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View Full Version : Mike Wilkinson's (DaJudge) 440 -6 'Cuda!


Xplantdad
12-18-2007, 06:12 AM
1970 Plymouth 440-6, 4 speed, Shaker `Cuda

This 70 `Cuda has been rotisserie restored using many NOS parts throughout. It started life in the Evansville, Indiana area and was purchased new from KEM Motors.

This car’s history can be tracked back through copies of the title’s that are in my possession. So far I have tracked down the second or third owner. This car has 19,000 original miles as documented by the titles as actual. The mileage is low due to the car seeing some drag racing duty when new. The original engine is no longer present however a date coded factory 440-6 warranty block with the correct heads, carburetors, intake and other components are installed. The correct transmission and rear (3.54 Dana) are still present.

Backed up by it’s original fender tags and window sticker this `Cuda was ordered with the 440-6 pack engine, a pistol grip 4 speed, rallye instrumentation, rear spoiler, rallye wheels, front elastomeric bumper, (the rear elastomeric was added because it looks cool) and the rare N-96 shaker option

Although the car has low mileage it was drag raced and not stored correctly and it needed to be restored. The restoration was done to OEM specifications. Every nut, bolt clamp and piece has been re-plated to factory specs. The markings on the suspension were put back on the car as documented during disassembly. You will notice the correct charcoal primer on the original floors with blue over spray as done by the factory. Notice the black overspray that rolls down off the cowl into the engine compartment. All overspray was painstakingly replicated so that this car’s restoration although still over done most closely represents how it appeared when it rolled off the Hamtramck assembly line.

Thankfully my `Cuda was wearing it’s original rust free sheet metal and tired original paint before restoration which made for a relatively easy task of prepping the body for paint. Once the body was completely stripped to bare metal and prepped for paint the Blue Fire Metallic (EB5) paint was applied using a two stage process.

While the body was being completed the engine was sent out to be freshened up. It was balanced, blue printed and dyno-tuned using original six pack rods, crank and pistons. The 18 spline hemi trans was rebuilt using NOS internals. The Dana rear was rebuilt using an NOS ring and pinion. While this was being done the stainless trim and all bright work was being re-plated, polished or purchased. The interior is completely redone in the correct fabric and colors. Every component was rebuilt refinished in it’s correct hue and finish and was set aside to await reassembly.

Everyone here knows me as a diehard Pontiac guy. I have always wanted a Shaker `Cuda and when this car became available I just had to have it, it runs and drives just like a new car with no wind noise or rattles which is very uncharacteristic for an E-body. When Spring rolls around hopefully I will see some of you at a few local and national shows.

Mike


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_100_4946.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_100_4941.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_100_4940.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_100_4939.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_100_4979.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_100_4949.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_100_4967.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_100_4974.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_cuda25.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/Mike%20W/tn_IMG_0070.jpg

njsteve
12-18-2007, 03:41 PM
That is sweet. I love those Mopar colored interiors. So much more personality than plain old black. Looks like an angry, giant blueberry! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

GTO_DON
12-18-2007, 04:31 PM
Beautiful car Mike!

mockingbird812
12-19-2007, 02:54 AM
Nice one Mike. She's a beauty. That EB5 is very cool. Restoration looks terrific. Got any pix of the pistol grip? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

kwhizz
12-19-2007, 03:32 AM
Being a "Diehard" G.M. guy.......If I ever had an accident http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif and bought a non GM product.......A 'Cuda would be first on the List.............."Nice Car" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif


Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/JeffSucksToo.gif

Z-11 396
12-19-2007, 04:26 AM
+++ Mike +++ Really sharp car, great story, and love the Fantastic Blue color, Thanks for sharing...Kasey .. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

ddmrk
12-19-2007, 05:29 AM
WOW Mike Beautiful Car,great job http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

1969l78
12-19-2007, 05:17 PM
Sweet car http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

mockingbird812
12-19-2007, 06:15 PM
Mike,

That 1st shot of yours in front of the garage is spot on quintessential muscle car. You nailed it. The stance of your car is beautimus! Short deck/long hood/distinct coke bottle haunches and, oh yeah, "ram air" induction protruding thru the hood. Howz 'bout a few more photos? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif


Does she do this http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif very well? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

Mr. Chevy
12-19-2007, 07:17 PM
Nice Cuda!!! Killer paint job also!!

