newbie needs help with a purchase opinion

[mjb765]

According to the VIN on EBAY it's a Cuda. It's not horrible depending on how good the paint is in person. Not crazy about the shifter, but if you are going 5spd then it does not matter. Just remember that a conversion will end up costing you at least $3500 depending of what you can find used.

If the auto is Ok with you, then look at this matching #'s 73 Barracuda on EBAY for under 20K. Still pricey, but it needs less work than the one you are looking at.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-CUDA-ALL-ORIGINAL-s-MATCHING-/150481303277?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item23096276ed

[IMNCARN82]

Sorry,Didn't mean to confuse.  I saw the private listing stated barracuda. The Ebunk one states it's a 'cuda... (The purple one)   The Burnt orange/Copper one is a barracuda. Most would want a factory color engine bay.The rest does look nice too though, Crispie. White gut is much cooler temp. wise.  #'s matching is a road i don't like to go down. it will hold it's highest value,But may limit your choices later on. I wanted something to mess with.   A good example mjb765 

[mjb765]

Sorry,Didn't mean to confuse.  I saw the private listing stated barracuda. The Ebunk one states it's a 'cuda... (The purple one)   The Burnt orange/Copper one is a barracuda. Most would want a factory color engine bay.The rest does look nice too though, Crispie. White gut is much cooler temp. wise.  #'s matching is a road i don't like to go down. it will hold it's highest value,But may limit your choices later on. I wanted something to mess with.   A good example mjb765 

He did say he had no problem pulling the motor to clean up and/or paint the eng compartment. I was thinking at least you know what color it is. That custom purple with the flake may be harder to match.

[IMNCARN82]

Yeah,You're right on that too.  Also...I've always found ebay prices to be a tad high. Maybe Craigslist. Err  'cudaworld.    Autotrader Ect...   May be better priced more locally.

[mjb765]

Don't know anything about this....but put that 5 speed conversion on hold for a little while and talk this guy down a bit...really clean car. Don't know what you have to spend.....but just a thought.

http://www.forebodiesonly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2226

[AARCuda340+6]

Like the others here have mentioned try a lower offer and see what happens.
Depends how desperate he is for cash.

[tman]

Looks like you did your inspection and know what the issues are.  If you like it, get it.  Pricing is what you are willing to pay for it.  I like the idea of $20k out the door.  But when dealing with a dealer, the owner has to pay them too.  Someone has to make money.  I much rather have a 360 then a 318.  In my opinion based on the photos, it did not look bad at all. 

[Shizzle]

The engine doesnt bother me, but yes I would rather have the 360 over the 318.
Not looking for a numbers matching ride show piece as I would never want to drive it.
I dont know if I am being to critical of it as I tend to be a perfectionist.  As I said to my wife, I am sure I could even find faults in a Foose car.

But lower offer will be in the works.
I also forgot the steering wheel has play in it, but not sure if the sector shaft is adjustable like the Saginaw steering gears that are in trucks (loosen the jamb nut, turn the adjuster screw a hair, retighten the jamb nut) or its something in the column, but it will move around 10 degrees (as you would turn it, not veritically) before it would move the wheels.

[IMNCARN82]

I like the purple one too... 

[1970 RT Challenger 1970]

Don't rush into it if it has issues, as you're the one who pays for rework, parts and repairs, and the last thing you want is a money pit.
Get another unbiased opinion from another mechanic not affiliated with the shop.
Be Patient.Don't rush into it.  Keep looking, it's not the only one out there.
It's your money, you tell the dealer what it's worth.
Get all the options that you want, engine size, trans type, etc, now as to convert later will be costly.

[4 speed fish]

For 20k I would look for a solid 383 auto or 4 speed 70 cuda project.Restore it once and right.

[Shizzle]

I called the seller today to tell him I wasnt going to be able to come back out today with the wife to look at the car & wouldnt be able to take a look at it for a 2nd time till I get back from vacation on the 29th, and if he still had it great, if not then it wasnt meant to be.

I get home from work today and my wife told me this is what her horoscope said for today......

An impulse buy might appear to have your name a;ll over it, but don't get so caught up in the excitement that you forget what you've got all that extra cash reserved for. Your plan shouldn't be dropped just because something shiny caught your eye! Be a bit more conservative in your outlook for now -- if you decide you just can't live without it, you can definitely come back for it later on. The odds are that it doesn't look quite so awesome then.


I never believed in that horoscope mumbo jumbo, but not quite sure now!!!

[Road_Runner]

Welcome!  I've read the posts here and you've gotten lots of good advice.  If it helps, I paid $8k for a decent & original driver quality Barracuda earlier this year.  Its fairly loaded though with AC, PS, PB, Cruise, Rallye hood & stripes, vinyl top, etc.  That said it needs lots of work to be anything close to a show car, less to be ready for cruise ins & occasional driver which are more my plans for it.  I'll definitely have over $20k into it before I'm done but it will be EXACTLY what I want it to be at that point in need of nothing.  A real Cuda is definitely worth more resale wise, but I'll be leaving my Mopars to my kids so that doesn't rate with me.  I buy & keep what I like.

Later, Jim