New guy - 68 Notch-back - 900 mile road trip!

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MrJLR

Built, not bought
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Hi....new guy here. I'm picking up this '68 Notch-back Barracuda tomorrow for $9800

It's 900 miles from my house and I'm driving it home....:prayer:

It's a 'lil 318 - should be fine! I'm an optimist!
 

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Take a camera and take a few pics of the car and of your trip! Share them with us here and when you pass your car along to your son or daughter you'll be glad you have them!
 
Take a camera and take a few pics of the car and of your trip! Share them with us here and when you pass your car along to your son or daughter you'll be glad you have them!

I sure will!


I come from Corvettes.....so I'll be on here asking a lot of questions!

:computer:
 
1st - Welcome!!! 2nd - Nice car, like notchbacks!!! 3rd - I'm sure it will do just fine. I did the same thing once. I bought a 69 barracuda and drove it 900 miles home. It was a 318 2bbl. Not a problem at all. Just for the first few miles, watch the temp gauge, and stop after it shows that it's warmed up to see if the radiator hose feels about right for the temp showing. Overheating will leave ya sitting.
 
Very nice car. I hope you have a good trouble free trip...

Welcome to FABO.

Not to knock your car, but let you know what I spot that is not "period correct" for that car:

That looks like the 70 and later radiator, not the original style 68 v-8 radiator.

The water pump pulley looks like the 70 and later style, the 68 style pulley is more bell shaped.

The fan and spacer don't look right to me - and no fan shroud...

The alternator should have a single pulley, not a double pulley.

There is a 4 pin ballast resistor, that year came with a 2 pin ballast. By using the 4 pin ballast resistor, you need to have all 5 pins for the ecu wired, where if the 2 pin ballast for electronic ignition which comes in the conversion kit only uses 4 pins from the ECU.

I would put a better set of spark plug wires on it also, those look old. Run 8 mm supression core...

What is that hose running across the firewall, under the heater hoses, above the blower motor, and wherever it goes to for???

The main positive wires look funny, going straight into the firewall where the windshield washer hoses come out of. I get suspicious of modified electrical wires, I've seen some real bad hack jobs.


Just a few things that you may be able to negotiate a lower price as it's not like the factory made it (if that matters to you...). I'm not sure if that will give you any problems, just letting you know what to keep an eye on just in case.
 
1st - Welcome!!! 2nd - Nice car, like notchbacks!!! 3rd - I'm sure it will do just fine. I did the same thing once. I bought a 69 barracuda and drove it 900 miles home. It was a 318 2bbl. Not a problem at all. Just for the first few miles, watch the temp gauge, and stop after it shows that it's warmed up to see if the radiator hose feels about right for the temp showing. Overheating will leave ya sitting.

Good advise....
First place I'm going is to an auto parts store for a gas can (owner says gas gauge isn't "accurate"!) and also pick up a quart or 2 of oil and a couple gallons of water.

It's 99.9% Freeway miles and I'm just gonna cruise it at 65mph.

:)
 
Very nice car. I hope you have a good trouble free trip...

Welcome to FABO.

Not to knock your car, but let you know what I spot that is not "period correct" for that car:

That looks like the 70 and later radiator, not the original style 68 v-8 radiator.

The water pump pulley looks like the 70 and later style, the 68 style pulley is more bell shaped.

The fan and spacer don't look right to me - and no fan shroud...

The alternator should have a single pulley, not a double pulley.

There is a 4 pin ballast resistor, that year came with a 2 pin ballast. By using the 4 pin ballast resistor, you need to have all 5 pins for the ecu wired, where if the 2 pin ballast for electronic ignition which comes in the conversion kit only uses 4 pins from the ECU.

I would put a better set of spark plug wires on it also, those look old. Run 8 mm supression core...

What is that hose running across the firewall, under the heater hoses, above the blower motor, and wherever it goes to for???

The main positive wires look funny, going straight into the firewall where the windshield washer hoses come out of. I get suspicious of modified electrical wires, I've seen some real bad hack jobs.


