1970 FE5 'Cuda Build

[ec_co]

I wrote it into the contract with my body and paint guy that he installed all the side Glass, he agreed because neither one of us wanted to have the paint scratched so he took full responsibility thankfully. Your project is coming along very very nicely!!

[1970Cuda]

That was a good idea on having your body and paint guy install the quarter glass. It was a pain for sure ... but not as bad as the door glass - IMO. The door glass is heavy and awkward. (And I put it in three times!)

And thanks for the compliment too. I appreciate it and am trying to pay attention to how I am restoring it because once my current project is running - I have another 1970 'Cuda project waiting for me to begin on. Which is awesome, because I can use it as a reference point, since my current one was in pieces when I picked it up around seven (7) ago. So it's a bit of a puzzle really - and our forum is really helpful because so many folks have a wealth of knowledge on e-bodies.org. I hope your current project is doing well.

[1970Cuda]

I thought I would post a quick update on my '70 build thread ... my latest efforts on the restoration. I've completed the headliner and associated side molding parts. I still need to buy/add the sun visors, and install the roofline seat belts. I also put on the side "gill" moldings. That really helps the car look more like the classic '70 'Cuda.

I really appreciated the suggestion from a member of the site to install the screws before the headliner is installed; that makes it a bit easier to find the attachment points. I also found that if I use a dental cleaning tool (used of course) to locate a screw hole that is also a way to find the attachment locations. It's a bit tedious and nerve racking, but a suggestion for those who are installing a headliner.

Posting a few pictures for reference. Hope everyone's projects are going well and remember, "Every Bolt Counts."
 

[70_440-6Cuda]

Looks great!!

[Snowdog]

Very professional!

[1970Cuda]

Thanks for the compliments all - I appreciate it. Next up is the package tray installation and rear window trim completion. And then floor sealant, insulation, carpet and front driver's seat (only). Slowly making some progress. (I want to put on my rim blow steering wheel, but I am holding back until the rest of the interior is done ... )

[1970Cuda]

So I figured I'd post another brief update on the package tray installation and rear window trim install. I found that this was fairly painless to install the package tray, although I had to return the first one to Classic Industries as it was broken when it was shipped. Also, I didn't realize that the package tray only covered around 80% of the rear tray area, as the back panels cover the rest.

I think it turned out half-way decent, but I took a long time to trim the excess headliner material.

Next on the docket is the floor insulation material and carpet. I hope everyone's project are coming along nicely.

[cuda hunter]

That looks great! 

[1970Cuda]

... So I am attempting to install the carpet in my restoration (it's a 4-speed w/a console), and I've been looking over some old posts on our Forum. (That's another great value for our Forum. A lot of great material and discussions on it from yesteryear.)

I am reusing a few older pictures for my carpet questions (I hope that is acceptable. If not, please let me know and they will be removed.) To reiterate my questions:

1. Does the carpet go fully under the console?
2. For the shifter boot - Do I remove all the carpet from the attachment areas OR does the boot get fastened through the carpet? (see picture)
3. Do I just remove enough of the carpet (as shown again in the picture) to just access the brackets?
4. Did the factory run the accelerator pedal through the carpet OR is the carpet just below it?
5. Other posts you know of I might look over.

I have read over the shop manual and it's not very clear on how the carpet, boot or console are installed.

As always, I sure hope everyone's projects are moving along nicely.

[R/T's 4 R/P]

Just a question in the package tray.
I recall removing package trays and they had a thin insulation layer with a backing that extended beyond the board. I believe REM makes those.
I don't see that in your photo.
Is that supposed to be there?

[1970Cuda]

Hi R/T's 4 R/P - You are correct and yes, I bought the package tray "felt" backing along with the tray cover - both are from REM. I also thought it was weird that the tray and backing didn't fill the entire package tray area, and I measured it very carefully to ensure it was centered. (On my B-body (1967 GTX) the package tray covers the entire length of the tray area, so I was expecting the same thing with the e-body.) I looked over the rear quarter inner panel covers and they do extend over the areas that are "blank" on the package tray, at least so far as I can tell. Others can chime in if they know different.

Also, there are NO clips to hold down the tray either (on the front) and according to the shop manual, there's supposed to be, but I didn't see any place to install them on the cover. Nor were any clips included in the tray or available that I could find. But I don't think it can move because the rear molding locks it down and the rear seat should keep it from moving (I think). Usually REM includes all installation H/W, so I think it's not necessary.

Unfortunately, when I received this project car there wasn't an interior in it, except the front dash area and steering column, so I am learning as I go.

My other 1970 'Cuda project car (not yet posted) I am generally using as a guide to fill in my knowledge, but it doesn't have carpet or package tray in it either. And it's a non-console car (thank goodness). Sorry for the long post, but I want to memorialize my project findings for my next one.

[DeathProofCuda]

@1970Cuda

Whoever it was that did the carpet install in that ratty FYI Cuda with pea green door jambs did an amazing job!!    (It's mine)

I can tell you that the console bracket trimming shown in my photo is exactly like my factory carpet was. 

The only difference between my factory carpet and what is shown in that photo is that I left the back of the carpet a bit long, so cut out holes for the rear seat bottom brackets.  My factory carpet came up to, but did not extend beyond those brackets.  I left it a little long to hold it a bit more securely.

In the front, I have the carpet trimmed so it just touches the bottom of the accelerator pedal bracket.

[1970Cuda]

Haha - that's funny DeathProofCuda  . First, thanks for letting me re-use your picture. I tried to make it as anonymous as possible, but I obviously didn't get it right. However, I thought it was exactly correct layout for the carpet, based on everything I read and was able to piece together. So thanks for confirming it!

I am glad you mentioned the back carpet was long, as mine is coming up short and I don't have it cover the rear brackets, just slightly go over it, but it won't actually cover it. I will post a picture for clarity.

Also, I am guessing that it isn't wise to install those plastic covers that go over the bucket seat belt retractors (1970 only) and under the carpet, until all the interior is installed, as those are just destined to be broken by feet stomping around on the carpet. That wasn't the greatest design (IMO).

[DeathProofCuda]

I ended up not using the plastic covers that go over the seat belt retractors.  I used the ACC carpet with mass backing, which is kind of thick and stiff, so adding those plastic covers didn't seem to fit well.  The "bumps" that those covers provide was already pretty well molded into the mass backing, so I just left it as is.  Not a "perfect" factory installation, but that portion of the carpeting is pretty well covered by the front seats, so I was able to live with it.

[Katfish]

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