Is this 1970 AAR ‘Cuda worth fixing?
Posted by moparcenter@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 132 comments
Posted by moparcenter@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 132 comments
Chris_WRB@reddit
Someone with enough time and money most certainly could. But this seems like a job you'd need sponsorship for. The help finding parts, the time needed to correct what's here JUST to start building ON TOP of what you have left would take... alot.
priuspollution@reddit
I have personally restored a ‘70 cuda in worse condition. Granted it was a hemi convertible, so even the vin tag is worth money if the rest of the car is gone.
Frozen_North_99@reddit
This is the answer.
HucknRoll@reddit
Maybe if you have all matching numbers.
lightingthefire@reddit
Is the AAR Cuda behind the yellow scrap metal?
OllieBonugli@reddit
For the right person, yes. But that person probably isn’t asking that question on Reddit
Syscrush@reddit
Not the worst starter project we've seen people asking about here.
trailrun1980@reddit
But I can save her bro
Eclipse423@reddit
"Dude, I watched my grandpa weld once, I know what I am doing."
Soggy-Avocado918@reddit
LOL. So much truth here
tehlurkingnoob@reddit
This guy fixed up one in arguably the same if not worse condition.
This is the day he picked it up, check out his channel for the updated video.
https://youtu.be/9Agks7xI2nI?si=FJXQUZK9D7wbQsyo
Mr_Gutterman@reddit
Jennings motorsports is a necromancer with old rigs.
PerformerPossible204@reddit
Love that guy "What we got here today is a Nineteen......"
ncoder@reddit
Lol. he like... kept the door.
KG8893@reddit
You just need a glove box for an early Bronco and you can order the rest from a catalog
tehlurkingnoob@reddit
I’m not denying that most of it was replaced, just stating that anything can be done if you’re dedicated enough.
Igota31chevy@reddit
My favorite mangled project example is the Taco Coupe. The car was burned and quite literally folded in on itself. A high school teacher and his shop class de-mangled it into an actual body then fixed it up to race in TROG West.
If it ain't rusted into dust, it's fixable. Just depends on the time and/or money you drop in it.
SuKharjo@reddit
Alright, that's insane.
sony1492@reddit
A Ship of Theseus idk that its really saving at that point, just paperwork for the completely fresh build on a chassis that has the sheetmetal available for such endeavors
tehlurkingnoob@reddit
I get what you mean.
I think OP’s car is in much better shape than the blue one and much more of its original panels could be used.
West-Amphibian-2343@reddit
yo what the fuck lmao
aquatone61@reddit
Considering you can damn near order a whole car from a catalog all you really need is the VIN plate.
largos7289@reddit
by the time you fixed it so that it cold be a solid project, you could of had a house in Malibu for cheaper.
caroulos123@reddit
That’ll buff right out with some WD-40 and a prayer
ChemistAdventurous84@reddit
Graveyard Cars restored an AAR ‘Cuda in very similar condition. With the possible exception of the “dutchman panel” (rear window/package tray area), every body and suspension part is being reproduced- I think they now make that panel. There’s a structural sheetmetal layer below the exterior and there might actually be enough left of this thing to restore. Whether it’s worth it depends upon the original options and the current market. I’m guessing the market is down at the moment, so it might be best to let it sit a few more years.
FanninCounty-Georgia@reddit
When I was in middle school, my girlfriend was always telling me “Let’s don’t and just say we did.” That also applies here.
pbrassassin@reddit
The vin is
Killarkittens@reddit
I know they make reproduction bodies for mustangs and camaros. Im too lazy to check Mopar options.
dbu8554@reddit
Not like the mustangs but they sell all the pieces and will assemble them for you in the USA as well.
Local_Bobcat_2000@reddit
To each his own, but honestly I’d rather do a factory five kit build than start with twisted rust. It’s a complete frame up build and their truck kinda grew on me.
Allumina@reddit
Dash pad is gone. VIN plate is part of the dash pad on these E-bodies
EarthOk2418@reddit
Looks like the fender tag is already gone. Which means there’s already an AAR ‘Cuda running around with the original VIN and this is a worthless carcass.
Rurockn@reddit
Buy that vin and slap it on another Cuda.
stlmick@reddit
You could keep that little piece of glass and maybe the chrome trim also.
MillionSuns@reddit
It’s worth selling to someone who can restore it. If you have to ask, you’re probably not the guy with the skillset to do the work yourself.
