Cuda Barracuda...whats the difference?

[Cuda_Shizzle007]

Okay, I have just recently been bitten by the Cuda bug. I have for the longest time loved mustangs, but after seeing a show called American Muscle Cars in which they spotlighted the Hemi-Cuda and Challenger, I have fallen in love with the Cuda. It has the look I always pictured, but never fully noticed. So my question: Whats the difference between the Barracuda and Cuda? I know they are the same body, but what differs to give one car the name Cuda and the other Barracuda?

[72hemi]

The two are different option packages. The Barracuda is the basemodel, while the 'cuda is the performance package. A Barracuda's vin number will usually start with BH, while a 'cuda's will start with BS. There are some different trim options and engine, transmissions, and rearend combos. If you would like some more specific details let us know.

[JimCuda]

Well you have come to the right place for your questions to be answered and I have that seen the Muscle car show you are refering to.

I would hate to start off with another question like what year are you interested in but I will throw it out there. So many years in question 64-74 (Ten years of goodness)

Here is a good palce to start:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth_Barracuda

[Cuda_Shizzle007]

I am interested in the 70 to 74. I would like to get my hands on a 70 or 71 to start rebuilding, but it seems diffcult to even find those years in decent project status in Texas. I may have to wait a few months and buy one in better shape and spend a little more stash. I just hate to drop too much in one that I plan to tear down completely, but noticed those tend to have better interiors. Plus I figured if I got a 72-74 I could just change out the rear lights to a 70 and and the front light to a 71. Then I would have the best of both worlds. So for what I plan a barracuda or cuda makes no difference? If I got a 70-71 I would rebuild to original, but 72-74 would be a bit modified. I just love the look and ride stance, and can't wait to actually ride in one, but that my have to wait until I build mine. Thanks for the link JimCuda.

[Bondavi]

Okay, I have just recently been bitten by the Cuda bug. I have for the longest time loved mustangs, but after seeing a show called American Muscle Cars in which they spotlighted the Hemi-Cuda and Challenger, I have fallen in love with the Cuda. It has the look I always pictured, but never fully noticed.

This, my Mopar friends, is a perfect example of what is happening with the Mopar hobby. People who wouldn't give it so much as a second thought are noticing them for the great cars they are and looking to get into one. With the release of the new Challenger one wonders what that'll do for E-bodies alike (or the dwindling supply of good affordable cars).

Now Shizzle, welcome to the show! You'll love it here...  Check out Mike's site here:

http://www.goodysgotacuda.com/

[JimCuda]

I am interested in the 70 to 74. I would like to get my hands on a 70 or 71 to start rebuilding

You might consider a 72-74 unless you really want to spend a ton of money or want a major project (rot/no motor/trans,interior,etc). 70 and 71 cudas and even barracudas tend to pull over $10k in very bad shape denpending on the options/ motor sizes, etc.

noticed those tend to have better interiors.

Actually aside from a few pattern differences in the materials used, most 70-74 interiors look greatly very similar and vynil. Barracudas with leather generally have been found with Grand Coupes as an option but I'm don't believe this was standard.

Plus I figured if I got a 72-74 I could just change out the rear lights to a 70 and and the front light to a 71. Then I would have the best of both worlds. So for what I plan a barracuda or cuda makes no difference? If I got a 70-71 I would rebuild to original, but 72-74 would be a bit modified. I just love the look and ride stance, and can't wait to actually ride in one, but that my have to wait until I build mine. Thanks for the link JimCuda.

All depends on your budget. Even though the 72-74 will never bring as much as a 1971 White Hemi Cuda Convert. (4.2 million) they will however continue to rise in value in good condition.

Sounds to me like you want to play, find a 72-74 Barracuda/Cuda and make it what you will. I however love the 72-74 tail lights compared to a 70-71 (do like those years as well). However the 70-71 grills are the best, again just a pref thing.

Some major differeneces in the 70-74 years are the grills, tail lights, side marker lights, bumper types and lower front valance. 70 also finds its way to some shorter base side mirrors. These are the basic differences but are some of the most noticable. Picture below:

[Cuda_Shizzle007]

So I have seen a few project cars, and a question that will effect my future purchase decision- how hard is it to replace an interior? I see cars guted out, but how hard is it to replace. At least a complete car has parts to cleaned and reused vs hunting them down. Can the interior stuff be purchase new and dropped in? What are major areas to look at rust wise and hard to replace parts? I found a 74 Barracuda with two spots needing floor plan replacement and trunk pan replacement. Its in my range and is a pretty complete car minus a few items. Its not a full numbers matching car but close. Also, I see titling of cars questioned quite a bit, is their certian things I need to look out for? Sorry so many questions, but the car was better looking in person than in the pictures that were sent, so I would hate for the car to move and not be the one getting the car. Plus it minus the engine and trans, which means I could rebuild and then drop a hemi in it...heard a hemi 426 last week and decided...its too cool to not put in the car I end up building. I know they cost a ton, but imo well worth it!!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

This, my Mopar friends, is a perfect example of what is happening with the Mopar hobby. People who wouldn't give it so much as a second thought are noticing them for the great cars they are and looking to get into one. With the release of the new Challenger one wonders what that'll do for E-bodies alike (or the dwindling supply of good affordable cars).

Now Shizzle, welcome to the show! You'll love it here...  Check out Mike's site here:

http://www.goodysgotacuda.com/

Wow, never seen my page posted as a link before  Little misleading, its a Barracuda. But it says cuda 

Please don't cutup a 72+ to make it like a 70/71. That should be just sac-religious if you ask me.  :bigsmile:You buy round tailights, you run round tailights, and run 'em proud 

The 70/71 guys should consider themselves lucky they share the same parts as 72+ cars 



Won't see these tailights changing shape. 

[Street_Challenged73]

Welcome to the site, Cuda_Shizzle007!!!!   It sounds like you found a pretty nice car with the description you wrote.  I'd say if you're set on purchasing any '70-'74 Barracuda or 'Cuda, you should probably jump on this one.  The areas you should be most concerned with for rot or rusting are the torsion bar crossmember, the rear frame rails, the front rails where they curve upwards to the front of the car (usually where the cowling area meets up with it), the cowl, the rear window channel (filler panel, too), and the obvious areas such as the inner fenders, floor pans, trunk pan, and A-pillars.   These areas can all be fixed, but it would cost quite a bit to get some of the larger jobs (rails and t-bar crossmember) fixed properly.  Best of luck and be sure to let us know what you decide to do!   If you want, post some photos of the car on the site and we'll check it over as best as we can for you.

[Cuda_Shizzle007]

Okay, don't get me wrong on the changing out the lights, as I do like the round ons. It was a throught. Here are a few pic of the car I am looking at. It not too far away. I have more on a CD, but the thing just isn't working.

[Cuda_Shizzle007]

Two more.

[Cuda_Shizzle007]

So what the verdict? Is it in decent shape. I can't get the underside pics to work off the CD. or

[360 'CUDA]

 :bigsmile:You buy round tailights, you run round tailights, and run 'em proud 

The 70/71 guys should consider themselves lucky they share the same parts as 72+ cars 

Won't see these tailights changing shape. 

 

I like all E-bodies but something about those round tailights........

[360 'CUDA]

seriously though..

Does that Barracuda your looking at have a dash pad with a VIN?   Without that it's just a parts car

I could use a car like that but I need alot of parts.   I don't think I would buy that one for my first car if it doesn't have the VIN

[Cuda_Shizzle007]

So if it doesn't have a vin, why should I not buy it?