New Member looking for car

[Mickm]

Thanks ChallengerHK for the insight. I am having a friend who works in Dallas and that I value his opinion go by and take a look at the other car today. This last car is listed at $32K. My inexperienced opinion does not see $9K worth of difference. I'll wait to hear what my friends opinion. He is not a Mopar expert but is excellent in finding what is wrong with something.
Thanks again,
Mickm

[ToxicWolf]

Really think your kid is beautiful. 

Between the two ebay cars, I like that the first one has a new AC.compressor (since you are restomod) where the second has the old original looking compressor. The real issue is what you want, where you are going with it and the best use of your dollars. Both look like a good place to start, but be careful of the details. A little rust or filler in the wrong place can make a big difference. I always look at the cowl condition.

Jim

[Mickm]

Thanks Jim,
I read your entire rebuild posting and really love you car do you have any finished pics you'd share?
I am after one very much like your (If you notice I even want the orange with black top).
I have fingers crossed that the first car looks good to my buddy. He is the best person to ask to preview a car in person.

Cheers!
Mickm

[ToxicWolf]

I hope to be doing finished pix before Christmas. Fingers are crossed here too. 

[Mickm]

Hello all,
I need to ask a newbe question and I apologize for my ignorance in advance.
I just sold a '69 Chevy truck that had a 350/350 with 373 gears when I purchased it. The rpm's were terrible (34K) at 70 miles an hours so different rear gears and an overdrive tranny was the answer to better fuel mileage and better rpm reading at highway speeds.
I am talking to the owner of the 73 Cuda trying to make a deal and am wondering, this car has 340 (with a very mild cam and 727 auto trans hooked to the original 8 3/4" rear running 3:23 gears( he thinks), . Do mopar guys do any modification to this setup or will this run down the interstate at a descent rpm? Any idea what sort of gas mileage your getting in your
Cuda/Challenger with this setup?
Thanks in advance,
Happy Holidays
Mickm

[HP_Cuda]

Depends on your rear tires and if they are close to being 28" tall.

Most likely you would be running about 2800rpm at 70mph but you can play with this and get pretty close:

http://vexer.com/automotive-tools/speed-rpm-calculator

[tman]

I agree, the second choice does not seem to be worth the $9K difference, but you have to look close.  I like the first choice, but that is based on photos only. Second choice is nice, but overpriced (for me that is).  Make your top offer to the second choice and see if you can get it.  Make your top offer for the first choice.  For sure, the second one seems to be in better shape.  I would rather have a 340, but is it a real 340 or just a 318 with 340 callouts. 
At least you can dispute the dealers claims of being a "high priced" class.  Its not, its the base model, etc.

[ChallengerHK]

At least you can dispute the dealers claims of being a "high priced" class.  Its not, its the base model, etc.

The "high price class" thing comes from Chrysler literature at the time; it's what the "H" in the second VIN slot defines. The higher models were "premium class," or "BP" (I don't think Dodge ever used that designation, so no JPs). So it's not that the dealer is lying, but again he just doesn't know Mopar terminology.

[7212Mopar]

From the pictures, I also say car #2 looks better and cleaner. Having a pretty lady next to it make it so much nicer Both are non Rallye original 318 cars. Car 1 trunk got all the factory sealant removed, looks like it has a 727 trans, Is it a cut at the frame rail in one of the picture? Car 2 has a 904 trans and underside painted so can't see how rusted it is. Best to see the car in person and bring a flashlight, magnet and towel.

[brads70]

1st link the car has airshocks. Not good usually hiding worn out springs. In both cars they have sprayed liberal amounts of undercoating underneath. That stuff usually triggers warning bells to me. That stuff can hide a lot of "evils" Fly out/ drive  before you lay any money down. Pictures can hide lots.   

[Mickm]

Thank you all for the insight, it is truly appreciated.
My friend (who works there and that I trust his observations) went by yesterday afternoon and looked the car over. He took a lot of additional pictures and sent to me of minor issues. They were a bad place in one of the rear window rubber trim pieces. A very small ding in the trim on the rear valance. A hint of fluid leak around the water neck and some overspray in the engine compartment. He said it cranked very well and sounds good. He checked the breaker cap for "blow by" but found none. He thought the engine was good and tight with no exhaust leaks. Everything worked on the car and the front had all new bushing installed. There are air shocks in the rear and this could be due to a sagging spring possibly. He did get to drive the car.
I plan to go over right after new years and check it out in person. It's only 5 hours away. I would go before but I am traveling due to work and the holidays.
I will let you know what happens.

Happy Holidays,
Mickm

[brads70]

Look under the carpets and close at the frame rails. All e-body's seem to leak at the bottom rear window corners into the trunk and rusting out the trunk floor.Put your hand up in the trunk and feel around in this area. Look close at the bottoms and corners around the windshield for leaks and signs of rust . Bring a magnet to check for bondo.

[Mickm]

Thanks Brad, all good points and ones I will observe closely.

With what you are saying, it is not a feasible idea to have a Cuda as a daily driver? I live in the south and the weather isn't that bad but I was hoping to be able to use this car daily. Of course, it would be garaged at night.

One problem I am having with the first car is the fact it is being brokered by a dealer. This means I have to pay 10% sales tax when I bring it home.....ouch!!!

Happy Holidays,
Mickm

[brads70]

Thanks Brad, all good points and ones I will observe closely.

With what you are saying, it is not a feasible idea to have a Cuda as a daily driver? I live in the south and the weather isn't that bad but I was hoping to be able to use this car daily. Of course, it would be garaged at night.

One problem I am having with the first car is the fact it is being brokered by a dealer. This means I have to pay 10% sales tax when I bring it home.....ouch!!!

Happy Holidays,
Mickm

I'd drive mine everyday if we didn't have winter/salt. Take your time and find the " right" car. The broker deal would turn me off too!

[Mickm]

I agree Brad, the dealer issued turns me off a bit also.

New help needed here. I have another '73 (my favorite year) Cuda that has everything I want with the exception of for a vinyl top and it has rally wheels.  It was completely rebuilt in 2009 and has 70K miles on it since. My question is how hard it to install a vinyl top? I am more interested in this car but I am not locked into at this time. As you say, I want to find the right car.

I thank you all again for all your input.
Cheers!
Mickm