Car is getting close to completion. So I will start adding early pics and then try and get to the current progress.
I'm guess your friends and family thought you were nuts for taking that car apart ? :o Looks pretty decent as you bought it :dunno:
It did look good. I totally understand though.
Yes. Everyone gave me so much crap over this. They couldn't see what I was seeing. It had to come apart to be built up correctly. This thing had so many water leaks when you got it wet. I look at it as saving the car.
continued
more pics
Nice looking car! :banana:
So the car was wrecked pretty good in the front. Fenders were really jacked up in the headlight bucket area. I tried Goodmark fenders. Hated them. Did the AMD ones. Better but still didn't cut to my satisfaction. So I went a found a set of originals in great shape that wasn't for sale. Piled some nice parts and my old fenders in the truck and flashed a stack of cash and git it done. Actual cost ended up being about 4k for the pair. Rear got AMD quarters, filler panel and deck lid. NOS rear body panel.
more pics
continued
Very impressive!!!!! :inlove: Love that color. :popcorn:
My custom trunk evacuation system. Works great!
Pretty impressive paint work :worship:
continued
Awesome Job Shane.
Are you doing the grill blue this time as it should be ?
Love the photos and that venting idea. I'm going to borrow that idea as I'm tired of getting a ton of paint in my eyes and trying to paint with a flashlight just to see through the fog.
Quote from: anlauto on May 04, 2017, 12:14:24 PM
Are you doing the grill blue this time as it should be ?
I have new reproduction grill that has already been done in Argent. My plan was to run it until I can get my original one all repaired and painted. I can see endless hours on the grill restoration. I actually thought this car came with a Argent grill. Not that it mattered to me. What do you know that leads you to believe it came body color?
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 04, 2017, 12:16:39 PM
Love the photos and that venting idea. I'm going to borrow that idea as I'm tired of getting a ton of paint in my eyes and trying to paint with a flashlight just to see through the fog.
It works great. If you don't have a booth just hook it up to a squirrel cage fan. Visibility was perfect. No fog or dry paint to contend with. 12" flex duct.
more progress pics. Notice how I jammed in the cowl panel. Those are impossible to make slick while painting the outer cowl area. I always hate when those look dry and and nasty. Same for deck lid inner structure.
Quote from: Shane Kelley on May 04, 2017, 12:26:26 PM
Quote from: anlauto on May 04, 2017, 12:14:24 PM
Are you doing the grill blue this time as it should be ?
I have new reproduction grill that has already been done in Argent. My plan was to run it until I can get my original one all repaired and painted. I can see endless hours on the grill restoration. I actually thought this car came with a Argent grill. Not that it mattered to me. What do you know that leads you to believe it came body color?
ALL 1971 Cuda's that left the factory wearing B5 blue paint were SUPPOSED to get a colour-keyed cuda as a standard part of the "BS" Cuda package. :brainiac:
However due to a shortage of painted grills at the factory, there is a period of time when they received argent grills to get them "out the door". Member
@mccannix (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/mccannix_432) might have a better indication of the time frame of the shortage. :clueless:
I think the grill should be blue regardless of the build date. Argent looks odd with the coloured-keyed bumper. :alan2cents:
Quote from: anlauto on May 04, 2017, 12:40:50 PM
Quote from: Shane Kelley on May 04, 2017, 12:26:26 PM
Quote from: anlauto on May 04, 2017, 12:14:24 PM
Are you doing the grill blue this time as it should be ?
I have new reproduction grill that has already been done in Argent. My plan was to run it until I can get my original one all repaired and painted. I can see endless hours on the grill restoration. I actually thought this car came with a Argent grill. Not that it mattered to me. What do you know that leads you to believe it came body color?
ALL 1971 Cuda's that left the factory wearing B5 blue paint were SUPPOSED to get a colour-keyed cuda as a standard part of the "BS" Cuda package. :brainiac:
However due to a shortage of painted grills at the factory, there is a period of time when they received argent grills to get them "out the door". Member @mccannix (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/mccannix_432) might have a better indication of the time frame of the shortage. :clueless:
I think the grill should be blue regardless of the build date. Argent looks odd with the coloured-keyed bumper. :alan2cents:
It was probably blue then. It's a very early build. Oct of 1970. Should of had plenty of stock at that build date I would think.
January 1971 was when the tractor trailer carrying close to 200 colored grills was in the accident resulting in argent grill replacement in some 71 Cudas..
You'll have to buy Ola's '1971 Plymouth Cuda' book to get the 'rest of the story'.
I'm sure there were other contributing factors in the build of any of these cars during any period that could result in shortage/replacement issues.
Awesome work, I hope when I restore mine this fall, it turns out as nice.
Great job for a great car!!
I love it!!
More progress pics
more pics of paint process
More paint pics
Color sand and buff
Do you do all your own body and paint work ? If so.... :worship: WOW :wowzers:
You have to be so proud of that car. Really top notch work. :clapping:
Quote from: anlauto on May 05, 2017, 07:16:40 AM
Do you do all your own body and paint work ? If so.... :worship: WOW :wowzers:
I manage the Collision Center. Prior to that I was a body man. Running the shop allows me to do my cars here on the weekends. I do all own work. Body, paint and mechanical. I usually have a restoration going on with other cars besides mine also. Helps finance my personal projects. Currently building a 69 Formula S 383 4 speed car for a friend. Super nice build also. I posts progress pics on my Facebook page.
