New Member Here, Seeking Advice on 70 Vert Barracuda Purchase

[Mopsquad]

Congrats on entering the Mopar/muscle car world.  As mentioned above, if the car checks out, it may be hard to find a better deal.  Since you've already worked a price, it may tough to negotiate if you see something you don't like on inspection - maybe not enough to kill the deal, but you may want to be diplomatic on getting it lower. 

Keep us posted and welcome to the best car forum on the web!

[headejm]

@indetrucks  FYI - it takes 10 posts to be able send PM's. Two more posts for you and you'll be all set!

[indetrucks]

Congrats on entering the Mopar/muscle car world.  As mentioned above, if the car checks out, it may be hard to find a better deal.  Since you've already worked a price, it may tough to negotiate if you see something you don't like on inspection - maybe not enough to kill the deal, but you may want to be diplomatic on getting it lower. 

Keep us posted and welcome to the best car forum on the web!

Thanks man!  I'm so excited... knew I wanted a 70  Cuda / Barracuda, but never under my wildest dreams would thing it would be a vert!   Would have waited for a 4spd car, but with it being a convertible... I was able to overlook that.   Can always do a minimally invasive Tremec TKX 5spd at some point and just hold on to the original trans if I MUST have a manual.   
Yes, I agree and the only deal breaker here would be if Erik finds some bad cancer or something similar.   If it all checks out, I'm certain it will be mine. 
Thanks for the warm welcome and I'm happy to be a part of this forum.  I grew up on forums well before reddit, instagram and facebook were even a thing, so this communication format is very familiar.  I like being part of this niche communities... case in point, total stranger "Erik" is volunteering his time to help with the inspection.  So awesome and my wife is over the moon too! 

[indetrucks]

@indetrucks  FYI - it takes 10 posts to be able send PM's. Two more posts for you and you'll be all set!

Thanks for the heads up.  I was about to multi-quote you with my last post but I didn't just so I can get that sweet 10 post minimum

[rocketresto]

@indetrucks  I have a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe convertible I'm trying to sell right now and asking $60k.  Looks to be in about the same condition.  Mine was a 318 originally but has a 383-4 in it now, rallye dash, 8 track, shaker hood and console added.  Blue on blue.  Let me know if you have any interest.  Car is in Olympia, Washington.

[headejm]

 

[indetrucks]

@indetrucks  I have a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe convertible I'm trying to sell right now and asking $60k.  Looks to be in about the same condition.  Mine was a 318 originally but has a 383-4 in it now, rallye dash, 8 track, shaker hood and console added.  Blue on blue.  Let me know if you have any interest.  Car is in Olympia, Washington.

Wow, what a beauty!   I am partial to the Tor red / Hemi orange colors, but if this one I have already exhausted so many calories on falls through, we may be in touch.

[Mopsquad]

@indetrucks  I have a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe convertible I'm trying to sell right now and asking $60k.  Looks to be in about the same condition.  Mine was a 318 originally but has a 383-4 in it now, rallye dash, 8 track, shaker hood and console added.  Blue on blue.  Let me know if you have any interest.  Car is in Olympia, Washington.

That's a beautiful car! Should have no problem selling it if it is as good as it looks.

[DeathProofCuda]

@indetrucks  I have a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe convertible I'm trying to sell right now and asking $60k.  Looks to be in about the same condition.  Mine was a 318 originally but has a 383-4 in it now, rallye dash, 8 track, shaker hood and console added.  Blue on blue.  Let me know if you have any interest.  Car is in Olympia, Washington.

@rocketresto I was wondering when and where this car would pop up.  I saw it on your FB page recently, but hadn't seen it pop up for sale anywhere yet.  Why not list it here in the cars for sale section with some additional pics and details?

[indetrucks]

I have a question, realistically...if I wanted to lower the 70Cuda 1 or 2 inches, would adjusting the front torsion bars and throwing a couple blocks on the back be acceptable?   I know drop spindles in the front are the "correct" way, but could I lower it with just a torsion bar adjustment+ alignment and blocks?   

Please don't flame me, I'm not looking to dump it,  just lowered it a tad.

[anlauto]

I think the car sits pretty low now, but like you said, personal preference....it's all good, no flaming here ....your plan of blocks and t-bar adjustment will get you where you want to be in my opinion...

