30k + $500 finder fee

[mcemond]

Hi
From what I've been reading, now is the time to go ahead and buy while the economy drives down prices. I was originally going to take a relaxed approach to all this and maybe over the next year one would pop up that I could buy while I leasurely finish up another mopar restoration but people seem to be warning against waiting too long. So here it goes...

My budget:
Up to 30k for the purchase plus a $500 finders fee if it results in a purchase (including an on site, honest assesment, note fender tag and block numbers, and pictures if it is close to the finder). My situation makes it difficult to take days off to fly out for personal inspections or to transport (I can make it around New England area though - I live in NH). I'm used to buying hard to find vehicles and having them transported to me. Any leads I would also post on this forum for second opinions on price due to my inexperience with this model vehicle. I can't do anything over 30k. If I spend all 30 I have just enough left over for the finders fee and transport. Just trying to be up front with anyone looking to sell.

Car:
I'm looking to get as close as I can (given my budget - you can start laughing now  ) to a true '71 hemi 'cuda, complete, numbers matching, original block (any size), green orange or yellow with black billboard, shaker hood, with title. I'd be ok with a project car, daily driver, or restored car. The better value is in the ones already restored (this is my preference) but I don't mind doing a full or partial restoration if it means getting a cuda closer to what I'm looking for. Also, most of the restored ones are way over 30k.

Do I think I can get all that in a solid car for under 30k? Not a chance. But like I said, I'm shooting for as close as I can get here. Basically the best value for my money. You can contact me at michael.emond@gmail.com. Emailing me will get a quicker response but I've been monitoring my posts about once a day. 
Thanks for reading
Mike

[72hemi]

I know where there is a complete 71 426 hemi engine (carbs to pan) that you could probably get for $30k.  Seriously that is about all you will get in that price range. If you want to lower your standards I know where there is a beautiful 70 Challenger R/T SE 383 auto car that is fully loaded for $32k.

[Topcat]

I know where there is a complete 71 426 hemi engine (carbs to pan) that you could probably get for $30k. 

Hmmm...I think I know where that one is too.

[72hemi]

Oops, I guess I know where there are 2 then

[mcemond]

Ha. Yeah I know. I'm dreaming. But how close could I get ina complete car? I'm relying on others here to tell me what I could realistically expect. Thanks!

[72hemi]

Below are a couple of links to complete cars for under $30k. As for a real hemi cuda, there was shell of one that sold recently for over $30k here in the Bay Area, no engine, no transmission, no fender tag, no interior other than the dash. The shaker hood was gone and I believe the dana 60 was replaced with an 8 3/4 and it was a 70 not a 71.

http://www.cudaworld.com/adDetail.php?cat_id=10&sub_id=0&ad_id=2411
http://www.cudaworld.com/adDetail.php?cat_id=10&sub_id=0&ad_id=2406

[mcemond]

Hi. So basically I'm looking at modified barracudas then if I understand you right. That one you linked already had a 440 so what's involved in making it look like a cuda? Just paint decal hood and bumpers?

[72hemi]

That is correct you will be looking at base model barracudas that may or may not be running and may or may not need work. If you search on this website there are several threads that cover the differences between the barracuda, gran coupe and cuda. Paint is not a descriminator, but emblems, trim, hood, exhaust, etc are all different.

[71cudajoe]

Hi. So basically I'm looking at modified barracudas then if I understand you right. That one you linked already had a 440 so what's involved in making it look like a cuda? Just paint decal hood and bumpers?

Basically, a Cuda and Barracuda are the same car, but the Cuda was the high performance model of the Barracuda. The VIN number on a Cuda always starts with a "BS" while the Barracuda started with a "BH". I believe Gran Coupes started with "BP". The tail panel and interior door panels of a Cuda sports "Cuda" emblems. The Cuda usually had a 340 six pack, a 383 Commando, 440 with dual quads or six pack, or a Hemi.

As I understand it too, the Cuda came with some other notable options as well:
-- Rallye gauge cluster
-- Heavy duty suspension
-- Front and Rear swaybars
-- Blackout tail panel
-- Power bulge hood or shaker (not sure if a flat hood was an option on a Cuda)
-- Dual exhaust w/ chrome tips in rear valance

I may be wrong on some of the details, and there may be other things that differentiate a Cuda from  Barracuda. However, to me the dead giveaways (visually) are the bigger engine, blackout tail panel, exhaust tips through the rear valance, and Cuda emblems. I would go with a bulge or shaker hood. I'm not exactly sure if the 71 cuda fender gills were a Cuda-only option or not, but if you want a convincing Cuda clone, I'd make sure the car had fender gills as well.

[72hemi]

Here are some more details.

Rallye gauges were not standard
sway bars (especially rear) were not standard
buldge hood and hood pins could be had on any model, but no flat hood on cuda model
chrome tips on exhaust not standard
340 6 pack was 70 AAR only, 340 4 barrel for 71
gilled fenders were only on 71 cuda models
in addition to blacked out rear pan there was trim that surrounded the blacked out portion

[71cudajoe]

mcemond,

Did you see this 71 cuda for sale?

http://www.truemusclecars.com/1971%20Black%20cuda/1971_cuda_29999_for_sale_www.html

I don't know anything about it, but the asking price is $29,999.

[71cudajoe]

Here are some more details.

Rallye gauges were not standard
sway bars (especially rear) were not standard
buldge hood and hood pins could be had on any model, but no flat hood on cuda model
chrome tips on exhaust not standard
340 6 pack was 70 AAR only, 340 4 barrel for 71
gilled fenders were only on 71 cuda models
in addition to blacked out rear pan there was trim that surrounded the blacked out portion

This is great. Thanks, 71hemi. I knew someone else would be able to help bring more clarity (or correct my posting as necessary). One thing more, though. I know that fender gills on a 71 were not included on all 71s. Was this an option on all Barracudas and Cudas? Or was it even an option at all for Barracudas? Maybe it was standard on Cudas -- ??

[72hemi]

Fender gills were only on the 71 cuda model, the gran coupe and base barracuda did not get them, nor could they be ordered. Also it was a 71 model year option only as well.

[_Russ_]

mcemond,

Did you see this 71 cuda for sale?

http://www.truemusclecars.com/1971%20Black%20cuda/1971_cuda_29999_for_sale_www.html

I don't know anything about it, but the asking price is $29,999.

Stay away ... star far far away - bit of reading here: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=56962.0 and some Google-Fu will fill you in on the details.

[71cudajoe]

Stay away ... star far far away - bit of reading here: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=56962.0 and some Google-Fu will fill you in on the details.

Oh, thanks. I had no idea, so I'm sorry to lead anyone in the wrong direction.