Thanks for the complement! I have always taken pride in my work.
I may have drooled a bit on the keyboard. Really nice work on a beautiful car. Thanks for taking and sharing all these pics!
Dash restoration
Your work is very impressive!!!! :bravo:
that is some damn nice work!!
I think these cars will last almost indefinitely when restored like this car. An original car probably had a 10 year life span when stored outside. With everything touched on a resto and with proper bodywork and paint and other coatings, then stored inside they should still look good 50 years from now.
Steering column restoration
If Shane's kids, had kids and they had kids.... this car will still be holding up well for them to drive. That level of work will look good for a long time! :banana:
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on May 05, 2017, 09:44:20 AM
I think these cars will last almost indefinitely when restored like this car. An original car probably had a 10 year life span when stored outside. With everything touched on a resto and with proper bodywork and paint and other coatings, then stored inside they should still look good 50 years from now.
Yea, it's nice to see them done right :alan2cents:
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on May 05, 2017, 09:44:20 AM
I think these cars will last almost indefinitely when restored like this car. An original car probably had a 10 year life span when stored outside. With everything touched on a resto and with proper bodywork and paint and other coatings, then stored inside they should still look good 50 years from now.
I agree completely! I seamed sealed every overlap and joint with 2 part seam sealer. Used a wand with cavity wax in the rockers and frame rails 3 times. When I put the quarters on I used zinc primer and then I used POR 15 in a squeeze bottle. Poured it on the inside from rockers and over the wheel tubs and all the way to the top of the trunk extensions. Let it run out of every joint. 3 times. Then I sprayed cavity wax over all that. Same with the front fender braces and above the head light buckets and inside the doors.
Heater box restoration. I have gone black on the blower motor since this picture. It was originally Cad plated and I tried to put a high end silver paint job on it. Just didn't look right after I stared at it a couple weeks. Seemed like a good idea at the time. The other thing that sucks is the boy I had helping clean things up scrubbed the 1970 off the front before I could catch him. Damn. I would have loved to save that.
With this level of restoration you NEED to have the blower motor properly plated, why cut corners now ?
Send your blower motor, wiper motor and hood latches, etc... to member Stephan Fournier for proper restoration :alan2cents:
:iagree: man, your car is super nice and to have a black painted blower motor just doesn't seem to fit the level that you have done. :alan2cents:
Quote from: anlauto on May 05, 2017, 10:54:56 AM
With this level of restoration you NEED to have the blower motor properly plated, why cut corners now ?
Send your blower motor, wiper motor and hood latches, etc... to member Stephan Fournier for proper restoration :alan2cents:
Wiper motor and latches already plated. The heater box was the first thing I did 4 years ago. it has been on my mind the whole time. You have a contact # for him? I will send my motor out if it's not going to be a huge delay. I need this on the road by June 24th.
Wiper stuff
Rear Axle assembly. The red oxide one is the original one to the car. 3.91 I ran the 3.23 for a while. That's the cast one.
In 32+ years of restoring E Bodies, I've never come across a red oxide center section like that....I wonder if that was a factory replacement, like a warranty deal of some sort. ???? The markings look factory, but the assembly line ones were never painted or primed like that :alan2cents:
Looks like a Mustang rear end :rofl:
Yup, that's a new one for me. Never seen a red 3rd member, but it does look like it's originally from the factory with all the correct markings on it. :twothumbsup: Neat to see something like that.
If you want to add some inspection numbers back on it, here's the artwork for the stamps (free to download for members):
https://www.e-bodies.org/resources/mopar-stamps-stencils-paint-ink-part-numbers/
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 05, 2017, 01:10:47 PM
Yup, that's a new one for me. Never seen a red 3rd member, but it does look like it's originally from the factory with all the correct markings on it. :twothumbsup: Neat to see something like that.
If you want to add some inspection numbers back on it, here's the artwork for the stamps (free to download for members):
https://www.e-bodies.org/resources/mopar-stamps-stencils-paint-ink-part-numbers/
I have seen it on a couple other 71's. GYC did a 71 Charger a while back that had it. While I can't say for 100% that it's the original 3rd member to the car. The date on ring gear are very close to build date. Another odd thing is the engine and trans build date. 1/70 on both. VIN#'s intact on both.
I wouldn't use GYC as a reference :alan2cents:
Quote from: anlauto on May 05, 2017, 02:14:41 PM
I wouldn't use GYC as a reference :alan2cents:
I wouldn't use them either. I just happened to see it on the car on a preview. I don't watch the show. I also saw it on a 71 RR I had way back in the day. It was a 340 car with a open 3.23. It was a pretty untouched car. That was in 85. It's the only one I ever saw in person for myself besides this one. Ring gear date was 9/70 on this one. I didn't buy the car new so anything is possible.
I have in the past encoutered red oxide third members however I never took the time to investigate.
Restored Wiper Motor, heater motor and hood latch.
Very busy turnaround approx. 6 weeks, for you Alan it's longer :)
BTW most 71 did not get the goop treatment on the wiper motor switch plate :alan2cents:
:drooling: they look to nice to use! That's art right there. :inlove:
Nice work Stephan! You won't see a correct latch like that very often.
Here's the thing about the red oxide third member.....IN MY OPINION......
