Dad's 73 Cuda 340

[anlauto]

My dad's 1973 Cuda 340 was his pride and joy. He bought it new, and it was his daily driver for many years. When I was a kid, I often went for rides with him in it, and I always loved the sound of the engine and how the car looked. A few years ago, my dad passed away, and I inherited the Cuda. I wasn't sure what to do with it, so I decided to sell it. I found a buyer interested in it, and he offered me a trade - his Nissan Skyline for the Cuda. I was hesitant initially, but I decided to go for it, and I'm glad I did. The Skyline is an amazing car, and it's been a great reminder of my dad.

That's nice you have a daily reminder of your Father 

Personally, I will haunt my children until the end of time if they trade my Cuda for a Nissan.....

[DeathProofCuda]

@Barracudamuscle I never saw your original post on this car.  Great story!  Any updates on your project status?

[Barracudamuscle]

Hi Deathproof,

Thanks for checking out the project. Life has happened and I've made slow progress. Firewall forward minus new headers/connecting the new steering components it's drivable.

I've entirely removed the interior down to metal and sent out my heater box and steering column for restoration. I've got those I'm a crate ready to go. The dash has the new cap on it, entirely new harness below, dash speaker replaced with new and speaker grill. I still need to install the head unit into the dash. I had the amp fire proofed and even though it's not stock configuration, I installed the tach in blank off hole for the panel.

I've got a brand new wire harness to go to the rear of the car. My plan of action is run the new wiring harness, run speaker wire (maybe a sub wire while I'm at it), install the new rear speakers.

I feel like it's been a bit since I've taken this all apart so hope I can remember how everything went in haha. Once I get the rear wiring I'll install the firewall insulation, the heater core, and the dash. I believe at that point I can install the new sound proofing and carpet, then get the seats in.

I've got the new foam and leather but haven't sent it out yet to set them up. One thing I'm not sure of is the relocation brackets I got from year one. The seats install with a bolt through the floor if I recall, and the relocation bracket has a hole and the otherwise a threaded plate.

Sadly, I think I've got everything I need to get it going, but time right now has placed this project on a lower priority. I know once I start to get it going it'll provide the final push and confidence to keep pressing on one piece at a time.

[Hood]

I just finished reading about your project. It's great that you kept the Cuda in the family and that you're giving it a second breath of life. I wanted to comment on your vinyl top looking pretty pristine from your picture. Good luck on your Cuda!

[Barracudamuscle]

Thanks!

It was redone in 2002, there is a spot where a kid burned his cigarette into it because he was jealous and hated my car (high school).

Now that im back from overseas I hope to get going. My dad who purchased this original just turned 70 and said he wants to drive it one more time before he passes so no pressure right?