I recently inherited this car from my grandfather. He owns several old cars including a 1966 Mustang, a 1969 440 Imperial, a 1961 F-85 Olds, and several older Ford trucks. Having my pick I just had to go with the 'Cuda.

Now a few things about the car, it is a '64 with 26875 miles on it. It has a 273 with the 3-speed push button 904. The car sat in his barn since the 80s, he would pull it out maybe twice a year and run it, then it would go back in. The car has absolutely NO rust, other than a little on the exhaust. All of the numbers are matching with the exception of the paint, which was originally gold. So really all it needs is a strip down and repaint, and a little re-chroming.

I intend to keep the car "mostly" stock, meaning maybe just some bolt on additions and a new paint color and wheels.

Here is the car just after I finished polishing it and doing a bit of exhaust work.


Before picking it up from my grandfathers.


New fuel pump and master cylinder, hard to get much work in while at school.


New Edelbrock intake with a 4bbl Holley carb.


Free wheels an older guy gave me that he had on his roadrunner, should clean up nicely.


Interior is in great shape, you can see the original gold on the dash.

 

WOW, I mean Welcome, WOW!

 

Thank you! So far all I have into it is about $120. Pretty fortunate to have such a great opportunity. I just want to make sure I do everything right on her.

 

Check the bolt pattern on those wheels before you spend a lot of time polishing them.
64 has 4" RR has 4.5"

 

Ahh thanks for the info, I will take a look. Hopefully they do fit because those wheels new are super expensive.

 

Your attitude is just right, know that you do have a little piece of Chrysler history there.

 

Absolutely. I grew up riding a car seat in my dads 71 Charger with 1200 H.P. so I gained respect for Mopars early. I am just going to take my time and do everything perfectly. Really grateful that it is in such good shape. Can't wait to hit some cars shows here in a few months.

 

Just remembered the 1964-'65 intake manifold bolts are smaller diameter and at a different angle than the '66 and later. It may take some machining in that area and large hardened washers to seal properly.

 

My grandfather had put on that setup years ago and said it was "too snotty" after driving it for about 10 miles. So I know it fits

 

Very nice, it would be hard for me not to make a 340 look like a 273.

 

Iowan, that was my original idea. I have a 340 Magnum sitting in the shop at home, however after consulting some people its widely agreed that the car is too nice to really start swapping engines and stuff. Ill just beef up the 273 a bit.

 

It's fantastic that you were able to pick a car and have it in such amazing shape! I love the plan for the build, keeping it simple.

 

where in upstate ny?

 

Thanks guys! I am from the Lake George area. I'll have it up there this summer.

 

If you have a 340 ? Put it in !!! Just put the 273 in storage. The 273 is a dog unless you have the HP one with the fact 4bbl & hi comp pistons.. There is/was a 64 Barracuda running around So Cal back in the 70's with a valiant front end on it.. thanks to my sister and those crappy 9" drums.. IF you have the 9" drums Don't even consider driving it without a brake up grade

 

im in mayfield

 

Believe me I initially wanted to do the engine swap. Maybe way down the line I will. But I decided to keep it a stock car with the exception of paint and the bigger intake and carb. The car is hasn't had any modifications and I think it should stay that way. It has the bigger brake package. It stops quite well actually. Will probably do disks on the front once I have the money to do so.