I have a huge affinity for '71 Cudas. I love the classic styling and aggressive appearance, but -- having been the owner of a C6 Corvette -- I really appreciate the technology and mechanics of newer sports cars. So, when I finally got my '71, I decided to see if I could get the best of both worlds -- I guess that's the goal of many resto-moders out there today.
I don't really consider my car a true "resto-mod" though. I call it a "retro-mod" -- meaning that it maintains an outward appearance (body and interior) that resembles the classic Cuda styling (except for the big wheels and low-profile tires) while most of the mechanics and technology that run the car are updated to more modern standards.
Below are some pictures of the car when I bought it. It was originally a 6-cylinder Barracuda restored to a recreation of the classic HEMI Cuda - no power steering, no power brakes, no air conditioning, radio-delete, 4:56 gears and a vintage 426 HEMI engine.
http://www.71cuda.net
I've also included (below) pictures of the car during its transition to the "retro-mod" I've been wanting. This car was perfect for me because: 1) it was Sassy Grass Green (my favorite Mopar color) and the body work was already done and 2) I wanted to start with a 318 or 6-cylinder car so I didn't have to be so concerned about devaluing the car by making the mods and alterations I was planning. My original plan was to swap the existing HEMI engine with a custom-built 472 HEMI that I had sitting in my garage. That's all I was going to do, but I got carried away.
It turns out that I ended up swapping out the entire drivetrain -- replacing the 426 with a 472 crate motor (custom-built with aluminum heads), new 5-speed tremec transmission, new keisler driveshaft, custom-built Strange Dana 60 (with 3:54s instead of the 4:56s that were in the 8-3/4).
I've already swapped the white billboards for black ones. Along with that I'm swapping out the entire interior from white to black as well. I have black leather seat covers and all new panels, headliner, carpet, etc. from Legendary. I plan on dropping down some dynamat on the floor beneath the carpet as well to reduce engine heat and cabin noise a bit. I have a fully-modernized, retro-looking radio (that plays CDs and MP3s) to install with modern speakers that fit right into the stock locations.
I removed the chrome bumpers and will replace them with elastomeric, painted bumpers. The Cuda now has a full set of Wilwood drilled/slotted rotor disc brakes and Mopar dropped spindles. The car will be lowered a couple inches, and I have a new set of 18" wheels and low-pro tires to finish it off.
I stripped the car down to a shell and have been putting it all back together -- trying to refurbish or replace every piece as it goes back on. Below are a few pics of the restoration in progress.
