.jpg)
It took a few hours to complete and it is not perfect smooth, but it will not be seen so I will not grind it further. Now the only thing left is to plug weld it.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/u4y9ryrjr6b6wmy/20170415_163503.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/f2ze1pa80z86wv4/20170415_163511.jpg)
Plug welded and ready for paint and weld through primer.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ggwvn3carshbz67/20170415_165514.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2inzvjgxkcwh9v2/20170415_165523.jpg)
Tomorrow I will paint it and change the door hinges and prepare the quarter panel for installation.
Per
Love looking at your photos and following along as you make fantastic repairs. Nice job my friend!
You are doing amazing work, very envious since I have not body work skills at all. :bravo:
Thank you guys! :drinkingbud: Didn't get much work done today. Was to tired.. Hope I can get something done tomorrow.
It's looking like a car. Yes, try that window molding on the right side now so you see what I am talking about. No need to use the clips, just place it by hand and eyeball it to see what needs to be done. You will most likely have to slice the quarter parrallel to the window and splice in a piece so you end up with a nice metal shoulder that butts up against the window molding. You can't have filler beside a molding if the sheetmetal doesn't match perfectly. Nothing that you can't do, it just takes time. Also, maybe it is perfect and my eyes are buggy but usually some form of metalwork needs to be done there anyway.
There's a lot of fitting at this stage and it's all really important. The quarter has to match the door, the dutchman has to match the quarters, trunklid and window. The quarters have to match the window etc.
That's why you're going to be so proud of it when it is all done.
Enjoying your resto thread.
Nice work.
Hmm: Okay, hard to say without pics but thinking about what you have at the moment, maybe the next step is to lay the rear window (on top of duct tape to cushion it) into what you have there and see how it fits as well. You want a nice even gap all around the opening from the window to the sheetmetal opening (I can't remember now I think it is about 1/4" all around). Also the window should sit flat on the shelf all around as well. So with the window laid in and also checking molding fit as well you should see where it is uneven (you are checking two plains vertical and somewhat horizontal).
I hope I am explaining this clearly enough. Don't panic if it needs tweaking, it's just you have to make sure the fit is right and you could have a quarter issue that can't easily be repaired once you weld the dutchman to the quarter. As I recall with a Cuda there is a body line on the lower part to midway up the window that contributes to the mess as well.
This one came out great and it was about 15 years ago when quarters weren't available, I used pieces of a big block timing chain cover as lower window corners to make everything fit, you should have it easier.
Especially with the window sitting there, you can use masking tape to hold the molding in the opening and step back and have a look.
Today I put the old rear glass in. Are the repro glass correct in every way or should I assume that the fit as good as the aftermarket metal?
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ybpv25um6nqjpdm/20170417_114609.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/oiui15b8uqzof68/20170417_114640.jpg)
The glass has maybe 3/8" on each side and if I put a 1/4" spacer between the dutchman and the glass, there is maybe 1/4-3/8" between the glass and the roof.
The bad news is that the inner structure doesn't quite reach the glass as can be seen from this picture. When I did the repair, I followed the rusted out metal so it shouldn't differ that much. Should I cut this and move everything up so it touches the glass everywhere around?
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nx10872vohhevq3/20170417_123058.jpg)
I laid out the molding as I assume it should lay. Please tell me if its wrong so I only have to do this once.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/rdkvg7lqvr9meoi/20170417_155427.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/sajo7crfkrtfltn/20170417_155435.jpg)
I have started to cut up the roof part on the right side. It was rusted on parts and had some pitting, so I thought some fresh steel will do it good. I can now follow the molding with the roof line, if it is correctly laid on the photos above..
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/am4yvluo0be4q8a/20170417_164329.jpg)
That's looking good. You are on the right track, just build that new piece to match the trim and you're good. The window fit is fine so just do what you are doing to match the molding.
You might want to adjust it during fitting the quarter :alan2cents:
Looks like you're doing great. Make sure to use spacers on the bottom of the window to get it about centered (from the top roof to the dutchman). The glue to make the window sit up taller too.
Tunis, what do you use for a seam sealer? Looked at the Eastwood kit from Verktygsboden, its very expensive though, gotta be something cheaper available here.
Whatever you use don't use 3M.
Mine is starting to lift. It shrinks.
SEM I heard is better.
I like the seam sealer that 3M makes that comes in the sausage tubes that uses a special gun to apply. I would have to look up the number, but it's been really good to me.
Asked around a bit, Loctite Teroson 9200 0r 9120 is one that a lot of people use, and are very happy with.
A couple other ares of concern when using those quarterpanels are the rear valance fitment to the quarter and the overhang on the rear body panel by the tail lights.
That area with the window trim is one I see all the time on these cars. People don't fit the trim before painting. Then they are stuck with the gap. It's absolutely stupid that they can't make that part correct. Just like all the other aftermarket junk. They get it close but just can't seam to make it perfect.
Tacked the corner-piece back in place.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ohu9toyxetvmbur/20170426_182852.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ppk26hlyoxw9kdi/20170426_182859.jpg)
Then removed the deckfiller panel. The package tray was a little corroded, but nothing that couldn't be fixed with a little welding.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/n62yjpynam6nzjm/20170426_213704.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/njevq0lm3h3wf2u/20170426_214008.jpg)
Everything in place.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ufyaapwzqbuoxa0/20170427_175809.jpg)
Deck filler isn't correct in any direction or shape. It will need some heavy modification.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/t0roynse54dcmx9/20170428_185934.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mzqu4kud1wv2ots/20170428_185943.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/g7juynqoxbzs3tb/20170428_185957.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/qg980c4ry5aycxc/20170429_114202.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/x56aqz6igg18vhb/20170429_114215.jpg)
More to come tomorrow when I have more time.
Thanks for the updates. Looking great. :banana:
Quote from: Tunis on May 26, 2017, 10:40:17 AM
soundcontrol Thanks! Where do I buy that?
The guy I talked to ordered it from Germany, this store:
https://www.autoteilemann.de/search/?q=teroson+9200&qc=&ms=true
Nice work, I can watch metal work all day long!
Thank you guys!
@anlauto (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/anlauto_19) cool! It looks like it needs a lot of work..
@soundcontrol (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/soundcontrol_67) Thanks! I will look at that when the time comes.
Yesterday didn't happen in terms of updates, but I have some time now to continue with the photo session.
