1970 AAR cuda restoration part 2 it looks like a car again

In this part the quarter panels go on the roof floors tail pan wheel houses trunk floor and trunk floor extensions and we get some more leads on the original engine and drive train This 1970 AAR cuda was wreaked drag racing in the 1970 shortly after the engine transmission rear end and other parts where striped off the car and left for dead in the woods for 50 plus years the drive line was put in a pickup in the 1970s so who knows where they are now hopefully we can find the original drive line so we can have a numbers matching restoration this will more than likely be a long process it may take a few months to get all the parts and this car back on the road
Most all parts are from AMD auto metal direct
PO Box 9 timbo Arkansas

[@TimeToBeKind]

I wish I had your energy to do a project like this. When done, you didn’t restore a Cuda, you built one practically from scratch. Thank you for sharing, brother. Can’t wait to see it do doughnuts.

[@Mr.Safety.]

I think you and I are both missing more than the energy to do something like this. You're forgetting skill, time, and money.

[@TimeToBeKind]

@@Mr.Safety. … I’m almost finished with my truck, just needs the headliner installed and the trim. My 1976 corvette is next, getting a paint job as we speak. The interior is almost done, dyed smoke. All new hardware is on hand. Yesterday I ordered new vinyl for the dashboard. I’m debating on whether I should go with perforated or the carbon fiber. Unfortunately I have CMT, making my projects last about a year each. This week I had a chunk of my back removed due to melanoma cancer. It’s the size of a baseball, but I was blessed that the plastic surgeon was able to stitch it up without skin graphs, and that was a few hours ago. The pain I’m dealing with, I don’t wish on anyone, but it’s not as bad as when I crushed my left hand, leading to 2 years 11 surgeries to rebuild my hand. I had nerves and tendons taken from my right leg, and from my hip they did flesh transplant. Other than the herniated discs on my lower back and neck, I’m doing great, I just wish I had a son or a son-in-law that wasn’t a city slicker to help me. I love my life, I just wish I had the energy I once had when I worked over 100 hours a week. So, don’t give up, brother. If I lived near you, I would help you restore anything you want, just as long as we can have a ribeye steak on open fire. Take care of yourself.

[@mikeatcora]

@@TimeToBeKind I'm with you on the hand but not the cancer and that sucks, I did ten years getting my left hand back to fully working and it does. I wish you all the good health you can hope for. Best Wishes. Mike.

[@TimeToBeKind]

@@mikeatcora … thank you and likewise, brother. We just have to keep playing the cards we were dealt, and never fold.

[@walterbatman7949]

Love the old cudas so if there are a lot of replacement parts the car is still there and it will look original when finished

[@daniellebcooper7160]

You are correct...'its not a rebody'...it is what it is.....go for it. You're doing what so many of us have only dreamed of.

[@FULLMETALCAR]

Lol man for real

[@erivon2234]

making my rat rod 1950 Chevy build seem a lot more sane. 😀

[@maynardcat]

You're amazing, most wouldn't know where to start, and to top it off you do all the work yourself

[@noahzark7975]

I really appreciate what your doing. Unfortunately, most people would scrap this. Being from a severe rust state (Maine), I’ve seen a lot of classic muscle cars left in the woods to rot. My uncle found a very rough 69 Camaro and his friends laughed at the number of panels he replaced to restore it. They said he could have just welded them together and had a new Camaro. However, in the end he had a perfect 69 Z28 clone and had the last laugh. Unfortunately he died less than a year later from an asbestos related lung disease. What I’m trying to say is, don’t ever give up or listen to the doubters. Great channel. Subscribed!

[@UberLummox]

AYUH!

[@Vegas5302]

I love the videos can’t wait to see how this turns out

[@jenningsmotorsports7554]

Thank you 😊

[@DavidB-rx3km]

@@jenningsmotorsports7554 I'm guessing you've done this many times before? I would be so worried about whether the everything lined up at the end - I restored a Suzuki Samurai/SJ last year which was stressful and it wasn't 5% of the car like this!

[@Ecosse57]

@@jenningsmotorsports7554 hoping for an update soon!

[@tphvictims5101]

We = me, myself and I 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@likebot.]

