After two years of work I am just finishing up the final touches on my 71 Cuda Tribute project. I started this project with a 70 Grand Coupe 318 car and decided I really wanted a 71. While doing research for this conversion I found at least 20 different threads on different sites started by people looking to do this conversion. The troubling part about all the existing threads is that they all end the same way. Someone asks about the specifics for this conversion but are quickly overwhelmed with replies about why they shouldn't do it. I want to clarify that this thread is meant to explain HOW to do the conversion and what is involved. It is NOT a thread meant to discuss IF the conversion is a good idea. It doesn't take a genius to know that starting with a 71 would be much easier than converting a 70 or 72-74, so please refrain from making such posts in this thread. I hope that anyone researching this topic in the future can use this thread to make an educated decision for themselves.
I also want to point out that I am not claiming to be a Cuda expert, I'm far from it. I'm simply trying to outline what I have learned through research. I am sure my list is not compete, so please feel free to chime in if you notice a mistake i have made. I also wanted to note that converting a 70 is different than converting a 72-74. Because I started with a 70 I will not cover the specifics about converting a 72-74. I also should note that part numbers were not a huge priority for me as this is a clone, so all the changes I have made were to make my car LOOK like a 71 cosmetically. I am going to start with the list I have made of parts needed for the conversion. In the future I will be posting some more detailed pictures of the conversion to help people learn more about the specific pieces involved.
Exterior-Grill Assembly
http://www.classicindustries.com/product/mopar/parts/mn2191.html-71 Header Panel (72-74 will work)
-Grill Assembly Hardware Kit
-Hood Latch Release Lever
-Hood Latch Strike Plate (or drill existing plate)
-Forward Lighting Harness
-Front Valence
-Front Valence Insert
-Front Park Lights/Lenses
-Fender Mounted Turn Signal Indicators (If equiped)
-Headlight Buckets (4)
-Head Light Bucket Mounting Brackets (2)
https://www.yearone.com/Product/challenger-cuda/hm71set-Headlight Bucket Mounting Bracket Backs (2)
http://restorationpartssource.com/store/headlight-1971-barracuda-fender-plate-set-bea_moreinfo.html-Headlight Retaining Bezels (4)
-Headlights (4)
-Headlight Adjusters and Springs (4)
-Weld in Fender Gill Inserts (2)
-Gill Set
-Rocker Moulding
-Tail Lights
-Tail Light Bezels
-Ralley Wheel Center Caps (Dark Argent)
-Ralley Wheel Trim Rings (Chrome, not brushed)
-Relocate rear 'Cuda emblem (goes higher on 71) and add "By Plymouth" emblem
-Billboard decal (if applicable)
Interior-Center Console (if equipped)
-Slap Stick Shifter Mechanism (auto only)
-Shifter T Handle
-Shifter Plate
-Seat Covers
-Dash Pad
-Steering Column (can modify existing)
-Gauge Assembly (Ralley Dash Only)
-Seat Belts
-Vent handles (?)
-Jack and Stand