Wasn't happy with the way the quarter lined up with the deck filler, so I cut and extended the quarter a little.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/j2gzpu2xln2zmyx/20170429_125633.jpg)
And then welded it and ground down the welds.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/u4wwip7zdcb3vzz/20170429_172953.jpg)
Then the other side. Same procedure.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ks4fnc5amoaud8t/20170429_184758.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/j1mu3wfgpq94n0p/20170501_114906.jpg)
Test fit the trim to the deck filler. This was a mistake, I should have waited with this, but at this time I was so focused on getting the trim to fit all the way around. I keep making mistakes, and they consume an awful lot of time, but I guess that is part of the learning process.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mhdb30xdqdhypk7/20170501_132811.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/fii5sutfn5vqu72/20170501_132819.jpg)
Cut up the deck filler to align with the trim, this was the mistake, I should have waited until later with this as you will see.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mi82w1deob4iggt/20170501_151505.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/35z0wihm1y0ujtu/20170501_151513.jpg)
After cutting up the deck filler I wanted to something happening on the car, it just didn't feel like any progress for the past week. So I started to repair the rust damage in the rear window channel on the roof. Cut away the old and rusted out metal and primed it with some weld-through primer.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/xjcd75tq596jws1/20170504_181613.jpg)
Then welded and ground the welds flat.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/bqy7dlvt53xjuno/20170506_191547.jpg)
Spurred on by the resounding success on the roof I jumped back to the deck filler. Tacked it together where I thought it fit the trim good enough.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ucq015ryx8f91ph/20170509_172055.jpg)
I didn't take any photos of the welding of the deck filler. But I did take some of process of trying to gap the deck filler to the deck lid.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jz7uj40go726n84/20170522_185727.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/33n7ubouvcz5xl2/20170523_182926.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nmrkvefgchyqmb7/20170523_191113.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/irq4xygdxbvo7ec/20170522_185813.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/4y3etfk9belvsg7/20170524_181009.jpg)
The deck filler didn't match the curve of the deck lid, maybe not visible in this photo, but here it is anyway
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/bfg8nynm37pw9wp/20170524_183007.jpg)
I tried to make a template to follow, but end up not using it.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/roulzbdn7n0b2r2/20170525_135326.jpg)
After making some cuts in the middle of the deck filler and making the curve more pronounced, I tacked it into place.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6jyhc6jucuu8f1d/20170525_162732.jpg)
Welded up the corner where the deck lid meets the quarter panel.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/quonxmuystasklv/20170528_154255.jpg)
And finally cut out the same corner on the right quarter panel and adjusted it to follow the curvature of the deck lid.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ap1brgjrt7v0dtz/20170528_170950.jpg)
Lots of work remains, but it is starting to shape up I think. Now I'm again up to date with the progress. Todo for tomorrow is to cut (Again! :pullinghair: :pullinghair: :pullinghair:) and weld the deck filler to align with the rear window trim as that was upset when I aligned the deck filler to the deck lid.
Your attention to details will pay off big time when it's all painted. It's going to have wonderful gaps and look amazing. The work you do now is what makes people WOW, that's a great paint job. :yes:
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 28, 2017, 12:20:08 PM
Your attention to details will pay off big time when it's all painted. It's going to have wonderful gaps and look amazing. The work you do now is what makes people WOW, that's a great paint job. :yes:
Which is what kills me, the body man spends hours (more like days) getting things just right, the painter walks in & sprays the car in 4-5 hours & everyone raves about the painter.... In my eyes the bogyman deserves 90+% of the credit....
Yes: Nice work.
Excellent picture history of all the bodywork.
Very nice! Your'e building a Mopar with Mercedes specs! :D
Excellent work! Quite disheartening the amount of tweaking needed on the replacement panels.
That's what I was thinking, But I've never seen my metal guy, Keith Sim, have to do that much extra work. :huh:
Makes me wonder if this Cuda isn't square or it's been tweaked ?
Thanks guys! As far as I can tell, the Cuda is square. The replacement panels have been off spec compared to the panels that were on the car. But this isn't my area off expertise, so what do I know.. :dunno:
If it usually takes less work than this, I will be done by now when I build another car :clapping:
Finally time for another update. I don't have a lot of photos this time, but here you go.
Test fitted rear panel and rear valance.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/c3932lc4gy8esoj/20170606_164733.jpg)
The quarters didn't really line up well with the deck lid, so I had to cut and weld some more...
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/x04y2f4kqe5gaxk/20170611_161232.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/1fswb3itltni0wc/20170613_185255.jpg)
Very time consuming welds..
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/4g1xsjsf25apq0v/20170613_205630.jpg)
Finally done.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/60ercemt2z22i1z/20170613_214026.jpg)
Time to grind
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/aye63qqxdbnloos/20170615_083131.jpg)
I know, the deck lid need to come over a little to the right. Final mounting of the rear panel before welding to see if everything fits including the rear bumper.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/acqethtvd2aethh/20170618_171111.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jguwlg6tg6m26vh/20170618_171118.jpg)
I then modified some more before welding in the rear panel and finish welded the quarters to the trunk extensions and wheel housing on both sides.
Photos from today when I test mounted lights in the rear, license plate and side markers. Also drilled the holes for the rear trim. That's it for now. Starting to be finished in the rear so I can move over to the floor pan repairs.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2yfu38bd3rm97ed/20170702_183319.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/m311w7slar5pkmt/20170702_183328.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/bs0fut5quu9850t/20170702_183408.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/10yycr3o9komzq2/20170702_183416.jpg)
Per
Looks really good. Nice welds. :twothumbsup:
When you test fit the deck lid make sure to have your hinge springs on and open and close it several times. The springs can change where it wants to sit and how the edges line up.
Thanks Cody! :)
I actually had the spring in it every time I put the deck lid on. I thought it was easier to handle then and I noticed that the spring wants to push the lid towards the left.
Per
When you do the final prep for paint you'll also want the trunk seal in place. You'll find the seal will raise the lid up a lot. I find is best to use some double sided tape and put it in during all the metal and body work. :alan2cents:
Rubber seals for the doors should be in place too. That includes the little pieces at the end too.
Thanks buddy! :bradsthumb: I will do what you say before hitting it with primer. Now I just need to find the seals... Where did I put them.. :thinking: I planned to organize everything when the car was being painted.
So when the seals go in, the deck lid sits a little higher, correct? Should I fix that by lowering the metal where the seal attaches?
Thanks!
It's looking. your gaps and fitment looks good in the photos.
Put the trunk seal in and see where everything sits. You might be able to adjust everything with the latch and get it to fit good. But don't want until it's painted to find out if it's going to work. :alan2cents: You are doing everything right so no reasons not to make it perfect. :bigthumb:
Quote from: Tunis on July 02, 2017, 11:21:09 PM
So when the seals go in, the deck lid sits a little higher, correct? Should I fix that by lowering the metal where the seal attaches?
