Great job. And I would add with out hesitation “the best restoration of an AAR Cuda. Hands down the best. I love the personal touches that make it unique. I have a White 70 Challenger. I have owned since 79. I drive it weekly. I am in the process of restoring my 70 GTX. I have owned since 81. I am doing as much of the restoration as I can myself. I pulled the engine and detailed the firewall. Rebuilt the engine and put it back in myself. I did need help with the removal of the hood😛. You gave me an inspiration to continue on. Thank you both for the really nice example of Mopar hardware. This coming from a Mopar guy for 46 years. Bought my first car a 72 Duster at 17.
Randy, I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to hear that this video and the 13 year effort that went into it is motivating someone to work on their car. Sounds like you’re already moving on your project. Stay motivated, slow and steady will finish the race. Best wishes that your project becomes all you wish for. Regards, Lew
Excellent video on the car, but the story makes it even better. 3 average guys with a similar passion combine their energy and creativity- the result is a masterpiece! I'm looking forward to examining this artwork in person someday. A wise choice to use single stage paint. To those of us that remember, it looks far more natural than base/clear.
Joe, what a great experience and a pleasure to have met you and the other AAR owners, so many great cars and people. Thanks for the kind words, this restoration really turned into a passion to learn. I’m unsure why I didn’t think to exchange contact info with everyone while at the show, please reach out if you care too, you may still have my info from the bumpers contact. Lew
Great job on an enormous project. I bought my AAR new. Mine only has 15,700 something miles, and it looks nowhere near as nice as this one. One thing that caught my eye, though, is the center link looked "crooked". It was hard to tell for sure, because the camera panned across it pretty fast. It almost looked like someone put a fast ratio(longer) Pittman arm on the stg box, but a std length idler arm on the other end of the center link, hence the "crooked" center link.
Great eye !!! When it comes to MOPAR fact can be stranger than fiction. All AAR’s left the factory with the same idler arm, regardless of steering choice delivered on the car. Some folks corrected the issue by replacing the idler on fast ratio steering cars with one from a C-Body. That said it’s not the way they were delivered from the factory. Sounds like you may have a heck of a car!! You wouldn’t happen to be the fella I met at MCACN in 2022? Located in the south east somewhere? I would love a chance to see it in person, or as a minimum some good pictures and a chat. Drop me some contact info 👍 Thanks for watching, glad you were able to appreciate the effort. Lew
@lewb.7823 no, I've never attended many shows, certainly not with my AAR. It hasn't been driven since '74. A fella, I met thru mutual friends, from eastern WA was restoring a Sassy Grass AAR, and he came and took various pics of my car to try to duplicate the original markings on mine. Mine is FK5, Deep Burnt Orange Metallic, and a 3 fender tag car.
It’s been driven some, but largely for wring-out drives to be sure everything operates as it should. The car currently remains in show condition. When it does hit the road it received a full cleaning on the lift to look its best for visitors. Always warms my heart to see the level of appreciation folks express when they see the build in person. So for now, largely show, but one day it will see more frequent duty.
I like the car. I have a 1969 barracuda and I need help getting mine painted and wired back to original. Yes as far as I know I'm the second person to own this car years ago my health took a turn for the worst. I have MS and I am not adle to finish. Mike Tarpey 9:07 and Epolelic s
M25 gilled rockers weren’t available on AAR’s, even though some point to pre production images as examples to support the claim. That said there may be a couple instances where folks could have purchased them from their dealer at the time of delivery but again, not a factory offered option. As for chin spoilers, contrary to popular belief not all AAR’s came from the factory with chin spoilers. In the case of this car it is coded for them but after speaking to owner #2 who purchased the car in Feb 1974, and after looking at the original front fenders, there is no evidence the dealer ever installed them. Could have been the original owners request or the dealer being lazy. In either case, to hold true to THIS car, the chin spoilers are in a bag within the trunk, just as it would have been delivered to the dealer. Thanks for watching, and asking the question. Lew
Thanks for watching, so many details and processes to truly tear down everything and restor/rebuild to what’s seen in the video. To see more of the build use the link below; www.flickr.com/photos/65829813@N02/page1
Absolutely gorgeous restoration .Well done to all involved . From New Zealand 🇺🇸 🇳🇿
Thanks for your comment. Glad to have you tuning in all the way from New Zealand. Thanks for watching!
Amazing car! Job well done!
Perfectionism does have a purpose! She’s a Beaut.
Beautiful Car 😍
It really is! Thanks for watching!
Truly incredible! Hats off to Lew, Joe & Mark.
Great job. And I would add with out hesitation “the best restoration of an AAR Cuda. Hands down the best. I love the personal touches that make it unique. I have a White 70 Challenger. I have owned since 79. I drive it weekly. I am in the process of restoring my 70 GTX. I have owned since 81. I am doing as much of the restoration as I can myself. I pulled the engine and detailed the firewall. Rebuilt the engine and put it back in myself. I did need help with the removal of the hood😛. You gave me an inspiration to continue on. Thank you both for the really nice example of Mopar hardware. This coming from a Mopar guy for 46 years. Bought my first car a 72 Duster at 17.
Thanks for sharing. Glad you liked the video.
Randy, I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to hear that this video and the 13 year effort that went into it is motivating someone to work on their car. Sounds like you’re already moving on your project. Stay motivated, slow and steady will finish the race. Best wishes that your project becomes all you wish for.
