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My 70 'Cuda

Posted By: 3eighty3

My 70 'Cuda - 01/04/09 06:09 PM

Hello everyone, Here's my 1970 Cuda. The project is going into its second year and after watching a few episodes of overhaulin' it's hard to imagine ever to be able to strech that out for so long...
Anyway, this is how I found the 'Cuda just over a year ago:


In the meantime, I took the car apart and - surprise - it was a lot rustier than I thought...



A lot of parts had to be replaced, especially in the rear of the car.

The bodywork should be done by march, after that it's off for paint and the nice work of putting everything back together.

A few things will be ready and waiting by then...

...others are still awaiting being worked over.




thomas
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Cuda blog
Posted By: HemiChallenger

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/04/09 10:03 PM

Nice project you have there. Whats the specs on the car though? Is it a real cuda?

Steve
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/05/09 10:20 AM

Hi Steve,
Thanks...it's a real Cuda, came with the high performance 383, 4bbl Holley and Automatic Trans. Unfortunately it was quite rusty, on the other hand, all the original parts were there, pretty well unmolesterd with. It had drums on all corners but I will swap the front brakes for dics. The car was originally BL1 sand pebble beige, but I haven't made a decision on the color yet... might go with the original since they seem to be quite rare and it would go with the gator top I fell for

thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/05/09 08:20 PM



More news from the welding front. The rear is pretty well finished so the front is being given some attention. The passenger side lower corner of the windshield is fixed, looked pretty ragged there.




In front of the door a piece had to be replaced completely, even stronger than the original, the circular stamping was fabricated into the piece as well!



Since the quarters are on I have started on the classic graphics with the engine call out

thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: 70shaker6pk

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/06/09 01:46 AM

Great work!! keep those pic's coming, thanks
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/07/09 06:34 PM

Quote:

keep those pic's coming, thanks




Thanks

No new pics at the moment so I'll show you some of the older ones. Here's the Cuda just prior to blasting:



Most of the damage was in the rear of the car, trunkfloor, inner fenders the usual suspects.

The floor inside the car was astonishingly sound, only a few small pieces to replace here:



Some of the Structure behind the driverside C-pillar had to be replaced, it had gotten a little soft



Here's the new driver side rear fender in place:



Luckily the inside fender halves had become available just before I needed them...

thomas

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cuda blog
Posted By: HemiChallenger

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/07/09 11:29 PM

Very cool! Those are the pictures i love to see
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/16/09 03:55 PM

Got the radiator back from being redone at a specialty shop.



I had the original radiator redone with more cores for better cooling. Turned out I could have bought two reproduction radiators for the money and on top of that they didn't even paint it very well...

thomas

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cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/29/09 08:04 AM

Got started on the engine buildup.


Here's the preliminary mockup of the right side engine valvetrain. It's assembled without gaskets just to see if everything will fit properly. Actually, there was an issue with the pushrods, the ones I ordered were too long, obviously made for engines without hydraulic lifters.





Even though I didn't think so, the valve covers will actually fit over the rocker arms...got lucky there!




thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: 69Cuda340S

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/31/09 06:15 PM

Nice work. Looking forward to some more pictures.
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/02/09 04:01 PM

Nothing sexy but a little more progress: I started on some interior trim, here the metal pieces that go around the rear window.



Since the car rusted from the inside out these parts did show serious signs of decay:



Since the parts have a surfacestructure to them - obviously they are supposed to look a little like leather - I refrained from trying to sand them by myself and had them mediablasted. After that I sprayed some primer on both sides of the trim, to keep them from rusting again untill they get their final color.



Most of the parts turned out really nice, unfortunately the one piece that goes under the rear window was rusted beyond repair and now has many small holes..



I primerd it up anyway but I will be looking for a replacement.

thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/15/09 12:19 PM

The bodywork is almost done, some chassis stiffenig was incorporated into the frame and the front end.





The front suspension is coming together as well, here the lower control arms...





...and the almost finished assembly:



thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: moparmojo

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/16/09 12:15 AM

Can you tell us more about the support tube in the wheel well and where you got your LCA stiffening plates? They look nice and I am thinking of adding a pair.
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/16/09 11:58 AM

The plates for the LCAs were fabricated from scratch as they are simple parts, occasionallly you can also get them on ebay...

Firmfeel sells finished reinforced control arms:



firmfeel

The inner fender braces can be obtained at xv-motorsports:



xv-motorsports

In my case we reinforced both ends of the bar with a flat piece of metal, the one above the shockperch hat to be fabricated to fit inside the brace. Without that the bar would only be welded to a relatively thin piece of metal, and wouldn't fulfill its full potential.

thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/22/09 09:02 PM

Got the front suspension pretty well done, waiting to be bolted to the body:



The steering box is a quick ratio from firmfeel, I will also add tubular a-arms to replace the originals.



thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: Kam*Kuda

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/23/09 02:45 PM

Well Done, very nice.
Posted By: Kam*Kuda

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/23/09 02:47 PM

I will look if I have one of these around.
Posted By: 70blackfish

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/23/09 03:49 PM

looking good!! big project
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/23/09 10:58 PM

Quote:

I will look if I have one of these around.





