Restoration opinion needed please

[JigSawMan]

Ok, I have just purchased a 1973 Barracuda.  I am the second owner of this car and nothing has ever been changed on it.  It has the original motor, transmission, etc.  All of the numbers match. So...

In the end would it be more financially beneficial for me to restore it back to exact original or if I chose, turn it into a 'Cuda instead by changing the engine and some of the other stuff to get it there?

I suppose some of you might want to hit me in the head for even asking, but I do because this car is not a 'Cuda, just a plain Jane Barracuda with a little 318 in it and nothing special.

Thanks for your opinions.
JSM

[kingtroll]

It's your car now so do what pleases you the most. If "upgrading" to a more powerful engine and modifying suspension and swapping for a Cuda hood etc... makes you happy why not?

[Challenger III]

Are you fixing it up to sell? If not, build it the way you want... If so, cosmetics (Paint, Trim, etc.) have a higher return on investment than engine and drivetrain. 

[mcgheejt]

I faced the same question with my 71 318 Challenger.  In the end, I decided to put in the 340 I always wanted and put the "RT" package on it.   I am happy with my decision, even though a plain jane 318, bench seat, column shift, gold metallic car would have been more unique at the shows. 

[mjb765]

Are you fixing it up to sell? If not, build it the way you want... If so, cosmetics (Paint, Trim, etc.) have a higher return on investment than engine and drivetrain. 

I agree.....if you are going to sell it, keep it as original as possible. If you are going to keep it and drive it, then make it yours a be happy. If you do pull the original drivetrain--SAVE IT!!!!  Then when you do decide to sell, you can give the new owner the option of installing the original matching numbers eng and trans.

[JigSawMan]

I agree.....if you are going to sell it, keep it as original as possible. If you are going to keep it and drive it, then make it yours a be happy. If you do pull the original drivetrain--SAVE IT!!!!  Then when you do decide to sell, you can give the new owner the option of installing the original matching numbers eng and trans.

Well I do plan to sell it at some point, but I'd also like to enjoy it as something I want as well.  Saving the original drive train was at least always my plan in that respect.
JSM

[OxfordMotorSports]

Go for the RESTOMOD. Build a killer. The restomod scene is hot. Your car will pull what it's worth either way.

Todd

OMS

NYC

[Road_Runner]

You & I are in EXACTLY the same boat.  I bought a 1973 Barracuda: 318, 904 trans, 8 3/4 rear with A/C, PS, PB, Cruise Control, rallye hood & wheels in a fairly rare color combination and like you I struggled with what to do with the car once I bought it.  Everybody has to decide for themselves, but for me it is something special because it has lasted almost 40 years without any significant changes.  The reaction I get when I go places has a lot to do with it looking original so for me I'm going to keep it 'looking' as original as I can and only do those things that are not immediately visible.  So I've decided to upgrade the suspension with original sway bars, upgrade the 318 to a 4 bbl using a stock 4 bbl air cleaner, etc.  and even leave the questionable looking bumper guards that came on it in 1973.  Its a fairly highly optioned Barracuda and I've decided to celebrate that and the fact its kept it's originality all these years.  That's what I'm doing but like most everyone here will tell you, its your car do what you want to with it.

Later, Jim

[HemiOrange70]

My car was a 318 chally, now a 340 with a bumble bee stripe. I didn't clone it, just did what I liked.

[burdar]

It's your car so you can do whatever you want to it.  If it were mine I'd keep it origonal but I'm more of a numbers guy anyway.  No matter what you decide keep us posted on the progress.

How origonal of a car is it?  Is it very rusty or is it a survivor type car?  If it is a survivor, I'd love to see a bunch of pics.  Any paint markings on the rear end, front suspension components...any inspection stamps or marks in the engine compartment, any markings on vacume lines exc...

There are a lot of reference pics for the 70-71 cars but not many pics of the "forgotten" E-body years.   PM me if you like.

[moparmaniac59]

I pretty much agree with what's been said already. I've had 4 Barracuda's since high school & 1 Challenger. Not much compared to some folks, but one was a '70 'Cuda 383HP car, numbers matching California car. Because it was a fairly desirable car, had some nice options and was unmolested, I kept it that way. On the other hand, I have a '74 Challenger that was a plain jane 318 car. I chose to drop in a 543 stroker motor and do a somewhat R/T clone. It's something I always wanted to do. It's all about what you want. I wouldn't feel bad modifying a low option '73 Barracuda 318 car and keeping the original drivetrain/parts. Look at what Jay Leno does. He has done some very tasteful and highly desirable upgrades (such as suspension/transmission) to some rare cars, but made sure to keep all the original components. So make it what you are dreaming of!!

                                                   Matt B.