Rich http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

KENNY_PASCOE
12-19-2007, 07:20 PM
I'M NOT A BIG MOPAR GUY BUT I LIKE THIS ONE. GREAT CAR MIKE... CONGRATS.. KP http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Stuart Adams
12-19-2007, 09:00 PM
Very nice car. Love the color.

Mr70
12-19-2007, 09:07 PM
Who restored it?..Nice attention to detail. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

CamarosRus
12-19-2007, 09:19 PM
I'll guess Roger Gibson did resto !!!!!!!!!!

Steve Shauger
12-19-2007, 09:46 PM
Mike, absolutely stunning http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

47Hammer
12-20-2007, 03:21 AM
Great job, Great car! Got video? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Xplantdad
12-22-2007, 03:26 AM
Mike, Thanks so much for sharing your Cuda with us. I love this car! If I was to buy another make this one would be tops on my list...WOW!

DaJudge
12-23-2007, 01:16 AM
Hello everyone and thank you for the compliments. Sorry for the delay in getting back on line to say as such.

I have been swamped at work with closing out the end of the year and getting a jump on 2008 as well as taking care of Dad.

I really like blue Cuda's and tend to migrate to B-5, Mulsanne and Lucernce Blue cars. In fact some of my favorite cars that I have owned in the past have been this shade of blue or very close.

Here some more pics from the requests above and thanks again for the compliments.

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to ALL !!!!



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/L67WT1/Cuda/100_4978.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/L67WT1/Cuda/100_4977.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/L67WT1/Cuda/100_4953.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/L67WT1/Cuda/100_4955.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/L67WT1/Cuda/IMG_152812.jpg

mockingbird812
12-23-2007, 02:24 AM
Very, very nice. Love those console-less 'cudas with p-grips!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

njsteve
12-23-2007, 04:02 AM
Just blue-tiful. So how does it run? I hope you are giving it the excercise it needs. Those carbs do not like to sit around for a long period of time without running hard. The more you beat on them, the faster they go. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Andy
01-05-2008, 06:50 AM
Nice looking Cuda! I hope my 74 looks that good one day. Mine has the pistol grip 4 speed, 4.10 dana 60 and a very strong 340. They are a lot of fun to drive. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif You see Camaros and Mustangs everywhere, but Cudas are rare. Props to you for having a nice Mopar! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

69hurstSC
01-14-2008, 03:08 AM
would love to hear some of its racing history if available!! great looking E-body with a healthy dose of B5!! congrats!

DaJudge
01-15-2008, 03:58 PM
Thanks again for the compliments everyone. I am researching the history of the car. And when everything is 100% confirmed I will post my findings. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

mockingbird812
01-15-2008, 05:15 PM
[ QUOTE ]
would love to hear some of its racing history if available!! great looking E-body with a healthy dose of B5!! congrats!

[/ QUOTE ]

What makes you think this car would have a race history? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif



http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Looking forward to hearing more about your 'cuda! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Seattle Sam
01-15-2008, 09:49 PM
[ QUOTE ]


1970 Plymouth 440-6, 4 speed, Shaker `Cuda

This 70 `Cuda has been rotisserie restored using many NOS parts throughout. It started life in the Evansville, Indiana area and was purchased new from KEM Motors.

The mileage is low due to the car seeing some drag racing duty when new.

Although the car has low mileage it was drag raced and not stored correctly and it needed to be restored.

Everyone here knows me as a diehard Pontiac guy. I have always wanted a Shaker `Cuda and when this car became available I just had to have it, it runs and drives just like a new car with no wind noise or rattles which is very uncharacteristic for an E-body. When Spring rolls around hopefully I will see some of you at a few local and national shows.

Mike




[/ QUOTE ]

From the original post - http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

rayztoy
11-03-2008, 12:11 AM
Hi,
Did you sell the Cuda 440-6 yet? Did you trace back the history? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

mockingbird812
01-07-2009, 01:52 AM
Congrats Mike! Mike caught some press on his sweet 440-6 'Cuda in this month's (Feg '09) Muscle Car Enthusiast.

Way to go! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

JJEH
01-07-2009, 07:47 PM
no comment, only http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif