Question about AAR Cudas

[imatt88]

OK,

I understand that the AAR Cuda was purpose built for the All Amercian Racing series, but what is the deal with all the Challenger characteristics?

I picked up a glue bomb AAR, and it came with two rear taillight panels, a standard '70 Cuda panel, and a Challenger panel, and they both fit

I've done a little research online, but it doesn't really explain much. I want to rebuild it, but not I'm sure which way to go

I'm hoping someone can shed a little light on my confusion

Cheers, Ian

[Casey]

The AAR 'Cuda kit was based on the existing 1/24 Monogram '70 Challenger T/A kit, so Revell decided to share many of the parts between the two kits...which lead to many inaccuracies. Revell tooled up some new 'Cuda specific parts, left some of the old Challenger parts, and irreversibly modified some parts (interior tub and seats) to make the AAR kit.

[whale392]

The AAR Cuda shares no body paneling with the T/A Challenger. All body panels are make-specific. Even their powertrains were different, built by different groups. Suspensions were better on the Dodge Challenger than on the AAR Cuda, although the Cuda later adopted the T/A suspension bits.

[imatt88]

Well, that would explain the Challenger style exhaust.

The suspension systems are almost identical. I could probably interchage parts from the Challenger T/A kit and the AAR Cuda.

This glue bomb I have came with a Dodge viper motor, wheels, and tires. I've been debating whether to do a resto mod or go back to stock configuration. I'd have to dig up the correct stock motor for the AAR. 340?

So I put the Challenger rear taillight panel in the parts box and go with the Cuda one.

If I can get a hold of a camera, I'll try and get some pics in.

Thanks for the info

Cheers, Ian

[Swifster]

The Challenger and Barracuda don't share too many parts. The Challenger actually has a longer wheelbase. The AAR stands for All Ammerican Racers which was Dan Gurney's racing team. The series both cars ran in was Trans Am. The cars sold to the public used the same drivetrain. Both used the 340 6-pack engine with choice of 4-speed or automatic. Why are the exhaust systems different? The Challenger is longer. That would be the big inaccuracy if building a Barracuda. The front and rear suspensions are the same.

[imatt88]

Yeah, I think the Challenger is 2" longer or something like that. I was talking about the side exit exhaust. I've always liked that.

Interesting, I'm learning a lot about Mopars hanging around here

[Casey]

The exhaust system piece is the same in both the AAR and T/A kits, regardless of what was used in the real cars, as are most of the kit's other pieces. The 'Cuda patterned interior tub and seats are still included in the current 1/24 Challenger T/A kit. I think the AAR kit included some extra under hood details- heater hoses, separate battery, and maybe a different air cleaner assembly.

[imatt88]

Yeah, it actually has a detailed firewall. Wiper motor, separate battery, and even a clear washer bottle, go figure

Now, why couldn't these little details be in the other Challenger/Cuda releases?

[Casey]

Yeah, it actually has a detailed firewall. Wiper motor, separate battery, and even a clear washer bottle, go figure

Now, why couldn't these little details be in the other Challenger/Cuda releases?

Because the original Monogram Challenger T/A kit was tooled up in the early '80s, and was pretty much state of the art then.

[Guest]

On the real cars the engine and exhaust are the same on the Challenger T/A and AAR Cuda.

[Chuck Most]

I have one of these kits... for parts. I'm planning on making a somewhat more accurate '70 AAR using the decent parts off of this kit with a Monogram '71 Hemi 'Cuda.

[imatt88]

Chuck,

When you do that, make sure you take lots of pics. I would love to see how that is done

[mikelo]

The exhaust are the same on the real 1:1 AAR Cuda & Challenger TA. The dealers even even had to instal the tips after delivery.

Mike