[indetrucks]

I think the car sits pretty low now, but like you said, personal preference....it's all good, no flaming here ....your plan of blocks and t-bar adjustment will get you where you want to be in my opinion...

Yeah, I may be jumping the gun without even seeing the car in person.  But good to know I'm on the right track if that's the route I wanted to take.
Appreciate the feedback.

[MoparLeo]

Looks like home done, cosmetic resto. A 30 foot car. Remember that condition is all  and the difference between a #3 car and a # 2 car is at least double the cost.
A #2 car is a rotisserie restoration that somebody drove.
A #1 car is a museum piece.
Everybody thinks that they have a # 2 car when they try to sell it but it is usually a #3-4 condition or lower.
Remember that once you buy a car. it is yours after the twinkle is gone a short time later. Always best to have someone familiar with these cars to inspect it for you.
Just like if you were buying jewelry. A Cubic Zirconia looks better than a real diamond, but it isn't...

[YYZ]

Welcome to the board!

It would be a good idea to bring someone with you who knows E-bodies, and in particular, the trouble spots.  It shouldn't be too hard to find a local member of this forum and/or an appraiser that could join you when you fly in.

So, a few thoughts:

- though it's a Barracuda v. 'Cuda; convertibles in a good cosmetic and driving condition are not that common.  So it's not like there will ever be 100 comparable vehicles to choose from at the same time.

First impressions from the photos is that it's a good #3 condition driver that hasn't been messed with too much.

Pros:

- turn key
- big block
- good colour combo
- nice options (rallye dash, AM/8-track with 3 speaker dash, A/C, console, light group, slap-stik etc.)
- low number of owners/long history with current owner
- shiny paint
- good interior
- mechanicals presumed to be good
- if the rear interior panels are original and in good shape, that is a huge bonus.  They are worth thousands on their own.

Cons:

- condition of body & prior work under the paint not known
- not enough detailed pictures to go by

From the pictures, and knowing E-bodies, I would say that it's almost certain that the trunk floor was replaced.  However, the exception would be an E-body convertible that never needed the trunk floor replaced

- the inside of the quarter panels appear to have the original undercoat pattern on them -- there's a good chance that most of the quarters are indeed original

- almost certainly there will have been pinholes filled or patches made for the lower rear quarters, even if the rest of the car is solid.  Bring a fridge magnet or paint gauge, look for bubbling in the paint.  If the rest of the car is good, this is not a show-stopper.

- check the inner fenders -- look for bubbling or evidence of repair at the hood hinge area, and where the inner fenders join the shock towers

- frame rails - front torsion bar crossmember, left front frame rail underneath the battery area/by the steering box, rear rails at the front spring boxes and at the rear sections

- cowl - look for repair underneath the windshield wiper motor, esp. at the drain and also around the brake booster

All of the above are common issues, but repairable.  That's why I recommend that you get some local to assist you.


Lastly, to your other questions:

- convertible top flap not sitting flat -- no worries, the top flap will settle down.  It is not attached to the rear glass like the bottom part is
- manual vs. power top.  Power top was an option, if you do want to upgrade, everything is available to make the change (cylinders, lines, switch, wiring)
- as a Barracuda, it would not have hood pins.  Reproduction brackets and pin kits are readily available
- dual chrome mirrors -- my guess is that the car came with a single, non-remote 'poverty' mirror on the LH side only.  However, the added dual mirrors will not hurt the value and IMHO are necessary if you intend to drive the car a lot.   Even so, the OEM passenger side mirror is barely more than an ornament.
- fender tag actually looks pretty good for an Eastern car and it also appears to be original (both pluses)

If the car checks out, I don't think that $60K is out of line, especially considering that basket case E-body convertibles needing full restoration are selling for almost half that. 

YMMV

[YYZ]

Some other options:

https://www.cars-on-line.com/gen3-cars/col1/posting/102499

https://www.cars-on-line.com/gen3-cars/col1/posting/101867

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/plymouth/barracuda/2483702.html

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/plymouth/barracuda/2494487.html

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/plymouth/cuda/2508574.html



And a basket case for $40K   https://www.cars-on-line.com/gen3-cars/col1/posting/105783