My daddy used to tell me of lean times when food was scarce, money was sparse and you had to make do with the meager amounts one could afford. A meal called 'Bread and Point' was a treat on "First Friday" in a poor Irish Catholic family: Grandmama would make a gravy of flour and love, cook the little piece of stew beef that was almost too dear for any laborer of the day, prop it in a tourine at the centre of the dinner table and all assembled would dip a little crust of bread in the gravy, point the bread at the meat for flavor, utter a prayer of gratitude - Charlie Bucket style - and eat. Your 'Cuda reminds me of that with its hint of original frame as the center of your _Ship of Theseus._

[@2koolchris291]

Just when I was about to sleep. Can’t believe that you’re rebuilding that. What a noble job resurrecting something people would think of no more than scrap.

[@BearAerospace]

It's awesome seeing a "will it run" channel do a real restoration once in awhile. Keep up the good work!

[@carlsapartments8931]

why on Earth would anyone whine and complain that it's no longer an original car.... just shutup and enjoy a cool project... this is awesome to watch... great work.

[@alane3562]

This is coming from a life long Chevy and GM guy. A Cuda would be my first choice Mopar. But they all need to be saved no matter the make or condition. Yes, you’re using many reproduction parts, but we should all be thankful for these replacement parts and how much the quality has improved over the years. Is it an unmolested original? No, but you’re saving it and that’s admirable. Make your own history with it!! It’ll definitely be a conversation piece because of its history and resurrection. Nice job!! I recently picked up a ‘68 Camaro project that needs pretty much the same amount of replacement panels but wasn’t wrecked or used as target practice, and my friends think that I’m insane. I’ll be showing them the videos of your build. 👍🏻

[@EthanDean57]

You're a legend. I don't think anyone else in their right mind would take this on with so little left of the original, but you seem to go against the grain just for the hell of it, which I love. Can't wait to see her done 🍻

[@brandonpeterman9964]

pretty sure even Tavarish would've passed this car up and he Bought Hoovies burnt Ferrari

[@24revealer]

Graveyard Carz

[@McRocket]

I think it's great you are saving this AAR 'cuda. Sure, not much of it is left - but that's not your fault. Bonus - who ever buys the car will have these videos to show EXACTLY what you did to it. ☮

[@jasoncdebussy]

I definitely won't get bored with these videos!

[@apollosmoon8658]

I've been working on cars for seems my whole life. Body work, engines, mud drags, but I have never seen a car taken down to bare bones this far. I will never look at something again and say it's too far gone. I commend you on your effort, determination and hard work you are putting into this. It's amazing

[@InobuZ]

"down to bare bones"............you mean Bone marrow.....

[@apollosmoon8658]

@@InobuZ lol that would be the correct words

[@markvanriper599]

When it's done can you please tell me how long it took you and if possible how much you spent on the car and part's, I believe in saving All old car thanks for doing it and sharing it

[@Magic-Wrench]

I had a new '69 GTO and traded that in on a '70 GTO convertible. Fast forward to the mid '80s and I went looking for a car to restore. All the Novas and Camaros I saw were painted nice but full of bondo. A friend of mine had a '69 SS/RS 396 Camaro parts car that was hit in both quarter panels. There was no front fenders, engine, transmission or interior. He wanted $100 for the car and I jumped on it. A lot of people thought I was crazy but the car had solid rocker panels and floor pans so it was just what I was looking for. The fancy painted cars I looked at needed quarter panels any way so I saved a lot of money. I was able to buy new quarter panels, fenders, rear valance and lower front valance directly from the local Chevy dealer in those days.

[@luke8210]

Damn....the progress you've made is impressive. Hats off to you, sir.

[@jamesspeck4151]

Your skills to take on something of this magnitude are unimaginable!

[@fredericklogue6566]

I have never seen a restoration form so little. Re-pop parts hater, are by far are not looking at the big picture. You are doing a amazing job. keep at it.

[@eye_man]

NO WAY! I am all for this series! Time to invest my time before bed into the most dedicated man on KZbin!

[@K3NnY_G]

I love how it's when all the edges and wheels go on people usually say "It's starting to look like a car again!" Then there's this legend...

[@liamadvena2921]

The fact that you are a restoring this car from nothing got my respect

[@danspak1671]

FROM THE DAY YOU BROUGHT IT TO THE GARAGE I FIGURED IT WOULD BE PUT IN THE CORNER. I'AM HIGHLY IMPRESSED!! GREAT JOB! I DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT OTHER PEOPLE SAY, YOU SHOULD BE PROUD.

[@chrismadison1410]

I cannot imagine how much off camera work you are doing on this. Amazing amount of dedicated effort!

