vintage cup car duster hybrid build on the low budget

[dusterbd13]

So, my end game is a street legal-ishrace car that was incredibly safe, cheap to operate, easy tomaintain, and would be able to do full days of two drivers at trackslike vir without maintenance or worry. It needs to be legal forhillclimb as well, and easy enough to drive I could hand it tofriends and family to use. I also want to do it on the cheap, as im asocial worker and my wifes an elementary school teacher
.
Its a tall order.


I had gotten the AMC back to rebuild. Ihadn't done much of anything, as to get it where I wanted requiredfull frame rails, suspension swap, rust repair, and adapting circletrack equipment in. it was going to be a huge job of years.
I had been thinking lately that if Ihad to do it again, I wouldn't have started with the AMC, id havestarted with an ex cup car or something. These thoughts were inspiredby a few guys setting up ex circle track cars for hill climbs androad-racing on GRM, and the fact that its been a day dream since highschool.
Talking with my dad last Friday nightat the cruise night, I mentioned it to him. He made the comment thatI should just keep my eyes open and see if I find a good deal whilemaking up my mind on the AMC.


Ny dark, I had found a VERY prominisnglead on facebook and messaged him.
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turned out he was one of the guys thatruns with M4Them with the classic stock cars. He cut his own price to1200 out of the gate, and he wasn't terribly far away. I listed theAMC for break even pricing, and scheduled a time to go see it. Hesent me many more pictures, but had bought it in a parts lot from thepit crew training school and had no history or idea what it was otherthan a Taurus body with a Toyota wrap. I just saw the cage, and truckarms, and front suspension and fell in love.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52037149489_bfa8d84a64_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nhkZAz)received_734530364400278 (https://flic.kr/p/2nhkZAz)by MichaelCrawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
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Since I know less than nothing aboutnascar stuff, I sent everything to my friend Steve for review. Hesaid the chassis looks square, and could be setup for road-racerather easily.


So Thursday I took out of work a fewhours early. Traveled to huntersville to get the closest uhaul to geta trailer at, then to Matthews. We got the car loaded up, he gave mesome spare parts like the brakes and another 8 wheels, and sent me onmy way. This was my first ever time using a uhual trailer, using mytruck to haul a car on a trailer, and trailering (not tow dollying)all by myself. It was pucker inducing alone, and add into that therush hour traffic starting and GPS taking me all narrow back roads,and I was terrified. But I did it, just took my time and let my headand truck cool off frequently. It was mind boggling to look at everytime i stopped though, and many people gave me thumbs up.
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when I got home, I was faced withgetting the car down my street and into my driveway. This requiredbaacking the trailer down an alley and a sharp turn into my driveway.I had never done it. Anywhere.
But, I DID IT. Took me 20 minutes, butgot it done. Called my wife, daughter, and stu over to help pushstuff and spot, but we got it done. Then I got in it for the firsttime.
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much like the scene from tommy boy, itsa fat guy in a little coat getting in and out. This is an issue.
But one for another day!!


I went to take the trailer back, andwound up doing crisis calls for some troubled teens at the curch,somoe more work for my dayjob (did I mention I was on the phone doingmental health work the whoe time I was towing too?), and crawled intobed about 11.


friday was a super long day in thesaddle, but I confirmed sale of AMC and delivery. And started tryingto sell the body off. Since high school shop class, I have dreamedabout a duster race car with slicks hanging out of the fenders, bigcage, boom tube exhaust, etc. I doodled it on everything, but couldnever bring myself to do it to my 70 DD I had at the time and stillhave. Considered it a pipe dream. However, I now own a nascar withwindow openings too small to use, a body thats too rough to put ontrack due to structural integrity concerns, and skills that highschool me never dreamed existed. I was able to sell the body for $200has garage art, and keep all the ducts, lexan, window braces, etc.mind you, I did this before actual measurements or anything....


anyway, yesterday I pulled the caroutside, got out the superclean and hose, and started cleaning. See,I hate getting dirty. And a good visual inspection and identificationof what I bought is step one with every project. This one cleaned upfairly ok, all things considered. Id needs more, but that will belater.


So, what I got in a stock car is what Ibelieve to be a 94-95 vintage spam or napa #9 chassis. Look at thepedal box (single master, mecganical clutch, 4 bolt columnattachemnt, stock appearing pedals) to one of the 94-95 t nirds Ifound on the internet. Also, the cage tube layout.
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the reason I think #9 is that I foundthat written in sharpie on the underside in a few places, and thenapa blue interior paint. I haven't found any stamping or numbersotherwise.
Regardless, after its stint as a cupcar, I believe it was re-bodied as the new 99 taurus car, and used asa show car for a while. Then, it was sent to coach hortons for pitcrew training.
So, more pictures of what I got (photodump time!)
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so I then began disassembly a littlefurther. First was pulling the windows for better access. The lexanis mighty rough, but may be able to be reused. I also pulled thespoilers for potential reuse. Then, got it up on the quickjacks andpulled the wheels. And started measuring all the spots I think arecritical. Seems like, other than the wheelbase, the duster bodyshould fit! It will be shrink wrapped, but looks like it will clear.This is major. However, actually skinning the chassis as a dusterwill await it being a running, driving NASKART and getting shakendown.


Today after church, I started trying tofigure out what some of the parts are. First up is the steeringlinkage. See, I got the car without a steering box. I was able tosource a used one from halfast in 12:1 ratio. But I need a pitmanarm, and this steering linkage has some play in the joints. Its notobvious. But the inner tie rod end holes in the centerlink have beenwelded and redrilled.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52036947123_786fa154db_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nhjXrv)received_705531537354102 (https://flic.kr/p/2nhjXrv)by MichaelCrawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
per measurements, the closest thing Ican find is the howe racing 71-73 camaro center link. Only differenceis the tie rod point center to center, by ¼ inch. Which I think isdown to measurement error. However, the tie rods don't match camaro,and I have no idea about the pitman or idler. Anyone have any ideashere?


Next is spindles and hubs up front.When I pulled the wheels, I noted that there was a stack of spacersbolted to the rotor hat. Also, the dust cap was incredibly beat up,no safety wire on the rotor bolts, etc. obviously, this whole thingneeds disassembled, inspected, cleaned, etc. step at a time. The huband spindle I haven't been able to identify yet. Id like to, so I canget bearings, longer studs, and new dust caps. The numbers didn'tseem to come up with anything. Any ideas?
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I also test fit my 25 gallon fuel cell.I had gotten this and started a filing cabinet can for it when Istill planned the AMC. I will use the filing cabinet metal to repairthe crushed and rusty metal floor, and then form the top of the canto pick up all the bolt holes that are left around the cell. Itsticks up proud of the floor about 6 inches, and is slightly smallerthan the can itself, so I will add some stops and supports to retainit in the can better. The 25 gallon capacity is crucial to my goalsthough, as I figure the ls will go through about that much a day ontrack and I don't want to carry jugs in the truck if I don't have to.
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I figure ill finish this out with therest of the brushstrokes. I have a complete 5.3 ls and wiring,saginaw 4 speed, and have just obtained kevco mounts for the swap. Ihave an aluminum radiator, 12 wheels, pirelli TA2 slicks, ultrashieldseat, full box of autometer gauges, f body oil pan, harnesses,accusump, c5 corvette fuel pump module, new fuel sending unit, box oftilton masters, wilwood remote bias adjuster, tilton floor mountpedals, a ton of 3an lines, a couple of fire suppression systems, andmisc supplies. I know ill need hanging pedals for a bias bar setupand hydraulic clutch since I cant make the floor mount tiltons I havework, ill need to sort the rear axle (I'm thinking 8.8 explorer, butthe offset pinion is making me pause), remove the body for access,ill need boom tubes, driveshaft, wear items, oil cooler, etc. illneed to find a sway bar for the front, a fourth shock or a matchingset, and square up the spring rates. Find long tube headers for thels. Lots of other stuff as I go. Lots. And lots more.


the next steps are Steve coming by tolook at cage rework for passengers side and door bars with me andinspect the chassis with me, and get the body off. I also need tomake it roll, and be able to tow dolly.




So, all in, the cup car cost 1200, soldthe body for 200. the rest of the parts haul and buying/selling haveme at a car, large pile of parts and spares, etc for 2318 with 315recoup.

[Vimes]

This looks like an interesting project. So you plan to put a Plymouth Duster body on the frame of this race car?

On the hub related parts, check with https://www.speedwaymotors.com/ as they cater to the racing market. They may be able to help you ID what you have, and they have decent prices as far as parts go.

[dusterbd13]

Yessir. And then put plates on it too. Sure, it wont be cam class legal, but it will be FUN.

