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

Thanks again for the tip, Leanna. My Cuda has power steering and I haven't checked yet to see if the steering gearbox has lots of play or not. It doesn't seem to be the main issue, since the tires respond rather quickly to inputs from the steering wheel.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of driving my Barracuda 15 miles to another garage for the winter. So it was actually the first time I've had it on the road in a normal driving environment, the first time I've been able to see how it handles and drives at normal speeds. I took it very easy and probably didn't exceed 70 mph (speedo doesn't work). It was a combination of city driving and mostly country driving on a good 2-lane road with plenty of curves, and not much traffic. I have to say that during and after this shake-down cruise I was very excited about the car. Though it needs new shocks, springs and front end components, it handles remarkably well and is very responsive. I am actually getting to like this car very much! It is light enough to be a very good handler and the engine provides plenty of power when I step on it. This car fits its "sports car" bill attributed to it 45 years ago. It's not quite a BMW (of the same vintage; I've owned them) which begs to be driven hard, but the Barracuda is light, agile and powerful. It is very fun to drive. I can't wait to get its problems fixed and be able to hammer it. :) Hard. ;)