[@shannonsisk]

When I was watching the beginning of part 1 I was shaking my head while saying out loud “no way that gets restored” This is impressive and you make it seem so easy.

[@MrWolfSnack]

everything is easy when you aren't lazy and know practical skills. get out there and get it done. build up a workshop. then just go out and find cars.

[@jimmerriman6920]

The only thing I'd do differently is rust treat, then primer and paint everything on the original car before attaching any replacement panels. This was the perfect opportunity to protect the original chassis. What a project, and you're making good process.

[@fuhkoffandie]

It was a hundred percent original AAR Cuda. You know the history on the car. you know when it was crashed. As far as I'm concerned, you have saved a legit AAR Cuda. For all the hard work you have done you earned it.😏👍💯💯💯💯💯

[@user-jf7uu8ji4p]

YOU ARE A BAD BAD MAN!!!!! So love your energy and your attention to detail!! Carry on young man!!! Very impressed!!

[@peterpann9619]

I have been in this business for 47 years designing and building cars and I approve this build, great job so far kid.

[@sogood4u489]

Damn Im genuinely impressed the way it looked would have scared most away but someone with the right eyes seen the bones. I hope you can register the thing.

[@copperhead6132]

A wise person once said "If it casts a shadow, it can be restored"

[@DaveW74TVN]

Where I live as long as you have the VIN in it's original placement it can be registered. A friend's 6 person sand rail is registered as VW Bus.

[@busarob3679]

I have owned 4 cudas in my life. Heck back in the early 90’s companies did t sell anything for these cars. It was done by calling mopar salvage yards. Man this is great.

[@davebanner8666]

I love watching you figuring out how to start old cars god bless

[@murmaider2]

Haters just mad they're not saving an AAR cuda. You are a mad man for attempting this

[@rustlinbustlin3018]

I cannot believe you have quite literally built your own cuda from the ground, up. Doing what others day is impossible. Mad respect

[@Kiwi_Fruit_Fruit]

bro....you are the man.i saw the banner hanging from the wall...truth for the youth is solid.

[@jimmyspears1004]

Thanks for sharing with us. Jus watching is learning us. I was afraid buying old cars to I started watching. I like working with my hands. A way to make money.

[@aarmancuda3570]

Hey, its a REAL AAR cuda..its worth saving and rebuilding it.. hats off to you sir!!

[@yassarali8274]

That's basically a new car from scratch....hats off to you skills man

[@konstantintoktamisov8363]

I did not believe until the last that this body can be restored, good luck in the project, you have golden hands

[@kennethsonier1766]

It's great that all these panels are available aftermarket, a friend of mine ordered almost every panel for a 74 240Z in the early 80s and reassembled the entire car, there was all OEM factory parts that were still available at the time. He did this with absolutely no automotive background whatsoever, I on the other hand grew up in a garage that my father owned. It's highly impressive. You're doing a great job, keep it up 👍☮️

[@REMBRANTTUBE]

WOW!! AWESOME JOB SAVING THIS GIRL!! SOOOOO COOL!! DON'T LISTEN TO ANYONE TELL YOU OTHERWISE!!

[@wolf-bv6lg]

Don’t listen to the haters. You are saving a classic! No shame in replacement panels.

[@conspiracyscholor7866]

It's coming along nicely.

[@timh.1467]

Awesome job! Thanks for saving a Cuda.

[@dickkapp336]

Wow you'r fast ....you test fit more parts at once than anyone else ......love watching you work

[@fast97z24]

Just wow. Thank you KZbin recommendations. I cannot believe this thing is going to live again.

[@DAS-zp8lq]

Super interesting to watch. I would never of imagined that original mess could of been rebuilt lol

[@johnkroninger3277]

I own a 68 442 .but just love the 70 cudA.like the way you saved some of her.nothing wrong with new sheet meatal.looks great god bless you sir

[@cindysmart9854]

Mike smart Tulsa Oklahoma I'm very impressed on what you're doing with your cuda I'm glad you're making it a survivor the only thing I can think that you need is somebody out there to help you maybe some of your friends will drop by or something you'll be in my prayers and I'm proud of you have a blessed day

[@thejewbacabra4926]

It’s coming along nicely. Enjoying this.

[@victorrobinson7008]

Looking way better sir ! Keep it moving up !

