Purchased My 71 'Cuda!

[Mr. 6pak2go]

wow nz thats awsome congrats! how ya been doing mate?

[Carlwalski]

How long till the build process is finished? 

Thanks for your opinion on clones and making a triple black car. I agree with you that most if not all people would check the TBH car out first, if not, it would definitely grab their attention. That doesn't bother me who or what looks at what or who! I build my cars for me, no one else and no one will be looking when it's me and the Hemi on a state highway 3am and no one around, just me and the black top.

Build time? I'm expecting to be driving January 2009. 18 months.


Kevin:  Thanks mate and I'm going very well, broke, but well lol. Yourself (stranger).

[74 340 4speed]

That is a beautiful car.  I couldn't bring myself to strip it down, but its your dream so go for it.    I'm happy you got a nice solid car.  Please post up plenty of pics during the resto-mod process.

[ragtopdodge]

Sweet car for sure NZ!

I hope someday to have my '71 383 GC in all black.

Should seriously consider putting in an Alterkation.  You can get 12" brakes/rotors that should fit under 15" steelies.  Go all the way I say, which sounds like you are.

[Carlwalski]

Thanks guys.


Ragtop - Nope, I'm not going all the way in terms of modernization. I have a Dr-Diff custom Strange 60 rear with Dr-Diff discs and factory discs up front, that's plenty enough. I want a real era mans car. It'll be like a lighter faster small block car once complete. It must have 15" wheels, big wheels don't scream muscle IMO. The XV stuff is nice but I have a handling V8 car that's modern and would leave my Mopars for dead around a track, if I want a rail hugging experience, I'll drive that, if I want a big brawler that needs total control and skill to drive I'll take the Hemi or Lucy out.

It's part of the era and something which I'd like to keep as much as possible. My aim like Lucy is to have a 95% stock appearing car with some nice hidden modern upgrades. It'll have an XV level 1 suspension kit and their stiffening kit and some Harms torque boxes for the extra power but apart from that, the keisler and diff it'll be stock. No one will know what ci the Hemi is, it'll just look like a Hemi lol.

[Stacked440]

Crikey!  Thats one CLEAN cuda!  Concourse car even!

[67Vette427]

Hi Carl,   It looks good. You'll have some good parts to barter or trade too! Good idea getting a good grill. I went through the grill hassle with my car with several passing through my garage before I got a good one. It also looks like the rally dash is in good shape so you may not have to do any work there. Its going to look good, hopefully mine will be out of the paint shop next month but I'm not holding my breath!  You're right on track-Good Luck!

[Carlwalski]

Thanks mate, best of luck with your one too.
You should give me inspiration to finish (not that I need it!)

It gets better, I just found out too that the restoration was preformed by none other than Julius of "Restorations by Julius" most who get around the hobby and know Mopars will know this guy. Julius said I got it for a steal.

[Mr. 6pak2go]

he nz thats awsome so where are the pics?? lol im happy for you!! now i gotta get started on my car your two up on me buddy!   

[Carlwalski]

he nz thats awsome so where are the pics?? lol im happy for you!! now i gotta get started on my car your two up on me buddy!   

Thanks Kev, photos are on page 1 mate.
Or check out my website: http://www.nz440rt.com/Purchasingthe71cuda.html

[back n black]

18 months till this build is finished?  You had better lighten up on the posting mate?

[Carlwalski]

18 months + a restored car = minimal to no bodywork. Pays to pay more upfront.

[Mr. 6pak2go]

wow nz thats awsome!! nice gotta love b5!!

[bentpshrods]

  Going to be one mean cuda when you are done. Congrat's. Your car was made right around the same time as mine (April). I was checking out the fender tag codes---did it have the luggage rack option originally? And what about putting rear window louvers on it. Louvers  make these cars look totally badass in my opinion. Mine are missing but will be the last thing to go on after I get it painted in the near future. Going to be a killer combo seeing  the cuda and Lucy next to each other---   

[Carlwalski]

Thanks guys, too kind, FAR too kind.


Bentpshrods - Nope no louvers, I'm not a big fan of them myself, I like the smooth clean glass look, just personal preference. I'll have to double check the tag, I did a quick run through before buying the car but haven't gone through it properly, I never saw a luggage rack though? I'll be removing the factory tags and getting a custom one made with my options like [540] for the Hemi something [TKO] for the 5-Speed, [S60] for the Dana etc, etc.

I will put at the bottom [1971 Triple Black Hemi 'Cuda] I may or may not put "clone/replica/custom" on it as people who know and would pick it up (or care) would see straight away from the "540" and especially having [1971 Triple Black Hemi Cuda] on it. Just going through and ordering the bigger bulk parts as we speak. Shaker set up, diff, brakes etc.