New to the site..just surprised my dad with a Gold 65 Cuda just like the one he had..

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65goldcuda

@65_Cuda w/408/727/Dana 60
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Messages
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Location
Houston
Hello to all of you, my name is Matt Clark. Thanks for allowing me to be on this forum. I have a lot to learn. I wanted to share all of this with you guys because I believe this is what owning a classic car is all about "having a meaningful link to the past..sometimes with a loved one"

Here is how I got here: In 1965 my dad ordered a 1965 Gold Cuda Formula S. from the factory through a dealership in Denver Co. He had it for three years and sold it and went into the Navy. He loved that car and talked about it my whole life. I am now 45. Sure, I love a nice looking camaro or t-bucket roadster, old mustang etc. But because of him my dream "midlife crisis" muscle car was a 65 Cuda. Last year he was diagnosed with lung cancer (Mesotheliaoma) Since that time I wanted to just get him a ride in one. Last month, I found this car on Ebay, it was the same color, year, (not a Formula s) but with 93,000 original miles and beautifully restored (car was in Florida). So when I saw the car, I knew time was short, so... on the spur of the moment, I bought the car. A week later it was delivered..and one night I pulled up in the driveway after my brother and mom had had him out for dinner..and we surprised him with it. We have it on video..at first he said "Oh man, that's a Barracuda...it looks just like mine!" Then he realized I was driving it..and I jumped out..and told him it now belonged to us. The moment was priceless, lots of tears shed by all. It is NOT the same VIN# or actual car. But to me and him it represents a link to the past. I plan to keep the car in my family forever if possible. I posted some more pictures on this site under member photos: http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=8488 I also have the video on facebook showing me delivering the Cuda to dad https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202037396074922&set=vb.1187025812&type=2&theater

If you can't watch it, let me know you may have to be friends with me on facebook.


The engine is a 1967 318 4 barrel. Since then we have added new BFG TA's, (the old tires were cracked) an MSD ignition system (old system had problems) since it is not the original 273, I am considering beefing up the entire drivetrain with 380HP 360 Magnum, and firming up the 3 speed auto transmission, driveline, rear end, and new exhaust w/headers.

Thanks for having me..I look forward to being part of your MOPAR family.
 

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Wow, welcome to FABO and what a heart warming story!!! I hope your dad gets better and is able to enjoy that fish, it is a beauty! Neat video too, made my eyes water lol 8)

Here is my dads 66 Barracuda, it was his very first car and it will stay in our family as well.
 

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Sweet ride! Expect to see a Goldfish 65 welcome, in time...
 
That is cool. Both the car and the whole thought of hookin' up Dad with the past. My sis got my dad a 56 Rocket 88 for his birthday, but it was just a rental. I see those class action Mesothelioma commercials every day, did your dad get it in the Navy? Thank him for me for his service and I hope he is taken care of.
 
Welcome aboard and bless you, I can't see my key board after watching the video ..
And I to hope your dad gets better soon. So happy to have you with us , this made my night :goodman:
 
Awesome story and an awesome little ride! Watched the video too, dad can't believe its his!!! Priceless!! Looking forward to many years of memories and stories from your entire family!! Welcome to FABO, a grand entrance indeed!! Geof
 
Welcome to the club! love that fishie by the way, good luck with that and good luck to your father. As a current sailor send him some fair winds and following seas from a young salt.
 
wow that's a amazing story thank you for sharing it with us, best to you and your father!
 
Welcome!!! Great story. This IS what the car hobby is about. Hope your dad gets better for many miles of cruising. Sweet looking Cuda.
 
What a beautiful story! And that Cuda sounds really mean! :)
 
Welcome! You'll fit in here, doing such a nice thing for your Dad. Thanks for sharing. I used to own gold '65, they are great cars that will never let you down! If you want an original steering wheel, I bet someone on the site can help you.
 
Welcome from Fredericksburg, VA. That is a great story. I would love to be able to do that for my father one day. His dream car is a 68 Road Runner.
 
Welcome aboard and thanks for sharing the awesome story! God bless you all!
 
Welcome. What a good Son you are. I'm sure the thought of what you did was worth more to your Dad than the car itself.
 
welcome ..awesome story and tell pops thanks for his service from me love the body color ralleye wheels..i owned a 64 barracuda same color with the 273 and push button and wish I still had it but I wish I still had most of my old rides
 
Thanks to all of you for your support and nice words. Some things are best enjoyed with friends who can appreciate what a "cuda" even is. So thanks, and I will pass along your support to him. Now the dang thing is in the shop (carburetor problems..so I think I will just rip the whole drive train out and start over..like I wanted to in the first place). It really needs it. Too many unknowns Just imagine a 360 with 380HP and a new tranny, aluminum drivel line with new u-joints, and a nice solid rear end so I can burn the tread off those new tires!! I also need a new oversized radiator with electric fans, and new headers and exhaust. But such is the fever...
 
Big Texas welcome to Ya'all,

Very heartwarming story that had any of us whose Dads are no longer with us misting up.Cherish the time you have with your folks and bless you for your thoughtfulness and him for his service to our great country.
 
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