converting 73 Barracuda to 70 Cuda Clone

[cudaboyandgirl]

Hi, I am trying to find out if 1970 cuda panels front, quarter etc, front grill and rear tail ends will easily fit onto a 1973 barracuda? Can anyone help, or perhaps point me to an area that lists this type of info.  Thanks

[MEK-Dangerfield]

If you are talking about the whole grill and header, and fenders... then I guess it would work. Otherwise, BIG work ahead of you. To get the rear to work... alot more work.  I would advise against all of this, unless you have a great donor car, or deep pockets... or MUCHO patience to git her right.  Just my opinion.. I don't know your situation.


  Mike

[cudaboyandgirl]

Thanks for your opinion Mike.  I've notice that quite a few people share the same view as you.  I thought the all the body shapes of 70-74 were the same therefore swapping parts around wouldn't be a prob.   I'm worried I may be going down the wrong track!!!

Con

[GoodysGotaCuda]

dont forget about cutting the 1/4s for the 70 side markers. cant have 70 fenders w/70 turn signals and 72+ rear side markers.

Leave the 73 alone!  (i for one am against making a later mopar like an earlier mopar, they are just as cool, if not your style...buy the right one.)  Sorry if that came off a little harsh, just sayin 

[Challenger6pak]

By the time you do all the work and invest all the money you would be better off just getting the car you want. If you have the 73 and it needs a little work, fix it and trade up when you can.  The 73 is a nice car the way it is. 

[kamstra]

I was going to do the same but I sold my 72 cuda.  I bought a tail panel that would allow for the use of 70 taillights and some 70 taillights.  You need a 70 grill.(The grill is expensive but are avilable reproduction, the 72-74 grills are not cheap anymore either)   It will also require the one year 70 valance which surronds the grill fairly inexpensive.  You could also do the marker lights if you wish.  It is a project but not that difficult.

[cudaboyandgirl]

Thanks Kamstra, I can get hold of a complete front grill and header for $2,200 and back panel and tail lights.  Do they just bolt on or is there some cutting involved?   I haven't finalised payment for this car yet.  I've paid a deposit to the seller and he is very helpful and is looking around for parts/panels so they can be shipped off together with the car.  Shipping to Australia usually takes 10-12 weeks.   

[SilverChally]

The rear panel is spot welded in, not hard to change if your familiar with the work. 

[Mark 12:30]

i say dont do it. id take a 73 any day of the week!

[71GTX]

I was going to do the same but I sold my 72 cuda.  I bought a tail panel that would allow for the use of 70 taillights and some 70 taillights.  You need a 70 grill.(The grill is expensive but are avilable reproduction, the 72-74 grills are not cheap anymore either)   It will also require the one year 70 valance which surronds the grill fairly inexpensive.  You could also do the marker lights if you wish.  It is a project but not that difficult.

Rob,
Are you up for selling the rear tail panel?? PM me if so....

[BARACDA]

There is a red TA KindaClone running around Leavenworth KS I saw this summer.  It was a 71 that the guy had morphed into a 70 TA complete with hood etc.  Sorry no pics...

jim

[Challenger6pak]

73 AAR clones look good.  It would save some trouble and still give a 1970 look. 

[KellysCuda aircard]

Round tail lights rock.

[360 'CUDA]

Round tail lights rock.

    indeed   

[ragtopdodge]

Just paint the grille black.  Heck, '70 grilles are pretty darn subtle anyways so if you want that look, blacking out a '73 grille pretty much does the same thing.

I concur, round taillights are cool, especially if you replace the backup lenses with the running taillights.  Also, hi-tech has LEDs for the round taillights.  How cool is that?

I'm however not a fan of the side marker lights; I would just shave those completely for a smooth look.