Thanks!
Been a while since I checked on your progress. All I've got to say is you've got some mad fabrication skills! :bravo: :worship: You attention to detail is outstanding! :twothumbsup:
:bradsthumb: Great work
Thanks guys! Really appreciate the high praise I get! :) I have slowed down a bit now. Got to fix a previous crash that has pushed the torsion bar cross member back about 3/8". So now I have to drill out the welds and push it forwards. Wish I had fixed this before I started putting panels back onto the car, but hey live and learn.. The good news is that it is straight in the rear. But this set back took most of my go-juice and the last days of the vacation is approaching fast. Will update as soon as I have more interesting info.
Per
I'm currently fabricating my subframe connectors and have arrived in the process were I installed the e-brake cables. Are the cables supposed to rub against the rear foot wells?
Yes, from where the cable leaves the front frame rail to when it goes in the curved bracket there is a small section of the lowest point in the floor board that can rub or touch slightly.
Quote from: Tunis on August 25, 2017, 09:55:15 AM
I'm currently fabricating my subframe connectors and have arrived in the process were I installed the e-brake cables. Are the cables supposed to rub against the rear foot wells?
Excellent, thanks Cody! :bradsthumb: That is exactly where it is touching slightly, at the lowest spot in the rear foot wells.
Update time! I haven't been sitting idle, although I lost most of my steam when I realized I wouldn't have the car ready for paint this summer. Anyway, let's continue with the restoration of this awesome automobile!
I decided to replace the rear foot wells at the same time as I replaced the front floor as the metal was really thin and fatigued in several places.
Blurry photo, but it was the only one I had.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/vcz9p5icdd8viii/20170703_193259.jpg)
I carefully measured where the console brackets and the four speed hump was located relative to the firewall, the sides and the rear. Then carefully removed the four speed hump.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3msne7yx29smea4/20170706_172051.jpg)
Someone had covered the holes in the floor which can be seen in the photo above.
Removed the floor pan and the seat track brackets (are they called that?)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/7cm33r13vxllald/20170710_152705.jpg)
Anyway, once the floor was removed, I blasted the inside of the frame and coated it with rust protective primer.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ss5bsyicvuhha6t/20170709_130531.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/k5ah71jbpj869gj/20170709_130543.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/xjuqpgiijrjuooi/20170709_130558.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6ss6shorh6dou4e/20170709_130605.jpg)
Time to tackle the new floor pan. Nothing to it, transfer the "seat track brackets" (which were blasted and primed) and then drill a million holes and apply weld primer :)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/tqc2ne3kfbdyt8m/20170711_160528.jpg)
Then prepare the frame that was previously coated with primer. Grind of the primer where the welds go and then add weld primer instead.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/b4eigweruja7emc/20170711_160514.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6gkqwbycpjim8wl/20170711_160520.jpg)
Next up was the four speed hump. It is OK except for a spot where it was rotted through.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/7gqoqxs2jlpk7oy/20170709_160340.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3qh2gh5arxru722/20170709_160415.jpg)
:bravo: :tool:
Skipped a bit ahead with the hump..
I first welded the floor pan in place. Used some wood to be able to clamp it down thoroughly in some places. Smells better with burned wood than weld fumes :)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/fiuiexdd556i0tt/20170712_172709.jpg)
Patched the four speed hump then primed it, don't have and photos of that though. When the floor pan was welded in place, the four speed hump was welded down.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/qo1pb4iazhrpupd/20170716_182503.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nlgwtdi6rfbqskx/20170716_182616.jpg)
After that I welded the cable cover back.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/iblujrakf19p8pa/20170718_151516.jpg)
Next moving under the car.
The rear shock mounting bar (what's this called?) had some damage.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/tf3wgddwq8boa2y/20170718_162454.jpg)
Patched and welded in place :)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jog223te1zlo5o7/20170718_170146.jpg)
Time to tackle the front of the car!
I wanted to save both inner fenders although they both had a lot of rot located around the shock tower, hinge location and the flange where the fenders bolt.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/1pf5zcqbo4s3uv7/20170723_110054.jpg)
Hinge mounting bracket
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/5umg80xuixodwef/20170723_110757.jpg)
Blasted, patched and fixed.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/j5p8i5ckg9dnkxh/20170723_115708.jpg)
Cut out the damaged area in the fender.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/hjfgbey2ebagck2/20170723_121746.jpg)
Patched the inner fender and primed all parts.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nzozqf3ul295ej9/20170723_152225.jpg)
Same with the other inner fender.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q525wy9hs63pb8g/20170723_152248.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/c9dcbne8sc7fg9p/20170723_152259.jpg)
Then patched the inner fender.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2oss79dq0eqbcb9/20170725_122829.jpg)
Both fenders blasted and primed and weld primed, ready to be installed again. Regret removing them, but I didn't know better back then.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/w63hxzrnb7xap1v/20170728_115042.jpg)
Prepped the front end and radiator support.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2il4mkeost8d901/20170728_161554.jpg)
In the end I didn't like all the pitting around and under the battery tray on the left inner fender, so I used the repro inner fender.
:rebelflag" Awesome work. :perfect10:
Time to get the car onto the rotisserie :)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/lf4dtf1h3mj5p9n/20170805_141733.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jdsf97no2f0j1mz/20170805_141749.jpg)
Up in the air.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/pt60tamz2e1bt5m/20170805_141819.jpg)
The garage is just big enough to house the rotisserie..
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/8evpx7q8pbyru9y/20170807_170250.jpg)
Underside of the car.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/25iavje3hvq5gji/20170807_170339.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ogx2aw7f0aqkzv9/20170807_170346.jpg)
First remove the undercoating. My wife helped some because she really liked how it flew of with the needle hammer :)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/s2vyyhm4pgisinc/20170807_192105.jpg)
After the undercoating was removed, it was time to blast it.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/iainumwcstmentm/20170809_151439.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/zlfye4sfgpxf8f7/20170809_151502.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/9rthmfztedd784r/20170809_152544.jpg)
Blasted and prepped for torque box installation.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nkpotz5rgupi8zi/20170811_132533.jpg)
Time to build some subframe connectors :)
I started with rectangular steel tubing 50x50x2 mm and then added some sheet metal to that.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/7gfvmg3pz82lfbf/20170813_120512.jpg)
Finished :)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/0vilkfpwbzuoycv/20170813_163501.jpg)
Ran into a problem with the repro kick panel. The door hinge bolt wore out the threads in no time. Luckily I saved to old one and cleaned it up and replaced the new one. The new must have been made of a softer steel.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/xh7m5unqck9w3ay/20170909_155632.jpg)
Back to the underside of the car. Subframe connectors welded in place.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/s59j1h5ull94gt4/20171021_153001.jpg)
Then epoxy primer applied.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nyhs4uhp0bb18xo/20171022_193252.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/4un4sr860ennf9f/20171022_193301.jpg)
This was the work done from August until now. This last weekend it was time for some E5 after about 20 hours of sanding the epoxy.. Really boring work.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ootnppcmhfrio83/20171106_090259.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/dxpc3vjfv333hc8/20171106_090307.jpg)
That's it! Finally up to speed again on my progress. Time for some much needed rest.
