30k + $500 finder fee

[GranCuda1970]

I have seen real 383 cuda's for sale for 35 done!! in this economy as a matter of fact the lot I bought my Gran Coupe from restored a lime green 383 cuda and sold it on e-bay for aroujnd 32 in 2007. You can get better deals bro!!

[mcemond]

Well. I gotta say after reading the latest comments that I'm completely heart broken. I thought I had looked around and gagued about what they were going for and this seemed in line with what I was seeing. I read somewhere where just the body on ebay had sold for 30 recently. I was a little worried that I was going too fast on this and of coarse now I see that I was. I made a deal with the guy though and I'm going to see it through because its the right thing to do. The fault is on me for not being as knowledgeable as I should have been. This was one of those once in a lifetime things where I decided to buy ford stock last year and made out big so threw it all in on a dream car project (cuda). So, at this point I just need to pick up any pride I have left and focus on the restoration (which I do actually enjoy). My remaining hope is that there are not too many 'surprises' which I have factored into the restoration cost, so I could recoup some costs there. Anyway, here are some pictures...

[mcemond]

Some more pictures...

[GranCuda1970]

She 's not in bad shape and you get to make it what you want and know that what was done was all you!, 71's are the most sought after projects of the cuda field and well deserved they are BAD A$$ looking rides and the pinnacle of Detriot muscle in American history , Good luck with the restoration I am sure she will be one Mean Fish!!



  LOOOVE THE 71's everyone does!!

[mcemond]

Yeah, I love the car and its potential. Just feel a little sick right now. Just means I'm starting off in the hole because I'm estimating the resto will cost another 20k before its all said and done. That's a lot of cash I'll need to scrape together over the next couple years that I don't currently have.

[72hemi]

Overall it looks like a solid project, but unfortunately you definitely overpaid (by probably double what you should have), a grille will set you back at least $2k for a nice complete unit, the seats are 70 Challenger (frames are the same, but the foam is different), and it looks like it has a 318 in it. Here are a couple of 340 71 cuda's, one is a numbers matching 4 speed project for $20k and the other is a finished automatic car for $37k. Also that body only for $30k was a real 70 hemi cuda, which is an entirely different ball game.

http://www.cudaworld.com/adDetail.php?cat_id=10&sub_id=0&ad_id=2317

http://www.cudaworld.com/adDetail.php?cat_id=10&sub_id=0&ad_id=2289

[72hemi]

You know you may want to try and get out of the deal if possible, even if it costs you a deposit you may be better off. 

[71cudajoe]

Yeah, I love the car and its potential. Just feel a little sick right now. Just means I'm starting off in the hole because I'm estimating the resto will cost another 20k before its all said and done. That's a lot of cash I'll need to scrape together over the next couple years that I don't currently have.

I won't argue with others who say the deal you made wasn't great, but if you decide to keep the car, there is a bright side.

I've dumped way more money into my 71 Cuda project than I could ever get out of it if I have to sell. However, I figure if I never sell the car, I won't lose any money, right? I look at it this way: my car is EXACTLY what I wanted in the end. I didn't purchase it as an investment. I built it to drive and enjoy. I once was told that if you buy what you really want, you'll soon forget what you paid for it -- and that's becoming true for me, because the closer my car gets to being done, the less I care about how much it has cost me. Enjoy your car, don't let it get the best of you and you'll turn out just fine.

[73Chally]

  Lots of people tend to overpay for these cars, even in today's market.  It's all based on what's available in your area at the time you're looking to buy.  I for one will never buy a car that I can not physically look at, and I'm never going to buy a plane ticket to fly somewhere to look at a car on the off chance that I might buy it (then you add shipping, etc if I did buy it), so that greatly limits my geographic area, and therefore the available cars.  If you are happy with the car that you bought, and have a clear vision of what you are going to make, it, then don't fret over what you paid.  Take your time getting it back together, spend wisely on parts, etc, and in the end you should be happy.

[Cuda Cody]

If it's the car you want, then it really doesn't matter what people say.  The 71's are the hardest of hard to find.  You have a very rare and special car.    Stick around here and let all these great people help you out and keep us updated as you restore that beauty.   

[n9671x2]

You know you may want to try and get out of the deal if possible, even if it costs you a deposit you may be better off. 

I absolutely respect your post with the pictures, and completely understand your comment about doing the right thing and seeing the deal through.  That being said, if you still have the option of getting out of this deal, please do so.  You are a man of integrity by your comment, I don't know about the seller....  He probably knows this market, these cars much better than you, and ultimately, it is a buyer beware world, but to sell it for that is borderline criminal.  I don't doubt you do a lot of the restoration your self, even with that, I don't see that car getting done anywhere near another 20k.  I am very glad you did come back on here and post, and post pictures.  If you do go forward with it, I don't doubt you will see it through, it will be a very cool car done, but your going to be buried in it a long with a lot of work. 

[71cudajoe]

I don't doubt you do a lot of the restoration your self, even with that, I don't see that car getting done anywhere near another 20k.

I have to agree with n9671x2 about the cost of restoration. Even if you do a lot of the labor yourself, I'm not sure you can expect to get a 71 cuda from this starting condition to restored condition for another $20K. I guess it really depends upon what kind of quality you're happy with in the end, but I know that I have more than twice that just in parts for my car. Of course, I went overboard, and I'll admit it. I replaced/refurbished virtually everything inside and out including rallye gauges, steering column, stainless trim, interior (from headliner to carpet), window glass, etc. etc. You name it... I most likely replaced it. Granted, I decided to go with a new 472 HEMI engine, tremec transmission, dana 60, an 4-wheel disc brakes which were a majority of the "parts" cost, but even the little things like fasteners, bolts, screws, plugs, bulbs, and emblems added up quickly. 

If it helps, I have all my receipts documented in a spreadsheet and would be happy to get a copy of that to you for reference if it would help you to assess the project better.

[Choppintime]

I have to say I'm a big believer of a man's word. That being said I think you should try to get out of this deal as well. If that means losing a deposit, so be it. You are a man of your word, but it seems the seller isn't. If you haven't closed this deal yet try and get out of it. There are many other cars out there where your money would much more well spent. It's not always about getting a deal or spending less money, but you should try and justify money spent. Just because you want a '71 Cuda that doesn't mean you should spent 'x' amount over an above to get one, especially in this market.

Cut your losses, don't feel bad about it and keep looking.

[Challenger6pak]

I have to say I'm a big believer of a man's word. That being said I think you should try to get out of this deal as well. If that means losing a deposit, so be it. You are a man of your word, but it seems the seller isn't. If you haven't closed this deal yet try and get out of it. There are many other cars out there where your money would much more well spent. It's not always about getting a deal or spending less money, but you should try and justify money spent. Just because you want a '71 Cuda that doesn't mean you should spent 'x' amount over an above to get one, especially in this market.

Cut your losses, don't feel bad about it and keep looking.

  Let us know what happens.

[JoltinJoe]

A mans word is great.  Getting hammered for $15k is not.  Lose the deposit and walk away.