'71 Hemi Cuda

[Matt Wadlinger]

The other side of the room is strong with the force, and I was drawn in to build something a little out of my norm. This is my first muscle car since returning to the hobby a few years ago.

It was time for me to change up from building Porsches, and move on to another car with a Hemi. I started this Cuda a few months ago, and completed the body prep and cleaned up the parts, but could not decide on a color, so it stalled and returned to it's box.

I finally decided to have a go at this one with a Cobra Colors Limited Edition paint called 'Sea Serpent'. This color is by far the most unique color I've ever used from Cobra Colors. It's metallic, it's pearly, it's a color shifter, it's just plain AWESOME. Indoors this car looks like a metallic forest green. Outside the color completely changes to a green/blue hue. Photos will never capture the true color of this car, because it is constantly changing.

http://images1.fotki.com/v318/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7318-vi.jpg

http://images1.fotki.com/v317/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7327-vi.jpg

http://images1.fotki.com/v317/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7310-vi.jpg

http://images14.fotki.com/v224/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7323-vi.jpg

http://images1.fotki.com/v7/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7330-vi.jpg


See more pics here.
http://public.fotki.com/CADguy/my_model_cars/in_progress_projects/hemi_cuda/

[GTmike400]

So did you change your mind about the color now? I didnt think you liked it at first? I can imagine capturing that color in a pic is nearly impossible, even with photoshop.

[Matt Wadlinger]

I did not dislike the color, I actually like it a lot.
I was just unsure it worked on this particular muscle car at first. I think the BMF and black 'HEMI' billboard decals will help make this color work well on the car

[GTmike400]

I did not dislike the color, I actually like it a lot.
I was just unsure it worked on this particular muscle car at first. I think the BMF and black 'HEMI' billboard decals will help make this color work well on the car

Ah! I must have misunderstood. The BMF will really bring it together.

[Zoom Zoom]

I really like that color, it reminds me of Fauxrd's "Mystic" color on the '03 or so Cobra (not like the '97 color that changes into about 6 different shades).

The 'Cuda must look great in that color, it's nice to see a shift away from all of the high-impact colors they made them in (the white one in Hal's album is cool).

I wonder how well the black decal will show up on it, seems white might be more visible but perhaps not the graphic color you want for it. Depends on how dark the green is in most lighting situations.

[Lug Nutzz]

As a new proud papa of a semi hemi this week I'd say you've done the goat fans proud. It is truly a stand alone color and is nice to see something other than neon lime green. Super job.

[The Prez]

:eek: :eek: :eek:
Great looking Elephant!!, Matt. Are you going to paint the hood flat black?
Are you going to go the traditional wheel route or go with something
more modern?Any way it looks Great.Hey I'm working on a COPO now.
Henri:D :D :D

[Zomby Woof]

Its' looking really good Matt. I'm working on that same kit. I'll bet there'll be a few of them at the NNL.

[Matt Wadlinger]

I'm happy to report that this will most likely be my last update for this car. And not because I've broken it in half, but because it's almost completed.

I've finished all the detail painting, and am ready to put the finishing touches on this one.

The interior was simply painted black and grey.
http://images2.fotki.com/v315/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7340-vi.jpg

I finished the wheels centers with steel metalizer, and a wash of clear smoke.
http://images17.fotki.com/v5/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7344-vi.jpg

All BMF and the Hemi billboard decal were added. It's a little hard to see the decal. Which is exactly the look I was after.
http://images2.fotki.com/v315/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7347-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v319/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7350-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v5/photos/4/431166/3616031/DSCF7352-vi.jpg

[Dennis]

Great looking build Matt!!!!! It is looking cool!!

[Zoom Zoom]

Looks really cool; the molded-in front valance is a nice touch. These kits assemble with ease.

[GTmike400]

You're right Matt, that color looks awesome with the BMF added.

[Scott]

That car has a nice look with the dark color. It's a nice change from the bright colors everyone paints them in. I knew a guy who had a 1:1 73 Trans Am 455SD in
Brewster Green w/ a tan interior and no chicken on the hood. It was a very stylish, understated, adult looking car. It was one of my favorite T/As of all time.

[Zoom Zoom]

That car has a nice look with the dark color. It's a nice change from the bright colors everyone paints them in. I knew a guy who had a 1:1 73 Trans Am 455SD in
Brewster Green w/ a tan interior and no chicken on the hood. It was a very stylish, understated, adult looking car. It was one of my favorite T/As of all time.

I remember that car, it has been forever since I've seen it. Probably the best looking T/A I've seen from that era. IIRC it had either honeycomb or snowflake wheels, not the Rally II's that were on earlier T/A's. There was a guy in Greenville SC that had a silver SD w/black interior (I was at an autocross w/him in my '78 Grand Am; he spun a bearing in the motor and DNF'd), I think it had the chicken, but it was good looking in it's mild mannered paint scheme.

[Scott]

What I find hard to believe is that I actually have such crap in my head that I can remember the name of an obscure Pontiac color from 1973, but I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday.