Local Cuda

[jmanscharger]

Have always  had Chargers and b-bodies but have seen a local cuda from a distance  for several years. It just went up for sale. Real 340 1972 Cuda but not original motor, shift on the column, a/c (not there)runs and drives, but needs repainting and interior re-done. Body has some small rust bubbles but looks like a solid foundation, but some fits are not perfect. Grill is cracked, needs headlight trim and attention. Would have been happy with a Barracuda.  The price is $7900 which I believe is fair for a real Cuda but the work it still needs worries me a bit. Just trying to get a feel for this, real Cudas are hard to find locally I'm figuring I better grab it quick?

[Carlwalski]

First of all Welcome aboard to CCC  
I would offer him 7K Max, it needs work, paint and interior aint cheap even if It is an original Cuda but the original engine is not there which is a big factor........I personally think he's asking a little on the high side, I would hold off and search else where there are better buys out there for that kind of money.
I don't know how long youv're been looking, but what I got from your post is that you have just started looking? If so it's better to search around before taking one giant step and then seeing a much better buy a couple of weeks later.......

[jmanscharger]

I have an eye out for any old mopars, not many local barracudas, keep pricing on the net and always seem to be going up. I think $7000 is a legitimate offer, I may not get the car, but they will be turning down cash and this car needs a lot.

[jmanscharger]

Hey Thanks for the nice welcome too, I will surf through this site from the Charger site pretty regularly, have always been a Charger owner but ever since I helped my best friend get a Challenger last year I have wanted a Cuda.

[lemonboy69]

Welcome aboard!!! Like NZ said... wait a bit... I bought my 'Cuda the first time I saw it, and didn't know what I got myself into... tons of rust... but... I'm making do with it and I'm happy right now... if the car really tickles your fancy, go for it... but I would wait and keep looking around!!

LB

[Carlwalski]

No probs, Have you seen the car in person? Go see him in person when you make an offer never the phone but I'm sure you knew that  
Good luck and I hope you get a Cuda, this one or any  

[Rev-It-Up]

Welcome to the board JD!  If you could go snap some pictures of the car and the problem areas, it might be easier to assess the value, although I think $7,000 would be my high end.  Where are you located?

[DropTopGirl]

Hi and welcome to the board!

I tend to agree with most of the replies.  Especially if not the original engine.  Double check the vin and that it corresponds with what is in the car.  Yeah, paint and body work are not cheap either.  But like some have said, if it is one that you don't think you can live without, do your homework and make sure of what you're getting and what to expect in the resto.

Best of luck!

Dawn

[jmanscharger]

After ya'll's advice tonight I called another acquintance  from a couple of years ago. Still has a 72 Barracuda he put a 340 in, body in better shape than the Cuda. He wants $5000 and will throw in a parts car. I will go and look Sunday.

[jmanscharger]

So Patience may pay off. The first overpriced Cuda looked pretty good three years ago before sitting outside for so long, I really wanted it before I saw it again. The second Barracuda has been partially amatuer restored, been in a garage for a while.  

[Street_Challenged73]

Hey jd115, welcome aboard!!  Good luck with whichever 'Cuda you decide to go for.  

[Carlwalski]

After ya'll's advice tonight I called another acquintance  from a couple of years ago. Still has a 72 Barracuda he put a 340 in, body in better shape than the Cuda. He wants $5000 and will throw in a parts car. I will go and look Sunday.

Look at that already a better buy..........this one sounds very promising indeed. If the car has at least a #'s matching engine I think I'll cry  
Good luck and let us know how you get on.  
Cheers,
NZ

[Rev-It-Up]

Hey JD.  That second deal sounds like a much better deal.  Take a digital camera with you on Sunday so we can all see!  

[jmanscharger]

The $7900 Cuda looked good 4 years ago but every fender now shows a defect or small rust bubble at the bottom. The right front fender has bondo around the headlight and no trim for the lights, plus a cracked and broken grill near the left light. The 340 is a 1969. There is a huge puddle of tranny fluid under the car. The car is white and I still see defects all around. The interior needs new covers, dash pad and a small floor patch. The doors are nice but even the trunk lid has rust around the trim and ya'll have convinced me I don't want to pay that much for a car that needs work in EVERY area and is non-numbers matching.
The second car is a barracuda and non numbers matching and I will take pictures on Sunday and get some feedback. Think he might take $4000, I need to take him some comparative prices, anyone have an old price guide handy on 1972 base barracuda in fair project condition? The parts car and some parts are the bonus here. I like this guy want to offer him fair price and get a good deal too.

[jmanscharger]

It's a real old man Cuda. Not original but 340 car.

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