Most people will say they're restoring their car for "themselves" ...they don't care what other people think and have no plans on having it judged. They will restore their car how they found it, and be entirely happy with that, and I'm 100% okay with that. It's their car, restore it as you wish :ohyeah:
But when you find odd things like this red third member, that don't fit the "norm" or like the argent grill that was never supposed to be there....You're much better off restoring the car to fit in the norm of how the cars are supposed to be when new, therefore when people look at your car, they won't walk away talking about the "wrong" things they found.....Nothing worse then taking your car to a cruise night or local show and have some jackarse tell you...."hey this is wrong....that is wrong"... :pullinghair: after all your hard work.
I can tell you now...Your paint work is a 1000 times nicer than most restored cars out there, but 99% of the people out there are going to look right past all the hard work, when the details are incorrect. :alan2cents:
Fantastic world class type restoration. I have a '71 also so will keep an eye on this thread for sure.
Quote from: Shane Kelley on May 05, 2017, 08:16:36 AM
Quote from: anlauto on May 05, 2017, 07:16:40 AM
Do you do all your own body and paint work ? If so.... :worship: WOW :wowzers:
I manage the Collision Center. Prior to that I was a body man. Running the shop allows me to do my cars here on the weekends. I do all own work. Body, paint and mechanical. I usually have a restoration going on with other cars besides mine also. Helps finance my personal projects. Currently building a 69 Formula S 383 4 speed car for a friend. Super nice build also. I posts progress pics on my Facebook page.
Thanks for the complement! I have always taken pride in my work.
that's funny! i have a 71 340 4spd cuda and a 69 383 s. I finished the 69 then started right away on the 71!
Looks great. Did a beautiful job. Like Cody said, You should be proud!! :drinkingbud:
Quote from: anlauto on May 05, 2017, 07:04:26 PM
Here's the thing about the red oxide third member.....IN MY OPINION......
Most people will say they're restoring their car for "themselves" ...they don't care what other people think and have no plans on having it judged. They will restore their car how they found it, and be entirely happy with that, and I'm 100% okay with that. It's their car, restore it as you wish :ohyeah:
But when you find odd things like this red third member, that don't fit the "norm" or like the argent grill that was never supposed to be there....You're much better off restoring the car to fit in the norm of how the cars are supposed to be when new, therefore when people look at your car, they won't walk away talking about the "wrong" things they found.....Nothing worse then taking your car to a cruise night or local show and have some jackarse tell you...."hey this is wrong....that is wrong"... :pullinghair: after all your hard work.
I can tell you now...Your paint work is a 1000 times nicer than most restored cars out there, but 99% of the people out there are going to look right past all the hard work, when the details are incorrect. :alan2cents:
:iagree:
Once again Alan is Right. People have to find "wrong" with cars. Even when Its that nice! That must be peoples way of saying I am just as smart and could have done it better. I suppose?
I do agree with you on leaving the Silver grill for now and take your time on your original grille. You have enough on your plate, I am doing the same with my original grill too after the car is done.I also don't have a problem with the red third member. But that's just me, Beautiful car!!! :alan2cents:
Quote from: realn96 on May 06, 2017, 04:02:56 AM
Quote from: anlauto on May 05, 2017, 07:04:26 PM
Here's the thing about the red oxide third member.....IN MY OPINION......
Most people will say they're restoring their car for "themselves" ...they don't care what other people think and have no plans on having it judged. They will restore their car how they found it, and be entirely happy with that, and I'm 100% okay with that. It's their car, restore it as you wish :ohyeah:
But when you find odd things like this red third member, that don't fit the "norm" or like the argent grill that was never supposed to be there....You're much better off restoring the car to fit in the norm of how the cars are supposed to be when new, therefore when people look at your car, they won't walk away talking about the "wrong" things they found.....Nothing worse then taking your car to a cruise night or local show and have some jackarse tell you...."hey this is wrong....that is wrong"... :pullinghair: after all your hard work.
I can tell you now...Your paint work is a 1000 times nicer than most restored cars out there, but 99% of the people out there are going to look right past all the hard work, when the details are incorrect. :alan2cents:
:iagree:
Once again Alan is Right. People have to find "wrong" with cars. Even when Its that nice! That must be peoples way of saying I am just as smart and could have done it better. I suppose?
I do agree with you on leaving the Silver grill for now and take your time on your original grille. You have enough on your plate, I am doing the same with my original grill too after the car is done.I also don't have a problem with the red third member. But that's just me, Beautiful car!!! :alan2cents:
A lot of that comes from having something look so nice that all is left is to find something wrong. Hell, I have been there myself. The not no nice cars are exempt. Because you can pick them apart on a walk by. Funny story about this subject. I was at the Nats 4 years ago. I'm looking this Cuda over for fog light wire routing and clip locations. My wife was with me and I'm pointing at this and that. I look over at this guy with a agitated look power hitting a cigarette. The words out of his mouth came. "what did you find that you think is wrong"? Blahahahahahah! It was Alan Mosier of Finer Details by the way. Back to mine. I get what Alan is saying and he has a valid point. Constructive criticism can be very helpful. But my car has so many things wrong as far as being "correct". It's getting a aluminum headed motor with TTi exhaust. I plan to drive it more than show it. I'm sure I have the wrong bolt here and there. The blower motor has bugged me and Alan and Cody are right. It should be addressed now. 3rd member doesn't bother me if it's supposed to be or not. No one can honestly say with proof one way or the other. It had the factory markings. That's why I took pictures before I redid it. I knew it was different and no one would believe me. The grill was always going to end up blue even when I thought Argent was correct. For me I just love the intricate details of a high end build. Still nothing wrong with 2nd opinions.
