’70 twin turbo ‘Cuda build by CJD AUTOMOTIVE

3 minute(s) of a 32 minute read

I'm further along than the pics show.  Yep, your right, but to keep a straight body line, it was the only way.  The top portion is cut exactly on the body line.  This is now the reference.  The bottom was pulled out and shaped the way I thought it look best and to clear tires.  I welded a filler strip to the bottom portion, going up.  The strip was 12" wide to wick heat, and I tig welded it to minimize distortion.  The extra long section is then cut back to the body line using the top as a reference (1/8 X 1" strip as a guide).  Now the bottom becomes the body line reference to fit the top.  If that makes sense! Yes, it is a lot of welding, but each section is welded with a wide filler to keep heat distortion down.  When the top and bottom are welded together on the body line, they get to use the entire quarter panel to wick heat.  

Trust me, I didn't want to do it this way.  Tried rolling some skins, but the body line is just too close to the wheel arch, and it wouldn't stretch that area.
Tried relief cutting and rolling and it got ugly.  I guess I could have flattened it out. rolled it, bead rolled a new body line and fender arch, etc... Now this way seemed easier!

10-16-2015

Well, as all things do, change is coming in a big way for the 'Cuda.  So, the entire front clip is available for sale.  I'll cut it at the firewall, so you get aprons and rails forward, all suspension, brakes, rack, etc...The whole clip, including wheels and tires if wanted.  Call me if interested.