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I'm looking at starting a new project next year and want to do an E body, specifically a Cuda. Looking at even body in white projects the Dynacorn seems like a viable alternative, though I know they have had quality issues in years past. The 70 shell won't be available until sometime next year, which gives me more time to think about this. Another reason for wanting to go this route is I know how both B and E bodies were treated back in the day; I'd say cabs and rentals cars were shown more love, and there could be tons of hidden issues with an original car, if you can find one for under the $16,000 - $17,000 asking price for the repop (price is a guestimate from their other available shells). I have limited body skills and zero welding experience.
The other area that gives me pause is parts sticker shock; just for some basics parts (glass, suspension, complete front clip with all brackets and mounts, hood and hardware, handles, kmember etc) is just south of $10,000, and this is by no means a complete list as there are probably a ton of small parts/brackets/clips/hardware and hard parts I don't know about yet, plus steering, wheels/tires and driveline, trim, interior, etc. I could get a new SRT for less than total cost of this project, but I'm tired of seeing them at every light now; where I live I have seen exactly zero B or E bodies of any year. Bonus would be that I built it. And, regardless of which motor or model I choose to emulate (going for more of a cross between a 71 Cuda and 70 Charger resto mod; classic style and power with modern safety/handling) it will still be a lot cheaper than buying nice original 383 or bigger, if you can find a nice one. I also cringe at the thought of cutting up a nice original, since they are so rare now.
I'm looking at stabbing in either a 340 or 383 with a modern 6 speed and (eventually) rear end out of a new Challenger (going with full Hotckis for now with a stock style rear axle), 4 wheel SSBC conversion, along with more supportive seats, though I like the more stock look, so no fancy leather, metal or other non OEM looking bling. Car will be black on black.
Any thoughts on the shell choices? Again, for my experience level, the Dynacorn seems like the best choice.
The other area that gives me pause is parts sticker shock; just for some basics parts (glass, suspension, complete front clip with all brackets and mounts, hood and hardware, handles, kmember etc) is just south of $10,000, and this is by no means a complete list as there are probably a ton of small parts/brackets/clips/hardware and hard parts I don't know about yet, plus steering, wheels/tires and driveline, trim, interior, etc. I could get a new SRT for less than total cost of this project, but I'm tired of seeing them at every light now; where I live I have seen exactly zero B or E bodies of any year. Bonus would be that I built it. And, regardless of which motor or model I choose to emulate (going for more of a cross between a 71 Cuda and 70 Charger resto mod; classic style and power with modern safety/handling) it will still be a lot cheaper than buying nice original 383 or bigger, if you can find a nice one. I also cringe at the thought of cutting up a nice original, since they are so rare now.
I'm looking at stabbing in either a 340 or 383 with a modern 6 speed and (eventually) rear end out of a new Challenger (going with full Hotckis for now with a stock style rear axle), 4 wheel SSBC conversion, along with more supportive seats, though I like the more stock look, so no fancy leather, metal or other non OEM looking bling. Car will be black on black.
Any thoughts on the shell choices? Again, for my experience level, the Dynacorn seems like the best choice.