:slapme5: :drinkingbud:
(Ken Mosier....not Alan BTW)
Quote from: anlauto on May 06, 2017, 05:06:40 AM
:slapme5: :drinkingbud:
(Ken Mosier....not Alan BTW)
That's right. There is a car salesman at the dealership who is Alan Mosier. I always get them confused. :Thud:
You did the right thing, document it and do it the way you found it. Your car will be beautiful, anyone that says otherwise deserves a nut crack.
Current status as of 5/8/17. I decided to go with black blower motor because waiting on resto would set me back to far on time frame. I want to get the dash in and that would be a big hold up. I am sending my wiper motor off to get re- restored. Looks like it took on some moisture in storage and ruined the finish. I had a tough time trying to decide on Cuda emblem on rear body panel. I went with the location that's on the Hemi Cuda at RK Motorsports even though it looks like it's to the right. It's stuck now.
I'm really looking forward to seeing this car done. :wowzers: :inlove:
More progress pics.
More progress pics.
You're going with a 1970 wing instead of a 1971 ? :huh:
Car is 10/70 build and came with 70 deck lid. I'm sure you know what it looks like with a 71 spoiler on a 70 lid. Sits back to far and hangs off the back of the car. I found this out when I put the 71 spoiler on it. I have seen few early 71's with the 70 spoiler.
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 08, 2017, 08:51:04 AM
I'm really looking forward to seeing this car done. :wowzers: :inlove:
Should be next month! Hopefully. A couple more weekends and it should start looking like a car.
Quote from: Shane Kelley on May 08, 2017, 09:19:59 AM
Car is 10/70 build and came with 70 deck lid. I'm sure you know what it looks like with a 71 spoiler on a 70 lid. Sits back to far and hangs off the back of the car. I found this out when I put the 71 spoiler on it. I have seen few early 71's with the 70 spoiler.
Interesting :bigthumb:
Shane this is a work of Art, well done :ohyeah:
This car needs to be in a magazine. :yes: :1place:
Shane - Fabulous work; great details and pictures for reference. Especially for those of us just starting our restoration.
I agree with Cody - definitely needs to be featured in a periodical.
I really liked your "jig" you used to lift the front of the 'Cuda to install the powertrain. Never seen one before; was it custom built? I'm using a Whirly Jig, but I definitely would like to use a similar jig to lower the front onto the engine/trans.
Keep those pictures coming! Really helps us out and a great way to memorialize your hard work.
Man that paint work is stellar :worship: absolutely beautiful. :drooling:
I take back my comment about the heater blower motor being a "must" to get correct. I was under the impression you were restoring the car, I had no idea you had so many modifications happening. When customizing a car, there's no rules, so your black blower motor looks right at home :bradsthumb:
Yes it's homemade. 26 bucks in materials and a hour to build. Works perfect. I made mine adjustable for different widths. I am doing a A body currently and it works for both. Should be cheaper and easier to build for one type of car. I used 1/4 x 3" x 24" long to go on sides of frame rails. Drilled for bumper bolt locations. 2" x 1/8 wall box tubing to run across the front. Welded a hoop in the middle for a hook. Pretty basic and simple.
Nice car!
Can you post some detail pictures of your engine/trans/k-frame dolly?
It turned out beautiful. Can't wait to hear that first start up! :banana:
Quote from: larry4406 on May 09, 2017, 02:48:50 AM
Nice car!
Can you post some detail pictures of your engine/trans/k-frame dolly?
I will post some detailed pics and measurements for the dolly and front end bracket for a hoist on the car later this week. Both are fairly simple to build.
Glad to see you here! Been looking at your updates on Facebook.
Really impressive work! If I can only get my car half as good as yours I will be very satisifed! :worship:
:iagree: :iagree: :iagree: :iagree: :iagree:I am supposed to be in my garage tonight restoring my car thats torn down. This thread totally distracted me and totally inspired me. If only my car can look remotely like this....WOW! :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove:
Love the color, love this build. I am tired now and will probably pass on working tonight. Good luck with your deadline. I believe in you.
Quote from: Tunis on May 09, 2017, 06:16:14 AM
Glad to see you here! Been looking at your updates on Facebook.
Really impressive work! If I can only get my car half as good as yours I will be very satisifed! :worship:
I agree....I too will be happy if my car ends up half as nice as what you have done. Thanks for sharing with us...it gives many of us ideas and inspiration.
:wowzers:
More progress this last weekend 5/13/17. Things completed
Engine wired and plumbed. Cooling system done. Engine compartment 90% complete
Front end wiring 90% complete
Headlights and grill installed
Fuel system including tank done
Rear suspension and axle assembly 80% complete. Shocks and shackles left to do.
Exhaust system done
Rocker trim and gills installed
Splash shields on
E brake assembly done
Do you ever sleep? :wowzers:
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 15, 2017, 12:34:02 PM
Do you ever sleep? :wowzers:
Have plenty of time for that when I'm dead. Lol
I'm pushing myself pretty hard with this right now. I want to have it done by the middle of June for Street Machine Nationals. I have been listening for the last 3 years "when you going to have that Cuda done?" I also need to get back on the 69 project because he needs it by the first of October. It will take longer to assemble than mine because all of his stuff isn't ready for assembly like I have mine.
Looking good !
You are calling this a driver? I am thinking driver that doubles as a show car. Very inspiring.
Nice work. What are you doing with the inner fenders.
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on May 15, 2017, 09:35:19 PM
Nice work. What are you doing with the inner fenders.
Nothing more than you see. It's a factory undercoat car and it was in good shape so I left it on the bottom. Just cleaned it and freshened it up. The fender wells I painted because they are easy to clean and I like seeing the body color behind the wheels.
Do you have any pictures showing how the plastic inner fender pieces were notched to clear the US Cartool Fender Braces?
Quote from: larry4406 on May 16, 2017, 05:14:27 AM
Do you have any pictures showing how the plastic inner fender pieces were notched to clear the US Cartool Fender Braces?
I see that part of the shield just misses the picture. It's real simple to do. I will get you a pic tonight when I get home. :takepicture:
Your the 1971 gift that keeps on giving
Quote from: Shane Kelley on May 16, 2017, 05:51:33 AM
Quote from: larry4406 on May 16, 2017, 05:14:27 AM
Do you have any pictures showing how the plastic inner fender pieces were notched to clear the US Cartool Fender Braces?
I see that part of the shield just misses the picture. It's real simple to do. I will get you a pic tonight when I get home. :takepicture:
As you can see I didn't worry about going across the top. That little bit was to weak and would have never held for long. I first tried using tin snips to make the cut. Don't do that. It wants to break instead of cut clean. Use a cutoff wheel or a fine tooth mini saw. I used a cutoff wheel and cleaned it up with utility knife.
Beautiful Car and Outstanding Work. :ohyeah:
Beautiful workmanship! :clapping:
Man you are doing a terrific job! That B5 is my favorite color with the black billboards. What brand paint did you use? Keep posting updates.
Quote from: Biffielube on May 17, 2017, 09:12:23 AM
What brand paint did you use? Keep posting updates.
Thanks. I used Sikkens solvent base and Axalta 7900s clear. My favorite clear!
I've heard a lot of good things about Sikkens, but have not had a chance to shoot any of it yet. Hope to try some eventually. Did you have to make any adjustments to the stock formula?
Quote from: Shane Kelley on May 17, 2017, 09:39:35 AM
Quote from: Biffielube on May 17, 2017, 09:12:23 AM
What brand paint did you use? Keep posting updates.
Thanks. I used Sikkens solvent base and Axalta 7900s clear. My favorite clear!
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 17, 2017, 09:58:43 AM
I've heard a lot of good things about Sikkens, but have not had a chance to shoot any of it yet. Hope to try some eventually. Did you have to make any adjustments to the stock formula?
Quote from: Shane Kelley on May 17, 2017, 09:39:35 AM
Quote from: Biffielube on May 17, 2017, 09:12:23 AM
What brand paint did you use? Keep posting updates.
Thanks. I used Sikkens solvent base and Axalta 7900s clear. My favorite clear!
They don't have any old car formulas. So those all have to be made from scratch. For my car I shot it with the camera and compared to color chip and some original painted areas on my car. It's a good quality paint with excellent coverage. We have been using the brand for 22 years here at the Collision Center I manage. They are more into to newer cars and big into color match technology. Their clear is high solids and has some pretty heavy peel to match the OEM finishes. That's why I didn't use it. I really think most the big name manufactures have a good quality product. Most painters prefer to use what they are comfortable shooting and I agree with that. I don't paint very often so when I do I use the 7900s clear. It just works for me. Base pretty much all sprays the same. As long as the color is correct and it covers good.
Hood is finished. Got the pins perfectly centered in the holes and lanyards on. Scoops installed. Hoping for another productive weekend. Taking Friday off work so I will get 3 full days on it.
Thanks for the updated photos. :twothumbsup:
:popcorn:
Beautiful!! I love the Mopar neon light shining on the paint. :ohyeah:
Awesome car - extremely nice detailing.
Looks great :cool:
Moving along. Weekend of 5/20/17. Headliner just about complete. Dash bolted in and cables hooked up. Everything underneath is finished except bleeding the brakes. Bumpers, valances and exterior lighting on. Stripes and door handles complete. I didn't think I was going to like the argent grill but after seeing it all together I honestly like the way it looks. The dark argent gives it a mean look to me.
That's what I call the home stretch......looking good :worship:
Very nice!!! :bravo: Body color or argent, I like the look of the 71 grille so much I don't think any color could ever make it look bad. Just a classic work of art. One of the best looking from grilles in history on any car.
The fun part, you bolt a piece on and stand back and admire it while sipping a beer.
Progress update. I did run into a little issue with M&H dash harness. Not a big deal but still had to track it down. I thought at first I was dealing with the usual ground problem that happens with a fresh build and everything is painted. The issue was with park lights. Started out RR was bright and nothing on LR park. RF park was just bright all the time also. As it turned out 2 different issues all together. Front was a new PG classic repop that had the bulb stuck in wrong. Rear was 2 wires reversed on dash harness that feeds rear lights. The black and the brown was reversed. So all electrical is sorted out and everything working perfect. Engine fired with no leaks or issues. Still have all glass, side panels and seats left on interior. Dome light and a few small odds and ends. Getting really close.
