1970 FE5 'Cuda Build

[1970Cuda]

First, thanks information on how the factory undercoated the fenders. I looked at one of my loose fenders that I had at the house and I can see what you're stating. Interesting assembly decision.

Second, yes, I agree on the assembly concerns/suggestions. His shop is pretty small, and since the unibody is now on the Whirly Jig, there's not much room for my parts and his other paying customer's cars. Once the body is painted, he's going to assemble it at my residence. Not my favorite idea, but we'll see if it works out that way.

Unfortunately, I think I have a larger issue on my hands – my car is Rallye Red (FE5), but it definitely looks more like an EV2 (Tor-Red) on the parts. Before the car is painted I definitely want to see what's going on. I need to ask what paint code he used. Fortunately (if I can say that), the fenders, hood and other piece parts can be re-shot. Ugh, talk about a headache.

[nsmall]

Man, I really hope you are wrong about the color.  Looks great to me, but I was wondering if it was red or orange myself.  Get it out in the sun and take some pics.

[RUNCHARGER]

If he's assembling it then that's all on him.

[Chryco Psycho]

The paint code may not help , I have had 6 different paint companies mix FC7 & they were all very different & none matched the original paint behind the master cylinder on the firewall so even with the correct code the paint mix can be out to lunch .

[anlauto]

Looks like FE5 to me 

[Morty426]

Looks like FE5 to me 

Looks FE5 to me too

[kdcarman]

First, thanks information on how the factory undercoated the fenders. I looked at one of my loose fenders that I had at the house and I can see what you're stating. Interesting assembly decision.

Second, yes, I agree on the assembly concerns/suggestions. His shop is pretty small, and since the unibody is now on the Whirly Jig, there's not much room for my parts and his other paying customer's cars. Once the body is painted, he's going to assemble it at my residence. Not my favorite idea, but we'll see if it works out that way.

Unfortunately, I think I have a larger issue on my hands – my car is Rallye Red (FE5), but it definitely looks more like an EV2 (Tor-Red) on the parts. Before the car is painted I definitely want to see what's going on. I need to ask what paint code he used. Fortunately (if I can say that), the fenders, hood and other piece parts can be re-shot. Ugh, talk about a headache.

Ouch!   

[1970Cuda]

Thanks for all the great feedback and comments. (Ouch is right; not to mention the time loss.)

I agree that the picture I uploaded—under the florescent lights and the only picture I saw after the parts were painted—it looks like Rallye Red. But when I picked up the parts this past Saturday and saw them in sunlight, it looked much more orange than red. (I'll take a picture of it in the sun and upload it.) It's much closer to EV2 and has a lot more orange in it.

And I have heard that just because a paint code is used doesn't mean to much, because of all the variations in paint companies (as Chryco Psycho mentions).

What I need to do is get with the painter and see what he actually ordered. Whether it was the correct code or not. At least from there I can make an informed decision.

When I spoke to my friend who used to paint cars, he said his shop only painted a part or two and had the customer sign off on the color before everything was painted. I probably should have done better research on the correct protocol. I'm just glad the car isn't painted yet.

Here's a picture of the original enamel factory paint (under the original vinyl top). It was in surprisingly good shape. This is the paint that I wanted ...  and he did receive the car before the 'Cuda was copper slag stripped.

[anlauto]

EV2 is a orange paint with gold metallic ....looks nothing close to the pictures you posted, however I agree it's hard to tell from photos on the internet.

I think you'll drive yourself crazy trying to exactly match 49 year old single stage paint with the new base/clear that's available. As mentioned, every manufacture of paint will have a different outcome for FE5 not to mention the base colour affects the finished colour as well.

I think you got a nice bright red and it looks great....I think it's weirder that they are painting the car separate from the panels...a car should be painted altogether at the same time with the same mixed paint, not as important with a solid colour, but still will make a difference from panel to panel.

[1970Cuda]

I understand and I did check with the shop owner on the paint and had him send me a picture of label of what was purchased (posting the pic just for completeness). It's FE5 so ... I guess I received a great tutorial on paint and all the variations that can occur with formulas, mixing, etc. Next time I'll be a little more intelligent.

Again, appreciate all the knowledge of everyone on this forum. 

[Morty426]

Looks like they used shop line which, IMO, is not as vibrant as their other line. 

I agree with Alan that the whole car should be painted at one time. 

I think it will turn fine color wise. 

[Topcat]

How's the progress coming along?

[1970Cuda]

So I wanted to provide a short progress update to everyone.

I've completed most of the front suspension. I've decided to go with disc brakes instead of the drums (front of course). And I've also decided to go "larger" on the torsion bars too (in case I decided to go larger on the CIDs in the future I won't need to make major changes there. Otherwise, I'm keeping it as stock as possible.

I also have been anodizing all the hardware for the vehicle, which I think adds some panache to it and also makes it look more factory correct.

Below are the front suspension pictures, but I'll post some of the rear too.

I'm going to also put on the factory paint daubs (if possible), but I just need to locate the appropriate literature to make it happen.

Thanks for taking the time to look. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Hope everyone's project are coming along as well. 

[anlauto]

Nice work. If you're adding factory disc brakes then your spindles are on backwards. The caliper should hang off the front 

[1970Cuda]

Darn, and I even checked the manual and it seemed to be hanging from the rear and not the front. Fortunately it's an easy fix and thanks for letting me know. It's my first installation of them so no doubt I'll make some mistakes.

Including a picture of my rear suspension and axle assembly.