Just a few things that you may be able to negotiate a lower price as it's not like the factory made it (if that matters to you...). I'm not sure if that will give you any problems, just letting you know what to keep an eye on just in case.


Awesome eye you got there!
I'll bring all that up when the cash is ready to trade !

Thanks!
 
I sure will!


I come from Corvettes.....so I'll be on here asking a lot of questions!

:computer:

Post up any questions that you have. I've had a few 67 & 68 fastbacks and can hopefully help you out. If not, there are many other knowledgeable people on here that can.

With the radiator, fan, and pulley set up, I would keep an eye out for overheating, especially without a fan shroud.

I would also watch the electrical wiring like I pointed out in my post above.

All else aside, it's a nice car. :cheers:
 
Thank guys.....I've want a Cuda (either B2 or B3) since I was a kid......and that was quite a while ago!

I'm VERY excited!

:cheers:
 
Thank guys.....I've want a Cuda (either B2 or B3) since I was a kid......and that was quite a while ago!

I'm VERY excited!

:cheers:

:cheers: I bet you are :color: Welcome and keep us updated on your trip, I agree the teen will make the trip just fine :glasses7: enjoy the ride home :) Nizze Barracuda :color::color:
 
Hello from Minnesota. Looks like a real nice ride!

Thanks!

I think I'm getting a really good price on it too.
My 2 things I insisted on were a straight body and a complete interior.....looks like I'm getting what I wanted!

Future plans are:
Brakes - COMPLETE....gotta have good brakes.
Vintage-Air
Wheels and tires
New carpet
440 BB

:burnout:
 
Thanks!

I think I'm getting a really good price on it too.
My 2 things I insisted on were a straight body and a complete interior.....looks like I'm getting what I wanted!

Future plans are:
Brakes - COMPLETE....gotta have good brakes.
Vintage-Air
Wheels and tires
New carpet
440 BB

:burnout:


If you do the brakes and they are the original style 10" drums all the way around, the 68 drums had the lower spring that goes from the primary shoe to the secondary shoe attaching to the adjusting lever for the star wheel. I don't like having that much force on the star wheel adjusting lever. You can convert "both axles" to the newer style, front and rear...

I like to convert to the later style where the lower spring goes from one shoe to the other and the adjusting lever is separate from the much stronger lower spring for the shoes.

Go to the parts store and order the complete parts for a 72 Duster with a v-8 and 10" brakes. You will need to get the hardware kit for both sides, the spring kit, and the proper shoes. That's all that you will need to convert each axle front and rear, and not very expensive. It will "bolt right up" and I like that system much better as it keeps the higher load spring for the bottom of the shoes off of the star wheel adjusting lever.

If you need pictures of how the 72 system goes together, let me know, we just finished the rear axle for my son's 71 Valiant 4 door with that brake system on it and I can post some pictures to help you get it together...
 
Take a camera and take a few pics of the car and of your trip! Share them with us here.

Yep, there are alot of "picture whores" here that like pictures of cars... We call it "car ****"... :D

If not someone may post one of these:

:worthles:
 
A camera on this trip is a must for M&M's (Making Memories) , this first trip will be documented I hope, may as well share them here :color: I am a Picture ***** and admit it :D
 
If you do the brakes and they are the original style 10" drums all the way around, the 68 drums had the lower spring that goes from the primary shoe to the secondary shoe attaching to the adjusting lever for the star wheel. I don't like having that much force on the star wheel adjusting lever. You can convert "both axles" to the newer style, front and rear...

I like to convert to the later style where the lower spring goes from one shoe to the other and the adjusting lever is separate from the much stronger lower spring for the shoes.

Go to the parts store and order the complete parts for a 72 Duster with a v-8 and 10" brakes. You will need to get the hardware kit for both sides, the spring kit, and the proper shoes. That's all that you will need to convert each axle front and rear, and not very expensive. It will "bolt right up" and I like that system much better as it keeps the higher load spring for the bottom of the shoes off of the star wheel adjusting lever.