First time I've ever heard anyone having an issue with M&H, but glad you found it and got it worked out. :banana: Looks like you'll be on the road really soon. Wonderful job man. :bradsthumb:
Quote from: Cuda Cody on May 30, 2017, 08:59:44 AM
First time I've ever heard anyone having an issue with M&H, but glad you found it and got it worked out. :banana: Looks like you'll be on the road really soon. Wonderful job man. :bradsthumb:
I have installed a couple others and they were fine. Shit happens! At least this was a pretty simple fix. I still have the opinion they are excellent harnesses and would recommend them to anybody.
Year One wheels on. The advertisement banner across the top of the forum paid off for them. I was just finishing up my 15x7 rallye's when I changed my mind to give the car a little updated look. Went with the 17x8 and 17x9's. They fit absolutely perfect. I'm very happy with the results. I'm not completely decided on the stance yet. Going to have to see where the car settles and go from there. Thinking I want the rear just a little lower. I like the front where it is.
Working on the seats right now. Changing them from the standard covers to the deluxe leather ones. I just can't stand the look of the standard 71 seat covers. I almost didn't get a 71 for that reason. The deluxe leather is not my favorite either but I like them better than standard. I didn't want to go with something totally off the wall. Blasting and painting the frames, installing new foam and covers.
Repaired and polished the rest of my trim this past weekend. Still have a few things to go but getting pretty close.
Looking great. You seem real close. I hope you make your deadline. The wheels look sharp.
Man, that looks sweet! I like how where the rear sits, it's the fronts that I would lower. But I like that classic raked look from the 70's. :inlove:
I know what you mean about the seats. One of the worst seat patterns ever made in one of the best looking cars ever designed.
Looks amazing!!! Great job! :twothumbsup:
love the look of the new wheels , I agree I would lower the front bit ,the 71 seats never bothered me ,easy to keep clean !
My front end sat high initially until I drove it around the block and then it settled, just dropping it down off the jack stands won't work the suspension enough to settle it..IMO
My powder coater said he blasted his seat frames and baked them twice to get the smell out of them before powder coating them...that's a real nice attention to detail often overlooked that you did by blasting and refinishing the frames before reassembly.
Man that looks sooooo good! :banana:
The wheels are sweet! What are your rim back spacings and tire sizes?
Quote from: Cudakiller70 on June 05, 2017, 04:40:55 PM
Man that looks sooooo good! :banana:
The wheels are sweet! What are your rim back spacings and tire sizes?
5" rear 4.25 front. 275/40-17 and 245/45-17
:bigthumb: Thank you
I'm down to 2 weekends left. Slow progress in the evenings. I still try to accomplish something every night. Waiting on square Butyl tape to install front and back glass. I didn't realize that stuff is getting hard to come by. Ebay is the only place I could find it and only one person had it. 3m discontinued it. I have finally finished the glass and trim on RT side. Left side will go faster now that I have it figured out. Thanks to Alan's tip on installing glass. Door dropped down further than I wanted. To my chagrin I'm going to have to raise the rear of the door about 1/8 inch. When I assembled it prior to paint I had it 1/8" high at the rear. Amazing how much that weight is pulling it down. That would be 1/4" drop. Should be able to accomplish quit a bit this weekend. I have decided to change the front leaf spring mounts so I can lower it. I want to drop the car 1' all the way around.
It looks awesome. Absolutely freaking awesome.
I've been telling people for years to do what I do when doing bodywork. I put 52 pounds of dead weight to pre-sag (usually heavy chain spread across the bottom) in the door while doing the bodywork. That's exactly how much all the interior guts and door panels weigh. It works perfect every time and yes you are right it's almost 1/4" of drop when you take the weight out. Without it in there it's hard to raise the door and still get perfect lines. I picked up the idea back in the 90's from Dodge when I saw them doing it to Vipers at the factory. They would pre-sag the doors with sand bags.
Quote from: Shane Kelley on June 09, 2017, 08:06:56 AM
Amazing how much that weight is pulling it down. That would be 1/4" drop.
Quote from: Cuda Cody on June 09, 2017, 08:19:20 AM
It looks awesome. Absolutely freaking awesome.
I've been telling people for years to do what I do when doing bodywork. I put 52 pounds of dead weight to pre-sag (usually heavy chain spread across the bottom) in the door while doing the bodywork.
Quote from: Shane Kelley on June 09, 2017, 08:06:56 AM
Amazing how much that weight is pulling it down. That would be 1/4" drop.
Thank you!
I used a couple of concrete patio blocks when I did the bodywork. But when I assembled it for paint they had walked off here at the shop. So I rolled the dice and guessed at it. Came up snake eyes it seems. I can fix it but I would have rather not had to mess with it.
More picture updates. Real time hog things this past weekend. I don't don't feel like I made a lot of progress. Side glass is all done and adjusted. Alan say's that's one of his favorite parts of reassembly. I officially hate it! Tedious and time consuming. Most the exterior time in on and weatherstrips in. Only thing left on interior is RF seat, LF door panel and sill plate. Decided not to go with the buttons on seat bottoms. I just didn't like the look. I had to use them on front uppers to get the cover pulled in at the top or I would have left them off also. The rear seat cover is fighting me.I can get it perfect until I shove the lower in and I causes the upper cover to loosen up and get some wrinkles. Hoping they will lay down with some time.
The car is looking fantastic! :clapping:
I really love that color! Beautiful car.
