66 barracuda

[Skullz]

I bought it after it sat for 13 years. Today, after a couple of days replacing this and fixing that it starts and runs by its self! It smokes a little but sounds strong. Still a few things that I need to do to it but I got it running. Put it in gear and it moves forward and backward. Now what to do? Should I build the 273 thats in it or put the 360 that I want in it? How do I get bigger rims and tires? Whats involved in changing out the drums, can you do that? What kind of rearend should I put under it? So many queastions and I just dont know enough to make those decisions alone. Any help would be great! I hope someone reads this and responds.

Skullz

 

[pettybludart]

For starters,Welcome to the best sit for any info. on your 66 Cuda find!It depends on if you want originality or just plain muscle with engine swap!Start looking for an 8 3/4 sure-grip rear if you plan the 360.Post some pics. for easier advise and help!Good Luck!

 

[clifftt]

Congrats Skullz. To answer your engine question, I'd pass on the 273 unless you're into "matching numbers" and authenticity. I just built my 273, probably cost me twice as much as building up a 318, and pistons were hard to find. A 318 would just bolt in, they're easy to find, parts are less expensive and there's lots of spped stuff out there for it. The 360 is a good choice too, there's nice engine mount swap kits out there that bolt on.

 

[pettybludart]

Any questions you have about swapping to a 360?Private message me,and I,ll help with any unanswered questions you have.I just finished doing the swap in my 66 Dart.:cheers:

 

[Skullz]

Thanks for the response. I'll try to get pics asap. Not into the numbers matching and really want a ground pounder. Dont have an open budget so I need to be smart in my purchases and retro fitting. I'll stay in touch and keep ya'll posted.

Skullz

 

[65barracudadude]

Welcome dude, this really is the best site. My story is REALLY SIMILAR to yours. I was out looking for an early A-body a few miles out of town. I was driving by this street/driveway on the left, and looking down the streets direction. That is when at the same exact instant, I could have swore that I saw the faint outline of the bubble window I know so well to my right. But it was in my peripheral vision in the opposite direction. My buddy that was with me was like, "what are you doing?" because I immediately hit the brakes to turn around. I didn't say anything and turned around to go where I thought there was a '64-'66 barracuda under some trees. I followed this driveway down to the house at the end, and there it was. Right where I thought under a few big trees. Rear end facing the street I was on. Anyway, I got out and just walked right over to it. I was mesmerized. Covered in mega green tree slime was a '65 barracuda. Same as the very first car I ever owned, and really the car I was looking for. Which was a massive long shot. But there it was. My buddy was like, dude, this thing has completely had it. I thought that was a very ignorant statement, but made my way around the front to the drivers side. I saw there was no V8 emblems, so I assumed that it was slant 6 powered. Everything but the front bumper was pretty straight so far. I couldn't actually see very well through the windshield. But could see that it was buckets and a floor shift car. Went around back and was just blown away. It looked like one big rust hole. No bumper. Trunk lid was literlly rusted in half. I checked the passenger side real quick, it was really straight. Ran back around to pop the hood, and it was indeed a slant. I left a note on the door. I was thinking to myself that I wanted it no matter what If it was $500.00 or less, because of the rear of the car. Plus it looked like the window had been down on the drivers side for like 10 years. I got a call about 3 hours later that evening from the dude that lived there. Some lady that he and his wife knew 17 years prior had asked them if she could park her car under those trees until she was done moving. He never heard from her again. No title. Had the keys. Gave it to me for free.

 

[clifftt]

Welcome dude, this really is the best site. My story is REALLY SIMILAR to yours. I was out looking for an early A-body a few miles out of town. I was driving by this street/driveway on the left, and looking down the streets direction. That is when at the same exact instant, I could have swore that I saw the faint outline of the bubble window I know so well to my right. But it was in my peripheral vision in the opposite direction. My buddy that was with me was like, "what are you doing?" because I immediately hit the brakes to turn around. I didn't say anything and turned around to go where I thought there was a '64-'66 barracuda under some trees. I followed this driveway down to the house at the end, and there it was. Right where I thought under a few big trees. Rear end facing the street I was on. Anyway, I got out and just walked right over to it. I was mesmerized. Covered in mega green tree slime was a '65 barracuda. Same as the very first car I ever owned, and really the car I was looking for. Which was a massive long shot. But there it was. My buddy was like, dude, this thing has completely had it. I thought that was a very ignorant statement, but made my way around the front to the drivers side. I saw there was no V8 emblems, so I assumed that it was slant 6 powered. Everything but the front bumper was pretty straight so far. I couldn't actually see very well through the windshield. But could see that it was buckets and a floor shift car. Went around back and was just blown away. It looked like one big rust hole. No bumper. Trunk lid was literlly rusted in half. I checked the passenger side real quick, it was really straight. Ran back around to pop the hood, and it was indeed a slant. I left a note on the door. I was thinking to myself that I wanted it no matter what If it was $500.00 or less, because of the rear of the car. Plus it looked like the window had been down on the drivers side for like 10 years. I got a call about 3 hours later that evening from the dude that lived there. Some lady that he and his wife knew 17 years prior had asked them if she could park her car under those trees until she was done moving. He never heard from her again. No title. Had the keys. Gave it to me for free.

