1970 Cuda Chrome Tail Light Bezel Trim Question...

[elevenssc]

I've got a question...

On 1970 Cuda's, there is a chrome trim piece arround the rear tail light bezel.  My question... Is this standard on all Cuda's or was this included with a trim option for the Cuda's?  (I know Barracuda's dont have the chrome trim piece)

I'm in the process of making my Barracuda into a Cuda Clone, and would like to make it appear correct.

I know all Cuda tail light bezels were flat black, regardless of car color, but up until a few days ago, I thought the chrome trim piece was also standard for Cuda's

I saw a yellow Cuda the other day that did not have the chrome trim piece arround the tail light bezel.  I'm wondering what is the "official ruling" on the chrome tail light trim piece for Cuda's.

Thanks...

[mopardave]

good question. I have 2 Barracudas here at the shop with as it appears with the original tail lamps still in place and they both had chrome trim. Both cars were 6 cylinder by vin. I could be wrong but I thought the chrome trim was standard on both. If it is not there the painted face bezel will not fit correctly or even seal.

[71340RT]

I think mopardave is correct as I have had both Barracuda and Cuda models and they both had the chrome trim.

[elevenssc]

I just want to make sure we are all talking about the same trim...

The trim I'm referring to is shown by the yellow arrows on the first pic, the black AAR.  My car is the second pic, the convertible, and the yellow arrows are pointing to where the chrome trim should be...

[mopardave]

AHHH, the tail panel moldings, Yes that was an option mostly on Cuda's

[elevenssc]

I figured I was using the wrong words...Thanks for your help

So am I correct to say that the tail panel mouldings were only available on the official "Cuda" models as part of a trim option?  (did the Barracudas get the mouldings?)

Just curious, if they were only available as an option, what option did they come with?

[71340RT]

I thought you were talking about the tail light chrome trim. The rear tail panel mouldings in your picture only came on Cuda models.

[Moparal]

I figured I was using the wrong words...Thanks for your help

So am I correct to say that the tail panel mouldings were only available on the official "Cuda" models as part of a trim option?  (did the Barracudas get the mouldings?)

Just curious, if they were only available as an option, what option did they come with?

70 /71 cudas came with a different type of chrome trim. What you are showing is for grand coupe, m46 barracudas and the aar's ,

[elevenssc]

Thanks everyone...

Still being a  to Mopars, I'm not familiar with m46 barracudas...is that the "Cuda" option?

If I'm making my Barracuda into a Cuda Clone, do I need the tail panel moulding to make it "correct", or did some Cuda's not have the trim?

Thanks

[Moparal]

The aar cuda picture you posted has cuda chrome on it.  Far as I know, all cudas came with chrome, but dont quote me.  M46 barracudas hand 72 -74 cudas and the aar share the same type of rear chrome

[hemiken]

And to add to Alan's list, the 70 - 71 Gran Coupe came with the same trim as M46 and 72 - 74 'Cudas.

[Topcat]

Does anyone have a pic of the hole locations?

They're in certain locations for the best fit. I did it before guessing and later found out that some of the holes I drilled weren't ideal locations for the clip the assemble from the inside.

[elevenssc]

Thanks everyone for all the help...this website is great!!!  

Rather than buying the trim pieces and installing them on a car that never had them (possible headaches looming)...what does everything think about painting the "trim" light agrent silver?  I have about 1/2 of a can left over from painting my rims...(just curious...)

[hemiken]

I wouls suggest you do what ever you like and i personally think it would look alright with what you have in mind.

[cjm]

On a 70 Cuda the code for that trim (tail panel) is M88 (4 pieces)..  Grand Coupes & newer Cudas code for M88 is a little different, the chrome trim was on the back of the trunk lid and also on the edges of the tail panel (3 pieces) also a little wider...