Shout out to Stephan @ SF-Resto for a quick turn around and excellent restoration of my wiper motor. He took care of any little pits or imperfections. I'm very pleased with the final results. :ohyeah:
Also talked to Mopar Dave and he is getting my rear seat covers done in leather to match my front seats. I just keep looking at the front seats and loving the way they look and feel then I look at the back seat and just looks shiny and cheap. The grain and sheen are just worlds apart.
That's turning out to be one of the nicer 71 cudas out there. :clapping:
Love watching your progress Shane. You are doing it right and the results show! Keep up the good work! :bigthumb:
Finally got the front and back glass in. That 3/8 square butyl tape is getting hard to come by. 3m discontinued it. I only found one person in California on Ebay with a different brand. That's the only place I could find it. This coming weekend is my last weekend before the car show. Have one seat,air breather and some suspension work. Ride height adjustments,sway bars, etc. I plan on bringing it to work Monday for the alignment. Looks like I'm a few weeks out for the leather rear seat cover. Wish I had it now, but not a biggie. Still waiting on my restoration battery. If it's not here in time I will yank the one out of my Road Runner to use in the Cuda.
Quote from: Shane Kelley on June 16, 2017, 05:53:38 AM
Finally got the front and back glass in. That 3/8 square butyl tape is getting hard to come by. 3m discontinued it. I only found one person in California on Ebay with a different brand. That's the only place I could find it.
:pokeeye:
could have called. I have about 6 rolls. but your good now.
Quote from: Shane Kelley on June 16, 2017, 05:53:38 AM
Still waiting on my restoration battery. If it's not here in time I will yank the one out of my Road Runner to use in the Cuda.
Sounds like you are trying to finish in time for a show right around the same time as Carlisle.... :popcorn:
for those that do not use the Urethane and like to use the 3/8 Butyl tape/ribbon sealer. I have that in stock 15.00 for a 15 foot roll. + the ride
i'll post this up on the sale section also.
Quote from: MoparDave on June 16, 2017, 06:41:09 AM
for those that do not use the Urethane and like to use the 3/8 Butyl tape/ribbon sealer. I have that in stock 15.00 for a 15 foot roll. + the ride
Damn
Sometimes I forget the obvious. :thinking: You know I would rather spend my money with you! :takemymoney:
common as its tough being the little guy in the mopar market.
all good though as your Cuda is about done.
Quote from: Rev-It-Up on June 16, 2017, 06:25:59 AM
Quote from: Shane Kelley on June 16, 2017, 05:53:38 AM
Still waiting on my restoration battery. If it's not here in time I will yank the one out of my Road Runner to use in the Cuda.
Sounds like you are trying to finish in time for a show right around the same time as Carlisle.... :popcorn:
Speaking of Carlisle. I haven't seen any Duster updated progress pics. :lurking:
Speaking of Carlisle. I haven't seen any Duster updated progress pics. :lurking:
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Currently waiting on a few parts to finish the interior. Pixie will probably do another update this weekend. Feels like we are trudging thru molasses to get her done in time. I bet you know how that feels. :haha:
Quote from: Rev-It-Up on June 16, 2017, 07:40:52 AM
Speaking of Carlisle. I haven't seen any Duster updated progress pics. :lurking:
"Feels like we are trudging thru molasses to get her done in time. I bet you know how that feels. :haha:"
All to well. The closer the deadline the more things fight you. Always running into to little odds and ends you need that are holding you up. :ebay:
Pretty much done. Some small odds and ends to go.
Fantastic work man. It looks awesome. :clapping: You did a great job and should be very proud of that car. Let us know how your first show goes. We already know you won your first award before it was even done. :bigthumb:
Thank you! I will add that I had to cut 1/2" off the rear wheel lips to get the tires to clear once I lowered it. I would say they probably would have hit with a dip in the road running a pretty good speed before I lowered it. Going to make installing wheel opening moldings even more fun now.
The car turned out Awesome.... I really liked the attention to details and extra steps to ensure a really nice paint job like in the trunk and the cowl area under the fenders.
Your car is just disgusting, disgustingly ....so well done! :bravo:
Ok is that an RPM air gap? If so how did you fit the air cleaner under the hood?
Quote from: Cudakiller70 on June 19, 2017, 03:57:30 PM
Your car is just disgusting, disgustingly ....so well done! :bravo:
Ok is that an RPM air gap? If so how did you fit the air cleaner under the hood?
Yes it is. No issues at all with the air cleaner, hood clearance. . I'm running a Quick Fuel carburetor also.
Very cool watching your car come to life.... thank you for sharing all the great pics :cheers:
With the car lowered I couldn't get the camber set. So I installed a set of Hotchkis upper control arms and also their adjustable strut rods. The strut rods allowed me to get the wheelbase within 1mm. It was off by 1/4 inch from one side to other. I measured from the rear spring mount to the center of the grease fitting on lower ball joints. Car lined up perfect and drives great. Next up I will be installing their shocks. Hoping to get to the machine shop today and get the steel to build my sub frame connectors.
Those are some nice upgrades...the 'Cuda turned out great.
Been working on getting the suspension dialed in. Car was really loose at high speed especially in the front end going over dips in the road. I figure it's because I lowered the front end and soften the torsion bars to much. Ordered some larger clocked ones from PST that I'm going to install along with the adjustable Hotchkis shocks. I think I have the rear squared away with the exception of the springs possibly. I have to say this Hotchkis stuff is expensive but the quality is top notch.
