Mopar virgin checking in with new 1969 Barracuda - with questions.... ;)

Thanks for the tip on the emblem, Leanna! I didn't know what was supposed to be there.

Also thanks again for the info, Shane. Yes, the car is supposed to be a driver and the paint is not bad at all for a driver; plus it will hold up for years and looks much better than before. I am happy for that at least. When I'm able to do it all over again, I will do it in the beautiful factory B3 color and be sure to paint the whole engine compartment.

Thanks, Cawley! I really do love the way this Barracuda looks. It's an extremely handsome car with beautiful flowing lines. I also like the way the gas tank (lid?) opens. I love the way the turbine hubcaps look!! They are a really nice touch and shine and glisten in the sun.

I drove the car for a bit and got a feel for what I have. I think there's some play in the steering components which makes it unsure on the road during maneuvers. Not too safe if you ask me but I'll have to take it easy until I can get that fixed. Overall I think I could tell that it is very well balanced and responsive. It seems like a light and very nice-handling car if everything were working perfectly. I stepped on it a few times and the 318 has plenty of pep to make this car move out. I'd love to see how a 340 would respond, and I'd really love to have a 4-speed manual...but that's not realistic at the moment. Maybe one day I can get something like Shane's 4-speed 340 Cuda. I think that's what I'd prefer. I've heard the 383 is a bit heavy and makes these cars handle less neutral, but I'm open to having a big block as well, as long as it's with a manual transmission. I'm just rambling now....LOL. First things first. I need to replace the shocks and front end components to make it a nice driver.