Moving along on assembly. Trunk lid and doors are installed and aligned. Spending extra time during the earlier body work stages paid off as both doors were aligned and installed in less than 1 hour. Use the guide holes I drilled to assist and confirm. Dissembled, cleaned, painted and polished the tail lights. Most of the electrical is installed sans the main interior harness which attaches to the dash. Not sure if I’ll run speakers in the doors, so I ran wiring to the doors just incase. Began installation of the window mechanisms. All tracks and motors were cleaned and lubed. New door lock actuators will be installed along with new glass. Leaning towards the smoke tint glass vs the green tint. Just need to see if I can get the rear window tinted to match. Picked up key fob door and trunk remote popper. That will get wired once the mechanicals are done as I have some minor electrical work to finish anyway.
Debating on which T top weather stripping to use. The original GM are in decent condition and fit well, but show their age in some areas. I know there from the late 80’s vintage. Tried a set of Metro seals and while the look nice, fit is so-so. Being that is not critical at the moment, I’ll work with them before gluing them.
Working on adapting a 3rd gen steering column and a modern wiper motor. The wiper motor will fit w/ an adaptor plate, however, getting the variable speeds to work with the stock switch is an issue w/ adding a resistor block. I am hoping the 3rd gen switch resistances are favorable to the new motor. Working with an old model kit to design the interior color scheme. Seats will be ordered soon. I want to retain a tan interior, but will most likely have some black accents to mesh with the exterior color. The stock Camel tan looks like puke against the Goldmine Pearl.
Next on the list:
1) finish installing window mechanisms, power locks and door moldings
2) Install new leaf springs. Original ones arched too much during sitting uninstalled and powdercoating. New ones have a stiffer spring rate to match the front springs and overall suspension design.
3) Remove ‘roller’ wheels and install good wheels along with brakes.
Plan to have this done this week.
4) Get airbrush artist to finish up design and paint bird and lettering. Cant hang fenders, hood or rear spoiler until that is done. I like his work and hate to change artist. Luckily no money has been spent. He gets paid once it is finished.
Lights
Before and after blasting
Painted & polished
Staring to look like a car
Hinges do not actually reveal any grey sealer, but the camera picks it up. Most likely, while there is color there, it is thin and the characteristics of HOK paints. It will be touched up if needed before the fenders are installed.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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