I have the steel to build sub frame connectors. Having a hard time bringing myself to cut into the rear factory rails. The metal is so clean and nice. I know it's not a Hemi car but it is a 71 #'s matching 340 4 speed Cuda. I ordered a set of Magnum Force bolt in connectors that I'm going to try first. They look pretty nice and i have heard good things about them.
Man, I'm with you. That car is so clean I would have a hard time cutting rails. I hope the bolt in ones work.... I know you say it's not a Hemi, but dude, it's a real 1971 Cuda 340 4 speed. It's not like they are making any more of them. It's a rare car and I love how you have restored it.
All I can say so far is: Sir, you are truly a professionals Professional
I'll share with you the advice I got from Mike Maier (Maier Motorsports, they build some wild suspensions) when I told him I was thinking bolt in sub frame connectors, he said "bolt in sub frame connectors are only worth the cost of return shipping". Just sayin, on another note, this car is amazing, the level of work you have done here is far beyond my skill level or what I can afford to pay for! Hahaha amazing car man
There is no doubt welded in connectors would be superior. But I'm also sure bolting the rear spring mounts and connecting to the torsion crossmember will help better than nothing. I'm not totally against welding them if need be. They can be done either way. Either way they can be removed without cutting into the cars structure. My goal with everything I have done outside a factory build is to be able too go back original by simply changing out parts. I have all the original parts restored, boxed and sitting on shelves. I even have the original 15x7 rally's finished.
Thank you everybody for the kind words.
Hey Cody. What's that peaking out above the wheels?
:lookatthat: Look at that!!! A nice T/A Spoiler. :veryexcited: Do you have a car in mind that you're going to use it on? 8)
Quote from: Cuda Cody on July 25, 2017, 10:39:52 PM
:lookatthat: Look at that!!! A nice T/A Spoiler. :veryexcited: Do you have a car in mind that you're going to use it on? 8)
I wish. It came off a TA that got parted out in the mid 80's. Sad that is was hit pretty good in the passenger side lock pillar and that ended it's life. Very fixable these days. I ended up with the dash, K member and spoiler and some other various odds and ends. I used the dash frame in my Cuda. When mine was wrecked somebody's knee did a number on it. Could have fixed it but i had this nice one. The TA was a automatic, standard dash and Plum Crazy. I still have the VIN tag in my cabinet for a souvenir.
The engine is in a buddy's orange TA now. Back in the day the guy wrecked the purple one and found another TA body to put his drive train in. As rare as the cars are they were definitely around if you were looking. Going to try and get by his house soon and get some pics of the car. Been restored since late 80's. Before repop parts were available. Back then you bought part cars and scrounge the salvage yards and picked the best parts to refurbish. Different world these days.
Really love your car. Very inspiring. I think you are making the right move leaving the option for the stock parts to go back in as your car is nicely optioned 71. Good luck tightening that front end.
Front suspension is done. Extremely happy with the way the car handles. Used the specs Hotchkis recommended. -5 degree camber makes the wheels lean in at the top more than I like. Probably going to address that yet. The PST torsion bars was a real dramatic difference. Really firmed the front end up nice. Especially combined with the Hotchkis adjustable shocks. Car is a lot more high speeed stable. Rear springs need addressed next. Installed the Magnum Force subframe connectors. I am very pleased with the way they installed and fit. They don't interfere with any of the brake cables and snug up nice to floor pan. They bolt or weld on. I did put a few stitch welds where they fasten to the torsion bar crossmember.
Next upgrades are rear springs and probably the Borgeson quick ration power steering box. I'm already tired of this manual box. Switching back to 3.91 gears from the 3.55. My little motor just responds better to the 3.91.
Very clean work. Nice job. :clapping:
Awesome car! Great work. :1place:
Just read your complete build thread this morning. Awesome work. Top notch!
Wes
It looks great. Small Blocks and 3.91's just seem to work well. I like the Magnum frame connectors as well. I just don't like welding a ladder onto the bottom of a collector car.
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on September 04, 2017, 08:54:48 AM
It looks great. Small Blocks and 3.91's just seem to work well. I like the Magnum frame connectors as well. I just don't like welding a ladder onto the bottom of a collector car.
I hear you. That's why I went this route instead of making a set. I didn't want all the cut and welded in structure.
With these connectors I just did 3 stitch welds on the torsion crossmember in places I can cut loose so it can be removed without ruining anything. The bolts actually seemed pretty strong by themselves. But I wanted to make sure it would flex.
We were going to panel bond ours in, but stitch welding is actually much easier to remove. Bolting to the spring hangars is right where the stresses are applied as well. A pretty good design.
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on September 04, 2017, 09:58:40 AM
We were going to panel bond ours in, but stitch welding is actually much easier to remove. Bolting to the spring hangars is right where the stresses are applied as well. A pretty good design.
I think it is a well designed connector. I thought about panel bond but I wasn't sure if there was enough surface area to hold and if it did that would be tough to remove.
Only mods I had to do was slot the front bracket to slide over brake and fuel lines and ream the holes for the spring hanger studs. They were a little off. Pretty hassle free overall for what it is.
Beautiful car, nice job! :clapping:
I fricking love this car
:iagree:
Shane is talented. He has to border on the edge of being an artist, his work is so clean.