Slideshow: This '70 Barracuda Wasn't Born a Plymouth

The Mr. and Mrs. Get the Mopar Itch

Lonnie and Robin Clabaugh are certified car people. They own 11 classic vehicles (including the Cuda pictured above) and put a lot of thought, care, and love into each vehicle they own and purchase. For example, the Clabaughs still own the first car they bought as a couple, a 1978 Formula Firebird with only 82,000 original miles. While Lonnie might be responsible for much of the work that went into the build you're about to see, it's Robin who really inspired and drove this unique restomod. 

Mopar Through and Through

Robin Clabaugh's first car was police-spec 1969 Plymouth Belvedere four-door. She then found a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner in need of a motor and transmission and swapped in the important bits from her Belvedere. Much to her dismay, her husband, Lonnie, traded in the Road Runner for a dirt bike. No word yet if she's forgiven him. Robin eventually moved on and tried her hand as a Mustang owner. She carefully selected a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach1 with a 390 and a four-speed. Of course, her heart belonged to the crazy band of misfits we know as Mopar fanatics. That's how the story of this 1970 Cuda starts out, with a rusted body, a torn up front end, and a clever idea from Robin's husband Lonnie. 

>>Join the conversation about this '70 Barracuda right here in Dodge Forum.

A Donor is Found

The Cuda was born into this world as a modest, entry-level car with a 318 V8 for motivation. The Clabaughs initially planned for a tried-and-true 440 swap. After some internet perusing, Lonnie fell in love with the idea of a third generation Hemi swap. As good couples tend to do, Robin got to work scanning the internet for a donor vehicle. Alas, she found a crashed 2012 Challenger R/T rocking the 5.7-liter Hemi and an automatic transmission. Once the donor parts made it home, Lonnie started to imagine how he could use the other suspension parts, including the front and rear suspension. It wasn't too long before Lonnie figured out how to make the Cuda K-member agree with suspension bits like the spindles and struts. 

>>Join the conversation about this '70 Barracuda right here in Dodge Forum.

Gen III Hemi

The Gen III Hemi is a worthy replacement for the 318 which left much to be desired. Out of the box, the 5.7 liter puts out north of 370 horsepower and over 400 horsepower. The 5-speed automatic transmission is a little less noteworthy but for a retired couple, comfort and ease of driving are paramount. 

>>Join the conversation about this '70 Barracuda right here in Dodge Forum.

Sittin' Pretty

Over the course of 40-plus years, muscle cars tend to change in size. This led to Lonnie needing to shorten the stock Challenger driveshaft. Once the driveshaft was modified the rest of the independent rear suspension went together smoothly. As a precaution, frame extensions and torque boxes were fitted to help with rigidity. Stylistically, the 18-inch Asanti wheels add a dash of modern flair to the Cuda. While style is always subjective, it's hard to argue with the functionality of modern wheels, especially when it comes to accommodating 21st-century brakes.

>>Join the conversation about this '70 Barracuda right here in Dodge Forum.

Nipped and Tucked Interior

Lonnie expanded the uses of the donor vehicle to the interior. By his own admission, fitting the interior was the most difficult part of this build. The dash, in particular, had to be shortened and narrowed to fit the more cozy specs of the Cuda. The firewall was also a headache, to the point that Lonnie ditched the idea of altering the existing one and decided to design and fabricate a new one on his own. His secret weapon for making it all work? Taking photos, measuring, scouring Dodge/Mopar forums, and measuring again. 

>>Join the conversation about this '70 Barracuda right here in Dodge Forum.

Well Driven

The Clabaugh's Cuda has all the amenities of its donor Challenger. Bluetooth, heated seats, and air conditioning are some of the modern amenities this restomod now carries. The happy couple's Mopar is a solid vehicle which is doubtful to run into mechanical issues. However, if trouble arises, finding parts for a 2012 Challenger should be a piece of cake. There are no immediate plans to make this Cuda a daily driver, but it's a given this Mopar would be up to the task. 

>>Join the conversation about this '70 Barracuda right here in Dodge Forum.

Raking in the Accolades

With this much time and effort put into a build, the Clabaugh's have earned plenty of awards and car show adoration. Some of the more notable awards include the 2017 Dean Jeffries Award for engineering and design and another at the Hot Desert Mopars show. 

>>Join the conversation about this '70 Barracuda right here in Dodge Forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.