mrmike Posted January 25, 2014 Posted January 25, 2014 When Revell announced that they would be releasing a 1/25 scale '70 'Cuda, I was overjoyed! And, that the kit came with the dual scoop hood made me even happier. But, the only engine option was the Hemi. Now, don't get me wrong, I love the Hemi! It's my favorite four-letter word, but I wanted something a little different. I did a little research to confirm what I thought I knew...the standard 'Cuda engine was a 383 CI 4-barrel big block! This would make my 'Cuda different from anyone else's. I dug through my decals and found some leftover Keith Marks 1/25 scale 'Cuda decals. Then, I dove into my parts box and found a 440 from a Revell '69 Charger Daytona that will pass as a 383 since the size difference in scale is hardly noticeable. I have some Shabo Tire Graphics for the unmarked tire sidewalls. My goal is to build a standard 'Cuda that had a few options on it. The kit is Revell's '70 Hemi 'Cuda #85-4268. My leftover Keith Marks decals. My paint will be Model Master No. 28118 Green Go aka Sassy Grass Green. More to come...
Skypower Posted January 25, 2014 Posted January 25, 2014 Nice I'm going to do mine as a small block AAR if I can find the correct motor and decals. I'll keep the Hemi for another project later.
1972coronet Posted January 25, 2014 Posted January 25, 2014 Sounds like this is going to be a sweet BS23N0 , Mike ! Since you're going with a 383 Super Commando (vis-a-vis the Charger's 440) , I have a couple of questions for you : 1.) Is the Charger's engine mated to a 4 speed or a TorqueFlite ? 2.) What differential are you going to use ? The only diff available with the 383 was the 8.75" rear . 3.) What air cleaner ? Don't get me wrong ; this is your build . I'm just curious what other kits' parts you're planning to use .
slusher Posted January 25, 2014 Posted January 25, 2014 Looking forward to your build Mike, plans sound really good...
PappyD340 Posted January 25, 2014 Posted January 25, 2014 OOOOOOH that's going to be SWEET Mike, I like it!!
mrmike Posted January 25, 2014 Author Posted January 25, 2014 Sounds like this is going to be a sweet BS23N0 , Mike ! Since you're going with a 383 Super Commando (vis-a-vis the Charger's 440) , I have a couple of questions for you : 1.) Is the Charger's engine mated to a 4 speed or a TorqueFlite ? 2.) What differential are you going to use ? The only diff available with the 383 was the 8.75" rear . 3.) What air cleaner ? Don't get me wrong ; this is your build . I'm just curious what other kits' parts you're planning to use . OK John...the 383 is mated to a 4-speed as Revell really didn't do a muscle car era model with an auto trans AFAIK. The rear axle? When you consider the era that this car was built and the lengthy option lists, it was possible that a Dana rear axle was available. Chrysler was known for adding options that were not officially on paper. The air cleaner will be round '68-'69 flat black air cleaner and I may add a pair of snorkels if I feel so inclined. http://www.nicksgarage.com/aircleaner.htm Yes, it is my build and it may not be 100% correct or factory stock and I don't care as long as it turns out looking the way I want it. OK John, now it's your turn, please explain to me what BS23NO means as it is just gibberish in my simple mind. Thanks Bob, Gene, Carl, and Larry!
1972coronet Posted January 25, 2014 Posted January 25, 2014 OK John...the 383 is mated to a 4-speed as Revell really didn't do a muscle car era model with an auto trans AFAIK. The rear axle? When you consider the era that this car was built and the lengthy option lists, it was possible that a Dana rear axle was available. Chrysler was known for adding options that were not officially on paper. The air cleaner will be round '68-'69 flat black air cleaner and I may add a pair of snorkels if I feel so inclined. http://www.nicksgarage.com/aircleaner.htm Yes, it is my build and it may not be 100% correct or factory stock and I don't care as long as it turns out looking the way I want it. OK John, now it's your turn, please explain to me what BS23NO means as it is just gibberish in my simple mind. Thanks Bob, Gene, Carl, and Larry! Thanks for your reply , Mike . I , too , am not expecting a dead-on 'factory' build ; I was just trying to ascertain what -- if any -- stock parts you were going to add / retain . "BS23N0" = a colloquialism to a 1970 383 'Cuda v.i.n. : B = Barracuda S = Special Price Class (in this case , 'Cuda model) 23 = Two door hardtop N = 335 hp 383 ( 330 hp in other models) 0 = 1970 model year Good choice on Sassy Grass Green . It's a seldom seen colour , in "1:1" or in-scale
oldscool Posted January 26, 2014 Posted January 26, 2014 (edited) Another Cuda joins the fray. I'll be watching this one too. Be nice to see one with a 383. By the way Mike, Revell's 69 Dart kit has a 383 with a 727 torqueflite. There's a pic of one I built up in my 70 Cuda build thread alongside the Hemi. The axle that you want is also in the Dart kit although the width may not be the same. Edited January 26, 2014 by oldscool
mrmike Posted January 26, 2014 Author Posted January 26, 2014 Thanks John and Gerald! Gerald, I will not be using the 727 auto trans in my 'Cuda. I will be using the 4-speed manual transmission and the kit rear axle. I washed the body parts this morning and while that was drying, I went and assembled the engine. The engine will be painted with Mopar Street Hemi Orange Engine Enamel. Once the body parts have dried, I'll coat them with Tamiya primer and then paint them with Model Master No. 28118 Green Go aka Sassy Grass Green. More to come...
mrmike Posted January 26, 2014 Author Posted January 26, 2014 And, finally for this afternoon, I painted the 'Cuda Sassy Grass Green. I'll let this gas out for a few days and then go from there. More to come...
slusher Posted January 26, 2014 Posted January 26, 2014 Color and finish look great Mike. I always liked Green Go...
Skypower Posted January 26, 2014 Posted January 26, 2014 I'm digging it, gonna be a cool ride. Nice work.
1972coronet Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 Mike , I just perused the link you've provided (in your reply to my inquiry regarding this build) , and am very impressed with its contents ! Very cool page ; lots of info regarding the different air cleaner assemblies and their subtle differences . Thanks for posting that link
charlie8575 Posted January 28, 2014 Posted January 28, 2014 Wow is that GREEN! And knowing you, Mike, it'll be a real nice job once it's done. Charlie Larkin
Mopar - D Posted February 2, 2014 Posted February 2, 2014 Mike your 383 Cuda is coming along very nice.
IMPALA SS 427 Posted February 4, 2014 Posted February 4, 2014 Love the green, this is going to look nice.
mrmike Posted February 14, 2014 Author Posted February 14, 2014 Thanks guys! John, I thought you might like that link! I got a little time this afternoon to work on the 'Cuda. I stripped the chrome off of the carb and alternator and then I painted them up. I drilled out the distributor, added my wires, painted the distributor and then mount it on the engine. More to come...
om617 Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 Nice progress and great details. Great to see an non-hemi car.
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