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 2318 with 315 recoup

new money:
wilwood pedal box with three brake pedals and bias bars, no clutch pedal: 40
upper control arms and alignment shims from SRI: 200
pedal box mount plate from speedway: 17 shipped
trade phantom tach for autogage and speedometer
open 31 spline ford 9 inch hogshead: 60
front calipers that were with the car: 100
1971 camaro pitman arm: 35
1971 camaro drag link: 55
gallon rustoleum slight machine gray: 50
4x 255/60/15 cooper cobras: 160

new total: 3035 with 315 recoup

when we left off, car was more or less as purchased. I had made a general plan, and a general action item list.

So, I got to it.

First order of business was getting the body off. This took quite a few hours. Many spot welds, braces, and tabs. Finally came down to brute force, but I was able to save it well enough for the guy that bought it for wall art.
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I gabbed my seat, sat it on the floor, ant test fit myself to my new car. And made engine noises. Cause that's what you do.
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pushed outside for cleaning u the shop and car. Easier than trying to walk around it
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steve came over later in the week to review the car with me. We discussed my plans, thoughts, and fears. He stated that the car is quite possibly late 80s, the tubes in the passengers side could be removed without fear, the 9 inch is straight enough for road course, and the chassis does not have hardly any offset. I got lucky, apparently.
Which meant I could go wholle hog without fear.

First order of buisness was cutting the front bimper mount off after taking it tp the nads a couple of times. Ill add something in its place when the car gets skinned.
I also went to SRI for their used parts. Got a pair of same spec upper control arms, caster slugs, alignment shims, and looked at all the other parts for a while. Ultimately decided to hold off for now, until I get a better feel of what I have and what I need. When I git home, I squared the upper control arms, and installed the steering box. Somewhere in here I also determined the steering linkage is 70-73 camaro. I ordered a pitman arm from ebay for 35 (cheapest I could find) and a non damaged center link from oriellys. I know they aren't race spec, but they should get me going and sorted out. If I find later I need to make changes, ill at least have a starting point.
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after that, ive done a lot of cutting and grinding. I ground down all the stubs and spot welds left from body removal. I cut out the passengers side bars. I ground down the layers of paint and vinyl around the door openings. I cut out the original pedal box. Everything you see in green etch primer is somewhere I have touched with a grinder. Not all pictured, because it gets repetitive.
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so, well go off chassis for a minute to finish up the update.
First, I needed tires that held air. I also need tires for storage and towing. I found a set of 255/60/25 cooper cobras for 160 used. Right height, wide enough, next door to a stop for work. So I bought them. I went ahead and cleaned up the 8 spare wheels that came with the car. Had a friend with a blast cabinet blast off the rust and stickers. It didn't touch the powdercoat though. One set I did in rustoleum hammered black. It came out more dark gray. Other set I shot in rustoleum gloss black. Had the tire shop mount up a set of the TA2 slicks, and the coopers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52104890272_c79541515e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nokbz7)20220522_152246 (https://flic.kr/p/2nokbz7) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52105911346_03150aa7a9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2noqq6Q)20220523_071648 (https://flic.kr/p/2noqq6Q) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52106167259_c1dc366097_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2norJb8)20220525_154857 (https://flic.kr/p/2norJb8) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also started working on finalizing parts for the brake system. I was able to obtain the original to the car JFZ front calipers to match the rears. I assume all four calipers will need rebuilt, and need to do a LOT of research on JFZ stuff. Initially it seems they were bought by wilwood, and may be able to use all wilwood pads and seals. But....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52105912086_cb3f771f89_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2noqqjA)20220528_160422 (https://flic.kr/p/2noqqjA) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also lucked out on a set of wilwood pedals in a hanging orientation. The set came with three brake pedals and balance bars, but no clutch pedal. Steve is making me a bushing for one of the brake pedals to turn it into a clutch pedal. Ill just need to make a clevis. But for $40 I ain't complaining. Anyone need a brand new bias bar for wilwood pedals?
Also, I got the wilwood pedal box plate from speedway. They're 15 bucks, but I had a $10 off coupon, so total shipped was about 17 bucks. I wasn't expecting ¼ plate steel being the material, but it ought to be sturdy!it'll all work beautifully with my wilwood bias adjuster knob and box of tilton cylinders I picked up a while back.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52105912041_4e234ab5f9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2noqqiP)20220528_160420 (https://flic.kr/p/2noqqiP) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also was able to source a 31 spline 9 inch hogshead. For 135 I got the whole assembly. Patrick had bought the housing for 75, and for an extra 60 I got the rest. I think its a 2.7x open, which is far from ideal, but its a start.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52105953058_fbecbc674e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2noqCv1)20220518_080106 (https://flic.kr/p/2noqCv1) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

lastly, I finally was able to get paint for the chassis. I decided on rustoleum light machine gray, which seems to be sold out EVERYWHERE. I found the gallon at the oakboro hardware store. It was $50, but its definitely enough for shooting the whole chassis and touch ups afterwards. Plus, its almost an exact match for what was on here!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52106446887_6bd2145330_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/XaRyB3)20220529_092318 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/XaRyB3) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

that's all for now. Its under the carport for a while while I do a terminator x install on the vortech supercharged cuda my buddy brought me. Gotta replenish the hot rod fund somehow.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/05/52107841378_8f02178dd1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2noAiQf)20220529_135250 (https://flic.kr/p/2noAiQf) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 3035 with 315 recoup

new money:
73 duster 340 body with 71 front clip and crap inside: $660
lug nuts: 20
front wheel studs: 20
inner axle seals: 30
outer axle seals: 20
rear hub hardware: 12
rear u bolt: 5
3/4-16 locknuts: 21.13
white rustoleum: 14
springs: 100
shock lot: 20
Kirkey and cover: 80
9 inch hogshead and 31 spline carrier 20

new total: 4057.13 with 315 recoup

I have to say the cuda took a minute and a few odd scope changes. However, its done and the owner is super happy. Im also REALLY impressed with the sniper stealth 4150 and holley's homework on this. So much better than all the other systems ive done. Way, way better than them. Way better than the fast and megasquirt ive used as well. Just a quality product.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165773924_26788ac12e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHeaf)20220605_162356 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHeaf) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

with that done, I pulled the nascar back in the shop. I decided that the next step was to rebuild the rear end and suspension. I did this for multiple reasons. Biggest was that I needed to go through it all before I was willing to tow dolly it to dads shop where I have the good welder and can complete the cage repairs. The cage repairs are the next real step to do before test fitting the drivetrain and getting all the ergonomics sorted.

I pulled the rear axle, truck arms, etc to get started. It all came apart pretty easy. I had to cut one of the u bolts that just refused to come apart to release the truck arm from housing.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52166024595_74e833a6f1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntJvFa)20220610_164239 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntJvFa) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52164512717_b2dd551837_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntALfi)20220611_080835 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntALfi) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165775079_322af0c4d7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHeva)20220611_180458 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHeva) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

upon disassembly, I found the rear shocks were bent and leaking. Additionally, there were no inner seals on the axle tubes, most of the hardware on the rear hubs was either mangled or missing, and the grease seals were a mere suggestion.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165543103_c712f0936d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG3xz)20220610_174316 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG3xz) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52164513047_be71da1112_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntALkZ)20220611_180507 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntALkZ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr


So I started clean up. Ordered replacement hardware from amazon as it was all fine thread socket head screws. Disassembled the rear hubs and bearings, cleaned up in the parts washer. We were able to identify them as speedway engineering hubs, with the right rear bearing being a super low friction piece. Chased all the threads and had to drill out some broken hardware. I went ahead and repainted everything while it was apart, cleaned up the studs, etc.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165782844_aef08bc306_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHgP3)20220617_102546 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHgP3) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165548341_467fcb565f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG56T)20220617_102557 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG56T) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

to replace the bent shocks, I found an add on facebook for 6 30 series koni shocks and 4 bilstien. The lengths listed seemed workable, so I contacted the seller. Turned out he only wanted $20 for all 10 shocks. So I bought them. I love konis on the autocross and corvette applications ive tried them in, but it seems they're not common in the circle track world, but for the price I took a gamble.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165774659_823f21e647_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHenV)Screenshot_20220610-184525_Facebook (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHenV) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

bought a kirkey seat and cover from the seller too. Its a wide seat, and the cover is perfect. So for $80 I brought it home. Apparently no pictures on my phone, and I don't feel up to going out to the shop for one (have food poisoning). Regardless, I started cleaning and painting the konis. Turns out duplicolor Chevrolet red-orange is a perfect match
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165776109_1295c00562_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHeNV)20220614_162312 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHeNV) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165541646_6929e2b387_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG37s)20220614_163044 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG37s) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
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somewhere in here I started to get the gearing and hogshead sorted out for the rear axle, and the axle itself sorted. I pulled apart the cheapo 9 inch u bought from runion. Cleaned up the hogshead, verified the 2.76 open diff, and later discovered that its a 28 spline, not 31. which probably wont work. Unfortunately.
Regardless, its filling the hole in the housing for now.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165544828_285ef1bcac_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG44j)20220614_175555 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG44j) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
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the housing cleaned up beautifully, and was shot in gloss black rustoleum. I installed the rebuilt hubs with new seals and fresh grease, obtained the inner axle tube seals, and put it together. I did get used floater axles win 27.75 and 32 inch lengths, 31 spline. However, apparently this housing is significantly narrower than the current (last 20 years) cup axle. So I will have to have custom shafts made. I could get the shafts in 28 or 31 spline, and am debating with myself which way to go as both my hogsheads are 28 spline open, but I have a 31 carrier. And 31 track lock seem to be easier to find.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165782739_8d354fccc2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHgMe)20220617_091035 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHgMe) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

