So I purchased an already restored 1970 Cuda last Christmas that was in very good shape and even had some nice extras. The body was rust free and had been repainted once. The owner also had done some nice upgrades like a Magnumforce K-frame with coilovers, a TKO 600 5 speed, Wilwood brakes with cross-drilled rotors, Boze Forged wheels and a Dana 60 with posi. He also installed a Mopar Performance 440 with aluminum heads and 6 pack. Not the engine choice I would have selected but to his defense this was back in 2010-11 when 5.7 Hemi's were the latest and greatest thing. The owner did an AAR theme which I like but needed some changes to be correct (the black was more like a bed liner than paint).
So that brings me to where I am now. I started off with a very nice car than runs and drive pretty well. I could have just left the car alone and enjoyed it as is which would have made good financial sense. The car gets a lot of attention every where I go and leaving rubber on the street has proven to be extremely easy in this car. But most of us would not be on this site if we did not enjoy improving our rides or making changes to cars that really do not need them but could always use some upgrades.
I finally decided what the heck and brought the Cuda to the body shop and left it there. We have now taken all the black down, filled in the hood in shallow places and put some primer on it. It will be painted the correct AAR black in the next few weeks. We have also installed a mini-tub kit which I purchased from US Cartool and have just finished installing a 4-link system from Control Freak (very nice system). Just today we ordered the new rear wheels, RushForth Rated-X with matte black centers, cleared brushed loops and no hardware. I am going with a 20x12 rear with probably a 335/30/20. We are in the process of calculating the wheel tire combo for the front. I do not want to alter the fender or fender trim so if my thinking is correct we will probably play it safe and go with a 19x8 and a 255 up front. This should avoid any possibilities of rubbing. If I can fit a 19x9 275 up front I would much prefer to go with that but we will see.
So that is it for now. The tubs are done, the 4-link is installed, the wheels are are ordered which is delaying my ability to narrow the rear end. The paint should be coming next along with undercoating the under carriage and trunk. I have also changed the stock gauges to some Autometer Pro Comp gauges which was definitely the right move. I will do my best to keep you guys updated on my progress. I am hoping to have everything completed in 90-120 days so I can get back on the road. I miss having this thing in my garage and being able to hit the road whenever I want but I firmly believe that everything i am doing will make the car so much more appealing and fun to drive when it is done.
God bless.
Daryl