1453_@reddit
I have seen a few of my neighbors try to do these projects. They purchase it and throw all kinds of money, time and effort into it IN THE BEGINNING. Over time, they realize they are in over their head and it sits until its sold to the next delusional guy who does the same thing.
Local_Bobcat_2000@reddit
That’s the 90% finished group. And they’re trying to get some of the money back that they put way too much into it.
Recent-Leave-8526@reddit
Came here to say that.
nopester24@reddit
what 70 AAR Cuda??? all I see is a pile of debris
OrganicSig@reddit
Hear me out. Take a 318 survivor…
EarthOk2418@reddit
You’re a little late… The fender tag and other VIN stamps have already been removed along with the motor and transmission. There’s already another ‘Cuda of Theseus running around with this car’s VIN.
KittiesRule1968@reddit
Yes
TheJGoldenKimball@reddit
Should YOU fix it? Probably not. That’s 100k$ restoration bill to get it right. Should someone with the money do it? Sure.
officialbeansintoast@reddit
Yes. Don’t listen to anyone who says no. ANY AAR visa is always worth fixing. They will never make more. Doesn’t matter if it take 20 years to get 100%. it’s always worth it for a mopar of this era. Especially a AAR.
NoseResponsible3874@reddit
Wait, they’re not making 70 cudas anymore??
tehlurkingnoob@reddit
Jennings Motorsports is a really good example of someone who fixed up an AAR that was in similar if not worse shape. He hasn’t finished yet, but the improvement is impressive.
This is the day he picked it up:
https://youtu.be/9Agks7xI2nI?si=FJXQUZK9D7wbQsyo
Progress update video:
https://youtu.be/0crw3J_swws?si=QOkvXgNmM2HvvVB8
officialbeansintoast@reddit
Yes, this is exactly who I thought of when I saw this post. Any car is fixable if you’ve got the time, skills and money.
SnooDucks9304@reddit
Not if you're making this
Yuara1234@reddit
If you can weld, I’d just cut the back damage off and do that. But honestly if you’re not willing to spend much I’d go for something newer. If you are then go for it!
89LSC@reddit
If it comes with a title and fender tag
EarthOk2418@reddit
Fender tag is gone. You can see where it was removed on the driver’s side front inner fender. The VIN tag was also removed from the rear quarter panel on the drivers side (that’s why there’s a section of the quarter that’s obviously been cut out).
The hard truth is that this is a worthless carcass and there’s another ‘Cuda running around with the VIN that was originally associated with this shell.
pele4096@reddit
I wouldn't fuck that with a rented dick.
Frame beyond the rear axle, gone. Rear quarters, gone.
No glass, so the interior is trashed and the floor pan is rusted out.
The driver's door, some trim, and that little quarter glass are the only useful parts in the pic.
ExactPhotograph8075@reddit
Graveyard cars level.
Nathan_reynolds@reddit
I mean your gonna need money and money and 2 more not fucked cudas to build it but sure.
Tough_Apple_2058@reddit
with enough time and money any vehicle is savable
FoundationFair4060@reddit
Nah that needs shredded and made into beer cans
UnbelievableDingo@reddit
If you want to spend $200k building a $70k car, then sure.
braetoras@reddit
I think you could use this to make the jalopy from Half-Life 2.
lalaladylvr@reddit
YES. especially if it still retains the original drive train, innder fender tags and the Vin on the dash and framerail.
everything from the doors back is available snd replaceable. everything from the cowl foreward is abailable.
I hope youre able ro find rhe nose of the car lying around their too.
fingers crossed the previous owner can lay his hands on the title.
Melodic-Ad1415@reddit
Graveyard cars
carmellashutthedooor@reddit
If you own or have access to some kind of car restoration garage and are a millionaire and want to spend a staggering amount of money, time, and effort basically creating a new car from scratch minus the handful of parts that you can salvage from this wreck, then go for it.
Personally I would just salvage whatever usable parts I can from this to sell them and direct those proceeds towards a more viable project.
Sun_Bro96@reddit
Worth more than trying to fix a bad woman/man, that’s for sure.
mz3prs@reddit
Depends how much you are willing to spend. I have seen shows where they fixed up similar, but do you have the money and you don’t plan to sell it for a profit, right?
Aleutian_Solution@reddit
Jennings motor sports fixed one (mostly) that was in far worse shape. So to answer your question; can it be fixed? Yes. Is it worth your time or effort? That’s up to you to decide.
