Moparts

70 Hemi Cuda Restoration

Posted By: bajaracerx

70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/13/09 09:44 PM

I have an original 70 hemi cuda (not numbers matching)body which needs a complete Rotisserie restoration. I'm looking for a reputable east coast shop that can restore the body. I'm looking to do most of the mechanical restoration myself, but want the shop to work with me on items I may not want to restore. I'm not looking for concours restoration and want to be able to drive the car on nice days. Looking for recommendations/suggestions on quality restoration shops.

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Posted By: stwheels

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/13/09 09:52 PM

I would recommend Xtreme Restorations in RI. Here is a link to their site, talk to Ken Washwell or Todd Lewis and tell "The Steering Wheel Guy" sent you.

http://www.xtremerestorations.com/

Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/13/09 10:02 PM

When you say "not numbers matching" what numbers don't match?
Posted By: fig426

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/13/09 10:04 PM

Send a PM to FY1TA . He does amazing work and is priced right and is an E-Body genious. He is located about 8 hours away in Ohio but well worth the ride and he does ONE car at a time so he has a fast turn around time. Not like most places where the car sits for years while 10 other cars are being worked on at the same time.
Posted By: bajaracerx

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/13/09 10:13 PM

the engine and trans are not original. I have a hemi 4speed for it and a date code correct 70 hemi motor.
Posted By: gtx6970

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/13/09 10:43 PM

Quote:

When you say "not numbers matching" what numbers don't match?




Scott,No offense but I think the implications of this comment is a bit out of line don't you think?
Not everyone is out to pull a fast one.


That said -
Clark Classic Restoration can do it.
http://www.clarkclassic.com/

member FY1TA - aka - Gary Plessinger can do it
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...hat=showmembers
Posted By: sg333e

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/13/09 11:17 PM

Quote:

Quote:

When you say "not numbers matching" what numbers don't match?




Scott,No offense but I think the implications of this comment is a bit out of line don't you think?
Not everyone is out to pull a fast one.


That said -
Clark Classic Restoration can do it.
http://www.clarkclassic.com/

member FY1TA - aka - Gary Plessinger can do it
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...hat=showmembers



I didn't read too much into that, FWIW. I figured his question was predicated on whether the car was a hemicuda vs. a cuda with a hemi in it.
Posted By: cataclysm80

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/13/09 11:35 PM

Quote:

(not numbers matching)body



I thought maybe it meant the body #'s didn't match each other , or that perhaps it was a rebody.

I'm glad the owner cleared it up.

Tav
Posted By: 70440+6bbl

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 12:11 AM

More pics, my dream car
Posted By: Desmond

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 12:22 AM

Alan Gallant is in georgetown, Ontario, Canada. It's a little bit of trek with a truck and trailer but you'll save 15-20% on the dollar exchange, alone. And like he says - big guy results with little guy prices. Look up the Barrelcuda on this site or his - awesome job.

http://agar.homestead.com/currrentrestorations.html
Posted By: VryFast

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 12:34 AM

Paul
here is a link to my car. It is a clone. If you like what you see I can give you more information
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=52111.0

the body work was done by Marial Auto body in Graterford, PA 19426. My car needed floors,trunk quarters and was a overall rust bucket.the car was media blasted. He did a excelllent job in my opinion. His main work is collision. He took longer than I thought, but was priced very reasonably. He did not want to do the research on overspray and markings which was ok with me but would do what ever i asked.

My mechanical work was done by Brandon Abbott Midnight Auto feasterville PA. Asembled my car in 7 months from a shell to a complete car. He is a E body expert !

I would highly recommend both guys.

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Posted By: Anonymous

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 01:31 AM

after seeing vcode plum crazy cuda at carlisle, id go with moser out of indiana, unbelieveable!!
Posted By: VCODE

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 04:20 PM

Quote:

after seeing vcode plum crazy cuda at carlisle, id go with moser out of indiana, unbelieveable!!



Yea,
Ken Mosier(The Finer Details)
Bob
Posted By: MLR426

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 04:58 PM

Interview the shops your thinking about having the work done at as well as get referals. I would go with Mosier (Finer Details) in Indiana. Ken will be very easy and pheasant to deal with and everything will be up front with no hidden problems to deal with later.

Logan426
Posted By: rss

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 09:05 PM

Quote:

after seeing vcode plum crazy cuda at carlisle, id go with moser out of indiana, unbelieveable!!




If you read the first post you will see where the guy states he is NOT looking to do a concours resto.
Posted By: MLR426

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 09:34 PM


What are you calling concours ?? Mosier does driver level cars as well.
Finer Details will do what ever level you want
to stay in as long as both are in agreement as to
what your looking for.

logan426
Posted By: rss

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 10:01 PM

Maybe it is just me, but I personally wouldn't spend the money to ship a car half way across the country and back to get a driver's level resto done.

If looking for a driver level resto, I'm sure there are plenty of shops in the Jersey area that could do the work and still be close enough for an occassional trip to check on the resto progress.

I haven't lived in NJ for nearly 20 years, but back then the only "restoration" shop that I knew of was Totally Auto in eastern PA. Back then I think they were the bees knees in Mopar restos, but not sure about their current reputation.
Posted By: minivan

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 10:19 PM

Have you tried any of your paint and body supply houses?? They probably can recommend a guy who has a shop doing nice work locally?? Worked for me..

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Posted By: 71TA

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 11:34 PM

Quote:


What are you calling concours ?? Mosier does driver level cars as well.
Finer Details will do what ever level you want
to stay in as long as both are in agreement as to
what your looking for.

logan426



How do you tell someone to not do TOO good a job Does not compute.