Looking great, nice work! At least you got to rustproof the overlaps by removing the inner fenders.
Thanks guys! :)
Nice progress! :popcorn:
I hate the fact you destroyed a rare original car by adding frame connectors, but otherwise....nice work :bigthumb:
I know Alan... sorry for that. I know what this car is to you.. I just think it makes it much stronger and less likely to get twisted from acceleration. I could most likely reverse the 'damage' with a grinder since I didn't fully weld it to the floor.
That's some nice quality work your doing. Looks great! :twothumbsup:
Thanks Alan btw! And thank you Shane! Means a lot coming you two! :twothumbsup:
Nice work and really good progress. It's always great to see another one saved.
Awesome job , looking great & yeah I would add the connectors also :bigthumb:
I love it when someone goes all out. That last page was inspiring. Im literally closing my computer to go get at it in the garage right now. Thanks for the update. Im glad you got the wife involved.
Great progress since I lasted checked in! :twothumbsup: Mega parts (https://www.megapartsusa.com) might have the bolt you need. They seem to have everything I've ever needed. Good luck.
Long time since I updated this thread. I will post much more when I get it back from paint, which will be a few months from now, if nothing unforeseen happens.
I need some urgent help now though. I am drilling holes in the quarter panel where the studs for the vinyl trim goes and I don't have the location for where the bolt goes. I mean the trim fastener that is in front on both sides. I noticed a hole there on the original quarters but I didn't take note of where it goes. The kit that I have, has two "bolts" with a small wire at the top that I think goes in the front and a bunch of plastic clips that attaches to the studs. There are two different types of plastic clips, most of the rectangular and some square ones which I think are locked with some plastic rods also provided in the kit.
If I can get some tips on where to place the rest of the studs that would be awesome. Also if someone has a picture of where each of these plastic clips goes that would be much appreciated.
Thanks guys!
Per
I WOULD NOT use the 1971 style plastic clips, you'll have nothing but problems with them. I use the 1970 style metal clips with nuts. :alan2cents:
Thanks Alan! So instead of the studs I would drill holes as all of the clips then are the bolt style, correct?
Quote from: Tunis on April 16, 2018, 04:15:12 AM
Thanks Alan! So instead of the studs I would drill holes as all of the clips then are the bolt style, correct?
Yes. Just lay the trim on the car in the position where you want it, lining up the ends with the drip rail moldings, then just mark the car and drill away..
Thank you so much Alan!
Any pictures of the 1970 style vinyl top trim studs? How does one seal all of the drilled holes? I was thinking the welded pin style was better with no holes but one would need a stud welder.
I just use black dum dum strip caulk around each clip stud. If you/re still worried, you can put silicone around each nut on the inside as well. :dunno:
That's the ones I use... :twothumbsup:
Wonder why they say the clips will not fit on the SE cars. The vinyl moulding for the tops should be the same.......right??
I've heard over the years that SE trim is slightly wider, but personally I've NEVER seen proof of that....Maybe someone here can prove it ?
Either way, I can't see the difference being large enough that those clips wouldn't work :looney:
Well mine is installed and I don't want to take it off just to see if I used the correct clips. In fact.....I really don't remember what I used. Our Napa store had/has a selection of attaching parts/clips so I guess that is what I used. Anyway, hasn't fell off yet.
When installing the glass back in, I went to a local body shop for the clips and they had a turntable bin and I got enough to do front and back for $6.00. and they were the correct ones too..
That's usually the way I do it as well. Saves a lot of time waiting for stuff.
Quote from: anlauto on April 17, 2018, 09:44:56 AM
I've heard over the years that SE trim is slightly wider, but personally I've NEVER seen proof of that....Maybe someone here can prove it ?
Either way, I can't see the difference being large enough that those clips wouldn't work :looney:
One of my SE's has the correct SE vinyl-top trim but the other has the standard vinyl-top trim. My one-handed photo skills aren't the best but I took these pictures to show the difference. The SE trim is 0.75 inches wide while the standard trim is only 0.50 inches wide.
Thought about the trim today and measured mine.......it measures 3/4" wide......
Excellent picture, that you...
Hope this shows ok, this one is mine. Seems to have a raised ridge in the center
Quote from: DAYLEY/CHALLENGER on April 19, 2018, 02:58:06 PM
Hope this shows ok, this one is mine. Seems to have a raised ridge in the center
Yep, I think that's really the easiest way to tell. If the raised ridge is in the center of the trim then you have the SE trim.
Tunis, you must really love this car to put yourself through so much misery, but it's coming out great so far. I went through rust misery on my 72 challenger, almost threw in the towel a couple times ,and my car wasn't as rusty as yours, keep up the good work, we can't wait see it back from body and paint,gonna look awesome! And great resto blog! Wish I'd done that. By the way when you put gas tank in,make sure to feed the fill pipe into the hole as tank goes up.been there.
So things aren't moving as fast as I would have hoped. Guess it's because I can't really assess how much time something actually takes with preparation etc. But I have some questions about the window molding clips front and rear. Where should the clip studs be both front and rear? I mean how many front and rear, distance apart, hight from the flange where the glass sits? Where are the two holes drilled in the rear for the screw that attaches the two 'offset' pieces?
Thanks for the help!
Per
Look through here. This should help you out with those questions.
https://forum.e-bodies.org/reference-material/18/e-body-hole-locations-firewall-door-interior-ect/303/
Thanks Shane! :)
I realize it's been a long time since I last updated this thread. A lot has happened since the last time, both with my car and personally. I will try to cover up all the details of what I have done these past nine months. I want to continue to describe the process I do to help others in the same situation. If I did something incorrectly, please correct that, but for me it's to late by now :)
After the underside got some paint, I moved over to the doors. Removed the skins.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jnwf0m1pl9oqfef/20171118_183232.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/w1lz2khb19q99zq/20171118_183252.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/i7t85ro3v6tocza/20171118_183301.jpg)
Blasted and painted to outside of the door frame.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/qejyuh2u6qg2s04/20171126_174108.jpg)
Then I prepared the new door skins and added some weld primer to the door shell. (Sorry for a blurry picture.)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/03keu6bkc1yykcs/20171216_123827.jpg)
Many tiny blows with hammer and dolly later.. skin in place. :D
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/n4jcrqj1g3o19fs/20171216_130915.jpg)
Checking the fitment to the rest of the panels before welding the skin to the shell
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/h0y8we12pyndfx5/20171223_183203.jpg)
Then I tried to fix the rear panel gap (more on that later).
