1970 FE5 'Cuda Build

[1970Cuda]

I thought I'd share another quick update on progress ...

1. I was able to learn about installing Tubular Rivets (which are used on the Qtr Window Rear Track). These are used to secure the new rubber/flock inserts.
2. I decided to bolster the original design and actually add a second tubular rivet to the bottom of the rear track. (See picture for details.)
3. Using a Hanson Rivet Clinching tool (HT-174, for 1/8" rivets), I was able to secure the new rubber/flock with two new tubular rivets. (I think it's better than gluing it in, as some suggested.)
4. I installed the refreshed Rear Track and it worked well, but, I did run into a snag in that I am not able to properly align the quarter window any more as it sits too close to the quarter panel at the rear (back) of the glass. This is because of where the Rear Track attaches to the quarter panel.  This might be because the quarter panel was replaced and it's alignment isn't exactly factory, but it's also because I think the track sits too low. I am debating next steps to take ... whether to leave it on or take it off for now and just complete the interior.

... I also have to re-set the glass (again) as it "popped out" of the frame, because it was misaligned and it kept snagging at the back of the window as already explained. But again, it's a learning process. Ideas would be accepted  .

[Katfish]

Is it possible to shim the tracks to help with alignment?

[1970Cuda]

Hi Katfish -

I actually did try that and didn't mention it. I used a washer behind the attachment bracket, where the screw secures the bracket to the quarter panel (sandwiched between the two pieces, and I ran the screw through it), but it didn't seem to move out the rear track any. It's held very tight against the attachment bracket. I even had to trim the backside of the rear track some to actually get it to fit in initially. That might be one reason it's too low and needs to be raised and moved out some.

The one thing I could do is secure it in the front and put in a large spacer, but that isn't the way the factory did it. I will post a few pictures for reference. However, another thing I didn't mention - I have a second 1970 project 'Cuda that has the rear track in place, and it looks to be installed as I have done. This is why I am tending to think it has something to do with how the quarter panel was installed (perhaps). I do know the up-stop is there and can be adjusted to ensure the window does not go up too high, but that isn't the issue either. It's a puzzler though ...

Again, I am in the learning process.

[1970Cuda]

... so I think I will try and trim the new flocking some on the inside (meaning closest to the quarter panel) and see if that will alleviate the binding I am experiencing with the window, as it seems to be the only solution I can come up with at this time. If that doesn't work, I will leave it off for now and just noodle on it some more. I don't want to hold up all the progress on my project, with this relatively minor issue. From my perspective, the Rear Track is primarily for window stability in the "down" position.

[1970Cuda]

Well progress is continuing on my project build ... this past week I was able to clean my Quarter Panel covers, put on new felt and install them on the car. They are used, but in really good shape and honestly, I couldn't justify spending $600 for new ones that might not even fit as good as originals and probably not look much better either.

I also added the door sills.

So now what's left is the seats on the interior. I have been collecting a bunch of parts for the bucket seats, and will begin tearing apart the old seats and cleaning and preparing them for new seat foam and covers. I will post my progress as that process unfolds.

[Katfish]

Good progress, I'll be following along on the seats.
I need to replace my foam.

[1970Cuda]

Thanks Katfish for your compliment.

I forgot that I first need to install my door panels, so I will be doing that next ... And I have most of those parts already on hand (except for the door panel emblems and arm pad rests, which I just picked up today from Classic Industries). I also bought the back seat vinyl today (11/16) since Classic had a 20% off coupon (although it's more like 11% really after I calculated it), but still cheaper than full price.

But I will detail the full disassembly and reassembly of my bucket seats. While I will go ahead and do all the preparation work for the installation (clean the frame, new wires, etc.), I am thinking it makes sense to have the actual foam and vinyl installed professionally, since I will likely mess it up as I have not done it before. But if others have done it themselves, chime in and give me your feedback on how they turned out.

I hope everyone's projects are coming along nicely.