Dude, the back of that car was UGLY! My hat's off to you for saving that one from the junkheap!

 

[65barracudadude]

I wanted to tell that for a long time, sorry it was so long winded. I've done a TON of work to this car already and can also answer some questions for ya. I'd really like to see your car. I just love these along with the same era Darts. Oh, here is what the a$$ end looks like right now.

 

[pettybludart]

Welcome dude, this really is the best site. My story is REALLY SIMILAR to yours. I was out looking for an early A-body a few miles out of town. I was driving by this street/driveway on the left, and looking down the streets direction. That is when at the same exact instant, I could have swore that I saw the faint outline of the bubble window I know so well to my right. But it was in my peripheral vision in the opposite direction. My buddy that was with me was like, "what are you doing?" because I immediately hit the brakes to turn around. I didn't say anything and turned around to go where I thought there was a '64-'66 barracuda under some trees. I followed this driveway down to the house at the end, and there it was. Right where I thought under a few big trees. Rear end facing the street I was on. Anyway, I got out and just walked right over to it. I was mesmerized. Covered in mega green tree slime was a '65 barracuda. Same as the very first car I ever owned, and really the car I was looking for. Which was a massive long shot. But there it was. My buddy was like, dude, this thing has completely had it. I thought that was a very ignorant statement, but made my way around the front to the drivers side. I saw there was no V8 emblems, so I assumed that it was slant 6 powered. Everything but the front bumper was pretty straight so far. I couldn't actually see very well through the windshield. But could see that it was buckets and a floor shift car. Went around back and was just blown away. It looked like one big rust hole. No bumper. Trunk lid was literlly rusted in half. I checked the passenger side real quick, it was really straight. Ran back around to pop the hood, and it was indeed a slant. I left a note on the door. I was thinking to myself that I wanted it no matter what If it was $500.00 or less, because of the rear of the car. Plus it looked like the window had been down on the drivers side for like 10 years. I got a call about 3 hours later that evening from the dude that lived there. Some lady that he and his wife knew 17 years prior had asked them if she could park her car under those trees until she was done moving. He never heard from her again. No title. Had the keys. Gave it to me for free.

A little elbow grease and a waxing,she,s a beauty!Now I know why your avatar is the front of your car!

 

[65barracudadude]

Here's a couple more for ya.

 

[65barracudadude]

Yep, actually alot of really hard work making the A$$ end straight. It still needs a little help, but barely. I actually just about got my interior done today. It was dark and I had 1 bolt left to do on my drivers seat. Plus a few odds and ends. I'll get er done tomorrow and shoot some pictures. I'm really happy with it so far.

 

[65barracudadude]

As some of you know, I made all of the interior panels from scratch. I also re-did the seats. But ran out of material for the buckets. But they got more in, so I'll be doing that fairly soon. The back seat actually looks really good when the indent of my tool box isn't on it. Duhhhhh. And I haven't installed my kick panels yet. I need to put my '66 radio and face plate back in. Again. I also need to put a new voltage limiter and condenser in the instrument cluster. Just little odds and ends. Oh, I also did the carpet myself from scratch. Which is not yet finished. It is a pain in the butt when it is not pre molded. Anyway, enjoy. I'm going to finish all of the little bits and pieces,then I'm doing all of my brakes. It's funny, because once my 360 is done, the car will be totally different. Built 360/904/8 3/4 sure grip 331:1 gears. So I'll have to do the whole brakes all over again. And do the whole front disk swap. All of the rest of the car will be the same. Except the wheels. I got 2 15"x8" cop car rims for the back. And I can either go 15"x5 or 15"x6 or 14"x4.5 in front. Haven't decided yet.

 

[pettybludart]

Dude,I,m liking your interior!Mine is old P.O.S..t bench that some big guy hung his arm out the window!LOL!When I sit in my car,I,m like sitting on a 40% angle towards the d.door!(laughing)I need interior bad!I think I,ll hit scrappers for some buckets!

 

[Vic Storm]

That 65 (Except for the /6) is the exact car I bought in high school, color, interior everything. Mine had a comando V8 in it.

Petty, I have a great set of Grand Prix buckets, they where cheap. Too bad your not closer.

Welcome Skulls, your in the right place. My 66 came with a rebuilt unrun 273 or I would have put in say a bigger engine, say a 340 or bigger. I love BB! The 360 with a suregrip 8 3/4 will rock, but be prepard to spend some bucks on the rearend. Its worth the money though along with a good 727 auto unless your like me and like 4spds. I think your going to enjoy your cuda and this website, you can find everything you need right here.