1970 FE5 'Cuda Build

[1970Cuda]

Hi EV2RTSE - I often buy my parts from https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/, so that I can support this site and also, the dealer's prices are pretty good. I am actually going to order another few things from the company, including another switch and I definitely will ask to be sure it's U.S. made. The other switch was definitely subpar.

[1970Cuda]

I wanted to provide another update on my project ... we recently installed the following:

1. The LH side door hinges were replaced as they were not holding alignment. I had to find another set of hinges at the swap meet, have them rebuilt, painted them and we installed them a week ago. They are working flawlessly.
2. Added the door weather stripping and the LH side dome light switch.
3. Added to the restoration (finally) the rebuilt steering column. It looks good for my first time rebuilding a column.

I have ordered more parts to restore two more columns, both 1970s. I wanted to complete this first column so that I could get the 'Cuda back on the road and then circle back to actually rebuild my original column.

I'm only attaching one picture for reference.

I decided to go with a Rim Blow steering wheel, but in the meantime, for now, I'll just use my original wood grain wheel.

[1970Cuda]

Another quick update on my project. ... A long while back I had my rear bumper re-chromed (about five years ago!) and this past week, I finally was at the stage to install it. It looks pretty great to me.

Now I am starting to work on the stainless trim on the back tail panel. I did have two questions on this if anyone knows. ... The clip pictured holds on the trim, but even though I expanded to hole in the panel considerably, I still am not able to actually "drive" in the exposed pin. See pictures. I am assuming the pin needs to be flush with the retaining clip for the trim to slip over it.

Also, where do the two clips with the nuts go? I looked and looked in the shop manual, and I cannot find a reference to this trim piece. And it is an original shop manual so I am guessing I am just missing it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks all and I hope you were able to work on your project today!

.... Update (2/12/25): So I am going to answer my own question here (LOL) - In the example below, that clip shown is NOT for the rear stainless tail panel molding, but rather, the clip that holds on the door top trim. They are very similar (or so Ryan at Roseville said) to what attaches the tail panel molding, but definitely too large (as I experienced). I did order a new and correct set of mounting hardware and will update my build post once that new set arrives and I begin installing it.

[1970Cuda]

While waiting for the back panel molding attachment clips from Roseville, I decided to make progress on other aspects of my restoration, the upper door trim. (I previously posted this under the another section - Body Shop - and was able to obtain guidance from another fellow member, which I very much appreciated.)

I really like the new reproductions of this item. Often it seems that the repro items are sub-par, but in this case, I think they are as good as (or maybe superior) to the originals. From my observations (and I could be incorrect), these are made of stainless steel, and the fit is excellent. I think the originals were aluminum (but again, correct me if I am wrong). I handled these fairly roughly while trying to install them (at least on the right side) and they did maintain their shape and also, they did not get scratched. See pictures for reference.

[1970Cuda]

OK - circling back to my rear tail panel trim fiasco. I was able to put on the top trim attachment clips and the trim itself. BUT I had an epic failure with one of the trim (which is stainless, I am pretty sure); it is mangled beyond repair. See picture for reference.

I had to order another set from Roseville along with another set of installation hardware. Fortunately, Roseville still had a few more sets left, but I found out that the company that supplies the stainless trim went out of business. For now, the only back panel trim available is aluminum, which I think was the original style used. I still think the stainless looks a lot better and should hold up over the years better too.

I did read the thread earlier on how to install trim (from "70 'Cuda Tail Panel Trim Installation Advice"), and I wish I would have paid better attention to it. I think I rushed installation a bit and that is why I bent the trim. I still think that the plastic attachments are too tight to the panel. My friend who knows these cars fairly well suggested that I either sand the plastic some or maybe try and shave off a bit of the retaining clips to make it easier to install the trim. Hopefully I will receive the new trim this week and give it another try this weekend.
 

[1970Cuda]

Another brief update ... so I did install the rear tail panel stainless trim last Sunday, but I did notice something quite concerning. On the Right (passenger's side) the quarter panel to rear tail panel looks fine/symmetrical and aligns nicely. But on the Left (driver's side; see picture) the quarter panel to rear tail panel is way off. You can see from the picture that it's not even close. So I am going to check w/the fellow to performed the body work to see what he recommends. It definitely does not look good.

If anyone on the our forum has a suggestion, that would be great too. Making progress slowly. Next is to touch up the paint with a bit on the organisol.

[cuda hunter]

I can see it's pushed out but can't tell what's going on underneath/behind the C trim.
That is unfortunate. 

Looking great otherwise! 
Always appreciate updates.

[1970Cuda]

You're correct cuda hunter, that it is definitely pushed out or extended on the Left side. And without the C trim, it looks to be plumb, at least just looking at it. For comparison, I am posting the Right side. It looks a tad bit "pushed out" as well, but nothing like the Left side. See picture for comparison. I am not sure a lot can be done with mitigating it though ... but I will check with my body craftsman. And as mentioned before, if anyone has had the same issue, please let me know how you have solved it.