Thank's that would be nice of you. It's the short one, that fits the rear window.

thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 03/04/09 04:41 PM

The body is about finished at the bodyshop. All the holes filled, weld seams done with body solder:




There's a little more to do on the doors and the fender, then it's off for paint preperation....

thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 03/16/09 09:00 PM

The front end is coming together:






thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 03/31/09 03:18 PM

Mock up of the whole body to ensure that all the gaps will line up after painting.





Everything will be taken apart again for paint...



thomas
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cuda blog
Posted By: JonsGottaDusta

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 03/31/09 10:19 PM

Wow Thomas, that car is looking great. I see you are building it to handle, sweet! Keep up the good work.
Posted By: p d'ro

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 04/01/09 01:55 PM

Hello,

I like it! One question, did you have it braced at all? The quarters are considered to be structural entities and the body is suceptible to flex and sag if not supported by the suspension points... I am not an expert, but it may be worth your while to have it measured on a frame jig. I did that w/ my R/T ragtop at a Chevy Dealership, no less. They charged about $45/hr. Mine was on so no pulling was necessary, so only paid $90. One that needed extensive pulling was about $450....
Posted By: 68isgr8

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 04/01/09 05:25 PM

nice project, that's my favorite year--
Posted By: moparmojo

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/23/10 05:23 AM

Looks good need more progress pics.
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/25/10 04:01 PM

OK, I've been a bit lazy in keeping you up to date but so here is the way it looks now. It was braced during dissassembly and we tried to get the gaps around the doors and around the rear bumper as good as new again...

The interior, the trunk and the engine bay are now painted in the original BL1 hue. The underside of the car is covered with a thin coat of modern undercoating in light grey. The outside is still in primer. The fuel line and the gastank are in place. Rear quarter windows are in place and work fine.



I had it towed home for the first time since it's quite cold here and I have a heated garage.



Engine, transmission, axles are in place:



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http://1970barracuda.blogspot.com/
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/25/10 04:33 PM

Here's a look in the trunk:



And some knobs I restored





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http://1970barracuda.blogspot.com/
Posted By: jrwoodjoe

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/25/10 09:00 PM

You are doing a SUPER job on the Barracuda. Please keep the pics and progress reports coming. They are the best type of motivation.

Knobs look great too.

Joe
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/25/10 10:06 PM

Well thank you very much.

Here are some more random pics from the last months...

Front suspension in place:



Dash light bar with new paint and bulbs:



Wiper linkage:



Test fitting the carpet:



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Cuda blog
Posted By: cdp

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/26/10 01:13 AM

Your Cuda is looking awesome!

I have to ask though, how hard is it to get the parts in Austria?

I have a friend in New Zealand and they pay a fortune for duties and parts.
Posted By: ScottSmith_Harms

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/26/10 02:00 AM


Your car is looking awesome! Way to go bringing one back from the dead and doing a fine job of it!



Quote:

Everything will be taken apart again for paint...





*Concerning your final paint, not sure if it matters to you (as it appears you've chosen to wander from 100% factory correct in some details) but just in case you care, the factory hung and adjusted the sheet metal and adjusted the gaps and such before final paint, if you do the same all of your hardware will be correctly painted/detailed when done(no broken edges around them, etc. from movement after paint).
Posted By: 70shaker6pk

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/26/10 02:26 PM

Looks great, really like the white, real clean!
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/26/10 03:30 PM

Thank you all for the favorable comments guys!
Most of the parts I've bought were quite simple to order, the big outlets like yearone do international shipping on a regular basis - of course shipping and toll do add to the original price of the parts. On the other hand I've often encountered non-business-sellers who will not ship overseas for reasons I cannot follow. And of course I've not tried to buy bulky things like wheels or tires in the US.

Thanks for the advice concerning paint. I'm planing to assemble the doors, the fenders and the hood again for final paint, so there will be no difference in color or brightness on the individual panels. My painter also says he'd rather paint the whole side of a car at one time as opposed to each panel individually .

I do have a question concerning one detail: Should the fenderbolts you can see when the hood is opned be painted or not? I've seen them painted on some cars and not painted on others so which way to go?

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Cuda blog
Posted By: JS29R0B

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/26/10 09:02 PM

The fender bolts should be painted
Posted By: brianz426

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/27/10 04:24 AM

Great job, keep the pics comming.
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/28/10 10:13 AM

Got the dash in for a test fit. love that bright red! ... will have to come out again for the air ducts though.





