Hello! Here's my new '73 Cuda

[Cuda Cody]

Cool car!      

[anlauto]

Nice, great deal too

[jimynick]

Welcome to the site from (ntario,    and congrats on your purchase. The eventual cost of your restoration will depend on your "needs" during it. I'd check and clean the electrical connectors in the main block in the firewall, they're notorious for lousy and potentially dangerous wiring problems. Paint has gotten to be stupid expensive and I'd spend a good bit of time researching prospective painters and learning some prep abilities can potentially save you a bundle. Good luck 

[jyotkc]

Hell of a deal!!!!

[nsmall]

Nice score, and welcome! Its a great start to get your feet wet.

Depending on how much you plan on making it look like a '71, you are going to be in for a lot of work and expense to duplicate the '71 body. Those closer to this type of work can correct me ,but you may be looking at $20k plus for this.

Once you get into the Hemi and related driveline components, things will continue to be expensive. With the engine, accessories, trans. and rear, this could easily be an additional $35k.

I agree.  Very expensive to restore one of these and I would not see it as an investment rather a money pit that brings lots of smiles

[Deezel]

Hi Carl, @cnm2215

I know it's been awhile but I was wondering how you're making out with your car? Any updates?

[cnm2215]

Hi Carl, @cnm2215

I know it's been awhile but I was wondering how you're making out with your car? Any updates?

Howdy!  Very nice of you to ask!

I put a bit of work into the car and I've gotten it to where it can probably pass inspection. I tried getting it inspected once, but it failed because the horn wasn't loud enough (what? really?!) and the light bulb above the license plate was burnt out (I've since replaced it).

I have two problems that are preventing me from enjoying the Cuda on a daily basis: It's overheating, and it gets vapor lock.

I think it needs a head gasket replacement. When I drive it, it overheats and loses coolant, but it isn't leaking anywhere. I suspect it's going into the engine. I need to drain the oil and see if it looks like chocolate milk.

For the other problem (vapor lock)... I'm not sure what to do about it. I've read somewhere that adding a spacer between the carb and the engine could solve it.

I'm open to other suggestions for both of these issues!

I've had some life priorities get in the way of my ability to spend time getting the Cuda working (daughter getting married, father-in-law getting cancer, son getting Eagle scout, daughter wrecking one of our other cars, son getting drivers license, tornados hitting our house)...some of these will be resolved soon, and some won't. I hope to get some momentum going again on the Cuda in the next month.

EDIT:  Since my Cuda doesn't have its original carb (but, instead, has a new Edelbrock AVS2 carb) I'm also considering replacing the fuel filter with a filter that can separate the vaporized gas and send it back to the tank.  If you (or anyone else) has suggestions on a good fuel filter for me to use for this, please let me know the make/model (or post a link). Instructions on installation would also be helpful.

[Deezel]

Ya, life has a funny way of messing with plans. Sounds like you've had some doozies to contend with and I hope they all get sorted soon. Tornado hitting your house, WOW, I couldn't even imagine how much that would suck.

For your vapor lock problem, give a vapor lock fuel filter a try. Your 73 should already have a vapor return line to the gas tank. UTG has a video explaining this. I did it to my 73 and although it didn't fully cure the problem, it sure helped.

*Just seen your edit. I'll see if I can find the fuel filter I used next time I get to the shop.

Overheating can be caused by so many different things. Sometimes it best just to have a shop look at it.
I had a 440 once that would run very hot and lose coolant over time. It didn't overheat but always stayed up close to the red. Long story short, turned out to be a very small pinhole towards the bottom of the rad. Any fluid that came out would evaporate. Took the car in to get flushed and that's when it was found. 

Keep us posted on how you make out with it and good luck with the car.

[Deezel]

This is the filter I used.

[70_440-6Cuda]

Welcome to site and congrats on the car purchase.  Base on what I've been seeing for other sales, you got a decent purchase price on your car.  As you've probably already seen, body and paint work are the killers on cost.  I would echo Blown Motor's comments about driving the car.... It's easy to end up getting to a place where the car can't be driven "for just a little while" that turns into years.  There is lots of great help available here... all you have to do is ask. 

Man do I second that one!  I got started with a complete driver that looked great from 10' and not terrible up close to a car that i can drive - been like that for months with no progress.
Congrats on the purchase, and one thing I have learned is there is always someone on here to lend some constructive criticism, help and general advice - been a life saver of motivation for me.

Best advice I can say is HAVE A PLAN BEFORE you start taking things apart.  What I thought was going to be a quick front sheet metal replacement has turned into a drawn out drama.

Good luck and enjoy!

[cnm2215]

You guys are awesome!

Thanks for posting that pic, Deezel. I've now bought one and I also bought a spacer for the carb. Gonna try to install them this weekend (if it stops raining).

My gas tank is not stock, and I'm not sure if there is a vapor line going to it. If there is, I'm thinking i need to T into it - Does that sound right? Do I need some kind of one-way valve that would prevent the vapor from coming back up the line?