70 cuda convert need bracing?
#1775546
03/09/15 02:11 PM
03/09/15 02:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477 mr norms avenue
5571
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mopar
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OP
mopar
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
mr norms avenue
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My car is going to get media finished starting Wednesday here in the Chicago area (its warmed up!). After enough research out there, I am having them do the outer body with walnut shells, and the rest with glass beads. What I have seen what 'sand' can do, I would never want that on my car (even if it can be filled with paint later during prep).
K frame and rear end comes off today.
I am thinking it makes sense to add bracing before bolting to rotisserie, right? Or because its a unibody, it does not need?
Any general rules of thumb on where to weld the bracing if its required?
I am nervous.....(first restoration experience).
Last edited by 5571; 03/09/15 02:19 PM.
67 hemi GTX silver 4spd, 70 cuda convert 340 4spd, 71 cuda 340 4spd (Curious Yellow, white billboards/interior), 70 Mr Norm's Challenger 440 4spd
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Re: 70 cuda convert need bracing?
[Re: 5571]
#1775547
03/09/15 04:23 PM
03/09/15 04:23 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,200 Sec.414,seat 12,White Sox Park
swapman
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,200
Sec.414,seat 12,White Sox Park
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YES, you must brace before putting on a spit. The Factory had clamps and a bar that fastened to the Windshield frame and ran back to the Top Well area. At least that was what we did at BAP. I would assume other plants did the same. They were very stout and heavy, they stayed on till paint. The bodys were lifted by LOUDEN Cranes and transferred from Framing to the body trucks for Metal and Paint and Trim. Braces kept them from bending in the air as they were transferred. Heavy Framing spotwelders that hung from above would have played hell on the Body integrity as well. On my Vert we welded bracing from the firewall area to the cross member near the wheelhouse that holds the pump. Any body work after the braces were removed is easy to smooth out and not noticeable. You can also add a brace between the front door jamb and the lock pillar. I have seen this before, again you will have to grind the welds smooth after Rotisserie removal, but no big deal. Do one or both, your choice. Both is better. Other wise you will end up with a pretzel
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Re: 70 cuda convert need bracing?
[Re: swapman]
#1775549
03/09/15 04:35 PM
03/09/15 04:35 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,200 Sec.414,seat 12,White Sox Park
swapman
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,200
Sec.414,seat 12,White Sox Park
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The above photos are for reference. I wish the first one was me, but I am just a little older and heavier. One more tip, we welded a 10 inch by 12 by 1/4 inch inch plate between the wheelhouse's, above the driveshaft hump behind the rear seat. Can't be seen and sure did stiffen the body. Have seen that on other e-bodys, can't hurt. Oh yeah, what color have you chosen?
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Re: 70 cuda convert need bracing?
[Re: swapman]
#1775550
03/09/15 05:29 PM
03/09/15 05:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477 mr norms avenue
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mopar
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OP
mopar
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Car is originally B5 blue, so going with that.
So the guys doing my car have done many chevelle (66-67) converts before, and those turned out fine, and those body's need a full frame. But this is their first mopar convert.
So that 10x12 plate is a permanent thing? Best to put that in now, if that helps the body. My floors (praise the lord) are perfect, as is the trunk and extentions. Only funky thing on the car are the quarters.
Thanks for the pictures! I am not seeing any side to side cross bracing in your pics, I would think it would need that? I could see them doing the top of the door jams, and some x bracing side to side to help fight twist.
Wish I could see a picture of that plate installed.
67 hemi GTX silver 4spd, 70 cuda convert 340 4spd, 71 cuda 340 4spd (Curious Yellow, white billboards/interior), 70 Mr Norm's Challenger 440 4spd
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Re: 70 cuda convert need bracing?
[Re: swapman]
#1775554
03/09/15 09:15 PM
03/09/15 09:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477 mr norms avenue
5571
OP
mopar
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mopar
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Thanks for all the tips!
I can see how you fab a plate to over the door hinge area, but how does it go over the door striker? I am sure the restoration shop can figure that out. The pictures help.
I think I will do that plate.
-bob
67 hemi GTX silver 4spd, 70 cuda convert 340 4spd, 71 cuda 340 4spd (Curious Yellow, white billboards/interior), 70 Mr Norm's Challenger 440 4spd
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Re: 70 cuda convert need bracing?
[Re: larry4406]
#1775558
03/11/15 12:22 AM
03/11/15 12:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477 mr norms avenue
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mopar
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mopar
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Here is what the shop went with, I am fine with it. gets media blasted tomorrow!!!!!!
67 hemi GTX silver 4spd, 70 cuda convert 340 4spd, 71 cuda 340 4spd (Curious Yellow, white billboards/interior), 70 Mr Norm's Challenger 440 4spd
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Re: 70 cuda convert need bracing?
[Re: swapman]
#1775560
03/11/15 11:06 AM
03/11/15 11:06 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477 mr norms avenue
5571
OP
mopar
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OP
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I hope to have it done by summer. I have not brought a car there for years. I went last year, just to drool.
-bob
67 hemi GTX silver 4spd, 70 cuda convert 340 4spd, 71 cuda 340 4spd (Curious Yellow, white billboards/interior), 70 Mr Norm's Challenger 440 4spd
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