New from Fort Irwin, CA

[Bobby]

Hows it going everyone I am 100% new to E Body cars ive been around A bodies for a while. I am taking the chance to get a 74 Cuda with a 360 in it all original matching numbers car. It will be basically a full up restoration starting with parts to get it running and driveing reliably. Which means full engine rebuild and trans rebuild. For the Engine i am planing a 408 Stroker after i find out what would be the best route to get it to atleast 500hp. And the trans will be rebuilt with a little beefing up done on it. The. All the basic wiring and ac will all be brand new replacements. As soon as i can see how bad it is. I cant get to it til march due to being on orders in Georgia right now. But as of now i have the price down to what i belive is decent for the car that it is. I know it will need a bit of sheet metal work along witn a new trunk due to the holes on the back deck by the window and im sure a new roof. Im hoping its not to bad since its in a desert and rain is pretty rare. But everything is original down to the color and vinyl. Ill be asking for alot of help from you guys on the build once i dig into this. Oh and yes ill be changing to the 72 bumpers haha and i plan on having repainted the same blue but might change the look a little with the stripe and maybe black vinyl and interior.

 

[340challconvert]

Bobby
to FEBO from New Jersey
Great Cuda project
The 360- 1974 Cudas are pretty rare
Start up a restoration thread here; looking forward to seeing your work.

 

[Bobby]

Im making an entire portfolio for it and ill be documenting everything

 

[rbbruno3]

Welcome Aboard Bobby, nice find looks like a good project

 

[DetMatt1]

Welcome to the site from the Motor City! Love that blue!

 

[DrEamer]

Welcome from Oregon!! I am doing a 408 stroker myself, a lot of ways to get the 500 HP , just need to decide how you want to spend , and what kind of power band you want. I will say though that I would just keep the original engine and put it aside and build a separate one for a stroker. That way you can always return to the original if you want to sell it.

 

[340challconvert]

DrEamer makes a good suggestion.
Pick up an extra 360 block (they are plentiful and relatively cheap) and build it up while storing the original number matching block.
They only made 761 L code 360 Cudas with automatics in 1974 out of a total of 6745 total hardtops.
The value of an original will only go up in the future.
In comparison, they made 2412 318-Cudas automatics in 74.
Of course it is your car and can do what you would like for your build.
In the long run, you will benefit financially; collectors seek out original cars if you ever decide to sell her.
JMO
Here is a review of the 74 cuda I you might enjoy.
Car of the Week: 1974 Plymouth 'Cuda - Old Cars Weekly

 

[Bobby]

Ill be taking that advice then had no idea the 360 Lcodes were that small in production.

 

[340challconvert]

You might find the production numbers for 74 Barracuda/ Cudas interesting;
1974 Model Year
Total 11,734

• Hardtop 8 cyl 6,745
  • G - 318 3spd
  • G - 318 Auto
• Hardtop 'Cuda 8 cyl 3,938
  • G - 318 3spd 335
  • G - 318 Auto 2412
  • L - 360 3spd 32
  • L - 360 4spd 398
  • L - 360 Auto 761
  • 

 

[moparlee]

Welcome to the site Bobby from Michigan. We in the rust belt states are envious to anyone that finds a dry and complete Cuda like that. Looking forward to watching your build.

 

[fasjac]

Welcome to the site from Little Rock!
Great project Bobby! Look forward to seeing it along the ride.

 

[440rush]

Welcome to the site. Good to have another Cuda get a new life.

 

[WDO72]

Welcome from northern California! Nice 'cuda! Have fun!