Project 'cuda

[PTmodrod]

Well... I have looked at my options and decided that I am ready for my first project car. I have already started saving for the initial buy and have a final goal set in mind already. I am planning on purchasing a 1973 barracuda (probably just a rolling chassis with no rust or minimal surface rust) and turning it into a monster. I am not going for an original 'cuda though... oh no. Every cuda that is not a trailer queen that I have seen has been set up as a drag car, other than the occasional AAR. I have decided to make a 400 horse circuit racer.

loose plans:
- Flat (maybe satin) black paint
- Body will be shaved
- Custom LED tails (LED ring around standard bulb in original housing)
- Minimal chrome if any
- Very low with a mean coilover setup
- Black rims of some kind (still debating what style)
- 18" rims with 275s up front and 295-305 in back
- Full cage inside
- Racing buckets with 5 point harnesses
- Probably go for a 340ci motor with a Holley 4 barrel
- If i want more power, crate hemi (maybe a blower, but thats a bit much for circuit use)
- All interior lighting will be red providing a "military" look

This car will be extremely sparse on the interior to save weight. and pretty much everything will be black save for the red lighting. Its an expensive project, but I am stretching it out over a long time, so it's not unreasonable. I will post a photoshop later of what it may look like but for now, picture a gorgeous stealth bomber on wheels.

EDIT: and no, i am not selling the PT, I still love it and it is the perfect runabout

[ucantcme]

Keep us updated with pics and keep us updated day-to-day!

Best of luck to ya!

[bobs turbo pt]

sounds cool !!

[digitalpinscruiser]

sounds awesome but I am jealous....lol I just love those cars cant wait to see pics

[PTmodrod]

Thanks for the support, but don't hold your breath... this car is going to take a lot of time and money so real pics are a long time coming. The photoshop is about half done, so I will post that up asap. Still trying to come up with a name for the car, if anyone has a cool idea for a name then feel free to tell me. Right now its just Project 'cuda, but I am thinking maybe Prometheus or something. Something that sounds like a secret military project... (lol, the Manhattan Project)

[Hooligan]

"PHOENIX" rising from the dust!!

[PTmodrod]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

"PHOENIX" rising from the dust!!

Ok, thats clever, I didn't think of that one. "The Manhattan Project" is really starting to grow on me though... Keep the ideas rolling in because I am sure there is a better name out there!

[bobs turbo pt]

just the buy in of a cheap cuda the prices can be and will probably be really high let us know what you find and how much

[cleverklutz]

If you go with an older Cuda, they are a bit cheaper to buy, but much different body style. They were a-body based, (same as Duster, Dart, Valiant, Scamp). The first gen Cuda has a monster rear window and ran from 64-66. The second gen Cuda was a bit sleeker and was made from 67-69. The third gen was E-body based and a larger car. It's the one that's so dang expensive, with the 1971 being the most desirable because of it's unique grill. The e-body's ran from 70-74. I used to have a crush on Cuda's till I realized I'd never make enough money in my lifetime to own one!

Here's a 65 Formula S, note the monster rear window.

69 Convertible. This is still an a-body. The front looks much more modernized. Hemi badging on the side of this car. Wouldn't corner worth a darn, but it would catch anything in a straight line. Not sure what they weigh with a Hemi, but a-bodied cars normally weigh under 3000#!

My favorite year, 1971. This one also has the shaker hood, which is a real cool looking option, and rare. The 71 is the only year for this grill, and dual headlights. Note Hemi badging as well. Unfortunately these babies start at $30K on Ebay! The e-bodies are larger, and pricier, but IMHO they look the best! I'd take any Cuda I could get tho, they're all cool!


Ben

[Teekypt]

71 is clean!!! I love it in purp.