since I alluded to it, I scored a hatch load of parts from a mopar buddy. He had a “pile of 9 inch crap” that needed to leave. Most of it was exactly that, but in the pile was a whole 3.5x 28 spline hogshead and a 31 spline open carrier. Right gear ratio at least! And I gave him $20 bucks for steak, which made him happy. Ill buy his dinner too one night.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165782939_f809bb777a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHgQF)20220617_141008 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHgQF) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also took the opportunity to do the underside of the car. This is not fun. The quickjacks made it better, but it still sucks. I scrubbed everything down with brown scotchbrite pads and superclean to get the grease, oil, and grime off, wiped down with windex and a paper towel, and shot with rattle can white rustoleum.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165543833_dd02028c17_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG3La)20220612_082611 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG3La) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165540736_c25e93d0c3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG2QL)20220612_082618 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG2QL) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165544463_b33c8fe253_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG3X2)20220613_174003 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG3X2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
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I went ahead and began reassembly with new locknuts, cleaned and greased adjusters, new to me 550lb eibach springs out back, the konis, etc. starting to come together back there, and after a good nut and bolt check ill get the brakes on, and towed down to dads. Only one picture at the moment, as that's all that's on my phone to upload to flickr at the moment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165783304_581a85c482_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHgWY)20220620_191302 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHgWY) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

other stuff that ive been working on, such as brakes, aren't quite ready yet and I have no pictures. I was able to figure out the rotors are still available (at $112 each. Holy crap), the rear JFZ calipers are an exact match to the wiliwood superlites Patrick gave me, the fronts use a common wilwood backing plate, steve made me a delrin bushing so I can use a spare brake pedal as clutch in mt pedal box with a custom clevis, etc. lots of little things and baby steps.

Another baby step was getting the body out of my driveway. Stampie picked it up, strapped it to a lotus europa on his trailer, and took it with him to the buyer in Florida who is hanging it on his wall. He was unable to get the passengers side, but its ok, it worked out in the end.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165550963_a76c2fddd3_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/K0W6H9)20220615_202229 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/K0W6H9) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also bought a body. Its not as bad as I was looking for, but it was the right price and has some recoup parts on it. The car is a 73 340 car that was hacked up for a big block drag car, and then parted out and left for dead. There's no windshield, which is a problem. I want to keep a glass windshield in here for maintenance and longevity reasons. I know lexan is more impact resistant, but ot becomes a wear item pretty quickly. The seller did throw in a 70-72 front clip for me, as that's the car I want to clone. There's the manual steering box and big bolt discs still present, a gas tank, a grant steering wheel, etc. ill need to go pick it up when I free up some space, and my mopar buddy that gave me the 9 inch stuff thinks he wants to buy everything im not using on my car to fix the rust in his daughters. So I may be able to use his rotisserie and help, and get it done quicker and easier than I thought! Hopefully be able to sell off enough to mostly zero the car out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165773489_743e86f244_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/8U3uJ8)IMG_4598 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/8U3uJ8) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52164512752_d74b2e056f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntALfU)20220611_110754 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntALfU) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165774984_a252176701_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHetw)20220611_110801 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHetw) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165543528_088ef180cd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG3EU)20220611_110807 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntG3EU) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/06/52165775059_b18de18461_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHeuP)20220611_110817 (https://flic.kr/p/2ntHeuP) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

until next time!

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 4057.13 with 315 recoup

new money:
71 and 76 duster parts car, with a title: 400
3an bulkhead fittings: 35.83 ebay
remove kevco mounts and nascar trans mount: -55
block hugger headers: 71.99 ebay
92mm throttle body and adapter for cable: 76
brake line armor: 18.95
brake caliper seals and bleeders and crossover tube materials: 111.13
steering shaft from jeep grand Cherokee: 14.99 pullapart
sold bench seat, steering column, door guts and driveshaft from the dusters for $100
bought tubing and had bent for seat mounts: 140 outlaw performance

new total: 4776.02 with 415 recoup

been busy. Been having a good, time, but busy. Its been a whirlwind, and going in many different directions. So I don't really have a coherent narrative for this update, but ill give a fair whack at trying to create one with some revisionist history. All timelines are subject to fuzzy math and poor recollection. You've been warned...

so, to start the whirlwind, I drove to Tennessee. Well, more correctly brother Dallas and I drove to Tennessee. I had a nice guy from church hill Tennessee offer me a pair of heavily rotted and parted dusters for $200 each. A 72, and a 76. I bought them both, but didn't see a value in trying to bring them back as cars. So I got all the “salvageable” parts from the, loaded into Dallas trailer, and brought them home. The list included a nice bench seat, steering column, all stainless trim, poison ivy, live wasps. And a signed title and vin plate. I sold off the bench, column, door guts from the 72 demon door, and a driveshaft to the cuda guy for $100 before they were even on the trailer. Still have a 75 dart sport grille to sell, 74-76 rear bumper, half vinyl top trim, roof-rail trim, and rear window trim to clean up and sell along with the nice 74-76 door panels. Hoping to zero it out except for gas and grub.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223588960_029345f9a6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyPxyd)20220709_080128 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyPxyd) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52165541588_55977d95df_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/76A3KJ892c)received_737540007598423 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/76A3KJ892c) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52165541473_6e6578bb07_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/a6D4E9bX49)received_1179935605913150 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/a6D4E9bX49) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52165541728_4a4198c929_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/7139uZ7zt1)received_1844203485786760 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/7139uZ7zt1) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52164511037_8e49000129_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/8zi2K6Sb8L)received_1016722475713927 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/8zi2K6Sb8L) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52222096832_7b0d9d8621_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyFTZS)20220709_154307 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyFTZS) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223371094_1ba52ba3d2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyNqMU)20220709_154322 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyNqMU) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
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alright, enough body parts. Back to the chassis.

So, I decided that I was going to get the brake pedals sorted. My thoughts are that I work from the firewall out for controls and fitment of driver. I cut up the speedway plate to clear, and drilled and tapped all four corners for 1/4-20 bolts. Cut out the firewall and bolted it in place. Made sure all the masters would fit under the tubing (will have to run remote reservoirs) and then got bulkhead fittings to use to run the hard lines inside the car as much as possible for safety and heat shielding. Ill need shorter lines, but I had these....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223102641_0ea9c74822_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM3Zp)20220715_080310 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM3Zp) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223590910_3b3351dfb1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyPy8Q)20220715_080325 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyPy8Q) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

then we get to the calipers. These were all a fight to get apart. Lots of air pressure, heat, lube, and cursing. But we got them apart, and no pitting or damage of hydraulic areas noted. 3 of 4 crossover tubes are garbage, 6 of 8 bleeders broke. We took a bunch of measurements, and ordered parts. Meanwhile, I cleaned and painted bodies. The JFZ fronts were heavily beaten, and I wound up using the dremel to grind off the peened over parts and a flap wheel to smooth it all out. No real finished pictures cause I'm a slacker.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223371214_4a20056f4e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyNqPY)20220710_092532 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyNqPY) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52231224798_f300ca610c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nzuFqA)20220718_174603 (https://flic.kr/p/2nzuFqA) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

so that brought me up to what I could easily accomplish at my shop. It was also time to test out my tow dolly and make sure the naskart fit. So I took it to dads. It BARELY fit the tow dolly.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223103026_3e139a7747_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM473)20220716_074811 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM473) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223103016_ccd151dfd7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM46S)20220716_074744 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM46S) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

got it up on the lift, and decided that the next order of business was drivetrain fit. I needed to see it. I was beginning to lose vision and motivation.
So dad, brother dustin and I bolted the saginaw and sbc truck bellhousing to the 5.3, bolted on the kevco mounts, and slid it in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223119533_7452e39295_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM91D)20220716_160906 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM91D) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223373424_c2135615df_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyNru5)20220716_162318 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyNru5) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

the kevco mounts weren't even close. Nor was the nascar trans crossmember. We also tried the truck manifolds. I may could have made them work, but it would have been tough. So, I stood and stared and thought. We shimmed the engine with chunks of wood and a jack to where I wanted it. Eventually figured out the c5 corvette pedestals I had in cold storage would be close. They were, and with a couple pieces of angle iron the engine sat it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223120308_8318ec1a7f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM9f1)20220717_112038 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM9f1) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