Thebeerguy17403@reddit
No
DizzySample9636@reddit
Super rare car - Six Pack 340 - totally worth it if you got the scratch... 💸💸💸💸
Street_Mall9536@reddit
We put a front (frame) clip, full floors, trunk, quarters and pretty much everything else on a 70 T/A that was crashed in the mid 70s and parked. Mind you this car was numbers matching and had the entire drivetrain and special bits like heads, manifolds etc.
It's doable if you have the skill, and IF its has the fender tag.
If you have to pay out of pocket for someone to restore it, it a waste of time.
And for those saying swap tags, sure that's viable, but then it's not the real deal it's a clone.
coffeejj@reddit
The only thing that wreck is worth is the parts and the VIN.
Glittering_Call_898@reddit
This is a donner car at best IMO. Some once told me start off with the best you can afford and improve from there.
RCMike_CHS@reddit
Not even much left for parts. One with need for rust patching would be better choice if dirt cheap.
PARKOUR_ZOMBlE@reddit
70? There’s only 35 left of that one.
Djdoubleu@reddit
35 and a half.
cornlip@reddit
34 and ½
HotWalk152@reddit
35
Far-Plastic-4171@reddit
Can you fix it? Yes, is it worth it? No
If it was mine back in the day and I now had lots of $$$ laying around sure I would get it rebuilt.
Danielle_is_the_hole@reddit
Nope, not worth it. You will not get a return on your investment but if you don’t care about making money and really really want this particular car, it can be fixed.
Giff13@reddit
Absolutely. Look up Jennings motorsports. On YouTube, he's doing a couple way worse than this. If you have the skills tools and space
Boatlover62@reddit
I'd take it in a heartbeat, new quarter panels, new front fenders, and could honestly fabricate alot of the other parts when welding her up
selfmadeelf@reddit
Reminds me of a game "Flatout"
lunaticmagnet@reddit
Maybe. As a perfect restroom l restoration? No. As a badass driver? Sure.
Option 1: put it on a tube chassis. Option 2: move anything saveable to another e body, if you can find one with a tree on the roof or something Option 3: rebuild it panel by panel with aftermarket parts. Gonna be more expensive than the first two options though. You'd also need a jig.
benjamin21444@reddit
No it’s rusted to sht
tehlurkingnoob@reddit
It’s totally doable.
Jennings Motorsports is a really good example of someone who fixed up an AAR that was in similar if not worse shape. He hasn’t finished yet, but the improvement is impressive.
This is the day he picked it up:
https://youtu.be/9Agks7xI2nI?si=FJXQUZK9D7wbQsyo
Progress update video:
https://youtu.be/0crw3J_swws?si=QOkvXgNmM2HvvVB8
its_just_flesh@reddit
Take a pic of the vin amd data plate and aend it to Mark from Graveyard Cars. He can probably tell you all about it
Zed32_Customs@reddit
Yes. Also did this just like turn up at a scrap yard or something?!! Who would scrap something like this?
bluenosesutherland@reddit
Does it have papers?
moose4130@reddit
Look at the questionable garage's 1970 sport satellite. He's replaced nearly every piece of sheetmetal. I think it's up to you, how much work do you want to put into it. It could be a cool car with a good story.
He-who-knows-some@reddit
If I was gonna “save her” I’d build the half life 2 episodes “buggy” or do a half inch steel “wire frame” to correct the body. She had a real rough day in the past… best that can be done is immortalize it and give her a new life… half-life 2 episode 2??
Current_Inevitable43@reddit
If you can do the work yes if not paying $100 hr will add up fast
itouchbums@reddit
there's a guy in Oregon that specializes in restoring mopars,especially ones that are this far gone
graveyard carz is the name of the shop
TalkingHorse13@reddit
Yup,this. His name is Mark Worman. And his shop is Graveyard Cars it’s in Springfield,Or. Look up the show Graveyard Cars.
Catatafish@reddit
If it's got a VIN, and the guy isn't asking 100K for it
used_tongs@reddit
Is this a joke?
tehlurkingnoob@reddit
It’s doable.
Jennings Motorsports is a really good example of someone who fixed up an AAR that was in similar if not worse shape. He hasn’t finished yet, but the improvement is impressive.
This is the day he picked it up:
https://youtu.be/9Agks7xI2nI?si=FJXQUZK9D7wbQsyo
Progress update video:
https://youtu.be/0crw3J_swws?si=QOkvXgNmM2HvvVB8
used_tongs@reddit
Okay so, I was thinking it wouldn't sell for that much. But I guess putting in 50ish grand for around 130k isnt to bad of a deal
Big-Explorer-6253@reddit
Fix What? Restore What? There's nothing to Fix or Restore!
tehlurkingnoob@reddit
It’s doable.
