Mannix 1972 Cuda Convertible

[Bob Ellis]

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.

[Bob Ellis]

Here the roof is cut off, hood from Revell Cuda, and sitting on a '70 Challenger chassis

[Bob Ellis]

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

[my80malibu]

This looks very interesting.

[1 bad55 stan]

good idea,nice progress too..

[Byron5150]

This will be cool

[drodg]

Brings back some great memories from watching the show as a kid. Keep up the good work.

[slusher]

interesting subject. Looks good...

[kelson]

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.

[Bob Ellis]

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

[ChrisPflug]

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

[Bob Ellis]

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.

[DynoMight]

So does that mean that the Mannix Cuda is the only '72 convert?

Looks great Bob! It's good to have a convertible sometimes...

[Byron5150]

I can't wait to watch this progress.

Should be interesting

[jjsipes]

Look at the attached link for list of cars Joe Mannix drove.

http://www.tvacres.com/autos_plymouth_mannix.htm

[am73grand]

Cool Project, looking forward to seeing more!!!!

[1972coronet]

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 .

[Bob Ellis]

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/

[Ron Hamilton]

I really like this one. Your work is very nice so far.

[ChrisPflug]

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

[Bob Ellis]

Chris, the duster head lights look good. What are you using for the turn signals below the grille?

[ChrisPflug]

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

[Bob Ellis]

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

[Bob Ellis]

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

[TFchronos]

Cool project and progress.