it was close. So I got my fab on. I figured locating the trans first would set the fore/aft location, as well as make sure it was centered in the tunnel. I made a slotted piece for the trans mount from a chunk of my last desk chair with my drill press and dremel. The rest was a chink of 1x1 square tube with a rough wall thickness of 3/16. overkill, but I had it all. I think I made it have too much drop, but I have room to shim for driveline angle. I may have to remake it, but that's a problem for future me in a few days.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52231220831_af7a924ab4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nzuEfc)20220720_073221 (https://flic.kr/p/2nzuEfc) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52239015640_877b267530_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nAbBns)20220723_101005 (https://flic.kr/p/2nAbBns) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52238810989_6906640475_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nAaywZ)20220723_102149 (https://flic.kr/p/2nAaywZ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

engine mounts were next. The angle iron was close, but needed to come down a few degrees in the horizontal plane and outward a nit in the vertical. So I proceeded to adjust and weld in one plane at a time. Shared with my group text of smarter than me friends, and was encouraged to fishplate the verticals. So I did. And then shaped them. And bolted them in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52238811004_2d971a6310_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nAayxf)20220723_114857 (https://flic.kr/p/2nAayxf) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52237543792_ca0a381686_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nA44QL)20220723_121050 (https://flic.kr/p/2nA44QL) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52237544042_cacfc1ef04_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nA44V5)20220723_124013 (https://flic.kr/p/2nA44V5) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52239020305_40d3d8569a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nAbCKT)20220724_154643 (https://flic.kr/p/2nAbCKT) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I was pretty chuffed with how they came out, but even happier with how the engine is sitting in the chassis, minus the truck oil pan.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223103861_bf6e626d4d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM4mr)20220717_111149 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM4mr) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223591880_348e95bf6e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyPyqy)20220717_111203 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyPyqy) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223374469_c9f2200d82_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyNrN6)20220717_114258 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyNrN6) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52223103731_e2fa0bef31_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM4jc)20220716_175831 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyM4jc) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

last up is the seats and mounts. i had formed a chunk of pvc in the correct angle to match what stubs were left when I bought the car. Took to a local shop that's run by a buddy of mine, and had him bend some 1.25 tubing for me. It kinked, but his bender doesn't do that on bigger tubing. He sold it to me for cost of materials due to it.
Welded in the drivers side stuff, and did huge gussets to boot. Figured it was a good idea.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52238525296_da4e1faea6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nA96Bf)20220724_153207 (https://flic.kr/p/2nA96Bf) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52237544322_85878fae59_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nA44ZU)20220724_153310 (https://flic.kr/p/2nA44ZU) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I'm still not certain how I want to get the seat to attach to the structure. Cant come up with anything I'm happy with, so I'm open to suggestions.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52238535383_61e50e3e65_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nA99Ba)20220724_153639 (https://flic.kr/p/2nA99Ba) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52239016535_5ac7e10b1d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nAbBCT)20220724_153649 (https://flic.kr/p/2nAbBCT) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52238812059_661cd754e7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nAayRr)20220724_153654 (https://flic.kr/p/2nAayRr) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52237544597_f8b778256a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nA455D)20220724_153700 (https://flic.kr/p/2nA455D) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

ill leave off with a picture of an engine I found on Facebook marketplace earlier today. It finally gives me what I want mine to look like. I'm not sure there's a “pretty” stock or low budget LS, but this is a “not bad” one.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/52238525046_38aa174e15_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nA96wW)Screenshot_20220724-132613_Facebook (https://flic.kr/p/2nA96wW) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

[ryeguy2006a]

Really cool project!

[dusterbd13]

Thanks! I was beginning to think that this may not be the right forum for this one. Seems like its a bit too race car for here.
But, apparently I may be wrong!

And i love the m parallels on your Camaro. One of my favorite wheels.

[T/A Addict]

Great off the beaten path project!

[ryeguy2006a]

This is definitely the right forum haha. I had the same thing happen when I was posting to my build thread. Lots of views, but not many would post.

[69stang]

Love these kind of builds with a lot of fabrication.:twothumbs

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 4776.02 with 415 recoup

new money:
remove les radiator -20
add ron davis radiator 140
piece dom tube bent at welding shop: 25
piece 1/8x3x36 steel 29.99
kirkey seat back braces 51


new total: 4912.02 with 415 recoup

if you've notices, by build style resembles a ping pong ball in a blender, so I frequently don't really have a coherent narrative, but I give a fair whack at trying to create one with some revisionist history. All timelines are subject to fuzzy math and poor recollection as always.

I think I will start this one with the oddesy of the soul that ergonomics has become. Its making me rethink everything, and think through the long term stresses, accident stresses, weight, and conflicts with service and usage. Really making me stretch my brain in new and different shapes...

when we left off, I had the tubes in, and the seats mocked up. I didn't like it. Just couldn't find the sweet spot with my helmet, roll bar padding, and pedals connected to master cylinders. I really needed to find a few more inches of legroom.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287522865_2fe1b6a06e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtdSV)20220727_191035 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtdSV) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287039396_5de0d4b6d1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEqKaf)20220727_191038 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEqKaf) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

So I did. I chopped out the firewall right around the ¼ plate the pedals mount to and pushed them forward a bit. I liked it. But needed to make it a little better. I don't have a box brake, so I have to get creative.

I went to dollar tree and walmart and found cake pans.

First attempt proved my concept, but the pan was too small and the pedals hit the firewall. It was a banana bread pan, and I didn't have a picture. But the next size up was a brownie sheet, and nailed the spacing with a little grinding and clearancing.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287523090_f64fcca40d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtdWN)20220731_111159 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtdWN) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287040316_6ba7d1592a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEqKr7)20220807_092136 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEqKr7) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
then it was time to make structure. The pan has all the rigidity of a wet paper towel. So I built off the ¼ plate with ½ inch tubes and gussets. I tied the plate to the dash bar, and the pedals to the dash bar as well. Then gusseted it. Its solid as hell. Ignore the first coat of paint. Its crappy, but the first coat to keep it from rusting while I do other stuff. It'll get better. Promise.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287523995_de01955cb4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtedp)20220810_175457 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtedp) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52286060197_868fe2c49b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEkJ5v)20220813_150357 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEkJ5v) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52337054615_5e1169737f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJR5WB)20220905_143212 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJR5WB) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52336928739_e043d2e80a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQrwk)20220905_143238 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQrwk) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

so, with the pedals finally and totally sorted, I could go back to seat mounting. Its still in progress, so feedback is still welcome.

I started with the vertical front mounts. Decided to use c channel, as it made the most sense to me. Two 5/16 bolts on wither side with fender washers had it pretty secure. I then ordered kirkey seat back braces after failing miserably to make my own. Sent pictures for review to Steve, and he recommended I cut down the top of the c channel, and add gussets to box the remaining c channel to increase weld area. Additionally, he wanted to see rear seat mounts at the base of the seat at the rear. So today I spent all day doing that. I also added a leg down to a pad on the floor for extra resistance to flexing over time. That corner only being supported by the riveted in heat shield made me nervous for longevity. Now im ok. Still have to tie in the bottom of the seat though. The harnesses wrap around the side tubes and have a really nice pull angle. Im super happy with that.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52336593681_bb8008e858_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJNHVt)20220827_124218 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJNHVt) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52335670527_3c3ffc63e8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHZv2)20220905_143222 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHZv2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

we then went to the other side. First we filled holes. Lots of holes.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287304229_6eb6cc5dfc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEs6Tk)20220814_141718 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEs6Tk) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

then created the seat frame again. This is all still in process, but will get the same treatment as the other side.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52337023125_84f33fe8c0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQVzF)20220827_130325 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQVzF) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

the lowest door bar has taken a hell of a beating over the years, having jack points ripped off and repairs scabbed on. So I ground it smooth and welded a cap of roll bar tubing over it as a reinforcement.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52336831038_1f77a3cec4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJPWtQ)20220827_122158 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJPWtQ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

so, while im in the seating area, lets talk about the stub of rollbar bracing sticking up from the trans tunnel. I decided that a piece of tube inserted in the stub, bent to meet the dash bar. Simple, light, strong. I added some rosette welds to spread the load.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52336929284_b12544e073_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQrFJ)20220905_143310 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQrFJ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

lastly, lets talk about the steering column. The mount was cracked and bent, the wheel was about three inches into my gut, the quick release was work slap out, and the lower bearing was missing. So, step one was cutting the housing down till it was close. Step two was repairing the new quick release io was given via drilling out and helicoiling the buggered threads. I mounted up the grant steering wheel that I sold to brother Dustin in the 10th grade after dad made me pull it from the duster. Honestly, this steering wheel is the reason I have brother Dustin in my life. Its special.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52337023435_cbd45ce728_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQVF2)20220827_135637 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQVF2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

