The red on red 70 Cuda project!

[wayne]

Wet sand that primer, it will turn out like glass.

Yes sir that’s the plan!

 

[wayne]

Looking for a little help today. In regards to my hood hinges bolting to the fenders. The forward mounting hole had a bolt, washer and nut on both sides and they were not the same socket size as the rearward bolts. This can’t be right? Anyone have a picture or a link to what should be there? Hoping there is an available replacement

Looked online to no avail.
Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Adam]

Not a great pic, and I don’t know the size (5/16 or 3/8) but this will let you know how they did it.. probably easy to fab a new one.

 

[moparlee]

It is a 1/4" thick steel plate with a tapped hole in the center for the bolt and has two notches to match up with those tabs in the inner fender. It is designed to have "slop" in it for adjustment.

 

[wayne]

Thanks for the info!

Made a couple yesterday, fit like a glove.

 

[wayne]

Decided to spray the car myself....the hood and engine bay were a challenge to me. I don’t have a lot of experience spraying color. It came out alright, a little dry in some spots. The front valence and header panel came out the best by far as I didn’t have all the books and crannies to paint around.

 

[Adam]

Excellent!

 

[wayne]

Prepped and painted the cowl while the fenders were off. Going to black out the front end once the fenders are on I'm thinking

 

[wayne]

I did get the passenger fender on (only partially aligned) so I could do some wet sanding and a little buffing. Going to wait and put the driver side fender on once I am done with the brakes, wipers and steering.

Right now I am getting the wipers all together to hopefully install this weekend. Needed a couple more clips.

I had some time over the weekend to make a video showing the different stages of the painting process I went through.

 

[wayne]

Dropped the drums off to get turned. Guy behind the counter said “Are those from a 1 ton?” I said nope, Plymouth Cuda. Gave me a chuckle lol. Picked them up today and then spent some time cleaning them up and sprayed them with Eastwood cast iron gray.

 

[wayne]

I had to pause on finishing the brakes as I needed to replace the rear axle seals....then I decided to pull the center section to change the fluid...then I decided might as well put the gear I want and ditch the 3.23. So I dropped it off to the local Ring and Pinion Shop on Monday and picked it up today/ Friday. It needed bearings and had to put a new yoke on it and went for 3.73’s. I think they will be perfect for my setup.

Also drilled and tapped the housing so i could install a drain plug. Going to put the axles in tomorrow, fill it up with fluid and finally finish the rear brakes and bleed the system.

 

[340challconvert]

Nice work with everything

 

[wayne]

Nice work with everything

Thank you i appreciate it!

Tried to finish the brakes but the rear shoes I had were 11 x 3 , I have 11x 2.5”. Called the local auto parts store said they have them...they were 10 x 2.5. Ugh. I found the part # I needed in one of the old parts catalogs they had. We’ll try again tomorrow!

I have been waiting for the Eastwood zinc phosphate to come back in stock...and finally was able to try it on the hood small bits. Real happy with the results for little money spent. Finished them off with matte clear.

 

[wayne]

Picked up the proper rear shoes on Monday and got them on. Brakes are finally done. Went with in-line tubes stainless hard lines and the braided flex lines.

Had a voltage regulator from Roseville but it had this sticker with the white letters. Wasn’t really feeling it. Saw Mancini had one labeled oe with yellow paint. It came yesterday with a sticker that was upside down....lm going them a call. Would like one without a sticker.

 

[wayne]

Picked up the engine bits I had powder coated this week. Then dropped them off at the engine builder/machine shop.
Nothing like heading down to the engine builder and seeing all the projects they have and seeing your engine you have dreamed off coming to life. I’m using Best Machine as they are local to me and have a reputation second to none. Pete and Chuck have been great to work with. My motor before I coated the intake. They are getting real close to making some noise.
The next 3-4 weeks should see the car come around and wrapping up many projects.

Here’s some latest engine shots

 

[moparker]

That is the cleanest engine shop I have ever seen !!!!!

 

[wayne]

Had a productive weekend and was able to start putting the front end back on the car. Nice to see it look like a car again and not the never ending project of doom.

Monday I blacked out the front end.

 

[wayne]

I ordered a stainless tank, mat, straps, rubber seals, and a new fuel pump assembly. Should be here by the weekend. I drained the tank last night and took the rear valence off. That’s the weekend project. Plus more if things go well.

New blue Monroe shocks came today snd I scotch brited those and sprayed them black.

Got another update from Best Machine today. They are getting close! Closer than me lol. Might be lightning the candles next week on the 471!

 

[moparlee]

Nice work Wayne. It's always feels good when you start the re-assembly process.

 

[wayne]

Nice work Wayne. It's always feels good when you start the re-assembly process.

Thanks! It sure does, feels like forward progress now.

New stainless tank, straps, filler neck and cap with an electric in tank pump. Still have some plumb and wire it.
Had been avoiding the monster in the corner (heater box) assembled it and thought I was going to be able to install it but the defroster cable was kinked and needs to be replaced. Luckily they are reproduced. Also noticed the car doesn’t have the fresh air cables. Will order those too.
Then had my helper build the engine stand. Said “it was the best day ever!” Wait till we go for a ride in it!