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/vgpv6sa3mpi4zuf/20171226_184358.jpg)
Then on to the next door and the same process all over again.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/9n7psn4gnhq0jye/20171227_154414.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ij7dc8zzdf8hr15/20171230_163713.jpg)
Next over to the hood.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/751sft9b4b81fbf/20180128_163308.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6jcvzjubkbj48p1/20180128_163317.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/1x0xx54v3zw4qqr/20180128_163335.jpg)
Then over to fix the panel gaps.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/civa0ys8zfxcza2/20180217_163530.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/39xvcmr442fyka5/20180218_133128.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6sdhp50kcy6y6on/20180526_185810.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/hjftlxdsw5j2y11/20180526_185822.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/gbf3ipnphngxrgh/20180527_171717.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/lmc0ugf6fq5nyxl/20180527_171725.jpg)
Next up was the leading the seams. I eventually got quite good at it (if I may say so myself). This is not the finished seam.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/n3w3t5o742g4otf/20180615_170455.jpg)
And then seam sealing inside the car before paint.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/aml7jc3jlsvkjus/20180715_160628.jpg)
I then painted the engine bay inside and out
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/lxghxp7auj4yvwa/20180723_125151.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ocfvb9datu0feo2/20180728_085638.jpg)
And added under coating to rear wheel houses and the outside of front inner fenders.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3jyyxpexmexxo89/20180730_183659.jpg)
To be continued...
The last picture is the end of July, my wife is in her last few days of the pregnancy (first child) and I'm working as hard as possible to get the car ready for paint before the child birth. To make matters worse, the summer was the hottest ever recorded in Sweden with very few days of rain for maybe four months. Anyway, on with the story and time for more paint. :)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/8jjs4k05uto02xk/20180805_191008.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/612ralmqz3c6a5w/20180805_191050.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/hfj4srqwfip1qgk/20180805_191059.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/aozvzrzxvehckje/20180805_191116.jpg)
I painted the car two days before my son was born. I didn't have a whole lot of time after that... But before the year ended I had her back on her wheels again and ready for paint.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/64l5ne2wzs17wl1/20180811_175555.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mxx3ui3od5jc08f/20190104_133416.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/7cvnywqm5nqsvnj/20180906_171256.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/njga0iz00yv7f98/20190104_133727.jpg)
Then it was time to go to the painter. :D This is in January 2019 and the car is still there as of March 1st.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/rdg0pqwuierw4w5/20190107_093620.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/vp6c89a459tz99d/20190107_093634.jpg)
I'm not able to spend nearly the same amount of time in the garage as I have been, so things will slow down from here on.
I'm working on the k-frame and front suspension right now and will eventually move over to building an engine. To be continued.
Car is looking great :twothumbsup:
Thanks Alan, that means a lot to me!
Nice work Tunis
I feel your pain lol. I've done the same work that you have been doing to your car. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep the pictures coming.
Nice work: Those lines look nice and straight.
Thanks guys! It has been a lot of hard work and long hours up to this point. Can't wait to be able to drive it. :burnout:
Looking good! I know sometimes it feels like there is a endless amount of work do and you wonder if you will ever get to the end. Even when you get to this point you look it over and realize there is plenty more work to go. Just stay on point and get moving. One day you will look it over and think. "wow I'm really done with it"
Keep up the good work! :clapping:
Looking great! You got a baby and still got time to work on the car? Damn your'e good! :)
You have mad skills there. Car looks great. :twothumbsup: I love that red paint. :banana: Makes me almost wish I had painted mine red instead of black.
Amazing workmanship :twothumbsup:
Quote from: usraptor on March 07, 2019, 04:56:46 PM
Makes me almost wish I had painted mine red instead of black.
I thought the same when I saw that, I like red and black, and mine is gonna be black... think the next one will be red.
:clapping: :worship: :drooling: :unbelievable: :yes: :twothumbsup: :banana:
Wow, nice!!!!
Hope to see it live at some car show this summer.
Gorgeous red on that fish! What an awesome ride this is going to be.
Very thorough details and exceptional workmanship.
Enjoy your little one the 4 wheel project will wait as long as needed.
Absolutely Fantastic! :slapme5: :wowzers: :cheers: :yes: :clapping: :banana: :Thud:
Great progress.
Very nice! Red with black top will look extremely nice.
:'(
Sad but understandable , good things take time , you will appreciate it when you gt it completed :twothumbsup:
Looks outstanding! :bradsthumb: Better off not to rush final details. It will be done before you know it.
Happy new year everyone! It has been way too long since I updated this thread and it is time to write some more. Almost a year has passed since the car was painted and only minor work has been done to the body.
The shifter is rebuilt, didn't document that unfortunately.
Next up was the pedal assembly
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/pa7vbmkya3zhbbv/20190717_153756.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mtcml3tikwjuydr/20190717_153946.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q8azrwl3vqtwysl/20190717_155822.jpg)
Bolts cleaned up
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3vv2h8wv9v754bx/20190723_150215.jpg)
And black oxide treated
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/wgkzczr97wq0t9d/20190724_103545.jpg)
Parts painted and ready to put back together again
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/fjg4uzrkho5w6qg/20190724_104733.jpg)
Next up is the e-brake pedal assembly
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/esigh97447o4bji/20190813_172735.jpg)
And finished
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/t2z902hc5bb3a1a/20190815_192554.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jsdx0f2j0lri8ht/20190815_192617.jpg)
Put sound damping in and installed the pedals
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/cpgy8vhc7niswdv/20190817_110238.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/kat11vuwc61hima/20190817_110246.jpg)
Also added wax to all frame rails, insides of doors, quarters and front fenders.
Time to build an engine for this car.