regardless, I chopped about 8 inches out of it to fit my seating position and comically proportioned fat ass. The smaller wheel really helps as well. Then, I used the anvil and beat the mounting plate back into shape. Welded up the cracks. Added some 1x1 angle to reinforce things and square up the mounting pattern. Made sure that it would mount up square and easy. Then, we solved he lack of lower bearing with a bit of ash wood turned down into a bushing in the finest British tradition. We even cut grease channels in it to reduce turning friction. Seems like as good a solution as any, and was free due to dad being a woodworker. And lets be honest, if the wood is on fire, im already completely and irredeemably ****ed. So, ill run it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52337022625_aa044cee90_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQVr4)20220827_124212 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQVr4) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

leaves the compartment looking kinda like this when I walked out of the shop today. Still more to do, such as the passengers seat boxing, a kick plate and heat shield on the passengers floor, kick panel padding mounts, some more holes, fab a gas pedal.....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52336593801_2a7101fe12_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJNHXx)20220827_135632 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJNHXx) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52337023435_cbd45ce728_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQVF2)20220827_135637 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQVF2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

in progress is rust repair. On the nascar. Rust repair.
Well, and making the new cell fit, and fixing damage, etc.
I cut out the whole old fuel cell enclosure and painted up the metal that has never been painted to prevent it from rusting.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52337056520_f7ea7023c7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJR6vs)20220905_143252 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJR6vs) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I then went to my metal pile, and pulled out some galvanized sheet metal from what Dallas called a water heater shed. It had fiberglass insulation glued inside, and was originally a giant enclosure. I got all the fiberglass off, and discovered the guy spraying the glue was bored.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52335640442_6e0a1700cf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHQyj)20220831_090455 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHQyj) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

made a cut sheet, cut it up with tin snips, and took it to my scenic sheet metal brake that lives in a nice quiet corner of the woods. Now, this isn't a box brake. Or a finger brake. Or a good brake. But its what I got to work with, so we made it work. I also used flanging pliers for the bottom piece.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52335639422_68466355dc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHQfJ)20220829_152031 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHQfJ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52335640417_a747fdc117_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHQxT)20220831_090544 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHQxT) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52335642747_9f96c6e29b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHRf4)20220903_092627 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHRf4) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52337026805_b07447a3b6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQWF8)20220903_093711 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQWF8) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

welding galvanized sucks. But its almost done. Next is finish it to the trunk floor.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52337027025_bd587965fd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQWJV)20220903_121034 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJQWJV) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

in the process, I swapped on the f body pan. To do so, I had to modify the truck windage tray. When I dropped it, I found surface rust in the cylinders and on the crank weights. I'm not hopeful about the health of this one, but its what I have for now. The f body pan is so much better for ground clearance. I'm debating cutting the flat bottom piece off the frame that's the lowest point, and replacing with a piece of tubing. It would make the lowest point an inch and a half higher, and round which would be less likely to dig in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287523925_6d89d03cab_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtecc)20220809_190223 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtecc) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287523935_7d16f79d6d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtecn)20220809_190232 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEtecn) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also picked up a new radiator. The $20 one I picked up had the wrong outlets and dimensions. I scored a brand new ron davis dual pass for $125 from facebook, and bought a hans 20L from the same guy for another $125. the radiator is EXACTLY what I needed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52335640692_52d32c1e2b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHQCC)20220831_153642 (https://flic.kr/p/2nJHQCC) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

ill leave with a picture of the finally finished calipers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/09/52287304109_8925c5d4b1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nEs6Rg)20220810_152554 (https://flic.kr/p/2nEs6Rg) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

[jaybee]

Cool project! I love that you're putting a Duster body on it, too.

[813Demon340]

Love it! I can't wait to see this one come together!

[dusterbd13]

Thanks yall!
Feels like zlow progress at this point, and im sick of seat mounts, but its turning out nice

[Bthomas]

I sometimes wish I was still in N.C. so I could come across the "locals" only deals like this. Miss all the nascar takeoff parts for cheap.

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 4912.02 with 415 recoup

new money:
bike brake cables: 4.49
½ inch heims: 11.98
2x strap steel: 12.72
4x exhaust 90s: 39.96
2x exhaust 45: 19.98


new total: 5001.25 with 415 recoup

so, a month has passed. Started my new career, been working on family as well. So not a lot of progress to show (at least in my mind)

first up, lets talk about fishing the firewall kickout. To so do, I had to finish the steering. This was accomplished by using a hodgepodge of leftover dirt track stuff and the nascar stuff. A firewall support bearing was out into the kickout with weld nuts, and the previous column drop heim joint was purposed as a middle shaft support bearing. It works nice!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416304604_f0ca68b966_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgcJ)20220924_141158 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgcJ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416304574_acab746354_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgcd)20220924_102031 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgcd) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416304644_e00f8c397d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgdq)20220924_141212 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgdq) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

the column still had quite a bit of wiggle in it. So a couple pieces of re-purposed square tube, a used 2.25 exhaust clamp, and a scrap of angle iron later, its rock hard
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416532933_f1ecdd5748_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSr5r)20220925_115049 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSr5r) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

then, it was time to get a gas pedal in. the last control surface to sort. It took some head scratching, but ultimately I took a free gmt400 vortec gas pedal and cable, and cut them up. I extended the gas pedal horizontal part with some ½ rod, and slid it through a pair of heim joints to mount to the firewall. Then, I clocked everything to make sure I could use the throttle stop and still get WFO. Cut down the cable housing, and used a bicycle brake cable to replace the frayed inner cable that came with my free stuff. Like I said, lots of head scratching.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416533833_dd2320a081_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSrkX)20221008_111618 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSrkX) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416534048_b00f6657b3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSrpE)20221009_111503 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSrpE) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

lets next talk about the fuel cell. When we left, I had the box made, but nothing else. So I centered the box, and bent up some pieces of galvanized metal to reach the maximum points possible in the trunk pan, and one inch down the box. Used a sharpened bolt to mark the welded in mounting nuts and transfer through the galvanized. I also spaced 1/8 holes at one inch intervals on all the floor to box flanges for rivets. Thought being that they will have a less sharp head than ground weld, and therefore present less risk to the cell integrity over time.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52359199190_1a5d1c5f96_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nLNzKC)20220911_143304 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLNzKC) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52359199185_7fa332ced2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nLNzKx)20220911_143242 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLNzKx) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

trimmed up the floor pieces, spot welded every inch and ran the rivets after a base-coat of white rustoleum.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52415508147_8058665da8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRMbrH)20220924_141309 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRMbrH) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416304669_88e3fb67c3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgdR)20220924_141227 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgdR) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

finished by bending up some straps. Quite happy with how this turned out. Still have to clean the cell, re-gasket, install the fuel pump module, etc. but its damn near sorted!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416532898_1e90afeddc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSr4Q)20220925_104638 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSr4Q) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

next lets move onto finishing up seat mounts, grinding welds, etc. lotta work, and brother dallas came to help. It was a good time with a good friend. The seats grew a pair of mounts at the rearmost section, braced from the mounting frame, to the seat, then through bolted through the floor. Really stiffened things up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416464910_02f206c127_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRS5RC)20221001_091757 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRS5RC) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52357827002_58caba4def_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nLFxRd)20220910_173053 (https://flic.kr/p/2nLFxRd) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416533258_55402ae72b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSrb3)20221002_094839 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRSrb3) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

next lets talk about the aluminum work. My plan is to build in as much heat shielding as is realistically possible. NASCAR used an under floor heat shield with some fiberglass sandwiched, the aluminum floor liner on top with fiberglass sandwiched. I decided to replicate this on the passengers side, using some 16ga aluminum. Starting with CAD, I made a model.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416023261_3050239a32_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRPPyZ)20221002_110816 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRPPyZ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

took it out to Walden (my sheet metal brake in the woods. Anyone know the reference?) and bent it up. Then fit it into place.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416305289_350ec01ffb_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgpx)20221002_113348 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgpx) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416305354_07c8b6e96d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgqE)20221002_135322 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgqE) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

looks right! I also rebuilt the trans mount to fix the drop issue as you can see here
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416305349_1a3be631ec_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgqz)20221002_135328 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgqz) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

while I had the cad fired up, I used another sheet of aluminum to make the passengers side kick panel closeout and upper heat shield. The fuel lines will run under and behind there as well, and wiring foir the engine will come out of the big hole in the firewall. Still in prigress is a kick plate for instructor to brace against and protect the stuff. Ecu will be buried above the dash bar, mounted to it. Out of the way but serivicible.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416023896_e3dcfe92d5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRPPKW)20221008_144135 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRPPKW) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

next, I got to thinking about line mounts, batter kill switches, brake bias stuff, fire suppression control, etc. I have a general plan somewhere between these two vintahe nascar pictures I found
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416023951_0ac3e0f8b1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRPPLT)218788_Interior_Web (https://flic.kr/p/2nRPPLT) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52415509242_ef5b88657b_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRMbLA)1982-Oldsmobile-Cutlass-NASCAR-IMSA-For-Auction-004-Interior (https://flic.kr/p/2nRMbLA) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I really like the trans tunnel mounts. Simple, light, accessible, and elegant. All the solutions should be.

