'74 Cuda in Kansas

Author Topic: '74 Cuda in Kansas  (Read 4410 times)

Offline b5cuda

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'74 Cuda in Kansas
« on: September 24, 2015 - 08:21:19 AM »
Hello guys,
Just picked up a new project!  ’74 cuda.  Was nicely optioned but obviously needs a lot of work.  I’ve done a couple of a-bodies in recent years, including a ’69 fastback, but don’t know much about e-bodies.  I’m sure this forum will be a big help!  Thinking about which direction to go with this car, and wondering how important originality is.  Does this car need to be kept factory correct to retain its value?  My preference is to resto-mod with a better engine (perhaps a 5.7) and trans.  Also not sure I want to stick with original colors and the ’74 style side maker lights (needs fenders and patch repair on quarters anyway, so thinking of changing them to flush-mount ’70 style while retaining ’74 front and back end).  Appreciate your input – thanks!

Fender tag:
BS23: Plymouth Barracuda, Special, 'Cuda. 2 Door Hardtop
G4B: 318 150HP(net) or 170HP(net) 1-2BBL 8 CYL
1974    Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
195791:   Sequence number

E44:    318 cid 2 barrel V8 230hp
D34:    Light Duty Automatic Transmission
KG8:    Deep Sherwood Poly Exterior Color
A6XW:    Trim - Basic, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black/White
000:    Full Door Panels
B07:    Build Date: November 07, 1973
144782:   Order number

V1W:    Full Vinyl Top, White
U:    USA Specifications
B41:    Front Disc Brakes w/Standard 10in RR Drum
C16:    Console w/Woodgrain Panel
C56:    Bucket Seats
G11:    Tinted Glass (all)

G34:    OS LH Remote Racing Mirror
H51:    Air Conditioning with Heater
J25:    3 Speed Wipers
J52:    Inside Hood Release
J54:    Sport Hood
L31:    Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals

M21:    Roof drip rail moldings
M25:    Wide sill moldings
M26:    Wheel Lip Moldings
M31:    Belt Moldings
M88:    Decklid Moldings Treatment

N76:    Coolant Recovery System
N85:    Tachometer
R35:    AM/FM Stereo Radio  (10 Watts)
V6W:    Longitudinal Stripes, White
26:    26in Radiator
CTD:    Codes Continued on 2nd Fender Tag
L2    -? -
625  -?-




Offline Bullitt-

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2015 - 08:35:01 AM »
Welcome to the board  :wave:   Hard to make a case for value vs cost of an OE restore on a '74
  Think a resto-mod could cost you less and end up with a more desirable piece in the end.
Good luck which ever route you go   :cheers:
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline djais1801

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2015 - 08:41:09 AM »
I agree...I'd lean towards making it how you want it...it's not as desirable as the 70-71, and it's a 318 car, I'd go modern if it were me...good luck either way!

Offline roadman5312

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2015 - 08:44:07 AM »
     Welcome aboard    :wave:   I think I would go resto mod also.   :rebel:

Offline js29no

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2015 - 09:17:05 AM »
 :bigsmile:build it the way you like it. welcome aboard, and enjoy your cuda!

Offline dfrazz

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2015 - 09:42:35 AM »
Welcome from CO!  Get a vision of how you want your car to be, then stick to it!

Offline b5cuda

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2015 - 09:49:01 PM »
Thanks guys!  Appreciate the welcome and encouragement.  Definitely leaning toward resto-mod.  Got a couple of questions on fender tags,
1.  What is the M31 belt molding?
2. Second tag has two codes, L2 and 625.  Can anyone tell me what they are?
Bill

Offline jimynick

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2015 - 10:56:00 PM »
Welcome to the site from Canada and good luck with your new acquisition- I'd build it the way you want it.  :wave:

Offline TelisSE440

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2015 - 02:20:20 AM »
Welcome aboard, I like your cuda because I too would like to build one my own way, make your decision and stick to it...

Offline moparman82

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2015 - 09:08:26 AM »
Welcome from Omaha, what part of Kansas are you in?
Scott in Omaha
Searching for the right 70 Cuda driver
1973 challenger in go-mango, on it's way to a 70 T/A clone SOLD
2015 crew cab Hemi ram SOLD
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Offline classy_gene

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #10 on: September 28, 2015 - 05:25:46 PM »
Cool! I just bought a 74 Cuda as well and I'm from East Central KS.  I will post pics later.  I too am deciding what route to take as far as drivetrain.  My car was supposed to be a 360 6-pack that was ordered pink.  I haven't looked up the info on the tag as of yet.  Looking forward to learning as well!

Offline anlauto

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #11 on: September 28, 2015 - 05:52:10 PM »
Cool! I just bought a 74 Cuda as well and I'm from East Central KS.  I will post pics later.  I too am deciding what route to take as far as drivetrain.  My car was supposed to be a 360 6-pack that was ordered pink.  I haven't looked up the info on the tag as of yet.  Looking forward to learning as well!

You'll want to look for and "L" in the VIN number on the dash to confirm it came with a 360. However I hope you didn't pay a premium for a pink six pack car, because those two options were not available in 1974. :2thumbs:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #12 on: September 28, 2015 - 06:05:15 PM »
Can you post up the pics of your fender tags.  Those codes that you listed just don't make any sense.
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Offline wantone

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #13 on: September 28, 2015 - 07:27:56 PM »
I would make a re-creation of the FAST 7 car.  That would command serious re$ale and be a super cool looking ride.
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Offline 734406pk

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Re: '74 Cuda in Kansas
« Reply #14 on: September 28, 2015 - 09:57:26 PM »
Very Cool! Good luck with your resto !!!
1973 Challenger 440 6 pack auto 3.91 rear
2012 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 6.7 Cummins Fleece EFI Live
1973 Challenger 318 2bbl auto 2.73 rear 22.5 mpg RIP
1970 Challenger TA 340 4bbl auto-Sold and sad
1999 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 5.9 Cummins Fleece tuned VGT-sold
1995 Kawasaki ZX1100E & still alive