If you need pictures of how the 72 system goes together, let me know, we just finished the rear axle for my son's 71 Valiant 4 door with that brake system on it and I can post some pictures to help you get it together...

The seller tells me it has disk brakes in front - was that a factory option?


Yep, there are alot of "picture whores" here that like pictures of cars... We call it "car ****"... :D

If not someone may post one of these:

:worthles:

For sure.....! I'm a member of a Corvette forum and we're the same way!
Quicky - I have a '74 Corvette. 383 Stroker.....FAST car.....I've had it 14 years now. Built every bit of myself.

But I ALWAYS wanted a Barracuda!
By the way - do you guys frown on me just referring to it as a "Cuda"? I know there was actually a 'Cuda in the 70's.

It's Mopar or no car!

:cheers:
 
Sounds like a fun trip! get off the highway a little and enjoy!


Tons of pics coming! (and questions!)

Google says it's a 14 hour drive.....!
From Eugene Oregon to Southern California (Chino)
Great way to get to know the car and some of it's rattles and quirks!

:cheers:
 
Good advise....
First place I'm going is to an auto parts store for a gas can (owner says gas gauge isn't "accurate"!) and also pick up a quart or 2 of oil and a couple gallons of water.

It's 99.9% Freeway miles and I'm just gonna cruise it at 65mph.

:)

Also pick up enough fuel line to run the car from the gas can if needed. If you start clogging fuel filters (take a couple of the plastic see-through types) then switch to the gas can...otherwise you're eventually going to get rust in the carb passages, then you're fooked.

Also take: ballast resistor, cap, rotor, coil, extra oil, extra coolant, a big water jug, wiring kit, bag of tools.

Also: Nice car!
 
NICE CAR. similar to mine.

post the photos - i'm right next to you in BREA. We'll see each other i am sure.


needle nose pliers.
screw drivers.
and hose clamps.
wire snips.
electrical tape.
spare rubber hoses.
 
Also pick up enough fuel line to run the car from the gas can if needed. If you start clogging fuel filters (take a couple of the plastic see-through types) then switch to the gas can...otherwise you're eventually going to get rust in the carb passages, then you're fooked.

Also take: ballast resistor, cap, rotor, coil, extra oil, extra coolant, a big water jug, wiring kit, bag of tools.

Also: Nice car!

For sure....gonna hit up a parts store early in the trip...
From what I know, Mopar's are pretty dependable - just don't overheat it!

I'll be landing in Oregon in 24 hours - got the cash in my pocket.....I'm ready to go get her NOW!


:)
 
NICE CAR. similar to mine.

post the photos - i'm right next to you in BREA. We'll see each other i am sure.

Now that IS cool!
Another 'Cuda - and local! We'll have to get them together!
There's a bunch of car shows and event coming up - gonna be a GREAT Summer!

:)
 
The seller tells me it has disk brakes in front - was that a factory option?




For sure.....! I'm a member of a Corvette forum and we're the same way!
Quicky - I have a '74 Corvette. 383 Stroker.....FAST car.....I've had it 14 years now. Built every bit of myself.

But I ALWAYS wanted a Barracuda!
By the way - do you guys frown on me just referring to it as a "Cuda"? I know there was actually a 'Cuda in the 70's.

It's Mopar or no car!

:cheers:


Yes, the factory had optional 4 piston kelsey hayes disc brakes for the front.

But my trick of using the 72 Duster drum brake set up will still work on the rear brakes, they should be 10 x 1.75" drums...

They changed the brakes in 73 to single piston discs and 4 1/2" bolt pattern for the wheels. The early style had 4" bolt pattern for the lugs...


I'm not picky if you call it a Barracuda or Cuda, it's shorter to type cuda and I get lazy sometimes. Only the anal retentive will correct you...



Before we got married, my wife told me that she was anal... It turns out that there are two kinds of anal, and she's the WRONG ONE!!! :banghead: LOL!

- Ron White
 
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