Step one is the gross adjustment for brake bias, which due to the caliper choices I have I will have to dial in first. It should be a set it and forget it, but I want it acessible in case. It wobbles way more than I would like, so I will probably box it in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416465700_1c2225908b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRS66f)20221009_111518 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRS66f) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

next, seeing how the batter box works. I had a 75 series core kicking around from where the battery in my truck crapped out. It fits like the box was designed for it, but its heavy and im not quite sure how to make a hold down for it. Im planning to try a lawnmower battery next, as smaller and lighter and cheaper. However im open to ideas, feedback, and more vintage nascar battery box information than I currently posses.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52416305944_2db0b7b7a4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgAQ)20221009_095718 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRRgAQ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

lastly, I started on exhaust. I have the shorty headers, a pile of 2.5 exhaust sections from a camaro, a pair of jones performance chambered bullet mufflers (I think) that stampie gave me, a welder, a portaband, and no fear of failure.

Started with a pair of 90s right off the collectors, tucking as close to the block as I could and still clear the oil filter and starter. The only place that the mufflers will fit is right at the bell housing. There's just no other room anywhere to put them. Ideally, id run the dr gas spin muffler boom tubes with longtube headers, but right now I need to stay low buck. After all, a $20k pay cut has to come from somewhere. This exhaust will do just fine for now with a stock 5.3. and hopefully sound good. The mufflers have 3.5 inches of ground clearance. Again, not ideal, but serviceable. The x pipe and ovalized sidepipes will come next.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52415508757_586fa1bb41_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nRMbCe)20221002_154849 (https://flic.kr/p/2nRMbCe) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

im really running to the end of my “do before painting chassis and mounting body” list. I believe two more weekends of effort will see it blown apart and ready for paint prep. My buddy art owes me, and im calling in part of that and having him to the prep and shoot. While hes doing that, ill retrieve my duster body and get it ready to become a hat.

Until next time
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/10/52165548041_8e51c336c8_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/gR8126d920)20220615_202235 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/gR8126d920) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

[jetmech442]

Man this is such a cool project. Can't wait to see the body on it.

[Dave Pratt]

Bud this is such a cool build!! Have to love that baking pan foot box extension you came up with...such a cool build. Any thought as to a paint scheme? Git er' dun!

[dusterbd13]

Thanks yall. The brownie pan seemed stupid to most at first, but it fits the bill! Cheap, solid, rolled edges, right size....

I have given some thoughts to paint. There a few schemes in my head. Any or all are on the table.

The 71-72 duster 340 had a blackout hood treatment optional with the 340 wedge callout in white on the left front corner. This hood treatment and similar callout are mandatory for this build, cause i always wanted to do it. However, body color and other graphics are up in the air. Od green, panther pink, white, new honda accord purple, and petty blue are all options. Most likely the car will never see proper paint and body. I plan to make cheap and dirty fiberglass body panels wherever possible, and the car will probably be shot in rustoleum or a good satin rattle can job. Reason being is that i tend to make everything super nice, then get pissed when it gets scuffed/chipped/dinged/bent while being used. I essentially keep chasing cosmetic perfection, then want to keep it that way. Which means i dont use it like intended, and then just don't use it. Trying to break that habit here. Race car pretty is the goal.

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 5001.25 with 415 recoup

new money:
fuel line clamps: 11.80
button head seat bolts: 9.39
ecu brackets: 11.99
fiberglass welding blanket: 20
3x 9 in an line: 45.87
½ inch drain plugs: 8.40
Floor and tunnel shield 122
Nicopp brake line 35.97
24.99 hemi orange paint

Sales
Suspension and brakes:300
Decklid, dart fender, dart sport grillre:150
Rear bumper and filler: 180
Rear plastics, kick panels, rearview mirror: 200
Doors and glass: 200
Dash: 60
Trunk floor: 75
Rear window stainless and drip rail mouldings:40


new total: 4086.66 with 1619 recoup

been a bit busy. But a good busy.

When we left off, I was building exhaust. I had the street rod headers into 2.5 90 degree elbows from oriellys, to a pair of mocked up 2.5 jones performance chambered mufflers from stampies scrap.
Well, we went from there to a 45ish carved from a camaro ss exhaust from the body shop scrap pile, straight out to just in front of the rear wheels. Added an h pipe because it seems like a good idea. I had to section all the straight chunks of 2.5 pipe I have together to make the pipes long enough. But, it was all on hand.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52432144597_18d6f8c259_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nTfrT4)20221015_082522 (https://flic.kr/p/2nTfrT4) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52433104310_4deff56c2c_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nTknaQ)20221015_104232 (https://flic.kr/p/2nTknaQ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52432924464_4da7bb4b3e_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nTjrH3)20221015_114336 (https://flic.kr/p/2nTjrH3) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52432652811_45883a0e98_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nTi3Xn)20221015_124541 (https://flic.kr/p/2nTi3Xn) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52432652986_58e863086e_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nTi41o)20221015_124552 (https://flic.kr/p/2nTi41o) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
Then I decided it was time to blow it all apart. See, I have reached the end of the fabrication on the chassis, so its time to paint it and get the duster body in the shop.
So I pulled the car completely apart, pushed iyt outside, and soaked it, the engine, and trans in castrol superclean. After scrubbing, I hit it all with the pressure washer. Amazing amount of filth and grime came out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52432145042_90af1491da_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nTfs1J)20221016_150843 (https://flic.kr/p/2nTfs1J) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52432145072_ee0b33cf79_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nTfs2f)20221016_152257 (https://flic.kr/p/2nTfs2f) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Loaded it and my rustoleum light machine grey into the truck and took it to my buddy’s place for paint. He owed me one. We used the light machine grey, cut with mineral spirits and hardener sprayed through a $9 harbor freight gun
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52448601334_d80bbaf4d7_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nUGMTU)20221022_085227 (https://flic.kr/p/2nUGMTU) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52470022280_f6a8005810_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nWAzAy)20221023_175811 (https://flic.kr/p/2nWAzAy) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52470022425_2a0e62a07d_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nWAzD4)IMG_20221024_173405 (https://flic.kr/p/2nWAzD4) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Put the front suspension back on finger tight and broght it home. Finished the underside painting and touced up places where art couldn’t get with the gun, as well as started cleaning and painting parts to go back on for the “final” time
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52469559651_9ca08c8374_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nWyd5c)20221027_070734 (https://flic.kr/p/2nWyd5c) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Once that was done, I began putting leftover DEI floor and tunnel shield on parts of the floor. I only had enough on hand for the toe boards and one of the under seat areas, and more is on order. Trans tunnel will get done as well. Then, I will use fiberglass insulation on the underside heat shields and double wall them, as well as the insulation on the floor pans inside. I’m trying to mitigate driver heat as much as possible prior to adding a cool suit as god saw fit to make me deal with heat very, very poorly.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52469645431_0771e117a6_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/JbkRUa090R)20221101_080026 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/JbkRUa090R) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52469145492_b8ada01a92_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/L29Q3KqJJN)20221101_080226 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/L29Q3KqJJN) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The chassis side is now up to date. I’m cleaning, painting, installing and plumbing currently. I think I will be having the crossmember under the engine raised prior to putting the body on, as that is just a major drag point for my purposes. I also don’t think I’m good enough at fabrication to do it myself. Hopefully ill get the rake lines and fuel system setup this week/weekend.

This brings us up to the body. My buddy Steve delivered it a couple weeks ago, and I promptly git the back on dollies so it was mobile. Then listed it as a part out on Facebook. See, I don’t want to hack up anything that can be used by a restorer. Lots of this stuff isn’t made yet, and it tough to find at all, let along in usable shape. This car is destined to be beaten to death, and I don’t want to do that to the good stuff. Or scrap it. Hence the parts I pulled from the Tennessee cars.
So, in evaluating the 74 I bought, I noted a dart fender, good doors and decklid, good trim, rust free rails, usable dash and some interior plastics, good bumpers and glass. So I sold all that. Zeroed out the car and the Tennessee parts, keeping what I want and need. I feel good about all the good I was able to get out of it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52448741720_5173f2f9fb_h-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nUHvCm)IMG_5664 (https://flic.kr/p/2nUHvCm) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52448572129_836e43c926_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nUGDdn)20221019_154520 (https://flic.kr/p/2nUGDdn) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52469058672_86f37f4417_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nWvD9C)20221029_163041 (https://flic.kr/p/2nWvD9C) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Saturday, brother Dallas and I spent the day getting it ready to cut up, and started cutting. We got the trunk floor out, all the sold parts off and delivered to the buyers, and a plan for the rest of it to get cut.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52469058732_ee96fe84b7_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nWvDaE)20221029_173909 (https://flic.kr/p/2nWvDaE) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/11/52469058817_47f5092051_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nWvDc8)20221029_182417 (https://flic.kr/p/2nWvDc8) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

[Alwhite00]

Great build, keep it up.

