hen you are a Mopar fan, building and owning a ’70 Plymouth ’Cuda most definitely is at the top of your list. Such was the case for Kevin and Gabrielle O’Neil of San Bruno, California, along with the opportunity to work with Zane Cullen of Cotati Speed Shop in Santa Rosa, California.
The basis for this hot rod is a ’70 Plymouth ’Cuda that underwent the sheetmetal and powertrain modifications while at Cotati Speed Shop. Fundamentally the Cotati crew took what was presented and “tightened” up the presentation. All the panels were massaged and their factory gaps tightened to what is expected from our hobby. The front and rear bumpers were reworked and fit more tightly to the body. Lastly, the Cotati crew went outside the shop to have a custom rear roll pan fabricated by Dave Hitchenson, who helps on projects from time to time. The rear tubs were also modified for the oversized rubber by the Cotati crew. From here the bodywork and paint was handled by the Cotati crew. The color is a Brilliant Blue Pearl from Axalta in a basecoat/clearcoat combination. Look closely at the hood and you’ll see the same color but in a matte clearcoat that, according to the crew at Cotati, is a homage to the AAR ’Cudas. There is also a reddish orange pinstripe that runs from the headlight back to the end of the rear quarter window on both sides following the breakover bodyline that was applied by Eric Sedletzky.
We would be remiss if we didn’t share with you that this ’70 ’Cuda has been seen and appreciated at such events as the SEMA Show, Goodguys West Coast Nationals, and took home Best in Class honors while attending the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show. Job well done.