Author Topic: building a cuda convertible  (Read 10397 times)

Offline 68charger70cuda

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building a cuda convertible
« on: February 06, 2006 - 04:38:11 PM »
i am thinking of doing a cuda convertible conversion.  does anyone know if challenger convertible parts are all or mostly interchangeable with cuda parts?  finding a challenger convertible donor car seems easier and cheaper than finding a cuda donor car.  is there anywhere one can find a detailed list of parts needed for the conversion, and instructions on doing it right? 




Offline 4Cruizn

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2006 - 08:37:00 PM »
Most e-body convertible parts do interchange and there are many parts needed.  Do you have the car already??  :dunno:

Offline hotrod98

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2006 - 10:25:36 AM »
We've discussed this before. The convertibles are very different from hardtops in construction. The convertible rocker panels, inner quarters and wheelhouses are made from very thick steel. I personally think that it is a very bad idea to convert a hardtop into a convertible. I've dismembered both body styles and was shocked at the differences the first time I cut up a convertible for scrap. The floors and upper body panel are very different as well. I have several pieces left from a 71 challenger including a manual convertible top frame and the brace that extends from left qtr to right quarter. I think that the only thing that you would accomplish is destroying a good hardtop car.
1971 Cuda, Tor-red, Bench seat
1971 Cuda Drag Car
1973 Cuda Clone, EFI/OD Limelight
1970 Superbird (Yes, it's real) Black Ice
1971 Barracuda Sassy Grass Green (sold)
1970 Challenger RT SE 383 Plum Crazy
1969 Road Runner Hardtop
1968 Road Runner Coupe (sold)

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Offline hemi71

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2006 - 11:08:22 AM »
 :iagree:

Not saying it's not possible, and I know it's been done...but unless you are looking for a challenge, it's much easier to just buy a ragtop built by Ma Mopar.

 :cheers:

Offline 68charger70cuda

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2006 - 02:52:40 PM »
i guess you are right about this whole idea - it's stupid.  now can someone just show me where i can get a decent cuda convertible???


Offline 68charger70cuda

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #6 on: February 07, 2006 - 04:14:54 PM »
i've been watching these, especially the last one. with a hemi in it, thats my next car!

Offline 68charger70cuda

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #7 on: February 07, 2006 - 04:18:59 PM »
does anyone know anything about that car (bad fish) - seems like its been on ebay before...  i am wondering what its going to go for.  nine more days to go... now can i mortgage the house in that time???


Offline HemiOrange70

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #8 on: February 07, 2006 - 04:38:57 PM »
the first car has no interior pics, and the second car is a 'cuda hemi recreation with no shaker hood, no fender gills and no hemi....hmmmm it is a nice barracuda

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #9 on: February 07, 2006 - 04:39:33 PM »
I have always liked the verts.  Something about em..............    :ylsuper:    :cooldancing:    ....Oldschool

Offline Old Moparz

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #10 on: February 07, 2006 - 05:03:08 PM »
i am thinking of doing a cuda convertible conversion.  does anyone know if challenger convertible parts are all or mostly interchangeable with cuda parts?  finding a challenger convertible donor car seems easier and cheaper than finding a cuda donor car.  is there anywhere one can find a detailed list of parts needed for the conversion, and instructions on doing it right? 



How about this?

http://www.convertible-conversions.com/

They were at the Mopar Nationals when I went in 2003 & had very nice stuff on display. They also convert the hardtops to ragtops, but it ain't cheap.
Newburgh, New York - 12550

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Offline 4Cruizn

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #11 on: February 07, 2006 - 06:08:11 PM »
They also convert the hardtops to ragtops, but it ain't cheap.

Actually they will not convert your car . . . here is a quote from their website.   


WE HAVE HAD MANY CALLS AND E-MAILS FROM PEOPLE WANTING US TO CONVERT THEIR HARDTOPS TO CONVERTIBLES.  WE DO NOT PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.  AFTER WE GET A CAR DONE, IT IS THEN OFFERED FOR SALE.


Offline hotrod98

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #12 on: February 07, 2006 - 07:21:58 PM »
You would need to find most of the parts "used" since no one is reproducing much for the converts. Even wheelhouses are unavailable. Seems like I did see someone reproducing some of the windshield frame moldings. They usually go for $1000 or more for a nice used set. The quarters have alignment wedges in the door openings that align to pieces on the doors. All of the side glass is different as well, but it's available in repros. If you decide to go ahead with the project, I would suggest building a full sub-frame from mild steel tubing. I really think that it could be done if you have the patience and ability. You could build what I call a parade car that has no folding top. You could have an upholstery shop make a cover in case it starts raining or to just cover the interior up at night. I've seen several 57 chevies built this way.
If this 69 camaro rebody thing takes hold, I think that we may well eventually see cuda converts being reproduced. I think the demand is growing rapidly. I owned a 70 barracuda convert and a 70 chal convert and only kept the chal convert. Now I wish I had kept the barracuda convert as well. I would love to convert my 71 cuda to a convertible, but it scares me to think of ruining my car trying.
If you do it, we would love to follow your progress.
1971 Cuda, Tor-red, Bench seat
1971 Cuda Drag Car
1973 Cuda Clone, EFI/OD Limelight
1970 Superbird (Yes, it's real) Black Ice
1971 Barracuda Sassy Grass Green (sold)
1970 Challenger RT SE 383 Plum Crazy
1969 Road Runner Hardtop
1968 Road Runner Coupe (sold)

www.maniacmusclecars.com


Offline moparbowhunter

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #13 on: February 07, 2006 - 09:13:55 PM »
the Plum Crazy convert is absolutely beautiful!!!! but liek Alan Jackson says "itll just take money" which i dont have enough of it to have one like that, but maybe somday   :bigsmile:
70 Barracuda

Offline Old Moparz

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Re: building a cuda convertible
« Reply #14 on: February 07, 2006 - 10:44:06 PM »
Actually they will not convert your car . . . here is a quote from their website.   


WE HAVE HAD MANY CALLS AND E-MAILS FROM PEOPLE WANTING US TO CONVERT THEIR HARDTOPS TO CONVERTIBLES.  WE DO NOT PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.  AFTER WE GET A CAR DONE, IT IS THEN OFFERED FOR SALE.




Yeah, I saw that statement on the site. They were  taking cars when I talked to him, but he said the had to be completely rust free. Maybe there were too many headaches associated with cutting up a customer's car so they just buy them & sell them now.   :dunno:
Newburgh, New York - 12550

  Walking is good for you. It's documented that for every minute you exercise, you add a minute to your life. This enables you to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $5000 per month.