[dusterbd13]

thanks! think i need to take a break soon. been on this one HARD for months. think i need to do some other fleet work, like fix the v6 miata, fix the duster clutch, wash and wax stuff, kill bamboo, etc. im getting burned out and losing focus, which means its starting to feel like work and fight me. probably will mothball for a minute after its plumbed, body is kind of mounted, and its a roller again.

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 4086.66 with 1619 recoup

new money:
ptfe fuel lines: 125
six piston wilwoods:250
wilwood rebuild kits: 40
hardware for fuel cell and front suspension:50
relocate shock mount: 25
grip tape: 16
ball joints: 70
ball joint boots:26
uca spacers: 20
wheel seals: 36
water pump and gaskets: 40
ecu flash: 50
fuel cell top: trade

Sales
Jfz calipers, stock springs, extra steering shaft, extra control arms, misc junk: 400 and fuel cell top


new total: 4434.66 with 2019 recoup

so, since the last update I’ve been to Mexico, had thanksgiving and Christmas, resurrected my 60 degree v6 powered Miata, fixed the broken duster, and made improvements in the neon. Also did holiday parades for the girlscouts, cleared land, and other things. Busier than a one armed wallpaper hanger. The naskart has been slowly being chipped away at, however. And its now front burner again.

As is customary, ill try to make a coherent post vs the actual ping pong ball in a blender style of progress I’ve been making.

First up, we finished cutting the duster body down to a manageable chunk. And gave the floorpan to a guy to use the trans tunnel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52477333482_0d9fb01be8_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nXf3XL)20221104_182549 (https://flic.kr/p/2nXf3XL) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52478109849_8cffe3cd68_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nXj2Kp)20221104_195419 (https://flic.kr/p/2nXj2Kp) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52478299905_356e35f607_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nXk1fe)20221104_195829 (https://flic.kr/p/2nXk1fe) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52478109904_b8e27e409f_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nXj2Lm)20221104_195838 (https://flic.kr/p/2nXj2Lm) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52477834461_17f891ad10_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nXhBTk)20221104_203357_001 (https://flic.kr/p/2nXhBTk) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52478109964_0273d4d7f6_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nXj2Mo)20221104_204046 (https://flic.kr/p/2nXj2Mo) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Brother Dustin is having far too much fun chopping up the mopar. We start to fit the body to the chassis next weekend…..

Speaking of the chassis, I spent some considerable time getting it ready for the body. First was plumbing it. I fought with the fuel lines far too long, going through iterations of steel and nicopp, finally landing on PTFE lines run behind metal shielding throughout the interior to bulkhead fittings front and rear. In between round on the fuel lines, I ran all new hardlines for the brakes and clutch, wrapped in brake line armor. The adjustable bias valve was given a bracket doubler to stiffen the mount, and the pedals were put in with bushings and grease. Master cylinders rebuilt, fresh flex lines, etc. I also ran through the bias adjuster setup to make sure it was right. Everything was assembled with locknuts and locktite as we went, and I made a brake light switch mount. I riveted the lines to the chassis with p clips. Also visible in the following pictures are the throttle linkage that is painted and mounted, the kick panel mounts, etc.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52570476770_60e1e8d233_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6trdw)20221203_124950 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6trdw) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52570030761_956a991f5d_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6r9CH)20221203_171053 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6r9CH) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52569566702_49c9743d4e_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6oLFG)20221203_205623 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6oLFG) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also redid the front suspension. I knew the right side lower shock mount fouled the spindle during right turns, so I had the welder down the way from where I work relocate it for $25. I also noted that the lower ball joints were hit with a grinder at some point, which makes me nervous. So I got replacements. We also found poly boots for them. Goal is long life and limited service. I actually sourced boots for all the front suspension joints and put zerk fittings in everything. I relubed the spherical bearings that are the LCA mounts. Sandblasted everything, repainted, cleaned and regreased wheel bearings, chased threads, etc,
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52570306969_fe0cf175c1_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6syJV)20221215_170820 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6syJV) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52570031241_c3c3e601b3_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6r9LZ)20221210_171647 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6r9LZ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52570306864_757541e32e_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6syH7)20221211_172133 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6syH7) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

For alignment, I found a pair of aluminum spacers at SRI to make it sit at a static 1 degree negative camber.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52570477725_01787ff753_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6truZ)20221216_093142 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6truZ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also got froggy with brakes. I’ve known about the grand national 6 piston calipers they ran on the short tracks and road courses that have been long discontinued. However, I found a pair and a couple spares. So, all the brakes!!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52490028360_7f381ef24d_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nYn7GY)20221109_064703 (https://flic.kr/p/2nYn7GY) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52534015291_5e5bd636f2_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o3fyuk)20221127_165514 (https://flic.kr/p/2o3fyuk) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52569567412_1c0e45db3f_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6oLTW)20221215_170823 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6oLTW) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52584432298_d2ce96c182_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o7GXH5)20221224_092130 (https://flic.kr/p/2o7GXH5) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I traded the original JFZ and old mismatched/removed parts to a guy that’s restoring some 80s stock cars for $400 and a fuel cell topper. I hit the topper and my floors and shift turret with some aluminum brightener and an SOS pad to give it a uniform brushed finish.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52584350325_6291624d0a_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o7GxkK)20221224_094627 (https://flic.kr/p/2o7GxkK) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The top is a late 80s vintage piece. Its neat, with check balls and all. I love it. The cell build will need to wait until the body is on so I can make sure it all lines up with the filler in the quarter.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52570560008_935332616a_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o6tRXE)20221215_170757 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6tRXE) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also built the intake manifold out, started hanging stuff back on the hemi orange painted LS. Long way to go on that yet.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52497582972_24edb8fcf3_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nZ2QqU)20221111_191829 (https://flic.kr/p/2nZ2QqU) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52579857311_25f3afdeed_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o7ivHZ)20221218_110002 (https://flic.kr/p/2o7ivHZ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr


Today I finished up the grip tape on the floors, riveted everything back in place, bolted the seats back in, etc. its ready to haul back down to dads for the body install.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52588081449_01c6b48a6c_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o82Ett)20221226_161059 (https://flic.kr/p/2o82Ett) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/12/52588081384_8cb4df646c_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o82Esm)20221226_161044 (https://flic.kr/p/2o82Esm) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Next stop, skinning it. Until next time, friends.

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 4434.66 with 2019 recoup

new money:
box of wiring, switches, an fittings, shift knob, etc.: $10
3 new spare rotors and hats 150 (not in total)
Front sway bar: 50
Hurst comp plus shifter 20
Pro comp ls1 style intake 225
Spare 5.3and all sorts of extra bits from 2001 suburban 400 (not in total)
Tick stage 3 cam: 20
Choke cable for remote battery kill: 5
Worlds cheapest wiring harness: 34
25/8 autometer water temp gauge (for oil temp) 5
Warning lights:10
2 more sets of nascar wheels with sticker goodyears: 90 (not in total)

Sales
None lately

new total: 4813.66 with 2019 recoup


I was tempted to wait until the body is final mounted to make the next update post. Obviously, I didn’t.

So, I’ve been really really busy since the last update. Between the new job, the girl scout troop, brush clearing, truck fixing, selling the Prius, and just general life on life’s terms, I’ve been chipping away. I also hit two swap meets and some iron horse auctions and amassed some more parts. Except the wiring harness. That was amazon, and way too cheap to say no its really bad, honestly.

I’ve had a lot of help from my friends in the last few months. And been able to spend time with dad more, which is way more important than the car, honestly. Hes my best friend.

Anyway, when we left off, I had a nice and detailed chassis, and a hacked up duster shell. It looked something like this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52599656143_6da6161ad0_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/3uT02o6NY4)20221231_084650 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/3uT02o6NY4) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52599136351_a65a71ef8a_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/v9Cu0cyL04)20221231_084659 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/v9Cu0cyL04) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52599656198_ac1befc745_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/L771E2406Y)20221231_084703 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/L771E2406Y) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Many hours and cutoff wheels later, we got here. Its considerably lighter than it started, and very very floppy (that’s what she said!!). I blew through in spots with the plasma, and the cutoff necessitating more repair than expected. Nobody to blame but me.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52599136406_7e9818578d_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/7jVujn7373)20221231_103310 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/7jVujn7373) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52599136416_d4986e5efb_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Y358913i83)20221231_125255 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Y358913i83) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
On body fitting day, dad Dustin and I took the torch to the rockers and cowl.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52608208110_e131d7afb6_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/ihFur4D5Kc)20230102_120853 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/ihFur4D5Kc) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52608282418_3c0945f765_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/660nZmo96e)20230102_141833 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/660nZmo96e) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Put the body on stands, and shoe horned it over.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52607285497_4a2c2d9596_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/o6640M6WXN)20230102_154645 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/o6640M6WXN) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52608208310_74cf0ae633_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Unf0Bb8En1)20230102_160159 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Unf0Bb8En1) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52608208310_74cf0ae633_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Unf0Bb8En1)20230102_160159 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Unf0Bb8En1) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52607786751_b721acd840_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/)20230102_170643 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

