1970 FE5 'Cuda Build

[DeathProofCuda]

Just stumbled across this, looking good!
Well done on the headliner, looks great.
How long did that take?

    Yeah X2 on that.  Everything on this build looks first class! 

[1970Cuda]

Oh, I did read about the ACC carpet, but I hadn't seen that available still or from what source. I am thinking that maybe I should have invested in that instead of the "OER" from Classic Industries. The mass backing on Classics is a bit weak (IMO) and definitely off center. But since carpet is so reasonably priced I could just go w/the ACC if I can locate a source.

And the only reason I could see to include those silly plastic covers is: 1) I am kinda a purest and wanted to keep it "like" factory (probably because I am neurotic that way), and 2) I was thinking that the retractors might bind up under the carpet? IDK, because this is my first e-body restoration.

Thanks DeathProofCuda - I appreciate it. My Motto: "Never Under Estimate a Man with an Obsession."

-------- Katfish --------

First, thanks for the compliment on the headliner. I really learned a LOT from both reading Alan's comments on installing the headliner and also all the other posts on the site. So it took me a good three weeks or four weeks or so to complete it.

Five quick pointers: 1) Use Legendary's headliner (IMO) as it's the best, 2) don't put on the weather strip channel before installing the headliner, 3) use the 3M Glue "Headliner Adhesive" for the sides as it works perfectly, 4) Install all the screws before you put on the headliner. It's a bit of a hassle to locate them once the headliner is on. I did most of them, but not all of them, which was my mistake. I had to use a dental tool to locate a few of the bolt/screw locations. And most importantly: 5) Always take more pictures then you think you'll need.

[Katfish]

I thought ACC was only company making carpet.
Would be surprised if that wasn't what you got from Classic.
RockAuto carries ACC carpet, best pricing and there's always a 5% discount available.

[1970Cuda]

Oh OK - I recall reading that somewhere (about ACC carpet) and just forgot. But definitely I will look at Rock Auto again and thanks for the tip. (Although when I order from Classic Industries, I usually wait for a sale or free shipping, so it does save some, and I am all for saving.) But in the meantime, PM me if you have any other questions on installing the headliner. I am NO expert (or even novice really), but did learn a few things that I can pass along. And good luck on your interior installation Katfish. 

... now onto my carpet installation. Good luck on all your project folks!

[Lunchbox]

Just stumbled across this, looking good!
Well done on the headliner, looks great.
How long did that take?

    Yeah X2 on that.  Everything on this build looks first class! 

Same here, just got through all 15 pages, looks to have been a great journey!

[1970Cuda]

Thanks for all the great comments - I appreciate it. Soooo ... I am laying out the carpet and already did my first cut in the front because it was way long. Here's where I am now and I think I still need to trim another inch or so off the front, but I can tell that it need to be contoured to fit around the washer pump, dimmer switch, steering column and accelerator peddle, etc., as folks have been mentioning.

Any feedback on whether it's about right or should I go up another 1/2" or so would be helpful. I noticed the 4-speed hump carpet area doesn't look quite "factory correct." 

[1970Cuda]

Hi all ... so I started to trim up the carpet, keeping in mind all the great advice and pictures I saw of original carpet installations. I have done some initial trimming and tried to keep it as high as possible in the front. I cut the hole for the high-beam switch. And also ...

• Installed the accelerator peddle/gasket
• Installed a steering coupler retainer clip (obviously not related the carpet install*)

* I like how the retainer fits firmly on the steering coupler cover - I found it difficult to get a competent crimp seal on the cover and I am hoping the retainer will provide extra protection from the cover coming loose.

Next on the agenda is clamping down the carpet so that it doesn't move around on me, while I begin trimming for the console brackets.

[Katfish]

I must have got a defective steering coupler clip.
Fought with that thing forever and ended up destroying it before coming even close to getting it on.
Carpet looks good.

[1970Cuda]

Hi Katfishy - I actually had the same issue the first time I tried to install the coupler clip and realized after re-reading the material that I bought the wrong size ... The one I am showing is the 3.5 inch vs. the 3 inch. According to the write-up, the 3 inches is supposed to be good through 1972, but it's didn't work. My coupler I am running is a manual steering coupler on a shorter power-steering shaft, but I am using it on my manual steering box. (It's a bit of a Frankenstein set-up for now. You'll see the cheater coupler between the steering box and my coupler.)

But check to see if you bought the shorter retainer - when I picked up my 3.5 inch, I test-fit it on my original steering column and it went on very quickly. Less than five min. It took we longer to crawl under my car and get positioned vs. actually installing the retainer. I am definitely going to pick up a few more before they stop making them.

(Editor's Note: Since my next project is a power-steering car, I am just going to re-use this column, change the coupler and key (which is easy), and install it in my next project. Then I will circle back; rebuild my original column with this key; and then just install it in my Rallye Red 'Cuda.) 

- And thanks for the compliment on my carpet. I am taking it slow as everyone recommends and trimming slowly so as not to removed too much material -

[Katfish]

Good info, I  had no idea there are 2 sizes.
Mine was DEFINITELY too short, no way it would fit.
Where did you get yours?

[1970Cuda]

I always try to go through Jacob at Roseville Moparts to support the channel's sponsor, if I can. I'm including the link for reference to the page. Some things I have to buy through other vendors of course. 

When I measured my coupler it's exactly 3" long, so I thought the smaller retainer bracket would work, but like you, no way it would fit. I only tried a little bit to install the retainer and gave up quickly because I didn't want to scratch my painted shaft/coupler. Try the bigger one and I think it'll work for you just fine. 

Steering Coupler Retainer

[Lunchbox]

I always try to go through Jacob at Roseville Moparts to support the channel's sponsor, if I can. I'm including the link for reference to the page. Some things I have to buy through other vendors of course. 

When I measured my coupler it's exactly 3" long, so I thought the smaller retainer bracket would work, but like you, no way it would fit. I only tried a little bit to install the retainer and gave up quickly because I didn't want to scratch my painted shaft/coupler. Try the bigger one and I think it'll work for you just fine. 

Steering Coupler Retainer

Thanks for the link will have to keep that part in mind.

[1970Cuda]

Another short update on progress ... so I have the carpet installed and somewhat trimmed up. Basically the console brackets and shifter hole for the boot. (I just temporarily installed the boot for cosmetic reasons and to ensure the holes are aligned.) I really like using the soldering iron to burn the holes in the carpet - that is the "hot ticket" (sorry for the bad pun). You can make precise holes exactly where they are needed w/o cutting and making a hole to large.

Next up is trimming the sides for the kick-panel installation and for the door sills. Since it's a 1970, I want to first position the retractors under the carpet, without the plastic covers. I will probably just leave a bit of extra material for the sides since the last thing I want to do is install the plastic covers, over the retractors (after the back seat is installed). Those will just get broken as I move around in the car.

Question on the consoles - I have a 1971 - 74 console that I will install temporarily, but it has a small crack on it I want to repair. Does anyone know the type of plastic that was used? I know each plastic uses a different type of glue, so I want to use the right stuff.

[1970Cuda]

I am also getting started on working on my bucket seats too. I was wondering if anyone has tried to use the new stampings of the seat tracks? I bought a set of the left side (driver's) to test it out. I have my original set, but they are a bit rusty and I would like a nice, clean set for the left side. These look like the 1970 style, but I don't know for sure and Classic only carries one type. Anyone tried them before and tested the quality and fit and finish of them?

[mtull]

I was wondering if anyone has tried to use the new stampings of the seat tracks

One persons experience: I had issues with the aftermarket seat tracks..  I've read the same complaint from other folks as well.