I'm glad this Cuda is getting the restoration it deserves :worship: At one time I was hoping to make a deal on it with the former owner, but that never panned out...but it appears to be in excellent hands now :drinkingbud: The component restoration of the parts looks great :bigthumb:
Engine building time
Pistons, pins and rods.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/z55771rtll9fg0d/20190822_214423.jpg)
Block secured.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2eg9dy363e0b97r/20190407_115105.jpg)
Crank in place
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/f3a72k0ilb1xrbo/20191130_153439.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/j9kqi9ippr34tdt/20191130_153501.jpg)
Pistons going in
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ui0uhk6e2yw05gh/20191130_190424.jpg)
Head (Fully ported Stage V replacement head), rocker stand test mounted to check piston-to-valve clearance.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/le9ovsvk1149tcl/20191207_151743.jpg)
Both heads, rocker stands and shafts (Dechellis) ready to go on with ARP studs. Going with Stage V roller rockers.
Got a new phone so had to take some artistic photos (maybe not, but I tried), these rockers are too beautiful to hide under valve covers.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/paxbb2eowwf0mmo/20191218_103715.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/v55q88q147yqleq/20191218_103732.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/tth856ztrdf7l7x/20191218_103747.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/77vdqdci9ex66vp/20191218_103758.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/wjujhvogzd09uif/20191218_123815.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/fe3vu3p10xdw9jl/20191218_123824.jpg)
With everything this far, I could order some pushrods. These Manton three piece pushrods are really nice!
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/rbjf0aah8qtqy9b/20191223_161104.jpg)
More pictures to come. Waiting for a ignition wire bracket to come, then I can paint the engine.
Thanks Alan! Appreciate it!
That motor is WICKED :drooling:
Nice stuff: I love engine building.
Just wow! :worship: I just spent some time reading this entire thread. Somehow I missed it. Very nice workmanship! Very inspiring! :bradsthumb:
Thank you guys! :worship:
Quote from: Tunis on January 11, 2020, 11:47:49 AM
Thank you guys! :worship:
Engine looks great Tunis.
What diameter exhaust valve springs are you using?
Many aftermarket one's are wider and will rub on the the inside of OEM Valve covers.
Outstanding! Great work! :clapping:
Very nice!
Hydraulic or solid roller?
Spring dia is not a problem with OEM valve covers, its the roller rocker. Extra thick gasket and longer tube is the answer, so no worries.
"..these rockers are too beautiful to hide under valve covers." I agree, those are beauties. Nice job on the pedal assemblies and motor. :twothumbsup: :clapping: :worship:
BTW, depending on what clutch you're going to run, you might want to leave that large return spring off your clutch pedal. For some reason they have a tendency to sometimes keep the clutch pedal on the floor with a really strong clutch disc. Don't understand why, they just do. I know it did on mine and I had to remove the spring. Works perfect now.
Quote from: usraptor on January 17, 2020, 11:10:35 AM
BTW, depending on what clutch you're going to run, you might want to leave that large return spring off your clutch pedal. For some reason they have a tendency to to sometimes keep the clutch pedal on the floor with a really strong clutch disc. Don't understand why, they just do. I know it did on mine and I had to remove the spring. Works perfect now.
I will secant that!!!
So, I finally got some time to paint the engine and I have now moved over to getting the air cleaner setup in the correct location so the shaker bubble sits where it should.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ec30e3kuqjfwszl/20200213_192704.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/j2vr9a3npkdjao0/20200214_185724.jpg)
Can someone with a shaker and Hemi please take the height measurement from the china wall to the base plate on the front and rear (if they differ) so that I can modify my base plate to the correct height? As of now it doesn't sit correct and it rides on the fuel rails with no chance
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/fz7h84v7e41ql5z/20200214_185827.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ja6oladmlk6gnei/20200214_185834.jpg)
Thank you so much!
That's going to be tough. Always challenging getting a shaker to fit with injection.
If you have any Edelbrock/Carter carbs you an do some test fit to see if baseplate still hit a fuel rails.
Sure I can measure, I´ll let you know later today.
Measured from machined pad to the upper edge of baseplate 180mm. Edelbrocks are 83mm measured to the air cleaner mounting flange. Intake is StageV like yours, baseplate came from FHO.
Hope this helps.
A few measures more, from valve cover. 50mm at front, 60mm rear.
Even though I'm going the stock route on my 71 Cuda, I really enjoy and appreciate custom work...especially the stuff that once completed no one can tell all the hard work and fabrication that went into it. Nice job !!!
Quote from: 76orangewagon on February 18, 2020, 03:08:33 PM
Even though I'm going the stock route on my 71 Cuda, I really enjoy and appreciate custom work...especially the stuff that once completed no one can tell all the hard work and fabrication that went into it. Nice job !!!
Exactly! Deviate from factory and the floodgates open for all the brackets and details necessary. Most of which end up never being noticed.
Well done! :cheers:
The updates are few and far in between.. But I haven't been idle, been doing as much as I can, when I can. Component restoration takes a lot of time (and money) :angry:
We had our second child in March and work stopped for a while. I have been sneaking out into the garage every now and then, sometimes only for 5 minutes just to look at the car and feel that, 'hey, it's really not that much left to do' ::) (yes, I know, it's still an empty shell)
These first pictures are from the restoration of my heater box, still waiting on a new A/C evaporator from YO, so it's not completely rebuilt yet. I don't trust the old one and I would really prefer to not have to take the dash down once it's in the car again. This job was done last year and I had never used or worked with fiberglass before. I must have spent 30+ hours on this thing, but I think in the end it turned out OK.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ljzcadxfh20mmio/20190316_181309.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/r5q5p2y6hiaw5m2/20190316_181352.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/n0wsw483l2rh44u/20190316_181424.jpg)
This is the first picture that I found that shows the damage to the heater box 'box'. The damage was quite severe.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/xkoc78dt11z7naz/20190316_191059.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/czyg79qcwz2yglt/20190318_165722.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/vr3udpa40h9ybte/20190327_205715.jpg)
First crack repaired. Drilled a bunch of holes through the box to secure the aluminum sheet I used on the backside.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/yuwh8t0su2zrhbp/20190327_205723.jpg)
I can't find anymore photos of the box now. Will take some when I get home from work of the completed box (minus the A/C evaporator and heater core).
Next up is the blower motor. This was done this year. I'm jumping back and forth between the parts and doing a little here and there depending on the estimated time consumption on each part.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/cgbhh2cwg65yek6/20200501_102803.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/607w9ew80zbc49u/20200501_102815.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/rrun990z8zerma3/20200502_152459.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/l7vrpmdedfapeq0/20200502_231523.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/xumn0nzc6o23x49/20200502_231529.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/7gv62zfrrcest36/20200615_103144.jpg)
Had the cover zinc plated and replaced the wires. Will snap a photo of the completed unit today.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ebmgvzdbq8eei5u/20200616_221730.jpg)
Shaker bubble time. This is an OEM bubble that I bought of eBay years ago.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nvay2w5j94ah887/20190826_180029.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/1ad3soadc07mp5v/20190824_202817.jpg)
Repaired some cracks in it, then turned it over to my painter, which I think did an amazing job on it.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/c84mnbxdvgwj837/20200525_171820.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/1bgzgcs8f6z5bsn/20200525_171826.jpg)
more to come...
