Cuda door skin replacement

Posted By: 70chall440

Cuda door skin replacement - 10/28/09 03:34 AM

Anyone on here ever replace the door skin on 70-73 Cuda? I am going to have to and while it "appears" to be pretty straight forward I thought I would ask first. I have done a significant amount of sheet metal replacement to include floors and partial quarters but it never hurts to seek assistnace.

Posted By: 70chall440

Re: Cuda door skin replacement - 10/28/09 03:42 AM

I notice there are several on the market as well.

Posted By: 70chall440

Re: Cuda door skin replacement - 10/28/09 05:41 AM

I will take some pictures of when I replace mine and post them under the project car side - 73 AAR inspired Cuda.

Posted By: mopars4ever

Re: Cuda door skin replacement - 10/28/09 06:47 AM

Not on a cuda but I did put a NOS panel on a duster. I ground around the edge until the panel broke loose and then peeled of the spot welded pieces. I then took it to local body shop and I had the finish installing since I didn`t want to mess up a NOS panel. Mike

Posted By: Barnabas_Kriss

Re: Cuda door skin replacement - 10/28/09 07:14 AM

I've done it on my 70 cuda. I used an original door skin, not the aftermarket ones. It is very straight forward, no special tricks.

Posted By: 70chall440

Re: Cuda door skin replacement - 10/28/09 03:54 PM

I am wondering if it is better to do with the frame bolted to the car to help align the skin and frame to the car or just to do it on the door off the car.

Posted By: elitecustombody

Re: Cuda door skin replacement - 10/28/09 08:38 PM

Quote:

I am wondering if it is better to do with the frame bolted to the car to help align the skin and frame to the car or just to do it on the door off the car.

fastest way to remove the skin is to grind the edge till it separates,then peel the left over strip in the jamb ,pull off the outer skin,do this with the door off the car, you can try to get the shell back on and see how the new skin fits and if you need to shift it around for better fit,just remember which way you shifted for best fit, then remove the shell off,position the skin to the desired fit and fold the flanges down,

I've tried all kinds of air and ratchet type door skinning tools and still go back to simple block of wood taped to heavy piece of flat metal(about 5-7lbs) to keep the wood block from bouncing while gradually bending down the flanges,seems like with this method I end up with smooth skin without any need for bodywork.
Also don't forget to prep the door shell edges ,treat them with etching primer or epoxy and run a bead of good seam sealer and if there was a crash bar ,get some sealer on it to stiffen up the outer skin to keep it from rattling

Posted By: RestoRick

Re: Cuda door skin replacement - 10/28/09 08:57 PM

In addition to what Stefan said...

Check your door fit before starting...
E-bodies are notorious for having a twist "welded in" from the way they were assembled. This is a great time to address the problem if it does.

On the new skin install...work the edge over a little at a time going around the whole perimeter.

I like using a panel adhesive designed for the job.. make sure it's a slow enough cure to give you plenty of time to get the hem folded over.
The panel adhesive avoids the burning off of your rust prevention efforts on the shell and seals it well too.

Also, I'd strongly recommend hanging the door before the adhesive is cured to make sure your alignments are right on. Sometimes it's necessary to clamp it in the correct alignment until it fully cures.

Rick