Bob Ellis Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Chrysler stopped selling convertibles in the end of the 1971 model year. At the time, Mannix was a very popular show and it featured a Cuda convertible. Chrysler still wanting to maintain a presence in the show, decided to update a 1971 Cuda with 1972 sheet metal. This car still exists. I used a ERTL MPC 1974 Cuda promo, and a ERTL AMT 70 Dodge Challenger. I could have used a Revell Don Johnson Cuda if it was 1/25. But I used it as a guide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted August 3, 2014 Author Share Posted August 3, 2014 Here the roof is cut off, hood from Revell Cuda, and sitting on a '70 Challenger chassis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted August 3, 2014 Author Share Posted August 3, 2014 (edited) When you make up your own models out of 2 or 3 kits, you find things don't fit. I spend a lot of time trying to get things to blend. The MPC Cuda kit and the AMT Challenger kit are fighting each other. But, I am winning as you can see here. Edited August 3, 2014 by Bob Ellis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
my80malibu Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 This looks very interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 bad55 stan Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 good idea,nice progress too.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byron5150 Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 This will be cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drodg Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Brings back some great memories from watching the show as a kid. Keep up the good work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 interesting subject. Looks good... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelson Posted August 5, 2014 Share Posted August 5, 2014 Nice work so far,why didn't you use the chassis from the new 70 cuda?if I remember correctly the challenger has a longer wheelbase than the cuda so the chassis is longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted August 5, 2014 Author Share Posted August 5, 2014 (edited) I had a left over parts kit '70 Challenger, and a built up junk '70 Challenger. I have a feeling that even if I used the new Revell, fit issues woul hve ocurred since I needed to use the MPC '74 body. A Revell would be a great place to start '70 Cuda convertible. Not sure if Mannix had a '70 (think he had a '71). He had a '68 Dart convertible customized by Barris. Edited August 5, 2014 by Bob Ellis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPflug Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I put the AMT Challenger chassis under an old '72 MPC 'cuda annual- ended up shortening the wheelbase by taking a small section out of the rear seat floor pan area. Also had to shorten the gas tank and modified the back of the grille opening and cowl to finally get a decent fit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Chris, I cut part of the chassis too. I failed to mention that, so it's good you did. The AMT chassis is not a drop in with a MPC body. I cut the chassis a little different, but the end result similar. The MPC 72 grille is a little tight in front where the chassis / radiator meets. Even if you build a hardtop, the model looks way better with a chassis up grade. I am curious what the Revell result would be. I used the AMT because they were incomplete kits and cost less. Maybe the result not as good as Revell, just don't know yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DynoMight Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 So does that mean that the Mannix Cuda is the only '72 convert? Looks great Bob! It's good to have a convertible sometimes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byron5150 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I can't wait to watch this progress. Should be interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjsipes Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Look at the attached link for list of cars Joe Mannix drove. http://www.tvacres.com/autos_plymouth_mannix.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
am73grand Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Cool Project, looking forward to seeing more!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1972coronet Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 So does that mean that the Mannix Cuda is the only '72 convert? Looks great Bob! It's good to have a convertible sometimes... All of those T.V. programme "1972" Challenger and Barracuda convertibles were converted (or , cosmetically updated) 1971 models . Other 'phantom' 1972 convertible Chrysler 'E'-bodies which were featured in T.V. programmes : - Brady Bunch ( 340 / column-shift Torqueflite , GB5 Blue / B5 Blue interior ) - Mod Squad (340 / column-shift Torqueflite , medium gold metallic , black interior , black top , black stripes ** ) ** = the R/T model convertible was dropped by Chrysler for 1971 . The as-specified models received stripes which emulated the R/T stripes , but were a little longer in order to compensate for the lack of "R/T" callouts . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Dyno, I can only say that the 1972 Plymouth Cuda convertible is the only one I know Chrysler had, besides the '72/'73 Challenger convertible they made for the Mod Squad TV show. According to the story, Chrysler made this '72 Cuda made in April 1971. http://qualityautobodyshop.com/1/gallery-view/1972-cuda-convertible-mannix-show/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Hamilton Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I really like this one. Your work is very nice so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPflug Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 (edited) On a snap 'cuda project I was working on a while ago I made headlight buckets out of an AMT Duster grille For that project I managed to get a resin cowl and inner fender assembly separately and just cut back the snap chassis and fitted another front subframe assembly Edited August 6, 2014 by ChrisPflug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Chris, the duster head lights look good. What are you using for the turn signals below the grille? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPflug Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Was thinking of some extra fog lights from an MPC Volare- interesting how the molded in turn signals disappeared between the original issues and later hot rod versions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 (edited) Chris, time for sad stories...... AMT and MPC were having a contest to see who could destroy more stock tools than the other. Case in point; Modified or Super Stockers. MPC Fundimensions and ERTL restored the Cuda to sort of it's former glory. The fender openings have a little waviness, but I will just say that's when Mannix had the accident. Edited August 7, 2014 by Bob Ellis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 (edited) I am taking the advice and removing about 1/8 " off the length of the frame; the AMT Challenger is a little long. I got the cowl to fit better. Cud promo glass drops in perfectly now over the Challenger cowl. Edited August 9, 2014 by Bob Ellis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFchronos Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 Cool project and progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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