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

[@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 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@nickhasenfratz2071]

​@je 0:11 nningsmotorsports7554 keep up the good work

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@eye_man]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍☮️

[@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. ☮

[@luke8210]

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

[@chrismadison1410]

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

[@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.

[@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. 👍🏻

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@rustlinbustlin3018]

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

[@peterpann9619]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@Bbutler787]

To do the actual work and record it and do the commentary all at the same time: Most excellent! I worked on these cars when they were first produced and never thought they’d be around 50+ years later. Thanks for saving it.

[@jamesspeck4151]

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

[@Ecosse57]

in my book you're a hero for doing this. this car wouldn't have a chance if you didn't save it.

[@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._

[@user-jf7uu8ji4p]

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

[@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.

[@seamusmcshean260]

People like you with these skills are what makes the world go round. Fair play !

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@sunkenh]

My favorite series on youtube at the moment, can't wait to see how it turns out in the end

[@monsieururbanity5892]

Mega talented and humble. Such an undertaking and true genius!

[@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

[@konstantintoktamisov8363]

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

[@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.

[@merman24000]

I went through and watched all your videos, got me motivated to go work on my 89 Sierra I've been putting off for 6 months

[@dougj.8288]

I don’t care if this isn’t original anymore, great on you for saving the car! You got some skills taking this car from what it was to where it’s at even now, awesome!

[@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.

[@Trenton-om9qs]

This thing is turning out really well. Not many people would take on this challenge

[@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.

[@davebanner8666]

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

[@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

[@jackfortunati9453]

I can't get over how nutty and how genius this man is, amazing. This is NASA level talent

[@austinswallow]

I am impressed at the panel availability and your skill at re-assembly, looking really great! Looking forward to the next installment! Thanks for sharing, greetings from the UK!

[@Bishopspipes]

The mere fact that you’re doing this alone is insane! You’re like a super skilled mad scientist.

[@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.

[@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...

[@charlesmjohnston]

Man you gotta keep these videos coming. Their amazing. Reminds me of building cars as a kid with my dad. He recently passed unexpectedly in Feb and we’ve been forced to downsize a lot. We had just sold his firebird yesterday to his best friend who is in stage 4 cancer and grieving just as hard as us. I stumble on your TikTok and that has brought me here for the last four to five hours. Your videos brought me peace in that time and it’s something I haven’t found in months. Your amazing at what your doing. Keep the dream alive for us all 🙏

[@MichaelBrown1432]

Man, this Cuda is looking GOOOOOD! WAY COOL!

[@rikubot]

You are a hero. Thanks AMD for making the metal too. They’ve helped save so many cars

[@joshcorvette]

Thanks for making this series. You make it look easy, and this type of resurrection doesn’t seem as daunting as it once did.

[@90AMason]

makes a person wonder if you could build one of these completely from scratch without actually having a car to start with just by using repair panels. This is the most ambitious restoration ive ever seen!

[@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.

[@yassarali8274]

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

[@thememeking8079]

You did what most insurance companies and restoration shops would’ve called impossible. Well done

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Onemanstrash1]

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

[@MobMarked]

EXCELLENT job Mr. Jennings!! I can't believe what you have done with that mangled wreck!! You're bringing her back from the grave Dude! Going up in value with every weld! Great video ! peace

[@gunners4129]

"It wont be the same car" With that mentality, nothing is. When you see nut and bolt restos at a car show this is what they've gone through. Awesome job man.

[@aarmancuda3570]

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

[@glenbrisebois8239]

Dude that's awesome. You pretty much took a firewall and a driver's door, and built a car around it. Amazing!!

[@111a-p2d]

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

[@fast97z24]

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

[@vojislavdragic5090]

i'm body tech myself. this is basicaly building a car from zero. and brain crunching as well. a lot of welding and heat shrinking, a lot to screw up. great energy and will, great work!

[@johnkelly6942]

This was the only option. The crash and rebuild is this car’s history, keep the videos coming!

[@DAS-zp8lq]

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

[@YeetoLavito]

I respect your patience so much, keep showing this car the love.

[@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.

[@liamadvena2921]

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

[@jasoncdebussy]

I definitely won't get bored with these videos!

[@conspiracyscholor7866]

It's coming along nicely.

[@SPEEDOFDOG]

Absolutely love the fact that You’re bringing a legend back from the dead. It is still the real deal without a doubt. Most excellent 👍👍

[@Kinleith621]

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

[@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

[@greggsvintageworkshop8974]

Wow, I'm just blown away! Poo Poo to the naysayers, this is amazing! Putting another Cuda on the road even if it's only 5% original will be an amazing accomplishment! I can't wait to see this one done! Fantastic work!

[@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.

[@charlesharnois3684]

I'm a mopar guy, love this project, this car should be saved. Thanks for the videos, looking forward to more thanks for sharing!

[@Kent50]

I am really impressed with what you are accomplishing with minimal tools. It just shows the amount of skill that you have. Thanks for posting. Can't wait for the next video.

[@LetGaiaLive]

I really thought the thumbnail for your first video was just clickbait, but it absolutely astonishes me how the rebuild is progressing. You are a talented man!

[@REMBRANTTUBE]

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

[@42lookc]

Man oh man, you are going to have the newest 1970 Cuda in existence! I'm glued!

[@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.

[@macdaniel6029]

Simply amazing, the best restoration project I´ve ever seen, especially considering you are doing it alone.

[@markpeto4211]

One hell of a project, " always with the positive vibes " good luck in tracking down the running gear .

[@cromBumny]

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

[@americanpatriot912]

Great job looking forward to the finish.

[@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!

[@timh.1467]

Awesome job! Thanks for saving a Cuda.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man I’m so hyped about this one! I’m impressed on how far and good it looks! I wish you the best of luck in finding the right original engine and drivetrain! Definitely looking forward to seeing the next chapter!👌😎👍

[@byrdsdoityourselfgarage7330]

How awesome it would be, to find the original drive train!

[@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.....

[@Motormike2025]

How come we haven't seen any more build on this 70 cuda ?? . Was truly looking forward to seeing all of it . But I guess that's the END . Thanks for sharing.

[@jenningsmotorsports7554]

No just been waiting on parts new video this week on it should have more parts next week

[@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,,