What's a '73 Cuda worth (in body shop) - I need a reality check

[Tom_440]

OK experts...I'm checking out a '73 Cuda ("H" code) later this afternoon and need a reality check. The car is in the body shop. It was a 340 car and now has a good running 383. original 340 is awol. 727 on Column. 8 3/4 with unknown gears. Black interior - complete and nice. Body is straight. Has new tail panel and new quarters and no rust. Car was stripped to metal. No fender tag or build sheet. Looks like it may have been a rally red car. The car has had all body work done and is in primer, blocked, and ready for paint. Seller wants $10K and shop wants an additional $3-4K to spray it the color of my choice and re-assemble car. (seller is paying the bodywork bill)

Is it worth it??? I'm not looking to flip it, just a nice e-body to drive...

All opinions appreciated 

[Moparal]

I'd say well heck yeah   Either with or without paint. But I would get it with

[Confederate Cuda]

If all the parts are there and you can get it painted and assembled for 13k. That is a deal. The only thing that I would watch out for is you paying the seller and him not paying the body shop. I would try to work out a deal where you pay the body shop and pay the seller any difference because if the seller does not pay the body shop they will place a lien on the car and you will have no legal recourse.

[Tom_440]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help.

My concern is that $13K - $14K seems to be a lot of $$$ for an "incorrect" Cuda, but I really like the idea of having a nice body and knowing what's under the paint before it goes on. I know bodywork is expensive and I can't do a nice job myself.

Good tip on the "lien" issue. I'll make sure everything is in writing from the seller and from the body shop if grab the car.

[Moparal]

That is not a lot of money for a clean done car. Numbers or not.You buying it to play with or retire on?  Drive it and enjoy it

[DanGoodman]

I would just make sure you drive it and get a good mechanic to check it out. I have never liked 383's,

 I would much prefer the matching 340, but if the car drives nice, it is a deal, IF the shop knows how to paint.

dan

[kingtroll]

I think its a good deal like the rest. You even have the luxury of knowing whta's under the paint.

['Cuda Hunter]

Good deal!  Assuming that you can drive it away for that price.   If you just want a driver then the fender tag and build sheet don't really mean that much.  Have you tried a search for the build sheet?  Get the vin and run it by good ole Barry.  He might know where it is. 
  Great deal really!

[71chally416]

You could always opt for a Kia Rio instead......

[Tom_440]

OK...

So I passed on the Kia Rio and bought the Cuda instead. Thanks for all the advice. It does have a fender tag, so now I gotta decode the thing before I pick a color. Anyone have a good link to decode the tag?

[FJ5_440]

Post the codes here and some of these guys can almost decode it from memory.  The online decoders sometimes give misleading info based on body type and year.

[Moparal]

Post the codes here and some of these guys can almost decode it from memory.  The online decoders sometimes give misleading info based on body type and year.

   And also   mymopar.com   

[Tom_440]

I'll try my mopar, but since I'm not sure I copied all codes correctly (tough to see), any help would be appreciated!

142  R11  V6W  EN2

L54  M21  M25  M31  M98  N4

JY9  U B41  C56  G37  J52

J79  A6XW  000 606  669222

E55 D34  BS23 H3R  548129

[FM3V6M]

I think it's 'Avocado Gold' with a white interior...here is a '74: very cool combo!!!

[Katfish]

http://www.stockmopar.com/mopar-fender-tag-decoder.php