Hey All,
I currently have a 1965 Barracuda on a rotisserie in my garage. It was t-boned years ago. When I stripped the car for restoration I discovered that almost ever panel, except the roof, had been damaged and had really shoddy repair work done. The car has been since while I learn body repair.
This week I was given a 1964 Valiant Signet that has been sitting for a long time. The really cool thing is it's a factory 4-speed \6 with Clifford performance parts. It too needs body work, but the damage is due to rust, no collision. It's a one-owner, mostly complete car and I will be getting a lot of spare/NOS replacement parts.
My thought is to use panels/parts from the Barracuda to restore the Valiant. While the Barracuda is very cool, it's a standard 273/auto that needs a ton of body work. I think that the Valiant is just as cool, or cooler due to the factory 4-speed \6 setup with all the Clifford performance parts.
Any thoughts from the group?
My thought is that you are the best judge of which choice will give you the most pleasure/reward. Personally, I like the look of the early Barracuda models better than the Valiant, but my opinion on car looks should have no bearing on your decision.
Rust repair is not an easy job - if the Cuda has so much damage it will be harder to use panels from the Cuda on the Valiant. Since the Cuda needs engine work - you could put the 4 speed/6 with performance parts in the Cuda. Like someone said - they are your cars - do what makes you happy.
Thanks for the replies.
I went and looked at the Valiant yesterday. It amazes me what some think "minor rust repair" means...
I'm continuing on my Barracuda.