[@DeanoRevives]

AAR... MINE WAS COMPLETE WHEN I GOT IT FOR 1200 IN 1977 K5 /BLK 4 SPD...RAN GREAT TIMES HAVE CHANGED ,,GOOC JOB MR CARRY ON.....

[@e.nichols5380]

Great job, great videos! Forget the naysayers, you’ll always have negativity no matter what you do. Thankful there are people out there willing to save rare cars.

[@andersaxelsson2196]

This is The best and biggest restoration of a car i ever seen 👌🌹

[@javiergalarza4236]

You did a great job!!!!!👌👍👍👍 i cant wait to see the final of this great project,

[@user-mr5ye1rb4n]

Good job!Greetings from Russia.I am a car painter and bodybuilder work experience over 20 years.

[@MJPilote]

Just picking my jaw from the floor, amazing how much you got done on two videos. One of my favorite American muscle cars, and you had basically nothing to start with. I have it really easy with my 1973 Ford Escort project.

[@Anonymous_Music]

Coming along nicely

[@jenningsmotorsports7554]

Thank you 😊

[@cromBumny]

Super cool AAR...keep them on the road.

[@bourbonbeertractorsandprep9335]

Who cares what people say brother, your saving what you can of the original car built from the factory. The only other choice would have been to crush it for scrap so the route you went to save it was the best decision! Great job so far, its looking great!

[@48northphotography5]

Saving a Bad Boy MopAAR makes you "The Man!!!" Keep up the awesome work.

[@americanpatriot912]

Great job looking forward to the finish.

[@tbd-1]

4:43 99% of people looking at this on the trailer-including myself, an old school hard core Mopar fan would have written this car off as a damned shame and walked away. It's a testament to your determination bringing it back to life and proof that anything, given the time & money can be restored. Car manufacturers design cars around the firewall and you have that much. It's also a testament to AMD and what they've made available for us to keep these things alive. Bought a pair of fenders for my '72 Duster 340 project and the shippers hammered them on the trip here. Opened a case with the shipper and sent pics to AMD to let them know what happened and _they replaced the fenders_ ! Doesn't get any better than that-👍👍 for those guys

[@glennsmith1139]

You know it is a pleasure to watch you great build😮

[@marcosathens8140]

Best of luck finding that old motor & putting new life in that Cuda. I had two 340 dusters in the past miss them both.

[@darcybowyer5743]

Still haven't decided if you're insane or a genius but I'm totally loving this rebuild project! Turning something most would've left to rust or scrap into a usable car again. Keep up the good work!

[@marcusaurelius2770]

Both. That's why he is so good to watch.

[@goodguy4342]

Total respect for what you're doing here. Give that Vin a new life. It"s going to be around for many many years

[@anonymousplanetfambly4598]

I remember when I had youthful enthusiasm and energy to burn...I attempted a project like this. Once.

[@Kinleith621]

Thanks mate I am riveted to the build….cheers from New Zealand.

[@boy2cuda]

No fancy tools, just a lot of talent! Thank you for saving a piece of muscle car history when most people would have scrapped it.

[@TheCrackerBox]

I know I’m late to this series but damn brother! Absolutely amazing work ! Thanks for another , Brother !

[@maxhammontree3169]

Damn dude!! I thought it was a joke at first. You’re kicking ass on that thing.

[@ianmaddams9577]

In amongst the chaos is a beast taking shape 👍🏻

[@katj6488]

Great job she will look just fine when she is done!

[@critterballard8441]

Not only is it just cool to see this old car spring up back to life I’m learning a lot about old school body work. Awesome video man!

[@leemahaney8749]

Excellent video

[@loadedfun4764]

Hey man…. You’ve come light years from that crumpled up junk yard dog you started with. Much, much respect!

[@jackfortunati9453]

"By we I mean I"..mystery solved! I knew it was just Bobby and Mikey all along.

[@PinePine]

From someone that restored a car in Brazil wheres almost nothing is available, Im absolutely amazed of how much of the car you can buy in reproduction parts

[@rickloera9468]

You just reminded me of something I totally forgot. My parents bought a brand new Chrysler Newport in 1962 and drove it till it was totaled on November 3, 1972. Kept it til my uncle wanted to use the motor for his 1940 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Panel. Even though that Panel is too far gone to fix up, my parents old engine still resides since 1974. I was thinking their is no way that your engine is still around, but after I realized that our old engine is sitting in my aunts backyard in that old Chevy, anything is possible. I hope you can locate the motor and transmission and put it back onto the car it was born with 50 years ago.

