73 cuda conversion

[charger01]

Iam a newbie here and just purchased a 73 cuda while my 69 charger is away at the body shop.  It's in pretty bad shape and needs alot of new sheet metal.  I want to clone it into a 71.  If I use my existing 73 grille can I purchase 71 fenders and factory quarters?  Will they line up and bolt on correctly.  No way I can afford a real 71, so this is my only option and it all needs changed anyways.

[The Cuda Guy]

You should just do a 73 cuda.   

Cuda Guy

[4Cruizn]

Yes it will line up and bolt together correctly.  You will also need a lower valance for a 71 unless you are just planning on leaving the 73 grill and just putting on the gilled fenders.   

[charger01]

I need the lower valance too so that wont matter.  I just wanted to make sure the fenders would work with the grille before I bought any.  I know some wont agree with the change, but I plan on keeping the car and prefer the looks of the 71 better.  Will surely be a one of a kind.  I got about 10 years to go to get it done before my son turns 16.  Will the 73 taillight harness be a problem if I swap tailpanels as well.  How would you work around that?  Thanks for your help guys.

[4Cruizn]

I'm sure the rear harness won't cause too much trouble . . are you planning on putting 4 headlights in this car??   

[Carlwalski]

Although I agree with Don 100%, this link may be of some use to you http://www.bkauto.net/1971%20HEMICUDA.htm Best of luck, all I can say is if you do it, do it 100% of the way, total 71 conversion right down to seat covers and exterior/interior options. Nothing would be worse than seeing a 73 Cuda with bits of 71 on it. 

 

[360 'CUDA]

Nice site. They did a really good job on that car but just one thing.  Why does he think all hemicudas started out as convertibles? 

Welcome Charger01 

[charger01]

That link is awesome.  thank you.  Iam not sure what I want to do yet.  Iam just not a big fan of the 73 tail panel and side marker lights, and it all needs replaced.  Was figuring it wouldnt be much work.  Guess I was wrong.  Are there really that many differences between 70-73?

[Carlwalski]

Yes but the 71 will (obviously) require more work. While you will need all these parts, whether it be a 73 you restore it as or a 71, the big difference is 71 panels and parts cost almost twice as much, in some cases 3 times as much. They did do a good job on that car although some of the methods and steps seem out of place but the end result is a car that not many could pick up on as being an original 73. Have you thought about doing a custom build? Why not make your own style of tail panel up? Why not do some custom panel work and have a one off 73. Although 71 Cudas are my favorite there ain't nothing wrong with a mean 72-74 Cuda. Have a think about it but I stand by my first post when I say if you do go 71 (I don't agree with it) but if you do, go the full hog or nothing.


Ps: No worries about the link, I thought you'd like it.

[Carlwalski]

This is what a "bitsa" looks like. This car is about 4 models in one and IMO, rather poo. 

[charger01]

Is that a 73 aar hemi cuda?

[inot2old]

I wouldn't change the fenders & tail panel without changing the grill.  The '71 grill is what makes the car IMHO.

[RabidScott]

Converting a '73 into a '71 shouldn't be much harder than any other resto that involves sheetmetal and interior work.  Like NZ440 said, more expensive, but parts are available.

This is what a "bitsa" looks like. This car is about 4 models in one and IMO, rather poo. 

Kinda like STROKER499's car, huh?   I always thought it was cool....



'72 Challenger, '71 stripe and side scoops, '70 Challenger T/A hood, painted bumpers, '70 spoiler.....

[hotrod98]

My wife wanted her 73 to look more like my 71 so I added the gills, recessed the side markers, tucked in the bumpers and painted the grille to match. Now she has a real 71 Cuda but doesn't want to part with her 73. And by the way, it's fuel injected with a 4 speed overdrive automatic and cruise control. Gets 25 mpg and drives like a new car. She won first place in the 73 up class at the Branson Super Summer Cruise a few weeks ago. If you want to make your 73 look more like a real 71, it's going to cost quite a few bucks. 71 parts are not cheap. PG Classics has most of the parts that you will need. No one makes the rear tail panels yet. We love our 71's and wouldn't sell them for any amount of money. If you need any info just e-mail me.

[charger01]

Can you post more pics of your 73 hotrod?  That is sweet.  Did you use your original tailpanel.  Love that car.