1970 Plymouth Barracuda

Convertible

440

Manual

Clear

1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible CONVERSION.This Vehicle started life out as a 1970 340 ‘Cuda Hardtop and was later converted to a convertible at a reputable body shop in North Dakota where I bought it. It was then transported to a shop that specializes in Cuda convertible conversions in Wisconsin for some additional work. The donor car/convertible specific parts were mostly sourced from a Challenger but made to work with this vehicle. The belt moldings, however, are ‘Cuda. The rockers were internally reinforced with tube steel welded to a steel angle and then welded to the body. We weighted it down, etc. to check body deflection against a ‘real’ convertible and it is a very solid car. I had planned on adding frame connectors for added insurance but do not think they are necessary. TITLE - I bought the car from a reputable North Dakota body shop/dealer seven years ago, had some work done on it in Wisconsin and then transported it to my home in California about three years ago where it has sit ever since. I do have the title, signed over by the dealer but did not get around to transfering it until recently due to its no-operable status (I dont own a truck/trailer, etc.) I am in the process of getting a clear California title... there are no leans against the car. I guarantee a clear title before it leaves my garage. BODY - The body of the car is very nice with the floors appearing to be original except for the 4-speed hump that was added. It was titled from Nevada and looks like it spent most of it’s time there. I bought it in North Dakota and had it trailered to a great shop in Wisconsin where the work was professionally executed. PAINT – Aside from the replaced door, there are other issues with the paint. There are marks, blemishes and a strange speckling of something on the top surface of the car. It is my opinion that there are enough issues with the paint that it should be repainted. INTERIOR – Front bucket seat frames and seat backs and a rear convertible seat back are included. The bucket frames have been sand blasted and painted. All will require reupholstering. A dash-pad core and standard gauges are included. There is also a standard 4-speed steering column included that is in very nice shape. DOORS & GLASS – While properly installing the door glass it was discovered that the Driver’s door had been damaged at one time to the point of hindering the proper installation of the glass. The decision to replace the door rather than repair was made and the new door now hangs but without paint. The door hinges have been rebuilt with a unique feature that allows you to lift the door out of it’s hinges so that readjustment is not ever required should the doors be removed. POWER WINDOWS & GLASS – The decision to add the unique and very rare convertible POWER WINDOW assemblies was made from both a convenience standpoint and structural investment as the assembly that holds the windows in place ties the quarter inner structure together. I do not have a windshield for it but new glass is available. WINDSHIELD – A new windshield and surrounding trim has been installed. TRIM – I would estimate that nearly all critical bright trim and moldings are present. The ‘Cuda belt molding trim was removed revealing a poor fit and finish of the body with incorrect fasteners, etc. The trim has been refitted with the proper fasteners and new long ‘Cuda and Gran Coupe specific belt molding ends. I do not have the tail panel ‘Cuda trim. TOP – There is a very nice top frame with the car. It comes with a set of manual top cylinders and hold-down catches. The fabric has been stripped and I do not have the rear window. GRILLE ASSEMBLY – The grille is a new reproduction and all of the stainless, graters and rings are included and in great shape. VALANCES – The lower front valance is included and in great shape but the insert is missing. The rear valance is a new reproduction through-exhaust ‘Cuda piece that had been fitted prior to paint. FENDERS – The fenders are genuine ’71 ‘Cuda fenders that appear to be very nice with little if any repairs. Presentable Gills and new retainers are included. I was told they were off of one of the Mannix '71 Cudas (TV series) dressed up to be a '72 Cuda convertible. Apparently the gilles were covered up for the cars in the show... along with other obvious cosmetic treatments. HOOD – I was told that the hood was converted to a ‘71 Shaker hood. However, many have told me that they believe it to be real. Never the less, I was told it was a conversion and will sell as such. A trim ring is included but it will need to be replaced. ENGINE – The engine is a 440 out of a C-Body dated January 1970. It runs well but will require an overhaul, gaskets, etc. The correct HP exhaust manifolds are included. A radiator is not with the car. TRANSMISSION – The transmission is a freshly rebuilt 23-Spline 4-speed. A flywheel has been installed on the car and a 10.5” ‘517’ bell housing is included. The pedals are present but linkages, fork, z-bar, pressure plate, clutch, boot, shifter and handle are not. REAR END – I was told the rear end was an 8-3/4” Sure-Grip unit with 3.55 gears but have not verified this to be true. It is an 8-3/4” though. HEMI & SIX-BARREL REINFORCEMENTS – Reinforcement steel has been placed as would have been installed in hemi or six-barrel cars at the pinion snubber area and spring perches, etc. There are many parts included with this car with most of them shown in the photos. I do have additional photos available upon request. This is a great project and a solid car. I have well over $52,000 into it. A lot of work has been put in to this project so far and there are many valuable and desirable parts incliuded. My loss is definitely going to be the winning bidder’s gain.The car will ship from Turlock, California (95382) at the winning bidder’s expense. However, if bought with the BUY-IT-NOW option, I will contribute up to $1,000 towards shipping the car.