I tried to buy some engine mounts with a sandwiched steel structure, still using rubber not polyurethane since I wanted some vibration damping. I never got those, so I decided to modify my standard mounts on the left side. I figured a 3/8" Grade 8 bolt should be strong enough to hold the two plates of the mount together. Two bolts should definitely do it, I hope...
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/grf6m51u3wz6nx6/20200704_154420.jpg)
Drilled a 3/8" hole and countersunk it.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/spklqq3c0arkzix/20200704_153146.jpg)
Tapped the underside.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/4e8afjp20zzmnsf/20200704_153159.jpg)
The bolt heads have about 1 mm space between the surface of the mount and the bottom of the 'conical hole'. Should allow for +- 1mm of travel. I don't know if this will hold, but it should at least be better than nothing at all.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ho4fkua1au5p7iq/20200704_154014.jpg)
Ground the bolts flat on the underside and secured them with thread locker.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/sfm3vnjzot4252r/20200704_154021.jpg)
That's what I do on the mounts as well.
Great work there.
Like your engine mount modification .
Thank you Tony!
A few months ago I dialed in the scatter shield. This is in mm.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/gdg5g50ut4ya18x/20200622_230642.jpg)
Had some difficulties when removing the pesky dowel pins in the block. Ordered 0.007" offset dowel pins from RobbMc. Got it dialed in to within 0.002" TIR, which is well within spec.
I got the flywheel, clutch and pressure plate installed last night. One thing that I didn't like was that, according to the instructions from McLeod, I should torque the pressure plate bolts to 25 ft lbs, then I should tighten them some more until the fingers start moving towards the flywheel. That should be at roughly 35 ft lbs, according to the instructions. On my pressure plate, the fingers moved before I had 25 ft lbs on the nuts? The fingers are maybe 3/8" below the edge of the pressure plate. Is this a problem? :clueless:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q0ru91vpp2644ah/20200827_002941.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/yi5e6q4um9wciv1/20200827_002955.jpg)
I torqued them to 35 ft lbs.
Long time, no activity...
Finished the modifications to the baseplate.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ga7imvx0incrd34/20200329_173129.jpg)
Test mounted everything
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ic0cap8fhw4x1zk/20200516_165756.jpg)
Got the engine and transmission mated and onto my k-frame cart.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/p0e7cd40jr5tkvi/20210216_231941.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/gqyyivkco1agka1/20210216_231933.jpg)
Decided early on to use the Borgeson steering. I hope its worth it as it has been nothing but problem coexisting with my TTI headers...
It took several hours before I started banging the headers with a small hammer.. I had to beat them almost to death before clearing the number one tube. :(
Not much room left inside the tube.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/mjoxpvvn5c507ca/20210301_214902.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/p85zhzf1ws986zz/20210301_214905.jpg)
Obviously I could not live with that. So I cut out the mangled piece and started fabricating a new bend.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ol8im2o6qb8sdb6/20210309_181237.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/tuhc44a9sj9p37q/20210310_220025.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/bomqicnq19uf1tc/20210315_193259.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/oqanyq4ub60h6ms/20210315_193309.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/qypn0b5gma0ngtl/20210315_193634.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/s8lw4sqtde6zju6/20210316_182848.jpg)
Finally painted them with ceramic coating. They turned out great in terms of internal volume. But they look ugly and I'm not 100% sure they will clear the steering box.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/cvkfb8yyhmab31h/20210326_181728.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nalzbls6az1gc8j/20210326_181734.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/vj8kdmic45cpbe2/20210326_181741.jpg)
More to come soon...
TTI actually makes headers for that steering box. They modified the front tube on the drivers side. They sold me the the left header when I added the Borgeson box the the Hemi Challenger. Old header on the left and new replacement header on the right with a close up in the second pic. Worked like champ and cleared the box "just barley"
Putting the header debacle behind me and moving on..
Tank being prepared for installation. I'm using a floatless sender on this build.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/zr4h4uop8vf8j9e/20200526_223629.jpg)
And as with most things, the stuff that I buy isn't compatible with the car.. I had to use a 90 deg elbow to clear the rear crossmember :tired:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2iewemdtsfh6gha/20200609_224944.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/gqsi9yfkim5nwwc/20200624_233511.jpg)
In hindsight, I should have used at least twice as long hoses as that would have eased the installation.
And installed
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/y9rdc0yr7im2e9p/20200627_001713.jpg)
Onward to some other random parts. This time the rallye light bar.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/1q0pgq9jj2uxuka/20200618_183229.jpg)
It works!
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/kr29s7bomj6e56u/20200705_171429.jpg)
Painted the grille inserts
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/5gmjprdm46srw5o/20200705_100819.jpg)
And installed
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/0ite5fqr24xqtha/20200721_231323.jpg)
Got some parts back from Stephan Fournier. They look and work fantastic!
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/h1phtufd4qkfm5q/20201001_200357.jpg)
Let's build something else.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/5tvg6pskrpr1zrf/20201002_233019.jpg)
The rear is going to be a 67 B-Body Dana with a spring relocation kit.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3x7a33z00x9ki5m/20190227_173303.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/g6hhrsu6v86bky4/20190227_173343.jpg)
Sent it out for blasting and powder coating.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/y7yw84i2rfu7is3/20201123_232526.jpg)
Tried to make a tool to spread the housing. It ended up being much too weak. I ended up with much thicker material before it worked.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/sfysr6lk8h2gz7k/20210101_133457.jpg)
Dana hardware installed
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/xzjd99bambg3nes/20210115_192708.jpg)
And finished.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/glugrwawdzfhvpo/20210118_192324.jpg)
What is summarized in only a few photos here is the work of several months. I just couldn't get the correct pattern on the gears. Such a frustrating and tedious job.
Firewall insulation done
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/h6edsdfb6mvjx23/20200226_224450.jpg)
And heater box installed
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/pp3w7ck94wg6x79/20200929_211846.jpg)
Headliner with visors and rear view mirror installed. I still need to stretch it in the rear as there are some small wrinkles left.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/s6qxvklvij4so7q/20201115_215252.jpg)
more to come...
When it comes to the gauge cluster, I wanted to use a stock-appearing cluster. I will make a 100% stock looking cluster in the future but with electronic gagues. I don't like the look of the Dakota digitals speedometer. But I'm not there yet. So instead I will use a cluster build I started almost 10 years ago to use on my old 70 that I never completed back then.
