Author Topic: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)  (Read 9958 times)

Offline Despicable Z

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Hey everyone! I'm as new as they come (to both this forum and Mopars in general). Admittedly I am a Mustang guy  :poopoke:, but ever since watching Vanishing Point as a kid, I have really loved the 70s Challengers and Cudas. Well what do you know the other day driving around in the country I spied myself a white Cuda sitting out in a car graveyard. I called the owner and here is what I know so far- I will try to get some pics when I take a closer look at it:

VIN:BS23N0B425413
*The body is about 80% Sound- looked like some surface rust on the rear quaters / wells. From what I could tell it was only surface though
*Minor front end damage on passenger fender- would need either new, or lots of work. Paint  = 0 it's been sitting in the desert for years.
*Interior is shot- dash all cracked to pieces, mice and packrats have made a nest, seats are shot- basically ALL new interior needed.
*383 In it doesn't run currently- unsure of issue
*Transmission should be sound
*Frame looked straight although it's hard to tell with 3.5 flat tires sitting on uneven ground. Undercarriage rust looked like minor surface only.
*Obviously needs lots of paint, body, interior, and mechanical work- true strip down project car.

Picture a car that has been sitting in the Colorado / Arizona sun for the past 15 years at least.

He is asking 6500 but is negotiable- how do you all feel about that. If I had to rate the car on a scale of 1-10 where 10 is ready for show and 1 is junk / parts car only I would give this car ~3.

VIN shows it as a 70 Cuda with the 383 auto, built in Michigan. I know it's hard without pictures but maybe you guys can at least give me a ball-park idea. Thanks for the help folks!!  :cheers:

EDIT: Pictures I snapped today while out in the field:









Car came with the "packrat" option...Hantavirus special edition:















« Last Edit: June 05, 2014 - 02:57:54 PM by Despicable Z »
1970 'Cuda Project
1969 428CJ Mach 1 Mustang
2008 Corvette Z06 (Heads, Cam, Etc.)
2003 Mustang GT




Offline anlauto

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2014 - 11:14:44 AM »
The entry price sounds fair if the frame rails/floors etc...are not totally rotten.  :2cents:
Investinging money in an original 1970 383 Cuda as apposed to a 72-74 318 Barracuda is for sure a better way to go.....
HOWEVER....
Restoring a Mopar is a lot more expensive then your typical Ford or Chevy.
You can figure at least another $20K to make it look like a "7" or another $40K min. to make it a "10".
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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Offline anlauto

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2014 - 11:15:37 AM »
...and also....if you look around you can see what $30K will buy you as a done car....
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Offline HP_Cuda

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2014 - 11:36:25 AM »

Since I've been down your road as I own a couple of Fords.

Imagine restoring a mustang and then almost triple that cost and you have a Mopar!

 :bigsmile:
1970 Cuda Clone 440 4 speed - sublime green
1970 Cuda 383 4 speed - yellow - SOLD

Offline dfrazz

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2014 - 12:23:27 PM »
The entry price sounds fair if the frame rails/floors etc...are not totally rotten.  :2cents:
Investinging money in an original 1970 383 Cuda as apposed to a 72-74 318 Barracuda is for sure a better way to go.....
HOWEVER....
Restoring a Mopar is a lot more expensive then your typical Ford or Chevy.
You can figure at least another $20K to make it look like a "7" or another $40K min. to make it a "10".

 :iagree:

Just for comparison - for the price of my 360 stroker I could have bought 5 crate Chevy 350's or 4 crate Ford 351's.  I'm not sure of your capabilities as a mechanic, interior work, or body/paint guy as that will help defer costs but as the old saying goes: to restore a mopar set a budget, then triple it and you may be close.  Having said all that, e-bodies are arguably the best muscle car ever built.

Offline Despicable Z

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #5 on: June 03, 2014 - 03:03:16 PM »
Haha thanks a bunch folks- You guys have been a real help. I honestly can't say I ever really knew how much more expensive the Mopars are until you got me looking.  :thumbsup: I'm still really interested in this car. I might try to setup a meeting sometime to take a look at the car and get a closer inspection done,  as well as a peak at the fender tag. If I do I'll grab a few pics of it and post them to see what you all can tell me :).
1970 'Cuda Project
1969 428CJ Mach 1 Mustang
2008 Corvette Z06 (Heads, Cam, Etc.)
2003 Mustang GT

Offline Despicable Z

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2014 - 02:10:36 PM »
I talked a bit more with the owner to clarify a few things regarding the Cuda- see if this influences your opinion of value:

* The car was originally a 383 auto, but the 383 is long gone, and only the auto transmission is still in it.
* The car would come with a Date correct (obviously non #s) 440 longblock that is in running condition, but could use a refreshment.
* Seller claims the frame rails and floor pans are actually in pretty good shape, but admitted its been a few years since he looked at them closely. I'll check out the car here in a week or two and post some pics.
* The car has spent almost all of it's life here in SW Colorado- local guy bought it right out of HS, and it has passed hands between friends a few times since.

