Newbie, restoring '74 Cuda

[jail4u677]

Just joined.  Currently restoring a '74 Cuda, 440, bored out to 446, with a Torqueflite 8 tranny.  Originally owned by my father in law who left it to his daughter/my wife and I.  Full story is she grew up with the car, helping her dad work on it and going to the drag strip every weekend and he promised it to her.  He gave it to us to restore but she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer sp he took it back to try and restore it for her.  A year later, he was diagnosed with a terminal form of a blood cancer and passed away a year later.  I took it over and have been restoring it as a tribute to both of them.  He blew the original motor and replaced it with the current 440 from his '69 Challenger.  Engine is a beast and can't wait to put it back in the car when all the body is restored.

[cudamadd]

Welcome Sorry to read your sad story .The car has been in the family a long time and we know it would mean a lot. I Hope you get to restore the car it would be the best tribute you could do for them both .Good Luck 

[dfrazz]

Wow, what a story. So sorry to hear about your wife and father-in-law. But I'm so glad to hear your restoring it!  This is a great site with many helpful people. Welcome from CO!

[jail4u677]

Thanks for the comments.  It's been a long slow process that most people said wasn't possible.  The amount of rust, especially on the frame rails and underbody kept most people from even attempting the job.  Finally found some great guys that were up for a challenge and have been busting their butts to help make it happen.  I am doing the engine myself with the help of a racing engine builder friend of mine.  Still have a ton of more overtime hours to put in at work to help pay for it but it will be well worth it when she sees the finished product.  Hope to have pics up when I can figure out how to resize them to be accepted here.

Would like people's opinions....Original color was yellow, not sure if it was the Lemon Twist or not.  She is undecided on keeping it the same or changing it to the Plum Crazy Purple or something else.  Any thoughts or preferences?

[Cudakiller70]

What a story on your car, liked the beginning, just sad to hear your loss. I think you finishing the car would be a good way to finish the story. These things do take a lot of work. Father in law, brother in law and sister going through cancer now, it's messed up. You sound very positive that's a big plus. Good people here to help you with your car  best to ya!

Color wise, just me its your car make it what you want. If your memories are of this car in yellow, might be something to consider. 

[dfrazz]

Would like people's opinions....Original color was yellow, not sure if it was the Lemon Twist or not.  She is undecided on keeping it the same or changing it to the Plum Crazy Purple or something else.  Any thoughts or preferences?

Since it is not numbers matching or "1 of whatever" I say paint it the color of her choice.  Growing up with the car, the original yellow may bring back some great memories.  But if she wants it plum crazy, then go for it.  FYI - the original plum crazy is a more dull than the current version.   

[js29no]

Welcome    And good to have you hear!!! 

[734406pk]

Welcome to the site from NY! Sorry to hear your story... I admire your courage and wish you the best with your resto. Post any questions to this site, there are many knowledgeable people here willing to help. Good Luck! 

[blown motor]

Welcome and keep us posted on the progress.