Ben's 1970 Barracuda

[falcben]

Hello all! Welcome to my build thread!

I am a student at McPherson College, I hope to have this car at least in paint by my senior year. We have a big car show on campus at the end of each year, so that is my goal.

I picked up this '70 Barracuda back in April. I had enough time to get an A-Pillar done before I headed to England for an internship. I should have plenty of time to get things done now. Needs a new front left frame rail and most of the exterior panels as well.

Some specs:

1970 Plymouth Barracuda
383 HO 4-bbl (don't have it, unfortunately)
4 speed with pistol grip
8 3/4 posi rear end, 3.23 gear
B5 blue with a white vinyl top
White interior
Air Conditioning
Manual steering and brakes

The plan:

Full restoration-ish. Some upgrades here and there, but I want to keep it looking stock. Especially the color combo, which I think is beautiful.

I have a 440 6 pack to build and put in it, but I am also leaning towards a Gen 3 Hemi swap as well. I plan on keeping the flat hood if the engine can fit beneath.

Thanks for any advice you have along the way! I'm learning through this experience while also learning in classes, so bear with me on some of it.

[Cuda Cody]

Welcome @falcben     Very cool project you got there.      

[b5cuda]

Welcome!  Cool project and a great school.  I'm in your general area (Manhattan, KS) doing a restomod cuda with 5.7 myself.  This is a great site for info and encouragement,
Bill 

[6bblgt]

looks like a great project  is that an "EXPORT" tag on the inner fender, can you share a pic of the fender tag?
383 4-speed with A/C is a pretty rare combination  a "stroker" 400 & a flat hood would keep it closer to its original look 

[falcben]

looks like a great project  is that an "EXPORT" tag on the inner fender, can you share a pic of the fender tag?
383 4-speed with A/C is a pretty rare combination  a "stroker" 400 & a flat hood would keep it closer to its original look 

I'll get a picture of the tag tomorrow. But, that does explain that tag. It is a y09 car! Ill have to get a repro of that tag to put back on. I thought that was a personal tag from a previous owner.

[6bblgt]

Performance Car Graphics has reproduction EXPORT tags 

http://www.performancecargraphics.com/index.html

[nsmall]

Keep the pics and questions coming.  I hope you have some money saved.  Gets costly quickly.

I'm thinking a 440-6 pack would be easier and cheaper but I dont know much about either.

Lots of very bright people here that can give you great advice.  Wishing you the best.

[JS29]

That is A vary early build, low VIN. Do you have the original fender tag? unfortunately LA produced cars do not typically have A build sheet with them. O ya  aboard.   Mark. 

[anlauto]

Where did he mention the VIN ?

Ben, welcome.....I restore cars for a living so my opinion is just mine, and most on here know what I'm going to say.....

You have a pretty rare car, 1 of 602 built....I would restore it back to original or close to it....SELL the 440+6 and buy a correct dated 383....then build the nuts out of the 383....stroker kit, aluminum heads (painted orange), etc...

A four speed with AC is really rare as well.

Look forward to watching this project.

[dodgemania]

  to the site.    i also Look forward to watching this project.

[anlauto]

Performance Car Graphics has reproduction EXPORT tags 

http://www.performancecargraphics.com/index.html

@bpsmopar looks like your friend David in FLA has just what you need 

[bpsmopar]

Thanks Alan! I needed to call Dave anyway!

[303 Mopar]

Welcome to the site!  Great car you have there, and I would build it your way so you can enjoy it!   

[falcben]

Here is the fender tag. I do have a build sheet as well:

LINE 1:
Vehicle Build Sequence - 1020977 A - Scheduled to be built October 1969 on the 24 Day
E31593 - Vehicle Order Number (VON)
Y09 - Build for Export Order
Y11 - Domestic Publications (Military Sales Order)
Y14 - Sold Car

LINE 2:
3 - Unknown
D21 - 4 Speed Manual Transmission Floor Shift (A833)
D53 - 3.23 Rear Axle Ratio in 8¾" & 7¼" (3.21 in 8¼")
D91 - Sure Grip Axle
T86 - F70 x 14 White Side Wall Fiberglas
H - High Trim Grade
6 - Vinyl Bucket Seats
XW - White & Black
000 - Full Door Panel
VR1 - Unknown
EB5 - "Bright Blue Metallic" in Dodge / "Blue Fire Metallic" in Plymouth
V1W - Full Vinyl Roof White

LINE 3:
2 - E-Body Steering Column
1 - Steering Column for a Manual Transmission
5 - Floor Shift Steering Column
X9 - Jewel Black Steering Column
1 - Manual Steering Column Shaft & Coupler
0 - No Column Shifter Indicator Light
0 - No Cruise Control
0 - No Ignition Key Lamp
04 - 3 Spoke Woodgrain Steering Wheel (Standard S81)
TT - Woodgrain Steering Wheel (Standard S81)
02 - Horn Button & 3 Spoke Pad (Standard S81 or Option A93)
X9 - Black Horn Pad
61 - 26" Radiator #2998961 for 383 & 440 V8 four barrel carb Auto Trans w/ AC
57 - #2863257 Inlet Radiator Hose for 383 & 440 w/ AC & Max Cooling
78 - Alternator #3438178 Dual Pulley #2875711 Amps = 50 or Single Pulley 2444478 34 Amps
16 - Fan Assembly #2863216 w/ 7 Blades 18.5" Diameter
60 - Fan Drive Unit #2863260 Thermal 7.25" Diameter
20 - Yellow Cap Top Battery #2875320 59 Amps / Group 24

LINE 4:
55 - #1858955 Intake Manifold Vacuum Control connector w/ .127" OD Tube
084 - 383 4 Barrel w/ Manual Trans & AC (Orange Painted Engine & Holley Carb 335 HP)
36 - R4367 Holley 1970 383 4 Barrel Manual Trans
675 - A833 4 Speed Manual Trans w/ 383 4 Barrel
32 - #2538932 Speedometer Pinion with 32 Teeth BLACK
636 - #2883636 Barracuda Propeller Shaft 43.60" Length x 3.25" Diameter w/ type 7290 yoke (2.625")
074 - 8 3/4 Rear Axle 3.23 ratio (Sure Grip) 11" Drum 1.875 Pinion & 7290 Yoke
17 - #3420978 = 14 x 6.0 Painted Stamped Steel Wheel
TX9 - Wheel Color "Black" in Dodge / "Black Velvet" in Plymouth
17 - #3420978 = 14 x 6.0 Painted Stamped Steel Spare Wheel
32 - #2944432 Barracuda Wheel Cover
12 - #2962012 Crossmember (K-Frame) 318, 340 & 383 Engines
62 - #2835862 Front Sway Bar .88"
58 - Stamping #3400558 Standard Front Shock (Part #3004961)
49 - Standard Rear Shock (Part #3400849)
23 - 11" x 3" Front Drum Brake Hub assembly

[cuda hunter]

That is one awesome ride! 
I have to agree with Alan.  And I usually just prefer a mod or custom. 

Cool colors and options! 

And it has it's build sheet !!
And it's a Military export above all that!!   super cool car!