So no original motor, comes with 440 longblock, SW Colorado car. Pics in a week or two. I'm getting married next weekend so things are a bit chaotic right now- def not the time to bring up "hey honey I saw this cool old cuda for sale..." conversations lol. I'm thinking that if the frame & pans are in good shape it would be hard to LOSE money when I could also get a 440 longblock along with the 70 Cuda.  My plan would be to fix it up over (several) years, and since it no longer has the #s matching 383- build up a stout 440, and make a fun cruiser out of it. I don't really have too much interest in the buy, restore, resell with this car. Thoughts?

Thanks again folks!  :drunk:
1970 'Cuda Project
1969 428CJ Mach 1 Mustang
2008 Corvette Z06 (Heads, Cam, Etc.)
2003 Mustang GT

Offline anlauto

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2014 - 02:22:29 PM »
Get it done before you have kids :2cents: :smilielol:
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Offline Despicable Z

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2014 - 03:16:54 PM »
Ha thanks Alan! However, I am about 2 months late on that one :bananasmi



Sorry new dad here- have to show off my little girl! My wife (to be) and I have been together for 6, engaged for almost 2... We just had one little surprise along the way lol. Luckily wifey already knows the car guy she is marrying so I might be able to float this Cuda if it looks good in person  up close :stirpot:

If I can get him down to 5500ish seems like a decent deal to me?
« Last Edit: June 04, 2014 - 03:20:05 PM by Despicable Z »
1970 'Cuda Project
1969 428CJ Mach 1 Mustang
2008 Corvette Z06 (Heads, Cam, Etc.)
2003 Mustang GT

Offline anlauto

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2014 - 03:23:41 PM »
She's a real cutie :thumbsup: :cheers:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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Offline Despicable Z

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2014 - 04:19:30 PM »
Thanks a bunch!  :2thumbs: She must get it from Mom because it's not from me. I'm already shotgun shopping lol.
1970 'Cuda Project
1969 428CJ Mach 1 Mustang
2008 Corvette Z06 (Heads, Cam, Etc.)
2003 Mustang GT

Offline dutch

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2014 - 04:53:43 PM »
wow... she`s cute  :grinyes:
as for the cuda.... If the frame is good, I`d say it`s a good deal, esp. when talked down a bit. A rust free body is a huge plus.  Also, I don`t agree with you on bringing up the cuda subject now.... we`ve seen our share of guys selling their love because the wife told to do so...  :stirpot:
welcome to CC. enjoy your stay (and have a great wedding)  :cheers:
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Offline Katfish

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2014 - 06:28:40 PM »
From my experience your always better off saving up and buying the most complete car you can afford.
I know it's easier said than done, but as mentioned it will take >$30k plus your initial investment to get the car to the point of a $25k or less you could buy now.
Non-running long term projects are the worst.  Buy something you can drive and enjoy as you fix it up.

I have $30k into my project, but have been able to enjoy driving it along the way.
Car might bring $15k if I'm lucky.

Offline Rob C

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2014 - 10:01:55 PM »
WOW! beautiful baby! Congrads Dad! Mine is now 18. No pictures for you dogs! (Besides, I'm on my phone.)
Get as much done before they become really expensive!
Good luck to you on the both of them.
'73 Cuda, 360, 4psd & 4.10's
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Offline Despicable Z

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Re: 1970 Cuda- 383 Auto Junky Condition Considering Buying (Help)
« Reply #14 on: June 05, 2014 - 02:58:45 PM »
Thanks for the kind words Rob and dutch! Parenthood surely is a life changer  :ylsuper:

EDIT- added photos I grabbed of the car this AM. Still haven't been able to take a look at the fender tag- should get that in a week or two.
1970 'Cuda Project
1969 428CJ Mach 1 Mustang
2008 Corvette Z06 (Heads, Cam, Etc.)
2003 Mustang GT