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70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels

Posted By: jeff968

70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 08/30/10 05:01 PM

So, it looks like they don't offer repo 70 'Cuda quarter panels? What is the bext way to replace them? Buy the full quarters and cut to match? Thanks
Posted By: chargervert

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 08/30/10 06:27 PM

Hey Jeff,Thats what i'm doing on my wifes Challenger convertible. I had a pair of NOS Challenger rear quarter panels. When Goodmark started reproducing the full OEM style hardtop rear quarter panels,I offered to let them template my convertible Challenger panels,they declined,saying there wasn't enough market for them. So I cut down the repro hardtop panels to repair her car.
Posted By: JDMopar

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 08/31/10 01:04 AM

Just get in the way back machine, and cut them right below the top body line.....and pop rivet them on! Just kidding. I have to do the same thing to a 69 Dart conv. and plan on butt welding them right below the conv top moulding, and plug welding everywhere else at the factory seams.
Posted By: jeff968

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 08/31/10 02:51 PM

Thanks guys, so, since I'll be cutting them anyway, do you still feel I should get the hardtop quarter vs the full quarter skin? Is the repo hardtop quarter that much better in quality?
Thanks
Posted By: chargervert

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 08/31/10 03:19 PM

Jeff the Cuda skins had issues with the center body line fading away over the wheelwell. Sometimes as much as two feet of bodyline are missing,depending on how much the stamp was used. I think there was also some fitment issues with the rear valence pan with the skins too. Plus the skin will require welding a seam down the entire length of the panel,instead of just around the top well. I would use the AMD full skins and cut them to fit the convertible.
Posted By: cudastruction

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 08/31/10 07:23 PM

Quote:

Jeff the Cuda skins had issues with the center body line fading away over the wheelwell. Sometimes as much as two feet of bodyline are missing,depending on how much the stamp was used. I think there was also some fitment issues with the rear valence pan with the skins too. Plus the skin will require welding a seam down the entire length of the panel,instead of just around the top well. I would use the AMD full skins and cut them to fit the convertible.




I did this and it is the way to go...
Posted By: 340swing

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/01/10 01:25 AM

Are the AMD quarters better than the goodmark? Big price difference. Does anybody have any pictures of where you cut them.
Posted By: chargervert

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/01/10 04:29 AM

The AMD panels are made of a thicker guage material than the Goodmark panels are.
Posted By: 340swing

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/01/10 11:03 PM

chargervert do you have any pictures of where you cut them? I will be doing some in the near future and dragging jeff968 into the project (thanks Jeff) any input of things you would have done differently or would have not done would be appreciated.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/02/10 01:37 AM

Hi,
Do not cut them - I have reporduced the tooling that takes an original quarter panel and makes it into a convertible - even an expert could never tell. I have total of 18 convertible quarters for e-body already. No body filler to finish. IF you want to learn more send me an e-mail
Posted By: larry4406

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/03/10 11:30 AM

Details and pictures of this conversion please, inquiring minds want to know.
Posted By: chargervert

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/04/10 01:16 PM

You should convert a few sets of each (Challenger/Cuda) and sell them. You could charge what the AMD panels cost,plus whatever labor cost that you feel is fair to do the conversion. There is a small market for ready to install convertible E body rearquarter panels. Metro is going to be offering a kit to convert hardtop E bodies to convertibles. They may be interested in already converted convertible rear quarter panels for their conversion kits.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/04/10 02:39 PM

I have no problem doing this - all you have to do is call or email me. 715-432-5080 - hemis3@yahoo.com. I can sell you the quarters or you can send me yours. I also do the rear dutchman panel.

Ken
Posted By: chargervert

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/04/10 03:40 PM

Ken,It's great to know that there is someone doing this. I am seroiusly considering converting my 71 340 Cuda hardtop,into a convertible. The car needs a roofskin anyways. I'm sure there are some purists that may think it's crazy to do this to a real Cuda,but the car is a New England car,that is missing it's numbers matching driveline. When Metro told me at Carlsile they were going to offer a convertible conversion kit,I started thinking this may be the way to go with this car. Now that I know you are doing the panel modification,this makes the conversion that much easier. I will be calling you about getting a pair of rear quarters for the conversion. I wish I had known you were doing these panels before I cut down the panels for my wifes Challenger convertible.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/04/10 07:50 PM

