Here Are My Car Thoughts

[JASON96R]

I own a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 383 Formula S Fastback 4 speed car. All together with the 383 4 speed formula S package that makes the car a little on the rare side, as in under 400 made with the above criterea.

When I got the car the 383 and 4 speed were gone, and in place was a 318 automatic, idiot frist owner I'm the second. Before, really realizing that my car was kind of rare I threw a 360/4 speed combination in the car. I want to take the 360/4 speed throw that into a older Dodge stepside, 360 is a pretty hot engine that can be driven on the street some. Then put a midly built 383 with 4 speed overdrive into the Barracuda, and use it as a driver in the summer.

I all ready have planned to replace/repair the interior and exterior and I all ready have the paint color picked out, Prowler Orange used on Prowlers and Vipers.

My question is do you guys think that driving an actual old school car during the summer would be a neat idea. I mean I like the new retro look Mustang and the new Challenger looks awesome, not a fan of the new Camaro, but they are trying to resemble cars from the past. I figure why not drive a car actually from the past. I know that modern suspensions and things like AC, notice a week ago I asked about aftermarket AC systems, and fuel injection make things more convienant now. But I think a car like that Barracuda just makes you think power as soon as you see it, big blocks have a unique sound, and the cars stance just says don't mess with me.

I guess I figure why spend $25,000+++ on a new old look sports car when I have the real deal. It will cost me pleanty of money to fix up still but will still be far cheaper, and I can easily have mo powr than a stock Stang GT for much cheaper.

[Darthness]

it'd probably be easier to get the cash to buy a new car than an old though.

[JASON96R]

That's true but I all ready have the car. However, my car goes up in value every year and a new retro look car will go down, until they are old enough to go up in value.

[Darthness]

yeah.. but unles syou already have a lot of cash... it may be easier to get a loan for an 07 dodge than it is to get a loan to restore a 65 dodge :-p

[cargodz]

Well this definately has my point of interest!
1) If you really want your car to go up in value.....restore it! That means don't go messing with different paints (find out the oem paint code for your specific car), If you wanna add on, like AC... fine, but keep everything as close to original as possible... That means no fuel injection... besides carburators are easier to work on.
2) Why do you think the auto manufacturers are so hell bent on making the retro looking cars? It's because everyone appreciates the cars from that era... so to have an original will always gain you more respect.
3) A rare find like yours is one in a million... even if the bank doesn't appreciate it. And with them getting even more rare by the day... It is an investment to put the money into this one.
4) Keep in mind that this is coming from a GM guy... I never really went the way of mopar, but I always loved the Cuda's

[JASON96R]

I'll never be able to a complete resto because the original engine and tranny are long gone. I do have a 69 year engine and 4 speed, the 4 speed OD I would put in it is not a 69 model year. My extent of resto is close to original interior, fixing up the body and a good paint job, make it a 383 4 speed car again. I never plan to sell the car so while the value of car may be somewhat high if completely restored that doesn't matter because I won't sell it. However, if it looks pretty good I could enter into some local car shows and it would be good to have atleast the correct engine in the car.

[cargodz]

The 69 year motor will take it to spec.... You just need to get a spec tranny and original motors components.