I've been playing around with this '74 Cuda promo model

[Arjay 396]

I picked up a few manufacturers promos recently to plug some holes in my 1/25th scale die-cast collection, among them this red Plymouth E-body.  To call it a Cuda is a bit of a misnomer since it lacks the requisite rally hood.  What it really is, is a Barracuda with a dual-exhaust V8 powerplant.  I plan to buff and polish the red plastic and accent the chrome trim with BMF.  I upgraded the front end with a grill insert from the Johan kit and drafted some rectangular fog lamps to serve as turn signals.  At the rear I added a polished aluminum molding around the backlite, rebuilt the license-plate mount, and sleeved the taillights with some polished K&S aluminum tubing.  The wheels got the usual detailing via paint.

 

[Lizz62]

Like those promos. They turn out nice

[Snake45]

Very cool project. I can't wait to see what you do with it! I have a yellow one in the Snakepit and am trying to figure out how to fix the badly shaped headlight buckets.

[drodg]

Nice.   

[Bob Ellis]

MOC or ERTL also  changed the head lights from the annuals,

 

[Arjay 396]

More progress to report.  The back end is now complete, with a 'CUDA emblem, a license plate, and chromed exhaust tips (drilled out to give them some dimensional depth).  And I carved up a miscreant mirror from MPC's Dodge Dart Sport into an acceptable Mopar configuration, painted it, then affixed it to the driver's side door.  Mercifully, Testors Chrysler Engine Red is a near dead match to the model's molded Rallye Red color.  Some hockey stick graphics for the rear quarter panels and it'll be done.

 

Edited September 9, 2017 by Arjay 396

[PARTSMARTY]

Looks awesome !!!

[Snake45]

I just got back from the Wings & Wheels show at the local airport. There were a couple of NICE '72-'74 Cudas there. I took quite a few pics of the headlight buckets so I can try to make the ones on the AMT promo/snapper look more realistic.

Both cars I photographed seemed to have Dark Argent grilles--a dark(ish) metallic gray color, not really what I'd call "silver."

[disabled modeler]

Very nice...!   I love promos...who cares if they have an engine or opening hood when they can look like that.

[Arjay 396]

Thanks, guys.  I have a few more of these mid '70s Mopar promos on hand, plus a '75 Mustang, a '70 Corvette, and a '69 Chevelle.  The latter three are now "in progress" and I hope they turn out as respectable as the 'Cuda. 

[Ron Hamilton]

That looks great as is. It does not need any stripes.

[Arjay 396]

That might be true, Ron.  But the hockey sticks are a de facto hallmark of the 'Cuda and do add some interest to the model.  I still need to detail the side marker lights.

 

 

Edited September 10, 2017 by Arjay 396

[peekay]

I love this sort of project. You haven't had to do all that much but it looks SO much better than the stock promo.

[Snake45]

Looks like you got a nice polish on that body. I too love polishing plastic, if it looks "solid" enough to take it.

You don't sand your tire treads? (I have to do that.)

That Barracuda would look great on your shelf next to your Welly '70 Challenger T/A.

[Arjay 396]

Thanks for the kind words, Richard.  Actually the Welly Challenger already has plenty of "Cuda company"......three First Gear die-casts in Lemon Twist, Sub-Lime, and Plum Crazy.  I'm thinking of a special display for my plastic promo cars.  I just need to find some wall space for it, ha ha!