I will be running with Automotive gauges as most senders are non-stock on this build.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/spnaalzpi05xvki/20210127_192014.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/zd3dmxmna1hfmwa/20210127_192024.jpg)
Using an aluminum backing plate and American walnut veneer
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ta0dzn04ucvw0ni/20210127_192033.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/904h0z74zgof8xl/20210201_204843.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6pps6qjmbjvxm58/20210201_204853.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/phsuxjxylcgj8nd/20210201_215129.jpg)
Shaping up, but still much more work and many hours left to go.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2e5h88fyiqujvac/20210212_223227.jpg)
Wiring done.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/449zg8nzbf139ao/20210502_231536.jpg)
Finished it of with a 3D-printed border.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/m2imo11jt15bs8t/20210502_231605.jpg)
A photo of the complete setup coming soon. I'm 95% happy with the result. I rushed it slightly as time is in short supply in my life and I want to get the car on the road.
If it hasn't been obvious by now, I like my car to appear stock (as far as possible).
This is the FAST XFI harnesses for injectors and main harness. Nothing stock looking there..
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/esqbgrd8uhia24c/20201026_211235.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/1j112d42jquc9ah/20201026_211243.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3pmhzivm7tt6ap9/20201026_211250.jpg)
Injector harness wrapped in vinyl, like the stock harnesses. Still no way around the fact that the connectors are modern. :dunno:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2t8m4wg0lzbf3ge/20201026_224014.jpg)
Main harness wrapped in vinyl. Added wires for communication between the XFI and MSD 6AL2, feed wire for the fuel pump, speedometer sender wires and some other wires that I needed.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/31bnfsuy9yuczkg/20210415_191939.jpg)
Next up is the engine bay progression.
Brake line and wiper motor installed
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jmjxu18t71rouy3/20200223_163649.jpg)
Master cylinder and brake booster
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/o8n6bsaxq5a9hdo/20200226_224431.jpg)
Horns and main light harness in place
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/35do4jay2yj3sbm/20200712_231442.jpg)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/v0qehcian26culy/20200929_211834.jpg)
and finally where it is today waiting for the engine.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/y1illwgc2155pax/20210509_215853.jpg)
Dash is visible in the photo as well and here from another angle
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/iesj96c9l5zw8w5/20210509_180549.jpg)
Wow! What can I say but very impressive work and attention to detail! Outstanding job! :perfect10: :yes: :twothumbsup:
A lot of great detail there.
Thanks for the update.
I am with you on maintaining the stockish look.
Made a similar guage setup and will be doing the same "wood" treatment to minimize the different look.
There is a small swatch of the woodgrain on left side.
Very good job. You are making great progress. ITs awesome seeing your project as I can only imagine what it takes to get parts in Sweden.
Yep they are money pits and planning ahead does help cut down the costs.
Moving along. I had two whole days without the wife and kids :o and I didn't sit down.
I needed to finish up some details I had pushed forward on the engine. I still have a few things to solve, but I will get them at a later stage. First up was the fuel pressure regulator and MAP sensor. I mounted them on a small bracket on the intake behind the rear throttle body. I hope it works like this. Fingers crossed.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ncnaducjonfhhud/20210513_155600.jpg)
I didn't realize how close this ended up being to the firewall until the engine was in.. But I got lucky and it all fits.
My original plan was to prepare everything for the engine install on day one without the family and then install on day two. So I made a test lift of the car on the afternoon day one.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q6ydvast4c900yj/20210513_164155.jpg)
This was probably the most nervous moment so far. My engine hoist was not sitting entirely level and I added some weight on one side as a precaution (a battery and a bottle of TIG gas). :D
The hoist crane and the whole car was very easy to rock from side to side and with a pounding heart I decided that I didn't want to do this again the day after. So I pumped up the car some more and pushed the engine in there.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/hlezdq0ag18tq64/20210513_165136.jpg)
And then started to lower the car on top. I learned a few things in the process that I would have spotted immediately had I approached this on a full stomach and more relaxed way.
1. On an E-body the shift linkage goes through the cross member (embarrassed emoji here) I had to pause the install to remove those.
2. The battery tray hits the Hemi valve covers. Again, had to pause and remove the tray.
3. There is basically 3/8" clearance between the engine and shock towers in total. It is important to align everything. Again had to do a lot of back/forwards and side to side adjustments.
But finally after a few hours of cursing and knuckle bruising it was in there and what a feeling that was!
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jjeo57imgunqjd4/20210514_173308.jpg)
Only mishaps was as small scratch where the oil dipstick tube caught the left shock tower and a paint chip where my fuel line hit the cylinder head. Easy fix.
I had also forgot that the calipers should be in the front on an E-body.
I spent day two switching the steering knuckles, torquing the front suspension components and making small adjustments to everything. Several electrical connectors to connect and nicely tuck away the wiring remains. I also have to sort out the air temp sensor placement. I think I will place it in the base plate between the throttle bodies unless there is a good reason not to?
More to come.
Looks nice! I think we've all did the caliper mess up at one time or another. I usually throw a moving blanket over the engine on the install.
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on May 17, 2021, 06:42:19 AM
Looks nice! I think we've all did the caliper mess up at one time or another. I usually throw a moving blanket over the engine on the install.
When I installed my first set of Wilwood disc brakes. I called their tech line and they told me that they prefer to be hung off the back, and most aftermarket spindles, like in the recent
RMS kit I'm building, don't give you a choice :dunno:
I don't really know which is "better" and the Wilwood tech guy couldn't give me a decent answer either....I just started looking at a bunch of high performance new cars, and they all seem to be hung off the back :dunno:
I had read many variations as to why.
One that stuck with me was loading.
When hitting brakes the calipers get "loaded". That load is then transferred into suspension.
Front mounted transfer that load into in essence the tire pushing it into the ground.
Quote from: YellowThumper on May 17, 2021, 08:53:15 PM
I had read many variations as to why.
One that stuck with me was loading.
When hitting brakes the calipers get "loaded". That load is then transferred into suspension.
Front mounted transfer that load into in essence the tire pushing it into the ground.
I read that somewhere as well. :alan2cents:
I need some help from someone with a complete car.
With the battery disconnected, with an ohmmeter across the battery cables, what resistance do you get with the ignition key in off, on and start?
Thank you!
Off: 93,8 kOhms
Ign on: 7,5 Ohms
Start: 11,5 Ohms
On my Barracuda, 318/904
Super! Thank you very much! :worship: