Need 65 Barracuda info ** Updated **

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If its a commando motor there definitely would be a 4 barrel, odd someone would swap the intake and carb. either way looks clean and if you can drive it home well worth the money. What size is the rear? Late 65 commandos started to come with the 8 3/4... also you can get the formula s suspension without the formula s. I have a 68 barracuda factory 318 with the HD suspension package which has all the formula s goodies.

I have yet to see a factory 8 3/4 axle in a 65 Commando or Formula S. Factory was 7 1/4
 
I have yet to see a factory 8 3/4 axle in a 65 Commando or Formula S. Factory was 7 1/4

As a matter of fact, no Formula S was factory equipped with an 8 3/4 as standard equipment until the 340 came out in 68! It was an option starting in late 65, so Joel is partially correct!!

And a note to the OP, take a pair of calipers with you and measure those torsion bars, not an easy or even thought about swap!! If they don't read .870, they're not the big bars and probably not formula S!!
 
We sure about this? My parts book claims late 65 dodges got the 8 3/4 so I assumed Plymouth did too, but I have had books be wrong before that is a fact, and I can't argue with cosgigs knowledge of early cudas
 
We sure about this? My parts book claims late 65 dodges got the 8 3/4 so I assumed Plymouth did too, but I have had books be wrong before that is a fact, and I can't argue with cosgigs knowledge of early cudas

Oh, you could have the 8 3/4 starting in late 65 in an A body, but you had to order it seperately!
 
thanks for all the info everyone. I'm thinking that may be the original owner replaced the motor with a 66 since:he drove it from 65 to 78. The line lock makes me think that he took it to the local strip or something like that.

The car is several hours away so I wont be back to check anything else on it. If I go back it will be to buy it.

Actually, I'm not buying it, I'm trading a 77 Corvette for it. The Vette is nice and really fast, but it needs work, and around here they are a dime a dozen. they're for sale everywhere and no one wants to buy them. No one even bothers to look at them at the car cruises unless they're 1967 or older.. On the other hand, Mopars of any kind are almost non-existant here, and get a lot of attention. Since both cars need work, I'd rather fix up the Barracuda because I'm a Mopar Guy at heart. And if for some reason I need to sell in a hurry, I feel I could sell the Mopar quicker.
 
I would like on opinion on the floors though.

The guy did an excellent job on them, so I'm wondering if I should just put carpeting in and forget about them,
or replace them with metal? It's not a high dollar car and will mostly be a driver.
 
The issue would be it's a unibody, so a lot of structural integrity is in the floors. It would matter just how much glass is in the floors. You could also just add frame rail connectors and leave the floors. If it were me and the floors were good and I didn't think the rust would continue, meaning it was removed properly before fiberglass was laid, I would leave it and put frame rail connectors in. Assuming a lot here but I'm flying blind as they say.
 
The original four barrel engine would have been a premium fuel motor also.
 

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Please correct me for any errors here but this is what I believe to be true:

-in 65, there was a rally package which was the upgraded suspension, included extra leaf spring on the passenger side, sway bar (with tabbed lower control arms), larger 14" rims (and special 14" hubcaps) and Goodyear Blue Streak 6.95 inch tires, larger brakes, torsion bar was larger, heavy duty shocks, not sure on steering wheel. The security panel in the trunk had to be changed to include a cutout area to allow for the wider tire and the piano hinge was different as well to accommodate it. I have seen two different modified piano hinges. The trunk fiber board had the same cutout area.No exterior markings to indicate this package

-in 65, there was a commando package which was the upgraded drive train, included commando 273 engine*, special exhaust with better Y pipe, non-baffled muffler, and resonator tip (with special valence cutout) Had 273 commando emblems, one on each fender just behind the headlight in place of the V8 emblems

-in 65, there was a Formula S package which combined these two packages with added tachometer. Had round formula s callout emblems in place of the V8 emblems

The stripe, which some falsely call a "Formula S Stripe" could be ordered on any trim level and was a factory option that was painted on by the dealer. The paint was included inside the car and had instructions which were subject to the interpretation of each dealer's paint shop. the instructions were for a 6" center stripe with 1" side stripe separated by a 1' space. The stripe was suppose to stop behind the hood latch and just above the rear bumper. Removal of the hood latch and trunk lock were recommended for the painter.

*commando engine could be ordered independently and had a special cam, domed 12.5:1 pistons, 4 barrel intake and Carter 3853S AFB on the 4 speed 3854S on the automatic, Cast Iron dual point distributer, aluminum finned black crinkle finish valve covers, chrome PCV and Oil Breather, and Chrome Carburetor Breather Housing with Aluminum (not Mylar decal) COMMANDO 273 callout. Included the special exhaust mentioned above.

4 speed cars also has a stainless steel carpet protector next to the gas pedal on the transmission hump.
 
true, but no 12.5:1 pistons, they were 10.5:1. The 4sp 65 got an 8 3/4 midway through the production year from another source. My 65 "S" was about as original as I have seen and I dont remember a chrome PCV fitting, but that could have been a line stocking issue or replacement. Dont remember the 273 callout being AL, it was a sticker. The pie tin would fit, it just wasnt a tin for the 273. I think those were 2 packages shown. Suspension package in foreground with the "S" package in the background. See the tach against the black trunk board that was special to the fatter blue streak tires? It had a crescent milled out so it would sit flush over the fatter spare.
 
true, but no 12.5:1 pistons, they were 10.5:1. The 4sp 65 got an 8 3/4 midway through the production year from another source. My 65 "S" was about as original as I have seen and I dont remember a chrome PCV fitting, but that could have been a line stocking issue or replacement. Dont remember the 273 callout being AL, it was a sticker. The pie tin would fit, it just wasnt a tin for the 273. I think those were 2 packages shown. Suspension package in foreground with the "S" package in the background. See the tach against the black trunk board that was special to the fatter blue streak tires? It had a crescent milled out so it would sit flush over the fatter spare.

Oops! I typo-ed the 12.5:1 meant 10.5:1

Some PCV were anodized (or painted) black some were chrome. The cylindrical cap it goes through is also chrome. This, and the oil breather caps were 426 Hemi parts.

Check your 273 breather callout. I bet it is aluminum glued down. I have had about two dozen breathers and all of them, including the charger 273 versions and California emissions versions had very thin aircraft grade aluminum "pie tins" glued down. It was cut across the circle so that it would lay down like a decal. A lot of venders offer a very thin Mylar decal which looks good, but doesn't last. I actually have re-popped some of the correct aluminum ones and am about to crank out another set. I also am about to re-pop some other hard to find items very soon.

Good info about the 8 3/4 availability and I agree on the crescent milled in the privacy trunk panel as I mentioned.
 
Please correct me for any errors here but this is what I believe to be true:

-in 65, there was a rally package which was the upgraded suspension, included extra leaf spring on the passenger side, sway bar (with tabbed lower control arms), larger 14" rims (and special 14" hubcaps) and Goodyear Blue Streak 6.95 inch tires, larger brakes, torsion bar was larger, heavy duty shocks, not sure on steering wheel. The security panel in the trunk had to be changed to include a cutout area to allow for the wider tire and the piano hinge was different as well to accommodate it. I have seen two different modified piano hinges. The trunk fiber board had the same cutout area.No exterior markings to indicate this package

-in 65, there was a commando package which was the upgraded drive train, included commando 273 engine*, special exhaust with better Y pipe, non-baffled muffler, and resonator tip (with special valence cutout) Had 273 commando emblems, one on each fender just behind the headlight in place of the V8 emblems

-in 65, there was a Formula S package which combined these two packages with added tachometer. Had round formula s callout emblems in place of the V8 emblems

The stripe, which some falsely call a "Formula S Stripe" could be ordered on any trim level and was a factory option that was painted on by the dealer. The paint was included inside the car and had instructions which were subject to the interpretation of each dealer's paint shop. the instructions were for a 6" center stripe with 1" side stripe separated by a 1' space. The stripe was suppose to stop behind the hood latch and just above the rear bumper. Removal of the hood latch and trunk lock were recommended for the painter.

*commando engine could be ordered independently and had a special cam, domed 12.5:1 pistons, 4 barrel intake and Carter 3853S AFB on the 4 speed 3854S on the automatic, Cast Iron dual point distributer, aluminum finned black crinkle finish valve covers, chrome PCV and Oil Breather, and Chrome Carburetor Breather Housing with Aluminum (not Mylar decal) COMMANDO 273 callout. Included the special exhaust mentioned above.

4 speed cars also has a stainless steel carpet protector next to the gas pedal on the transmission hump.

You know Bama, you may have something here, as the emblem on the passenger side of the car in question is not a Formula S emblem, but a Commando emblem! I believe this is evidence that the car may be either a Rally Pack car with a commando motor either ordered or the parts transplanted, but it is not a Formula S! There is no designation on the car that it is an S car, and I believe the fender tag would not show the rally pack option!! Good info there!!

The plot thickens!!!....
 
Please correct me for any errors here but this is what I believe to be true:

-in 65, there was a rally package which was the upgraded suspension, included extra leaf spring on the passenger side, sway bar (with tabbed lower control arms), larger 14" rims (and special 14" hubcaps) and Goodyear Blue Streak 6.95 inch tires, larger brakes, torsion bar was larger, heavy duty shocks, not sure on steering wheel. The security panel in the trunk had to be changed to include a cutout area to allow for the wider tire and the piano hinge was different as well to accommodate it. I have seen two different modified piano hinges. The trunk fiber board had the same cutout area.No exterior markings to indicate this package

-in 65, there was a commando package which was the upgraded drive train, included commando 273 engine*, special exhaust with better Y pipe, non-baffled muffler, and resonator tip (with special valence cutout) Had 273 commando emblems, one on each fender just behind the headlight in place of the V8 emblems

-in 65, there was a Formula S package which combined these two packages with added tachometer. Had round formula s callout emblems in place of the V8 emblems

The stripe, which some falsely call a "Formula S Stripe" could be ordered on any trim level and was a factory option that was painted on by the dealer. The paint was included inside the car and had instructions which were subject to the interpretation of each dealer's paint shop. the instructions were for a 6" center stripe with 1" side stripe separated by a 1' space. The stripe was suppose to stop behind the hood latch and just above the rear bumper. Removal of the hood latch and trunk lock were recommended for the painter.

*commando engine could be ordered independently and had a special cam, domed 12.5:1 pistons, 4 barrel intake and Carter 3853S AFB on the 4 speed 3854S on the automatic, Cast Iron dual point distributer, aluminum finned black crinkle finish valve covers, chrome PCV and Oil Breather, and Chrome Carburetor Breather Housing with Aluminum (not Mylar decal) COMMANDO 273 callout. Included the special exhaust mentioned above.

4 speed cars also has a stainless steel carpet protector next to the gas pedal on the transmission hump.


Ok here is a curve for you guys. lol

I have a 65 and have the build sheet. It is a Commando car with the emblems, 273HP, 4-speed, 7 1/4 axle non-suregrip, Sway bar, Xtra leaf, Thicker torsion bars, Exhaust cutout in valance, 9 inch brakes, 13 inch tires. All holds true on the buildsheet found under the carpet below the heater.
 
Ok here is a curve for you guys. lol

I have a 65 and have the build sheet. It is a Commando car with the emblems, 273HP, 4-speed, 7 1/4 axle non-suregrip, Sway bar, Xtra leaf, Thicker torsion bars, Exhaust cutout in valance, 9 inch brakes, 13 inch tires. All holds true on the buildsheet found under the carpet below the heater.

never seen the build sheet under the carpet, usually stuck in the springs under the the rear seat cushion.
 
They can be under the carpet or above the glove box, I heard one person say they found it above the gas tank, I have not seen it there myself but would be pretty interesting
 
Check your 273 breather callout. I bet it is aluminum glued down. I have had about two dozen breathers and all of them, including the charger 273 versions and California emissions versions had very thin aircraft grade aluminum "pie tins" glued down. It was cut across the circle so that it would lay down like a decal. A lot of venders offer a very thin Mylar decal which looks good, but doesn't last. I actually have re-popped some of the correct aluminum ones and am about to crank out another set. I also am about to re-pop some other hard to find items very soon.

I had an original Charger 273 call-out which appeared to be silk-screened to a thin piece of aluminum which was then glued to the air cleaner. I sent to Ulf the call-out, which he had reproduced (and was installed on his award winning DartCharger. He sent me a couple of them for my time and trouble to send it to him.
 
Reality on that 65 Barracuda is for what the person is asking and for the fact that it is far from original anymore,it like my 65 formula s becomes a great opportunity to build a nice driver. Your ability to convert the brakes over to front disc brake kit, split the master cylinder into a modern dual for safety. Potentially do as I did take out the 273 motor and build a more HP and reliable larger small block to replace it, Lots of 318 motors out there for low price and you can make them rock hard with good parts, or even go up to a 340. Then paint it to look like a 273 and 95% of people who look at your car when done will go nice 273! In fact mine has the valve covers and air cleaner off the 273 on it and I just smile when people look at it saying that. Also when you want to paint it your choice of color and to do the formula s stripe is up to you. I am in that process for mine soon saving money to do body and paint later this year. Reality is make it yours do with it what you want and enjoy the ride!

65 cudalover!!
 
Reality on that 65 Barracuda is for what the person is asking and for the fact that it is far from original anymore,it like my 65 formula s becomes a great opportunity to build a nice driver. Your ability to convert the brakes over to front disc brake kit, split the master cylinder into a modern dual for safety. Potentially do as I did take out the 273 motor and build a more HP and reliable larger small block to replace it, Lots of 318 motors out there for low price and you can make them rock hard with good parts, or even go up to a 340. Then paint it to look like a 273 and 95% of people who look at your car when done will go nice 273! In fact mine has the valve covers and air cleaner off the 273 on it and I just smile when people look at it saying that. Also when you want to paint it your choice of color and to do the formula s stripe is up to you. I am in that process for mine soon saving money to do body and paint later this year. Reality is make it yours do with it what you want and enjoy the ride!

65 cudalover!!

Agreed! We just need to make sure that the true facts stay true for the guy who finds one in a barn (when we are all sitting in the old folks home) and wants to restore one authentically
My 65 has several deviations from original, from being a tribute to a car that I couldn't save to having an alternate color on it.
LOVE them!
 
Really good information here. I was under the impression that the Formula S cars came with 10 inch brakes and 14 inch wheels. Doesn't really matter I guess, but that is how mine is. No argument here, just curious.
 
... I was under the impression that the Formula S cars came with 10 inch brakes and 14 inch wheels. Doesn't really matter I guess, but that is how mine is. No argument here, just curious...

I believe they did.....No "S" had 9's...Those were crap under a 6!
 
Really good information here. I was under the impression that the Formula S cars came with 10 inch brakes and 14 inch wheels. Doesn't really matter I guess, but that is how mine is. No argument here, just curious.

The S did come with 10 inch only.
 
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