70 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible tribute

[ron friedrich]

I stumbled across a complete 1968 426 hemi engine in Seattle about 2 years ago and looked hi and low for that perfect car to stuff this monster into. I searched coast to coast and all that could be found were rusted out junk that were valued as diamonds in the ruff!
Unbelieveable a 1970 Barracuda convertible pops up on craigs list right here in Portland, Oregon. Original 383 auto car that had a 440 stuffed in it. This car had been wrecked but the owner put it into his warehouse where it sat for 35 years. The car is rust FREE!!!! The car came with a rallye dash and a radio with an 8-track player and is in pristine condition. The original engine and tranny were gone so I have decided to convert the car into a Hemi tribute car. It will retain it's original rallye red paint and white interior. It presently is with one of the most repected artists in the automotive paint industry.
Looking forward to my new membership.
Thank you,
Ron Friedrich Clackamas, Oregon

 

[DetMatt1]

Welcome to the site from the Motor City! Do I see a little body mod on the back of the rear quarters?

 

[hofilbert]

... I searched coast to coast and all that could be found were rusted out junk that were valued as diamonds in the ruff!
View attachment 63620

My same exact story. Everything I found was rusted out, or all new repro panels, or considered gold. I finally found a true non-rusted California car that someone already put the period correct Hemi in. I would have been happy with a 340 or 383 car, but "It's gotta Hemi!" now.
Welcome to the group!...from just N. of you in the Puget Sound.

 

[moparleo]

aboard. Great project. Can't wait to see her done.

 

[ron friedrich]

thank you

 

[ron friedrich]

Welcome to the site from the Motor City! Do I see a little body mod on the back of the rear quarters?

body is completely stock other than I am adding an AAR spoiler which will be painted body color as well as the shaker.
Thanks for the welcome.

aboard. Great project. Can't wait to see her done.

 

[ron friedrich]

OK so my youngest grandson is named after my favorite Onkle Leo

 

[rbbruno3]

Welcome aboard, can’t believe all these convertibles popping up everywhere. Wish one would pop up near me LOL Nice project good luck with it

 

[DetMatt1]

Why does that look so strange to me? I guess I know Challengers better than Barracudas...

 

[704406]

Detmatt1, step away from the dark side and join the Cuda side!! LOL!!
Nice looking project Ron, good luck with the build, from your neighbour in BC
Lots of helpful people here on this site, even some of the Challenger people!! LOL!!

 

[ron friedrich]

Detmatt1, step away from the dark side and join the Cuda side!! LOL!!
Nice looking project Ron, good luck with the build, from your neighbour in BC
Lots of helpful people here on this site, even some of the Challenger people!! LOL!!

Thank You

 

[DrEamer]

Welcome to the site from a fellow Oregonian!!! I have to ask, who "is with one of the most repected artists in the automotive paint industry". Nice project by the way.

 

[RJHJR]

Great find!
Keep us posted with progress pictures please!

 

[wayne]

Welcome, looks like you have a great car for the hemi you found. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

[ron friedrich]

Welcome to the site from a fellow Oregonian!!! I have to ask, who "is with one of the most repected artists in the automotive paint industry". Nice project by the way.

 

[ron friedrich]

View attachment 63632

Just thought I should add this pic from when I first brought this little cuda home
There was a question on who the artis is and I will find out from him if I can post his name.
I'm still trying to figure out this site but am pleased with the support
thanks all

 

[Grady Cain]

Welcome from NW CT. Great score! More pics please...

 

[ron friedrich]

Welcome to the site from a fellow Oregonian!!! I have to ask, who "is with one of the most repected artists in the automotive paint industry". Nice project by the way.

OK so the first hint as to whom the artist is is that he is not located in Springfield, Oregon. And his initials are not M.W.

 

[DrEamer]

OK so the first hint as to whom the artist is is that he is not located in Springfield, Oregon. And his initials are not M.W.

I never considered a MW a paint artist. Some people have compared him to a scam artist, but that is not for me to be the judge of.

 

[ron friedrich]

My same exact story. Everything I found was rusted out, or all new repro panels, or considered gold. I finally found a true non-rusted California car that someone already put the period correct Hemi in. I would have been happy with a 340 or 383 car, but "It's gotta Hemi!" now.
Welcome to the group!...from just N. of you in the Puget Sound.

So I checked out your ride and what a sweetie. I really like the pistol grip shifter you added. Could you let me know where you purchased it? Looks great in the car instead of the little round ball. Gives the interior some added muscle!!!!!!
Thanks Ron