72-74 cuda into a 71

[Sp33dyF1sh]

just how hard would it really be to make a 72-74 cuda/barracuda/hemi cuda etc.....look like a '71? I want a '71 but i realize they are either allready restored and not in the way i want and cost alot, or very rundown, and the time/cost to fix is to great as well(unless im mistaken). basically i want a 71 body, with newer performance parts, to be driven daily, that wont cost me 80k to buy, or 6 months plus to fix with the possibility of ending up as a dust collector. but a cost effective route seems to escape me....

[anlauto]

Well you're lucky....
The only labour involved part would be changing the tail light panel. The 70-71 panel needs to be welded in, all other parts are direct bolt on.
Everything you need is available in reproduction with maybe the exception of tail light housings which are pretty cheap.

-fenders
-grill
-lower valance/insert
-tail panel/lights
-etc...

[EMCD]

i did it to my 72 cuda. i'd say it cost me 3k for the new metal, grill, gills, hedlight buckets, lights. good body 72-74 are a lot easier to find than a 71.

[turbo224]

I am currently doing this right now to my 70. Here is a list of things I have come up with that you will need.

71 Fenders (or you can buy the weld in gill inserts for your existing fenders, but you'd also have to buy the duel headlight cans as well.)
Front Valance
Valance insert
Park lights
Grill assembly
Hood latch (71 only)
Headlight wiring harness
Tail panel
Tail lights
Marker lights (you'd need to weld in the correct inserts to accept the 70-71 style marker lights)

I believe your header panel will need to be modified to accept the 71 grill, but I still haven't figured out exactly what needs to be done. If you're buying reproduction parts, i'd say you're looking at closer to $4000 plus the labor to have someone do any necessary metal work. I had some of the parts necessary already, so I think It will cost me around $2500 to make the swap.

[anlauto]

Oh yea...I forgot rear side marker lights

[TheOriginalQuickBpBp]

Everyone forgot you will also have to modify bumper brackets if it's a 72 - 74. The fronts will work on a 72 for a 71 but the 73-4 fronts are different and the backs are different I think in 72-4 all together.....

[Sp33dyF1sh]

so assuming i found a '72, or even a '71 that was a total rust bucket...best educated guess about how much would i be looking at cost wise to restore, not counting things like engine, exhaust, etc..just body and interior wise?

[crocha617]

Here you go. Just add the sweat and blood most of the parts are there.

http://www.forebodiesonly.com/forum/showthread.php?7664-1974-Plymouth-Cuda-PROJECT-(71-CLONE)-8500-00/page2