Hi,
Yes I am the guy working with metro but metro has a ways to go before any kits are out. I have done 9 cars to factory specs. We just got a 2nd place at nationals with the 8th convertions. The judges doing the car did not even know it was hard top. The car started out as a 71 383 cuda 4-speed hardtop changed into a hemi convertible. I will post a pic later. Right know I 3 convertible kits I can sell. Plus I can make most of the parts. I am almost done writtinf and pics and video with the step by step process of how this done that I will be selling. I wich I could go on cut, job and rebuild show. I starting a another convertion next month. IT the way to go to save money with no rust repair. Best part no one can tell its been done. Ask anyone who saw the car. Mopar collectors guide did two photo shoots onthese conversations and be coming out soon. Ask Rob Wolf he has had closet look so far. I had him take pic of the factory spot welds as the cars go back together. Anyone want one done give me a call 715-432-5080. Ken
Posted By: moparmojo

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/04/10 10:39 PM

What I dont understand is why AMD is not just making the convertible quarters in the first place. All you need to do is cut off the excess roof area and a small amount of metal and flange the appropriate section for the top well. But hey, if they won't someone will. Matter of fact, if any of these converstion folks have a line on a new Challenger Convertible windshield frame center section, please let me know. I need one and it looks like a fairly straight forward peice to make. I even contacted AMD about making it and they said "thanks" but did not seem to think the market was there.

But pics would be nice if anyone has done this conversion (commercially or the hobbiest). I think we would all appreciate some up close "in progress" photos.
Posted By: moparmojo

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 01:10 AM

Posted By: larry4406

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 02:18 PM

So Ken - are you just restamping repo hard top quarters into vert quarters or are you also doing complete kits to change a hardtop into a convertible? Your response seems to indicate the later.

There used to be a startup company Convertible Conversions (?) that advertised in MCG back in 2003 that was making a number of the vert parts. Their website at the time had detailed photos of the chop and conversion. The last email I got from them seemed to indicate that it was too expensive and they were closing shop.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 09:46 PM

Hi Larry,
Depending on what the customers wants. I do repro's, nos, or originals. AS for kits I just rusty convertible and make the nessary repairs and then transfer the parts into the hardtop. This is not an easy task , but I have done 9 times already. I also do the rear dutchman panels. Ask more questions if any.
I have 3 kits for sale right now.
Ken
Posted By: moparmojo

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 09:49 PM

Ken, you are really going to need to post some pics.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 10:04 PM

Here are some pics of my lip that I made with my tooling no body filler. I will send some of the drivers side for everyone to compare. The drivers side is original. Let me know what you think.

Attached picture 6181046-Pass.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 10:06 PM

another

Attached picture 6181052-Pass4.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 10:09 PM

another pic

Attached picture 6181058-Pass3.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 10:10 PM

Check out how those OE spot welds looks. I think these would pass Frank Battleson test.

Attached picture 6181060-Pass2.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 10:14 PM

Now take a look at the original drivers side for a match.

Attached picture 6181065-driv.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 10:14 PM

another one

Attached picture 6181066-driv2.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/06/10 10:33 PM

Here's one of the car we just got second at Mopar Nationals. The judges did not even know it was a hardtop. Actually when we told people they didn't even believe us. I guess I am going to have to leave flaws in them so people notice.

Attached picture 6181089-Rob156.JPG
Posted By: 340swing

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 12:39 AM

Great job Ken! It looks just like the original. What kind of welder did you use to make the spot welds? i will let you know when I'm ready.
Posted By: Chally426

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 01:36 AM

OK, I'm now interested. How much does this cost to convert the panels
Also, whats the rest of the story as far as what will be included in this kit for the whole hard top conversion.
Posted By: cudaized

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 01:42 AM

Ken,

Nice work! It makes me want to purchase a set.

Ola
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 03:02 AM

Thanks OLA
Let me know if you ever need a set - This is the one I made for my OE 6-pack rag. I wanted it to be perfect in every detail - even the details you do not see.

Ken
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 03:03 AM

Here's pics of the first one I did. Enjoy

Attached picture 6181767-16.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 03:06 AM

Another detail shot of the craftmansship and detail to spots welds. There is alot going on in this picture

Attached picture 6181774-DSC00118.JPG
Posted By: RPSMOPAR

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 04:02 AM

Ken assisted me with my 1971 Hemi Cuda project. Ken is very professional and is currently helping me with my 1971 Challenger convertible project. It has been a real pleasure to work with Ken and have him as a friend. This car converted from a hard top to a convertible I dare anyone to tell the difference in the body.pot welds and fabrication look identical to factory originals.

Attached picture 6181916-YMCA043.jpg
Posted By: Kam*Kuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 04:09 AM

Quote:

Here's one of the car we just got second at Mopar Nationals. The judges did not even know it was a hardtop. Actually when we told people they didn't even believe us. I guess I am going to have to leave flaws in them so people notice.




Very nicely done. Looks just exactly like the original
Posted By: RPSMOPAR

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 04:13 AM

Ken assisted me with my 1971 Hemi Cuda project. Ken is very professional and is currently helping me with my 1971 Challenger convertible project. It has been a real pleasure to work with Ken and have him as a friend.