[@haroldhorseposture9435]

By crikey.....you're in deep with this 'un ! I tip my hat to you, Sir ! I must say this .....I'll be uneasy if I don't. Please assure me you will thoroughly de rust the B pillars and all bahind . I guess you will , but I feel better for saying it. There will never be a better time to do it. I think you are doing a brilliant job , a bloke in his garage, on his own , all done with his own 2 hands. Trouble is, it looks like you need an octopus' hands at times. Can't wait for further episodes , and your 'can do 'attitude is a salutory lesson to us all. Well done , Sir.

[@Fierofreak01]

I find it fascinating that your rebuilding something that would have been passed over or used for parts by others. I appreciate the fact that your going to save a relativity rare vehicle that was left to rot. This car is the epitome of the ship of Theseus, its still going to be an AAR Cuda! Keep up the great work, I'm loving the videos!

[@Bmw533ia]

Well done Jennings. :) Regards from Norway.

[@martind701]

Hats off to you for taking on what most of us wouldn't want to do. Saving a Mopar regardless of how original it will be is still a plus.

[@rexmyers991]

Very impressive. As a kid I assembled plastic model car kits. I struggled with getting all the parts aligned. Your work is remarkable. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[@darrinsantiago3110]

You are a artist with with metal excellent job you're doing great

[@BillyMike1000]

AWESOME VIDEO!!!! Thanks for sharing brother

[@DougFLTRX]

I'm so glad you saved that car. Even though you pitched 85% of it away, I REALLY appreciate the monumental task of building a new Cuda body from replacement panels. The panel supplier should sponsor you or at least put this project on the cover of their catalog/website. Fantastic advertisement.

[@rod6163]

I've been doing body work since I was 15, and I retired at 66 so 51 yrs.and you remind me of myself at your age,nothing would stop me,your doing an awesome job kid,keep up the awesome work.Oh I almost forgot,,I had an aar that my dad wouldn't let me keep cause it was too powerful.71 aar,440 ,shaker red 4 spd. factory side exhaust tapered tips.same stripe as yours. I'm texting in feb.23 hope to see it done.GOOD LUCK

[@toddgreim9254]

Cooking with grease now! Love it

[@brianmcelvogue3370]

Fantastic work you are a great craftsman

[@mikef.1000]

Great work! Don't worry about those propeller-heads or anoraks or knockers or whoever... keep at it, you will have a great car at the end of it, and they won't. Simple!

[@RATsnak3]

Who cares if it’s mostly reproduced parts? You saved what there was left to save and I think that deserves at least a little recognition.

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

Nice work there, it's coming along very well. 👍

[@tomlin7863]

Doing a great job on it, And yes most people would sent it to scrap, It is nice you can all the body parts, I remember at one time most you could get were fenders some floor panels, frame rail nope, if they were gone the car went to scrap,,

[@popperbits]

I'm so hooked on hearing the ambiguous southern narrative describing the journey of restoring a completely totaled wreck into a running driving car! I can't help but thinking the Johnny Cash song one piece at a time should be playing in the background. Can't wait to see the finished outcome.

[@kickit59]

Neither Rats, Rust, Serious Accident or the passage of time stops this Guy from bringing this Cuda back from the dead! Outstanding effort in every way. I am looking forward to seeing this one back on the road!

[@cowfrank]

There was not a whole lot left of this car when you got it. It wouldn't exist if you hadn't took such extreme steps to reconstruct this piece of history. To hell with the haters.

[@AshGTE]

When you're finished and you have it appraised, all the detractors will eat their words. Best of luck!

[@Onemanstrash1]

Having done a Beaumont (no video though) I can truly appreciate the amount of work this is

[@bobsilver3983]

We need to save as many of these cars as possible...I have 2 classics myself...1968 Lemans and a 55 Chevy 210 2 door post....both of them were projects and I spent quite a bit of $$$ bringing them back to life.

[@kiesha104]

Just hauled a 77 Vette that had been sitting in a field for 15 yrs from Buffalo NY to small town SC ... I applaud your motivation.. I have almost everything to make it go and make a looker out of it.... Just don't know where to start...lol

[@tomstiel7576]

start by going to the bank and getting some more cash,,,,if it has been in a field I would be leery of a very rusted frame

[@kiesha104]

@@tomstiel7576 lol... Poked around the frame and bird cage.... Surprisingly solid for a Northern car that sat in a field...