Is it worth it?

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Dizzydean

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I have a chance to get a 65 cuda that has what looks like a 360 with an auto. The owner says its a 318 but it has the 360 water pump. The car looks like it was a 273 4spd still has 8 3/4 and the body is in good shape. the interior is trash and the dash pad is cracked so is the front windshield. They are willing to give me the complete rebuilt 4spd. Asking $2500 Im going to get pics today. Its pretty rough looking. Is it worth it? I know nothing about these early a bodies.
 
No way we can tell. You didn't post pictures. We don't have crystal balls here and we cannot see through the internet.

One thing though. Water pumps are NOT how to determine which engine you have. There is no "360" water pump since they will pretty much all interchange.
 
The dash pad is no big deal as you can get a replacement or cover. Other interior is available too at a cost of course.

8 3/4 must have been added as they didn't usually come that way, not until '66 I'm pretty sure. Check to see if the bolt pattern on the rear matches the front. 4" or 4.5"? Does it have any disc brakes up front?

Are you looking for a project cause that's what it sounds like? A running driving project is more fun for sure....
 
The dash pad is no big deal as you can get a replacement or cover. Other interior is available too at a cost of course. 8 3/4 must have been added as they didn't usually come that way, not until '66 I'm pretty sure. Check to see if the bolt pattern on the rear matches the front. 4" or 4.5"? Does it have any disc brakes up front? Are you looking for a project cause that's what it sounds like? A running driving project is more fun for sure....
toward the end of the 65's they started to offer 8 3/4 behind the hipos
 
Depends...are you ok with spending countless hours and thousands of dollars? I am near the end of a complete powertrain swap (New MOPAR 360 block, heads, upgraded from 904 trans to a 727 trans, new driveline, new DANA60 rear end (because the old trans and rear end did not hold up more than one weekend). So...I now have beautiful car (beautiful paint, body, interior and now almost a completed powertrain, but I have about double into the car vs. what it is worth...but let me tell you..it is a head turner and I have the only one I know of the Greater Houston area. So..with all that in mind..I say "go for it!" It's only money and frustration vs. patience that you will need! Good luck!
 
Heres the car. I tried to get a rear pic but I was fighting off the yellow jackets that didn't like my disturbing them. Bolt pattern is 4" and there is a tow hitch on the back welded to the frame.
 

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It looks complete and in decent shape; I don't see the "rough looking" part you were talking about.

Depending on what the frame rails and floors look like, it looks like an okay deal; however, I'd still try to get him down to $2K. Maybe offer him $1750 first so you can work your way back up to $2K. If the frame rails don't look good, I'd pass.
 
If the frame rails and pans are as nice as the body I'd buy it... How's the electrical stuff look? Offer him 2000 to get it off his property
 
With the radiator hoses off and no carb I worry about the engine a little. See if you can turn the engine over by hand.( socket and bar on damper bolt.) Bad engine should bring the price down some.
 
From the pictures the body looks pretty solid. If the frame rails are solid, I'd say the price is about right. Would be nice if the engine turned freely for that price. Having the 4-speed is cool.
 
It looks complete and in decent shape; I don't see the "rough looking" part you were talking about.

Depending on what the frame rails and floors look like, it looks like an okay deal; however, I'd still try to get him down to $2K. Maybe offer him $1750 first so you can work your way back up to $2K. If the frame rails don't look good, I'd pass.

I agree totally :glasses7:
 
Cheap repaint might be hiding MONDO BONDO rust repair. Know where to look? Ask here. MT
 
Sure is a lot of extra crap bolted to the firewall and inner fenders lol!

Did you happen to see if it had a factory "in dash" tachometer? It would be below the headlight and wiper switches and a very rare and hard to find item worth some good $$$
 
Id probably buy it. 2 grand no more unless REALY no rust. MT
 
See if that might be a 340, looks like it could be. MT
 
Those seats are cool! I would ,love to find a vintage pattern like for my car...........:glasses7:
 
Looks good to me. I have seen a lot worse that turned out to be really nice cars when they were finished. It does take time and money, but looks like you would have a great base to start with. I would be concerned about the motor as someone else had stated. Is it free to turn over by hand or locked up? There are plenty of motors around, if needed, but are you willing or able to do this type of repair. Good luck, Love to see the early Barracuda's on the road again.
 
So basically what we are all saying it seems is that if its not all good bondo work and actually solid metal pick it up and start a thread for us to watch you bring her back!!
 
Looks like a great place to start. I've seen cars in worse shape that look amazing today. I would be concerned about the motor as stated in a previous post. You can find replacements, but are you able to do repairs like this or wish to spend the money to have it replaced. For 2000, I would buy it. These are fun cars to drive and do get lot's of attention. As you stated, you don't see a lot of these early Barracuda's on the road. I know in North Carolina, I've only seen a couple. If you have the funds and the time, go for it. Save another fish. Good luck and have a great day!
 
I guess when I see deals like this, the buyer just needs to have a clear understanding of what it costs for materials, and the amount of labor it takes for either YOU and paying someone to do it.
and he better get into the car because he really WANTS it, because it can be a long and expensive road. and realize an early A body is NOT an investment! LOL
NOW, I would bet if this cuda is a straight, pretty much rust free 65 273 cuda, all there, with a SB , 8 3/4 rear, with a usable engine, for $2000 or $2500 sitting East of the mississippi, guys would be on it like stink on chicken poop!?? right??? but then too, if it was priced for $300 they would all start the neg. at $200 ! LOL right?? LOL
 
Near hear id buy it for 2 grand on a lark. 4 speed is cool.
 
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