Attached picture 6181936-YMCA043.jpg
Posted By: sixpaktoogo

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 07:37 AM

Quote:

Here's one of the car we just got second at Mopar Nationals. The judges did not even know it was a hardtop. Actually when we told people they didn't even believe us. I guess I am going to have to leave flaws in them so people notice.




What do you do regarding the bracing the factory spot welded inside the rockers?
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 12:36 PM

Plugs welds the greatest strength. Then go over with a spot welder to make them appear like spot welds.
Posted By: anlauto

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 12:53 PM

When you guys are converting a hardtop into a convertible what do you do to strengthen the rockers?
and what about the windshield frame?
I would think making the 1/4 panels would be the easy part
Posted By: gtx6970

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 12:58 PM

Isn't the windshield frame laid back more compared to a hardtop ?

using original convertible top frames I assume ?
Posted By: chargervert

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 03:58 PM

The windshield frame on the E bodies has the same rake on both hardtop and convertibles. B bodies are different.
Posted By: MOPAR-OVERLOAD

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 06:43 PM

WHAT ABOUT THE GUTTER SECTION? MINE IS ROTTED AND I CAN'T FIND ANYBODY SELLING NEW SECTIONS.
Posted By: bp27

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 07:32 PM

Quote:

The windshield frame on the E bodies has the same rake on both hardtop and convertibles. B bodies are different.




Are you sure thay look differnt?
Posted By: chargervert

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/07/10 08:11 PM

On E bodies they are the same,hardtop and convertible. They take the exact same glass also. B body convertibles use the same windshields as 4 doors and wagons. The vent window frames on B body convertibles are unique to the convertible.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:15 AM

The windshield frame angle is the same. However there are some differences when it comes to the sides of the windshield Frame. They differ in thickness. Modification is needed

Convertcuda Ken
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:16 AM

I can repair those no problem. This is a reply to the gutters

KEn
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:20 AM

Reply to Alan,
I put the factory convertible rockers back into the hardtop conversion. This is the step that most people do not do. Actually, I have never meant anybody who has yet. This step by far is the hardest. "bar none"
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:23 AM

Reply to chargervert,
E-body convertible glass is totally different than e-body hardtop glass.

Convertible Front Glass - has the upper corner cut to a point

Convertible Rear Glass - Are smaller in size by about 4"
Posted By: DeMopuar

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:34 AM

I purchased a car from Ken after going to see the cars at Barrett-Jackson in 2007. My eyes fell out of my sockets when I saw three beautifully done E-bodies in the garage -- the quality is second to none. If you are happy with a Barrett-Jackson quality car, then I would buy my car there. If you want something that is good enough to fool judges at the Nats or Carlisle, then Ken is your guy. Experience is something that one cannot purchase at any price, and Ken knows what works and what does not and I know he would not steer anyone wrong on a convertible conversion.

So again, if quality is what you are after, give Ken a ring. I have been smiling ear to ear ever since I purchased the Curious Yellow car from him.

Mark

Attached picture 6183282-DSC04890_2.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:39 AM

Hi Mark,
Man I have not talked to you in awhile. Do you have any side shots to show these folks on moparts.

Thanks Ken
Posted By: chargervert

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:44 AM

Quote:

Reply to chargervert,
E-body convertible glass is totally different than e-body hardtop glass.

Convertible Front Glass - has the upper corner cut to a point

Convertible Rear Glass - Are smaller in size by about 4"




I know that all the side glass is unique to convertibles,they were talking about the windshield,which is the same as a hardtop.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:51 AM

Sorry about that - just wanted to make aure everyone knows I guess. I think convertible glass was thicker than hardtop for the front window.

Ken
Posted By: larry4406

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 01:46 AM

Nice work on these conversions!

Reading thru this post it seems that the "kit" consists of some/all of a donor original convertible for pieces and parts. This is the same basis that the company convertible conversions had or started with before they closed shop.

Assuming no vert donor parts car exists, will your kit be complete?
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 02:31 AM

Hi Larry,
Up to this time I have been able to find donor cars. A person just has to look in the right places. If the parts are missing or rusted out I make the neccessary repairs and move on. There are some parts I can not reproduce but any part can be repaired if you have something for a pattern to go off of. I have like 3 kits right now and misc pieces. Plus I know were I can get my hands on more. It just a matter of money and how bad the person wants it. Getting the kit is easy part - turning it into a convertible is a process of many steps and forward thinking.