Jennings Motorsports is a really good example of someone who fixed up an AAR that was in similar if not worse shape. He hasn’t finished yet, but the improvement is impressive.
This is the day he picked it up:
https://youtu.be/9Agks7xI2nI?si=FJXQUZK9D7wbQsyo
Progress update video:
https://youtu.be/0crw3J_swws?si=QOkvXgNmM2HvvVB8
Cool_Sweet3341@reddit
Just rip off the vin and scrap the rest then yeah good to go.
shamanfromtheforest@reddit
Took me a while to realise there is a car on this photo
tehlurkingnoob@reddit
Is it worth fixing? To the right people, yes.
Are you that person? Well that’s something you need to ask yourself.
It takes an incredibly skilled fabricator to fix a car like that. If you want a good example of someone fixing an AAR in similar if not worse condition, look no further than this guy.
Jennings Motorsports.
https://youtu.be/9Agks7xI2nI?si=FJXQUZK9D7wbQsyo
dustsmoke@reddit
If you can believe it... that one is a yes. You'll double your money at Barret Jackson on one of those.
wiseoracle@reddit
Yes without a doubt. Money invested will pay dividends
CORNERSTORE42069@reddit
This is a 350 sbc rat rod candidate now lol, u less you’re michael jordan and have a cool 2 million dollars just sitting waiting to be spent
Sandberg231984@reddit
Yes
mortalcrawad66@reddit
Buying it, and selling body lanels from it would make a lot more sense.
brnjenkn@reddit
What body panels?
Jamaican_Dynamite@reddit
Somebody hard parked the hell out that one.
navlgazer9@reddit
The VIN and title are worth something .
That’s the only part for it you can’t get shipped to your door with a few clicks and a credit card .
Same as an old bronco or something
RunNgunr88@reddit
“This isn’t a junkyard, it’s a garage”
Hagabar@reddit
I feel like if it was worth it someone would have already been on it. This is a "how bad do you really want it?" project.
Canelosaurio@reddit
It's a numbers-matching car if you can find the numbers.
EC_CO@reddit
$100k+ to restore correctly for top $$ and that's about what its worth
Downunder818@reddit
You can do it!!!!!!!! Keep us updated on your progress.
tsukiyaki1@reddit
Legitimate question from Mopar goofballs these days.
CustomCarNerd@reddit
If you want to just jack up the VIN and fender tag and build a car underneath, then yes.
CrazyTechWizard96@reddit
jerry_Sizzla@reddit
lol wut
PARKOUR_ZOMBlE@reddit
I’m restoring a 68 charger right now that had 90% of the parts and has been off the road since 1979. The body is in great shape. I’m tens of thousands deep and have t started putting it together yet. That cuda is a vin and a title if that.
Boilermakingdude@reddit
Sure. Just buy every single panel and replace all of it. The only thing this is good for is the vin.
consistentfontusage@reddit
Not worth fixing, but if you have somewhere to put it at some point some idiot would buy it to try fixing
memecarf69@reddit
Nothing JB weld can't fix!
burburburburburbur@reddit
fuckkkkk no
dagget10@reddit
It'll buff out
SyntheticParanoia@reddit
That would be a complete re-body, damn near. I would say no, unless you're the one holding the welding leads and got deep pockets for all the tin and interior bits you will need.
PomegranateSlow8286@reddit
Bankruptcy starter kit right there. The longer uou look at it the worse it gets. Unless you had a burning desire to own one, and this was the only example you could ever find, and you had more money than you could ever spend, it would still be a bad idea.
Rude-Key-2418@reddit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlB8iCMaXl0 BUILDING A CUDA FROM A CATALOG: HOW TO REENGINEER THE MOST FAMOUS MOPAR OF ALL TIME.
Hunters_underwear@reddit
I’d be in for that project
confusedtophers@reddit
You’d have to dig real deep into the family and sleeveless tshirts to pull this one off.
ZombieJesusaves@reddit
Jesus why? If you had a full shop and all the skills it would still cost you 100k minimum. If you have to pay for the work? You are talking 400+
Doug_Schultz@reddit
That's a turtle wax commercial waiting to happen.
IBIKEONSIDEWALKS@reddit
Do you have more free time and money than you know what to do with? Yes
If not, no
zenwren@reddit
I would say no, but when it comes to rare Mopars people are crazy.
PhoenixFab@reddit
No