A Deep Dive into a 1972 Plymouth Cuda Restoration Project
This chronicle follows the extensive restoration of a 1972 Plymouth Cuda, a project undertaken by its dedicated owner over several years. Acquired twelve years prior in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this classic Mopar served as a daily driver and holds significant personal history for the owner, including being the car he and his wife dated in. In August 2014, the decision was made to take it off the road and begin a comprehensive restoration.
The Barracuda’s Journey
Originally, the car rolled off the assembly line configured with a 318 cubic inch V8 engine paired with a 904 automatic transmission, finished in the vibrant FY1 Lemon Twist yellow paint with a black stripe. It saw some drag racing action with a rebuilt 318 before the owner felt it was time for a major overhaul, spurred by the desire for more performance compared to his modified Jeep Wrangler. Opting to keep the Barracuda led to a complete teardown, with nearly all work performed by the owner in a standard two-car garage.
Yellow 1972 Plymouth Barracuda parked outdoors before restoration
Rear view of the yellow 1972 Plymouth Barracuda pre-restoration
Modern Muscle Upgrade
The project initially aimed for a Hemi swap with a 6-speed manual but quickly evolved into a full-blown restoration including fresh paint. Life events, including career changes, an MBA, buying a house, and becoming a father, extended the original timeline. The planned upgrades are substantial:
- Rebuilt 5.7L Hemi with a Comp cam, TTI headers, and standalone ECU
- T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission via SST conversion parts
- 8-3/4″ rear axle with 3.91 gears, Dr. Diff shafts, and Wilwood 4-piston disc brakes
- Hotchkis front suspension components
- Borgeson steering box with a Coleman 1.5:1 quickener
- Wilwood 12.9″ 6-piston front disc brakes
- Vintage Air A/C conversion
- Painless wiring harness
- Tanks Inc. EFI fuel tank
- American Racing wheels (17″ front, 18″ rear)
Tackling the Teardown and Metalwork
Disassembly revealed the scope of work needed. The process involved stripping the car down to its bare shell.
1972 Plymouth Barracuda engine bay during disassembly, engine removed
Interior view of the 1972 Plymouth Barracuda during teardown
Stripped front end of the 1972 Barracuda chassis during disassembly
Dashboard and steering column removed from the 1972 Barracuda interior
Rear view of the 1972 Barracuda undergoing disassembly in a garage
View of the 1972 Barracuda floor pans and interior structure during restoration
Underbody view of the 1972 Barracuda showing frame and suspension components
Typical Mopar rust issues were present in the Tee section and trunk floor. These areas were either treated and sealed or completely replaced with new metal. To improve structural rigidity, a US Car Tool chassis stiffening kit was installed.
US Car Tool chassis stiffening kit components laid out for the Barracuda
Welded-in subframe connectors from the US Car Tool kit on the 1972 Barracuda chassis
Mock-Up and Modifications
The engine bay was smoothed and coated in epoxy primer before the 5.7L Hemi was test-fitted.
Smoothed and epoxy-primed engine bay of the 1972 Plymouth Cuda restoration project
5.7L Hemi engine being test-fitted into the primed engine bay of the 1972 Cuda
Significant modification was required to accommodate the large T56 Magnum transmission while retaining the factory torsion bar suspension, necessitating careful cutting and reinforcement of the transmission tunnel area.
Cutting the transmission tunnel on the 1972 Plymouth Cuda floor for T56 fitment
Modified transmission tunnel area showing reinforcements for the T56 Magnum swap in the Cuda
Initial bodywork involved blocking down the numerous layers of previous yellow paint jobs.
Sanding the multiple layers of yellow paint off the 1972 Plymouth Cuda body panel
Close-up of sanding revealing layers of paint during the Cuda bodywork phase
The trunk area required extensive repair, including complete replacement of the floor, extensions, tank supports, and rear frame rails.
Rusted trunk area of the 1972 Plymouth Barracuda before floor replacement
Finally, the interior received epoxy primer, a coat of single-stage Lemon Twist paint, and was then top-coated with tinted RaptorLiner bedliner for sound deadening, heat reduction, and added durability, especially in the trunk.
Epoxy-primed interior floor pans of the 1972 Plymouth Cuda during restoration
Interior coated with Lemon Twist paint and RaptorLiner for durability and insulation
Conclusion
This 1972 Plymouth Cuda project exemplifies a meticulous, owner-driven restoration combined with significant performance upgrades. Transforming a beloved daily driver into a modern Hemi-powered machine while navigating major life changes showcases incredible dedication to preserving and enhancing a piece of American muscle car history. The detailed work ensures this Barracuda will return to the road better than ever.
