1972-71 Cuda 340 resto mod

Well, like any sane person who has too many things going on in life I thought embarking on another car resto would be a fun idea! Honestly though working on cars is how I relax and unwind, rather than fishing or playing golf. Some of you will recognize this car as a fellow members car, Dave aka RUMBLON, who posted it recently in the WIW section. Dave retired to ID as some of you may recall and came to the realization that he was probably not going to get this car restored anytime soon. There was also the issue of the car being here in Nevada and him living in Idaho now. Already having a beautiful 71 Cuda vert in the garage eased the pain of letting this sentimental Cuda go. Dave owned this car in high school and it meant a lot to him as he sold it years ago and found it again years later. Long story short, I made Dave a promise that I would restore/ restomod it and not sell it or part it out. I recently started my own business and am still working at my day job full time so my schedule is pretty full so I doubt this will go as fast as the Duster thread did. I will update as I go.

The plan: I plan to turn this 72 into a 71 Cuda. Seeing as how it already needs 1/4s and a tail panel I figured why not make it the Cuda I always wanted but can't afford right now. I have never really been a big fan of the round tail lights myself. Plus, the original motor and trans are long gone. My plan is keep it the TB3 blue with a black vinyl top and interior, but add the 71 front end, along with rear window louvers and fender gills. The car already has come cool options (fr & rr swaybars, vinyl top, a/c, disc barkes, etc) that I'll improve upon. It was pretty complete, just disassembled. Dave did a great job of organizing and labeling all the parts that were taken off. My goal is to keep it a driver.I want to enjoy driving it and fun with the whole family being able to ride along.

I picked this car up on Fathers day weekend and was able to get the parts organized and put away.

I got it all hosed out and have begun buying some of the parts I need.

This was the Cuda I had in high school and the reason why I want another one. I recently found my old Cuda but couldn't pony up the $89K that he wanted for it.

Looks like you did it again!

That's a cool car and my favorite color on those to boot, should be an awesome car when you are done!

Thanks you guys! Ohh and it will not have a shaker! :tsp:

Option #2 would be an original Phantasm clone, complete with fender flares. My orange one was actually used in Phantasm 2 for the 4 spd scene where they show them shifting the pistol grip.

I know what ever you do will be sweet, allot of folks are going to be watching this, you set the bar high my friend. I'm excited for ya. If you need anything holler.

(EDIT) Side note Brent is actually the reason I have my Cuda. Years ago I was buying his old 340 from his roommate. I came to town, and the mill was sold out from under me. I got bummed and grabbed the Cuda from a relative to tear into it, and ended up buying it that same weekend......he is the reason I have this car, (he tipped me to the 340) and he even went and helped me bleed the brakes on the Cuda for flat towing, and his roommate asked him to offer me 2x's what I paid for it sight unseen..... lol so I got a 340 and a Cuda for less than the fresh engine

Years later he was following the build of my car, he finally recognized it....it took months.... but we had a euricka moment. We have owned very similar cars, our Dusters, and Darts were real close. Then during his build we took pics of our red cars with fresh paint and new black tops and the jacks and stands and things ...it was another coincidence.... my boy Brent..... git it kid...... git it. I think you know now I'd do most anything for ya and you too George

Its been awhile. Busy with the business and 2 other cars. But I did manage to get parts bought for it. Should be busy on the metal once the weather warms up. Got the cracks in the grille that Dave fixed sanded and primered.

Also got my Demon grille fixed and ready for paint at the same time.

I'm also thinking of keeping it a 72, although that decision will be final once the quarters get welded on.

Maybe a triple black V21 car that the factory never built?

That would be a cool looking car, especially with the vinyl roof. Hmmm...

I picture a very dark argent grille as they loose their detail when black, and possibly tint the V21 a slight bit grey for a greater contrast. Set against full cuda bright trim, wheel wells and all...it would be different for sure