My new 72 cuda

[Joemoy29]

Let's start with the tag

BS23:
Plymouth Barracuda
Special, 'Cuda
2 Door Hardtop

H2B: 340 240HP(net) 1-4BBL 8 CYL
1972
Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA

221900: Sequence number

E55: 340 cid 4 barrel V8 275hp
D34: Light Duty Automatic Transmission
GB5: Bright Blue Poly Exterior Color
A6X9: Trim - Basic, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black
000: Full Door Panels
B05: Build Date: November 05
176177: Order number

V1X : Full Vinyl Top, Black
U: USA Specifications
C16: Console w/Woodgrain Panel
C56: Bucket Seats
G15: Tinted Windshield
G36: OS Dual Racing Mirrors

J25: 3 Speed Wipers
J54: Sport Hood
L25: Trunk Lamp
L31: Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M25: Wide sill moldings

N31: Optional Engine Compression Ratio
M88: Decklid Moldings Treatment
N23: Electronic Ignition System
N41: Dual Exhaust
N42: Chrome Exhaust Tips

N85: Tachometer
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
V6X: Longitudinal Stripes, Black
EN2: End of Sales Codes

So here is the latest project. It's a 72 cuda. Car was complete when last owner took it apart to fix some 1/4 issues then wound up removing the 1/4 and let it sit for 7 yrs. has mint interior. Mint grill. The car was painted twice from what I can see. Once plum once it's current blue which is darker than b5. So I am up in the air with what I want to do. These are my two basic options

1) paint it original b5 drop in a date correct 340 I have and swap it to 4spd

2) drop in a 6.4 hemi I have and run a 727 trans

Is there anything about this car that should steer me one way or another. Thanks for the input

 

[fk5aar]

I would say nice car to start with but not rare enough to where one had to feel OE resto was necessary so do what u want!

 

[DetMatt1]

I agree, nice project!

 

[340challconvert]

Nice project car!
What was N 31 Optional engine compression ratio?
I know in 72 they went to net horsepower ratings and lower compression. Was this just a designation for the HP 340 in 72 or was a higher CR available?

 

[Joemoy29]

Honestly I was wondering the same thing about the optional compression ratio

 

[ejazz]

Wow! You were not kidding, nice interior! Keep the color and maybe add the white side stripe. Good luck!

 

[drobertson]

If this were my car, I'd buy a quarter skin and fix that gaping hole! Have that part painted, and drive! Looks good enough to not need a resto yet, imo.

 

[Joemoy29]

Made some progress. Motor should be going in next week. Date correct 340 with 340 six pack being restored now

 

[440rush]

Looks like it's coming together very nice. Good work

 

[340challconvert]

Glad you went w the date coded 340 engine
There are enough resto mods out there!
The car looks great and will be a fun driver!

 

[Cudafor36]

Very nice ride you got started there. Keep us up to date on the progress. It's a long labor of love but they are worth it. Beats what those new challlengers will look like and sell for in 30 years.

 

[Joemoy29]

More from today.

 

[rbbruno3]

Looking good

 

[quapman]

The "darker" B5 is correct for 72. It wend a shade or two darker in 71 from the original EB5 to GB5 until 74 when it brightened up a little and became KB5.

 

[Joemoy29]

Good info. Does that mean mine is correct or wrong lol

 

[quapman]

Looks about right to me, but I've seen about 7 variations of GB5. What brand of paint is it?

 

[Joemoy29]

Finally picking it up this week. Feel like it’s been forever

 

[moparlee]

Looks great! Is your 340-6 ready to drop in now?

 

[Joemoy29]

Got the motor back. Waiting on the six pack. Chicago carburetor is doing the full restoration for me. The only decision I have is technically there were a few “unicorn” 72 cuda six pack made the 340 went to blue in 72 so wanted to keep mine correct color. But I wanted the six pack even though it’s not correct. So that leaves me the option of painting the intake blue or leaving it metal color. If I am going original look I am leaning towards blue

 

[mrjlr]

Awesome car!

Jeff