yes swapping years is crazy involved, correct 71 only peaces are pricey. I wouldn't think any thing newer than a 71 would not be worth the extra expense of the change over to may it look like a 71 and at the end of the day the title still says its not a 71.
Also an original hemi car is a little on the pricy side to just drive and have fun with.
Now if you had a plain Jain 70 or 71 cuda that you put a hemi into you could drive it any place or anytime you want to, its a cheaper car so if it gets crashed or lost its not as critical as an original hemi car. Thats my thought on if you really want to drive one and enjoy it.
Now if you want an original cause thats what you want then get one, most people with the numbers matching stuff just park them and trailer them to shows a few drive them 3 or 4 times a year. 
First, thank you. I really appreciate your opinion! And I agree, from what I've read an actual 71 (or even a 70) would be less time consuming to restore than a later model.
This is putting the cart WAY before the horse but, I was pondering insurance options for the car when the time comes. If I'm blessed to find what I really want, I'd want to obviously insure it properly for damage or theft. I'm assuming my present insurance company could comply, but are there other agencies who specialize in such cars?
I've had this conversation with some other folks via PM. I will never understand why people will go through the time and expense to find/restore a truly historical car - and then trailer it! DRIVE the flippin' thing! IMO? The creators of these cars designed and built them for one purpose, to kick butt! To not drive these cars as intended makes one a heretic (again, MHO). These cars have souls (sappy mode on), and to not drive them as they were intended, kills the cars' soul (sappy mode off). And don't get me started on the Jay Leno's and Herb Chamber's of the world, ARGH! They buy up these awesome cars then store them in temperature and humidity controlled boxes while someone else dusts them monthly. What is the flippin' point of "owning" a car in this manner?
Rant mode off
Again, I'm pretty new to this search, I really want to spend some time and try to find the Holy Grail. Because the moment I "settle" for something else, The CAR will show up and I'll be weaving a noose!
Mecum auction with the 2 'hemi cuda's is next Saturday! Bad news, I didn't hit powerball yet. Good news, neither did anyone else! And to be honest? If I did hit the number and buy one of those cars? Would I appreciate it as much as one my currently nicotine stained fingers actually helped to re-birth? hmmmm.....