Regards, Lew
Wow! Phenomenal car! I'd have to redo that trunk sticker though :)
Awesome work Lew, your attention to detail produced a car like no other! I wish for you many years of enjoyment!
Thanks for watching!
It's a Graveyard Cars level restoration. Back to what it was on the day it left the factory.
It’s perfect in every way. Thanks for watching.
Love the AAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent video on the car, but the story makes it even better. 3 average guys with a similar passion combine their energy and creativity- the result is a masterpiece! I'm looking forward to examining this artwork in person someday. A wise choice to use single stage paint. To those of us that remember, it looks far more natural than base/clear.
Glad you liked the video. In person, the car is amazing. Thanks for watching!
Skip the car is beautiful!!
Wow!!! What a blast from the past, happy to hear you liked the car/video. Hope all is well for you and your loved ones.
I had the privilege of seeing Lew's AAR at MCACN this past weekend and talking with him. Absolutely incredible restoration.
Joe, what a great experience and a pleasure to have met you and the other AAR owners, so many great cars and people. Thanks for the kind words, this restoration really turned into a passion to learn. I’m unsure why I didn’t think to exchange contact info with everyone while at the show, please reach out if you care too, you may still have my info from the bumpers contact. Lew
Talk about obsession, that was a labor of love. I sure wished I could have heard it and run at the end.
Thanks for watching and for your comments.
There’s a dyno session and a first startup video in the FLICKR link I posted in the comments.
Regards
very cool ... I'll look for Lew on the road in Scottsdale with my '74 Challenger
In 74, my neighbor had a cuda exactly like this one, it has been tweaked some, and it had quite a reputation.
Amazing restoration. Great job!
Thanks for watching.
Great job on an enormous project. I bought my AAR new. Mine only has 15,700 something miles, and it looks nowhere near as nice as this one. One thing that caught my eye, though, is the center link looked "crooked". It was hard to tell for sure, because the camera panned across it pretty fast. It almost looked like someone put a fast ratio(longer) Pittman arm on the stg box, but a std length idler arm on the other end of the center link, hence the "crooked" center link.
Great eye !!! When it comes to MOPAR fact can be stranger than fiction. All AAR’s left the factory with the same idler arm, regardless of steering choice delivered on the car. Some folks corrected the issue by replacing the idler on fast ratio steering cars with one from a C-Body. That said it’s not the way they were delivered from the factory.
Sounds like you may have a heck of a car!! You wouldn’t happen to be the fella I met at MCACN in 2022? Located in the south east somewhere? I would love a chance to see it in person, or as a minimum some good pictures and a chat.
Drop me some contact info 👍
Thanks for watching, glad you were able to appreciate the effort.
Lew
@lewb.7823 no, I've never attended many shows, certainly not with my AAR. It hasn't been driven since '74. A fella, I met thru mutual friends, from eastern WA was restoring a Sassy Grass AAR, and he came and took various pics of my car to try to duplicate the original markings on mine. Mine is FK5, Deep Burnt Orange Metallic, and a 3 fender tag car.
@budlanctot3060 I’d love to talk and see some pics of your car, seems a great opportunity to further knowledge. You happen to know your build date?
Thanks for watching and sharing your story. I can’t answer your question but hopefully Lew will see your comment and chime in.
Awesome
Great Car ! - Great Story ! However - do you drive it - or is it a Trailer Queen ?
It’s been driven some, but largely for wring-out drives to be sure everything operates as it should. The car currently remains in show condition. When it does hit the road it received a full cleaning on the lift to look its best for visitors. Always warms my heart to see the level of appreciation folks express when they see the build in person.
So for now, largely show, but one day it will see more frequent duty.
Nice. 👍👍👍👍
Thank you! Cheers!
I like the car. I have a 1969 barracuda and I need help getting mine painted and wired back to original. Yes as far as I know I'm the second person to own this car years ago my health took a turn for the worst. I have MS and I am not adle to finish. Mike Tarpey 9:07 and Epolelic s
Hope you find someone to help you get it finished. Thanks for watching.
I hope your doing well Mike.
OCD equals perfectionism for sure..well done! just a beautiful restoration..I have an AAR too but its far from this level..
Thanks for watching.
Grill under doors & little spoilers under head lights are missing!?
M25 gilled rockers weren’t available on AAR’s, even though some point to pre production images as examples to support the claim. That said there may be a couple instances where folks could have purchased them from their dealer at the time of delivery but again, not a factory offered option.
As for chin spoilers, contrary to popular belief not all AAR’s came from the factory with chin spoilers. In the case of this car it is coded for them but after speaking to owner #2 who purchased the car in Feb 1974, and after looking at the original front fenders, there is no evidence the dealer ever installed them. Could have been the original owners request or the dealer being lazy. In either case, to hold true to THIS car, the chin spoilers are in a bag within the trunk, just as it would have been delivered to the dealer.
Thanks for watching, and asking the question.
Lew
I own a green 1970 Cuda
You’re full of yourself if you try to say your car is the best example of anything. Tons of extremely nice restored Cuda’s out there.
Nice car but IMO the incorrect full body color painted undercarriage ruins it.
Thanks for watching, so many details and processes to truly tear down everything and restor/rebuild to what’s seen in the video. To see more of the build use the link below;
www.flickr.com/photos/65829813@N02/page1