[YellowThumper]

Not for Ebody but I have installed similar rivots. Made my own punch and die setup to mimic look of factory. I was able to mostly get them in place with factory look. My offering is to glue them in place regardless. Then attempt to set rivots. If you succeed, all is good. If you struggle, glue is still the fallback.
Beautiful car and great progress BTW.
I believe we may have spoken before but dont recall. Are you local to SoCal? For the Fling shows.

[1970Cuda]

Hi YellowThumper - Thanks for your feedback on my question on installing the tubular rivets. I was actually able to install the tubular rivets correctly (using the Hanson tool as recommended), and was going to do like you mentioned (re: glue it in), but I decided to wait to see if I failed on my first install attempt on the rivets and then just fall back to using glue. I really wanted to learn more about those rivets as I see them installed in a lot of places and they pretty easy to install and are certainly more factory correct then other rivets. Plus it is a good learning experience too.

I am also impressed that you made your own punch - that is way above my skill set and I would like to hear more about that next time we talk. And yes, I am in the Inland Empire area, and have always attended both Spring and Fall Flings (I think every one of them), so I am sure we spoke there.

And thanks for your compliment too - it's been a bit of a puzzle, but I am learning a lot and I really, really appreciate all the guidance and feedback from our great forum members. 

 

[1970Cuda]

... another build update. Well I wasn't expecting that I would have more window glass alignment issues with my Ventless Door Glass and Quarter Window Glass, but I do have now. After installing the new quarter interior panels (with the new window felt installed) I noticed that it pushes out the Quarter Window Glass another .25 inches or so outboard, so now the door window is misaligned with my quarter windows. Grrr. And there is no way to adjust this anymore, and even if I could it would be meaningless. As you'll see in the picture, the door glass in inboard to the outboard Quarter Window Glass.

I have yet to install the door panels, and I am thinking that this will push out the door glass the approximate same amount. I did try over the weekend to re-adjust the Ventless Door Glass to no avail; I am already at the max. Has anyone else ran into this issue before?

I hope everyone is experiencing positive results on their respective projects.

[YellowThumper]

I have read many times that replacement glass curvature is a hit and miss situation. Do you have original to compare curvature to?

[1970Cuda]

Hi YellowThumper - You are 100 percent correct and I definitely noticed that when I installed my AMD glass. I found that the driver's side (left) was much more correct/accurate in the curvature than the passenger's (right) side. It took me a few months to get the right side adjusted correctly.

On my next project I will use ECS glass, which is about double the price of AMD glass, but I heard that it is of much higher quality. Have you or has anyone else used ECS glass before?

[Katfish]

Does ECS actually make glass, I don't think so.
Thought their niche is accurate labeling and date codes?

[YellowThumper]

Hi YellowThumper - You are 100 percent correct and I definitely noticed that when I installed my AMD glass. I found that the driver's side (left) was much more correct/accurate in the curvature than the passenger's (right) side. It took me a few months to get the right side adjusted correctly.

On my next project I will use ECS glass, which is about double the price of AMD glass, but I heard that it is of much higher quality. Have you or has anyone else used ECS glass before?

I do not have personal experience to offer.

[1970Cuda]

ECS Automotive Concepts definitely makes Mopar glass - I just checked out that company's site to confirm. And from what I can tell, it's definitely high-end glass. It comes in standard, green tinted and even smoked. But I believe it's all custom ordered. The door glass looks to be $100 more than AMD, but if it's correct that would be worth it to me. And you are correct about the company's niche market too.

My biggest issue with the AMD glass (as you all have already mentioned) is that the door glass curvature isn't always factory accurate. I have heard that Classic's glass is about the same as AMDs.

But the good news is that I worked on it over the weekend and was able to finally adjust my left door glass so that it functions properly and looks a lot better than my earlier picture posted. But still not perfect, but it looks nice still. I will post a picture for reference.

I hope everyone's projects are coming along well too.