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Cuda blog
Posted By: JS29R0B

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 01/28/10 02:23 PM

Wow Red interior is AWESOME
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/23/10 08:45 PM

Got the doors mounted:




Passenger side:



Side glass:



Lines up well:



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cuda blog
Posted By: dmoore

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 03/14/10 01:02 AM

Fantastic build! That's gonna be a head turner no doubt!
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 04/23/10 10:50 AM

Some more small stuff, Dash vents:


Inside door:



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Cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 04/23/10 10:56 AM

Engine compartement with aircon, alternator, power steering pump and radiator installed.


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Cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 06/30/10 04:09 PM

Small update from the paintshop. Many hours are currently going into paint preparation...







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Cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 07/22/10 03:32 PM

Some more pics from the bodyshop. Front end is on the car to get the gaps checked and the wrinkles sorted out...





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Cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 10/07/10 08:06 AM

I got a sneak peak into the paintbooth yesterday. The 'Cuda is finally sprayed! Will be home next week for assembly





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Cuda blog
Posted By: wally426ci

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 10/09/10 12:45 AM

Fantastic job on this car!!

It always seems like guys over seas come up with amazing detail, and to think it all has to be shipped in as well!!
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 10/15/10 03:25 PM

Well thanks very much for the compliment! Here are the pics of the Cuda coming home from the paintshop:







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Cuda blog
Posted By: DusterKrazy

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 10/16/10 04:20 AM

I like it!!!

Looks excellent!! I am glad you kept the 383 because nobody builds them!!! I am a fan of the 383!!
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 11/23/10 04:04 PM

Thank you,

In the meantime I mounted the bumpers...





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Cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 11/23/10 04:06 PM

Side markers:



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Cuda blog
Posted By: jbc426

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 11/23/10 09:54 PM

I love chrome bumpers on a 1970. They are the best looking by far! Body colored bumpers are way more expensive and just don't cut it in my book. I'm expecting mine to be done and back from the chrome shop within the next month. Keep up the good work. Looks great!

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Posted By: dmoore

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 11/24/10 12:28 AM

Wow! Man what a contrast! Digg'in this Cuda! Keep posting....you got fans!
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 11/24/10 03:47 PM

Some more work done on the rear end of the car...



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Cuda blog
Posted By: scatpacktom

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 11/24/10 08:55 PM

Car looks sweet!

No tail lamp panel trim?
Posted By: jrwoodjoe

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 11/25/10 02:27 AM

It's really turning out beautiful. Love the White on Red.

Joe
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 11/25/10 02:44 PM

Quote:

No tail lamp panel trim?




Yes, I have the tail panel trim cleaned and ready. It's just that I'm reluctant to drill the holes in the fresh body that would be necessary to mount it with the original clips. I'm thinking of a way to mount it with some sort of adhesive, in the way that trim is mounted to modern cars.

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Cuda blog
Posted By: cudaized

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 12/07/10 05:02 PM

It is comming out great. Love that Red interior!

Do you need any parts?

Ola

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Posted By: dmoore

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 12/13/10 12:04 AM

Ola, I've been following that hot looking Cuda of yours for years! I'm glad to see you still have it! Nice too see you here at Moparts
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 12/13/10 03:56 PM

Thanks for all the favorable comments guys! It actually took me quite a while to decide upon the color, which by any means is not one of the most desired colors for a 'Cuda but now that it's done I'm happy to have a very rare and originally colored car.

Quote:

Do you need any parts?







Actually I do, I've written you an email !

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Cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/07/11 01:07 PM

Did the headliner by myself...very proud of that!



Some more detail, I want to have functioning aircon!



The big picture:



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Cuda blog
Posted By: Mopar Grandpa

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/07/11 11:53 PM

Very, Very nice job. You should be proud of your work. Car is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Posted By: 19cuda73

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/07/11 11:54 PM

Nice work!!! Great looking car and color combination. Head liner looks awesome too.
Dennis
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 03/23/11 11:05 PM

Some progress under the car... Exhaust, brake lines, emergency brake...



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Cuda blog
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/07/21 04:16 PM

Some changes have been made...

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Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/07/21 04:21 PM

New engine, new brakes

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Posted By: PasiR

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/09/21 10:31 AM

ALCONs ! More details, please.
Posted By: 3eighty3

Re: My 70 'Cuda - 02/10/21 03:20 AM

They are Alcon B-Type calipers with staggered cylinders on Wilwood 12.19 inch rotors. The bracket is custom made and the rotors are 32 mm thick. It is the largest brake I could fit inside a stock 15 inch wheel. I am currently running Ferodo DS Uno pads. With the cooling ducts in place, the combination holds up well on the track.
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