And all these shops being recommended, what price ranges are you guys talking? WHEN I get a larger gasket shop i'd like to put mine on a ro.... (whatever) and hand it off for body work and paint. I'm NOT rich or a $60K body work/paint job kinda guy so I'm interested too.
Posted By: fig426

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/14/09 11:44 PM

Quote:

If you read the first post you will see where the guy states he is NOT looking to do a concours resto.



He also says that he will be doing the majority of the mechanicals. So with that said, don't you think that is the majority of a concours resto? The body and paint is just that, body and paint. Anyone can paint a car and get the overspray on the undercarriage, or just spray the whole undercarriage if that is what is requested.
The key is getting someone that will do the metal work properly and get the car straight and lay down some slick color, or lay down some original peely color. Only a few places are capable of doing work that will last by doing it right and not cutting corners. Concours or not.
Posted By: HPMike

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/15/09 12:15 AM

Quote:

Quote:

If you read the first post you will see where the guy states he is NOT looking to do a concours resto.



He also says that he will be doing the majority of the mechanicals. So with that said, don't you think that is the majority of a concours resto? The body and paint is just that, body and paint. Anyone can paint a car and get the overspray on the undercarriage, or just spray the whole undercarriage if that is what is requested.
The key is getting someone that will do the metal work properly and get the car straight and lay down some slick color, or lay down some original peely color. Only a few places are capable of doing work that will last by doing it right and not cutting corners. Concours or not.



Good point, however.....

The problem with having any paint and body guy do the job is that there are way too many details that will probably be overlooked that go beyond things like just actual sheen and overspray patterns. They just aren't going to know which items are to be painted and which colors. Other items that are to be plated and also proper use of fasteners in the proper locations. If they put the fenders on with generic hardware, and then paint the car,well, now you have a mess that is not easily remedied. You need someone who is 100% sure of these items and only someone who has done this before will really know. If you feel 100% sure that YOU know what is right and wrong, and the body guy doesn't mind you meddling and directing him every step of the way, then have at it. Otherwise, it's best to leave it to those who really have an understsnding of the esoteric details. This is especially true of a car with the provenance of an R code Cuda.

I did a driver type resto on a '69 Charger last year for a local guy that had a collision shop do the work. The total bill for the body and paint job(including stripping the entire car top and bottom, replacing quarters with aftermarket pcs, and replace trunk floor and patch some areas of the floors), was 12K. They even partially assembled the interior and installed the glass and trim. Just as I stated, they misassembled some things that had to be redone and most of the original hardware was replaced with generic stuff, but the actual body looked pretty nice and straight and would be acceptable for just about anyone. He was happy with it and wasn't too nuts about the small details, so I guess it's all good.

Good enough for an R code Cuda?? I say no.


MB
Posted By: bajaracerx

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/15/09 03:30 AM

I want to thank everyone for their response. The responses are very insightful and have provided many leads for me to follow up.
The body is rusted in many areas and will require extensive body work.
Though I want to driver, I won't sacrifice the esoteric details for an R code cuda. I don't have the time to research the correct color schemes, fasteners, plating etc. I have some knowledge of these items, but will rely heavily on the shop to provide the guidance on correct assembly.
I spent the last 5 years trying to collect NOS or date code correct items for the resto.

Any additional guidance is highly appreciated.
I attached a scan of the broadcast sheet for reference.

Attached picture 5353302-cudabroadcastsheet2.GIF
Posted By: MoparABE

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 07/15/09 04:45 AM

You might also try Mike Mancini in Rhode Island, I have had dealings with him, superb quality and he's up front about costs. 508-932-1349 Tell him John from Maine sent you.
Posted By: BarrsRestoration

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 08/01/09 03:35 AM

Quote:

I want to thank everyone for their response. The responses are very insightful and have provided many leads for me to follow up.
The body is rusted in many areas and will require extensive body work.
Though I want to driver, I won't sacrifice the esoteric details for an R code cuda. I don't have the time to research the correct color schemes, fasteners, plating etc. I have some knowledge of these items, but will rely heavily on the shop to provide the guidance on correct assembly.
I spent the last 5 years trying to collect NOS or date code correct items for the resto.

Any additional guidance is highly appreciated.
I attached a scan of the broadcast sheet for reference.





Even though we can and often do produce award winning turn-key restorations, we also have customers who want to handle some of the mechanical or assembly stuff themselves after the body and paint are finished. That's not a problem. We also recognize that nut-and-bolt exact restorations are not for everyone. That's why we don't flinch if the customer wants a 5-speed, headers, aluminum radiator, custom paint, etc.
Tell us what you want, and we can build it. BTW, we have customers from all along the East coast and can provide references. Enclosed transportation is also available to or from the shop, located here in North Carolina.

Feel free to give Walt Clark a call @ 252-758-6400 and talk with him about your car.

Steve at www.clarkclassic.com

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Posted By: 68jim

Re: 70 Hemi Cuda Restoration - 08/01/09 07:05 AM

I can follow up to what Steve just posted about customers wanting to do their own assembly after paint and bodywork. I visited their shop and talked over my project before I made the decision to go with them. All I wanted was to drop off the shell and get it back painted with the "overspray look" underneath. I also provided enough seals and mechanicals (latches, etc.) to allow safe transport back to my house (about 3 hours). I was extremely happy with the results and the turn around time was good. The best part was the reassembly that I did mostly myself. Some may think that part is a pain but I had a great time and had the pride in the accomplishment when finished.
This forum is a great first step in your decision making process. It was my first step as well.

http://www.clarkclassic.com/mygallery/index.asp?CatID=31

You can see at the website what condition I dropped it off and what it looked like as I picked it up.

Jim
68 Hemi Road Runner

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