Ken
Posted By: Moparnut

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 11:19 AM

So basically you take a good solid hardtop and make into a convertible.
Transfer the cuda convertible number stamps from the rad cradle and cowl from the rusty convertible along with the other convertible parts, place the vin tag from the convertible onto the remade car.
Sounds like a plan but what is the legality of it?
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/08/10 12:35 PM

Sorry but that the vin tag on the hardtops stays the same. no vin tag switching that would be illegal.
Posted By: DeMopuar

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/09/10 03:11 AM

This photo shows more of the type of quality work that Ken can do. This was a coupe that was made into a convertible. He split the car to install the convertible reinforcements in the rockers; factory reinforcements. Then the car was put back together with plug welds and then it was finished off to look like spot welds -- not for the timid.

I just wanted to give you guys some more information on what kind of guy you may be dealing with. The guy has walked the walk and be assured that you will be getting good information from a knowledgeable source.

Mark

Attached picture 6185705-DSC06180.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/13/10 03:38 AM

Heres a part I am currently reproducing for Challenger and Cuda convertibles. This piece supports the inner brace that supports the top. It located between the wheel cap and the inner brace. This piece is usually rotted away. Cuda and Challenger are different on this piece. Check out the spot welds for attention to detail.

Attached picture 6193001-Brace.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/13/10 03:39 AM

another view

Attached picture 6193006-Brace1.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/13/10 03:43 AM

last view. Stay tuned more pics to come when I get a chance. Thanks for looking.

Attached picture 6193016-Brace2.JPG
Posted By: LO23

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/13/10 12:24 PM

thanks for posting some pics ken

Posted By: cudastruction

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/13/10 05:15 PM

Great work Ken. The major items I see as a need for convertible owners is the rear wheel caps, the rear wheel inner/outer housings and the front corner sections of convertible top. It would be great to see those pieces being redone.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/14/10 12:12 AM

Yes, Totally agree. There are so few people that need them that it would be alarge investment for the return. I have real good luck repairing them and you can't tell when I am done. Right know I have one set of NOS inner and outer tubes left. Repro's just don't cut if want it to turn out nice. I agree with the convertible tops also. I have had good luck finding nice originals. The problem is just have to be willing to pay up for them. All nice things cost money. This is why I just bite the bullet and make the repair correctly.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 09/14/10 12:16 AM

I also can make the inner and outer tubes for convertibles.

Ken
Posted By: 340SIX

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 10/02/10 04:56 PM

I have 2 challenger full HT quarters from the first run. whats the cost to make them into vert ones?
Do you make the part/basket that holds the top motor?
Have a picture of where this goes My car is not here.

What are tubes?
Posted By: ringo440

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 01/15/12 03:49 PM

So did the how to video ever get finished ?
Posted By: toplescuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 01/17/12 03:15 AM

Id also like to know cost of a pair of cuda converted 1/4s
not ready to bite the bullet yet but would be nice to know what a pair will cost can e mail me or pm me the price if ya like
toplescudadude@yahoo.com ralphh
Posted By: Chally426

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 01/17/12 10:55 PM

Quote:

Id also like to know cost of a pair of cuda converted 1/4s
not ready to bite the bullet yet but would be nice to know what a pair will cost can e mail me or pm me the price if ya like
toplescudadude@yahoo.com ralphh




Same here e-mail me please..
rhulett63@ymail.com
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 01/18/12 01:32 AM

Thanks for the interest in ebody convertible conversions. Check out my website which is still under construction. We presently have 13 ebodies conversions completed. We make (USA) over 75% of parts for the convertible cars. I will PM you guys tonight to explain this process to you. You have three different choices of the way you want it done depending on your budget. As for a video, I presently offer technical assistance with this process depending on what part of the project you want to tackle. There are many complex steps involved in doing it right. I have pictures and video depending on your needs.

ebodyconvertibleconversions.com

Ken

Attached picture 7023825-Moparts1.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 01/18/12 01:40 AM

Here's another picture with OE trim on the reproduced lip. This quarter panel started out as 72 NOS hardtop qaurter. There was no welding during the process of making the factory lip.

Attached picture 7023845-Moparts2.JPG
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 01/18/12 01:53 AM

One More.

Attached picture 7023888-Moparts3.JPG
Posted By: JAG_mopar

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 01/20/12 12:31 AM

looks interesting, I was reading through your thread. Can you tell me which parts you do not have for the conversion process? These are the parts that will have to be found from a doner car. Thanks nice work and dedication.
Posted By: Convertcuda

Re: 70 'Cuda convertible quarter panels - 01/20/12 02:42 AM

Hi,
Thank-you for the compliment. I currently have 3 ebody convertible kits in stock and build 75% of all the parts needed to make a kit. I also sell indivdual pieces for the kits for those who want to replace a rusty part. Check out my web. All the piece are not on the web but will be shortly.

Pieces that I can not make are:
Top Mechanism
Windshield frame
Top support bracket by quarter glass
Wheel caps

Check out support bracket below - The brand new one is bare metal.

Attached picture 7027262-IMG_3341.JPG
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