It didn’t fit like we thought it would. So, we stood back, and thought about it a bit.
We cut the cowl first. Hated to do it, but no way around it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52611822666_af404ad69b_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Q4Gnr559MU)20230106_183509 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Q4Gnr559MU) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

More better, but still not great
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52611822671_c7bec0dcfc_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/o6SAqG8m0V)20230106_191601 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/o6SAqG8m0V) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Fouled on the a pillar to a pillar bar fit. It became obvious that they were going to need to be altered. I called in Steve, who built the AMC cage, is an engineer, and is way more talented and smart than ill ever be. His solution was to try to bend the pillars first with oxy acetylene and a come along. Problem was, we couldn’t get it to budge. So, we went nuclear. Steve has been around racing as an engineer and employee most his life, and has experience in many different areas. He proposed sleeving the vertical bars, and bending new tops to better fit.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52629259127_c12eb49d61_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/NK1Gq7w35h)20230107_124956 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/NK1Gq7w35h) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

We found the a pillars had already had this done to them. In addition, the car has had a different front clip installed at some point as well. However, the body fit proper now!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52629779066_b40266511c_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/11me3VW12P)20230107_142755 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/11me3VW12P) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52630259398_0ebef47319_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/f1JJn9j58g)20230107_143921 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/f1JJn9j58g) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

We wound up chopping the weight rail off the driver’s side, chopping out the door jambs, hacking the rear wheel wells, removing the package tray and side tin from the chassis, and grinding the a pillars on the body significantly to fit better. Lots and lots of flap wheels, cutoff wheels, and plasma tips.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52630259523_e97716e149_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Zt81rXPp27)20230107_170515 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Zt81rXPp27) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52630217900_04c61d0c0b_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/4z45Etv913)20230108_110211 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/4z45Etv913) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683601859_e62fc2f328_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogten6)20230210_182340 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogten6) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Then I cleaned up all the duster shrapnel and traded to my scrap guy for money off of a good running 5.3 with 160k and service records that I drove around his lot.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52630027869_fbf4aad227_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/HnE4Vg0089)20230108_110152 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/HnE4Vg0089) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Steve and I then bent up and welded in the sleeves and new a pillar bars. Broke in the new TIG, and taught me how to start using it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52630260078_803e39ce2c_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Nf2YS35166)20230114_174754 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/Nf2YS35166) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52630218250_31ca413611_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/164tXY2Y5t)20230114_184652 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/164tXY2Y5t) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I then spent a while cleaning up cuts and sharps, welding up blow through, etc.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52682801072_2a7b4c8920_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogp8jq)20230128_135056 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogp8jq) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683600124_ea7cfaeeca_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtdRb)20230128_143741 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtdRb) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683743520_5646e162c4_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtXtw)20230128_143730 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtXtw) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Things turned ugly when I went to fill the side markers and make patches for the quarters.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683743495_f4881a16da_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtXt6)20230128_122141 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtXt6) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683317281_85c5714c1e_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogrLLz)20230128_122147 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogrLLz) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

There’s a sideswipe, rust, and someone used Bondo to fill the trim holes. Its mudded ½ thick in places, the whole way up to the center body line. There’s plenty of sheet metal screw holes, trim holes, and other ugly to justify getting the body sandblasted. I want a nice racecar, not a Bondo buggy waiting to crack. So ill do it mostly right. I have the mobile blaster scheduled to do the shell, doors, and my dads truck interior here in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, I gutted the other door, cut up the front fenders and decklid.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52682803062_232d94185b_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogp8UJ)20230211_122550 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogp8UJ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683602059_d7a0f2f9fc_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogteqx)20230211_144303 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogteqx) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683319541_bbef5cdee3_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogrMrx)20230211_152406 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogrMrx) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I’ve been working on the fuel cell baffling as well, and here’s a teaser
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683745265_9475b8512c_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtXZB)20230211_075957 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtXZB) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also scored two full sets of sticker slicks mounted on wheels at auction for 90 bucks all in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52682800317_66e0bad247_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogp86p)received_1674795619604531 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogp86p) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Lastly, lets talk engines. The truck 5.3 I am using, with truck intake, cleaned up very nicely.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52629780066_8605bd33b2_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/6m0Qz53321)20230115_101200 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/6m0Qz53321) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Unfortunately, after cutting the cowl I don’t think the truck intake will work. This image shows it to be above the seam that I cut it down to, and the cowl panel from the duster body comes to 3/4ofaninch from the top chassis rails.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52608282783_e67c7b0b71_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/b6b44055T5)1658014973_20220716_172242_mmthumb (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/b6b44055T5) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

To resolve this, I purchased this intake from a friend. It an old professional products pieces, with rails and injector spacers and all. Its considerably shorter than the truck intake, and from what I’ve found makes more power. I haven’t decided if it’ll stay aluminum or go black.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52697089916_21428f2d67_h-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ohEmTN)694733693 (https://flic.kr/p/2ohEmTN) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Today at the swap meet, I took a gamble on a $20 cam. Seller stated it was an unknown new ls cam that came with a Camaro he bought. Based on the numbers, I believe it’s a tick performance stage 3 cam. Which may be too much for the 5.3, even with milled and ported heads and a four speed. Dunno, but for $20 I’m pretty damn happy!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52697354940_71e4a72b10_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ohFHFb)20230218_175939 (https://flic.kr/p/2ohFHFb) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Until next time
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52682803412_f0ac5f06d5_c-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogp91L)imagejpeg_1 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogp91L) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

[Lonnies Performance]

Nice read so far.
I bet it was rewarding to finally see the body in place.

I like how you keep track of the $$... I tend to wait till the end before I add it up, so I only get sick once.

[dusterbd13]

Thanks! Its amazingly exciting to see the body almost done. Im super stoked to finish radiusing the wheelwells and see the big boy slicks hanging out.

[BonzoHansen]

This is the craziest, most amazing thing I have seen in a while. Thanks for taking us on this ride with you.

[ZZ430]

What a different build!

I really like the way you're keeping track of the costs.

Great job! Can't wait to see it completed.

[dusterbd13]

Thanks y'all! I really appreciate the encouragement and interaction.

Can't wait to see it welded together....

[ryeguy2006a]

Love the build man!

[Pedigry]

Thought about doing this myself years and years ago, then thought....ummmmm, that's way to much work. lol. Love the build man. Very cool. Gitrdone!

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 4813.66 with 2019 recoup

new money:
sandblasting: 500
white epoxy primer gallon kit (2 gallons spray, split with dad): (175) 90 effective
fuel cell tig: 10
4x8 sheet 22 gauge, 20ft ½ tube,20 ft 3/8x3/8 tube, 10ft 1x1 tube: 108
Windshield gasket: 88
Ls standalone harness:105.17
Fuel fillere:39.95
Pass 73 duster headlight bezel: 23.99
Ls eBay brackets: 47.20
Throttle cable bracket: 9.68
Fbody water pump and spacers: 105.98
Blowproof bellhousing: 250
2005 4.8 3500 clutch disc: 60
Front bumper filler and 71 duster taillights and panel: 75
Ls7 pilot bearing 10
Valley plate bolts and front clip studs: 15


Sales
None that I can remember

new total: 6336.63 with 2019 recoup


sometimes, things work out perfectly like planned. Others, it’s a dumpster fire. With race cars, as with life, its usually a mixture.


First up ill talk about the fuel cell. What we have is a 25 gallon jaz poly cell, a used nascar filler and rollover valve setup, an internal pump, and no fear of failure. The design goals were to have an integrated pump, no notable maintenance required, and ease of trackside service. Being efi, I needed to create a way to keep fuel at the pump. What I came up with is a multiple layered approach. First order of business was a sumo tray, which I used a repurposed breadpan for, drilled a couple holes in it, and done. Baffles were made form 16ga aluminum, hung with straps and rivets from the cell plate reinforcement flange. I ran some vertical bent aluminum outriggers to the outside walls to keep the baffles from flopping around too much.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52683817673_e625545a88_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogukw2)20230211_075926 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogukw2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/02/52683745265_9475b8512c_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtXZB)20230211_075957 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtXZB) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52698460900_3e279c6a64_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ohMors)20230219_074908 (https://flic.kr/p/2ohMors) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Then onto the pump module. I had previously used a tanks in module in my duster, so I decided to mimic it in this application. Using leftover nascar parts, an fittings, and a bread pan. The racetronics wiring bulkheads are nice pieces, and everything else is pretty off the shelf. Except for the tig work that I had the welder at work do for me, because I suck at aluminum.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52735602450_d26563d0c4_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2om4Kk1)20230306_071000 (https://flic.kr/p/2om4Kk1) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52734665517_bb953a65ba_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWNZ)20230306_071010 (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWNZ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Nailed it!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52683816088_cdda0f95f3-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oguk3G)s-l500 (https://flic.kr/p/2oguk3G) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I also picked up a gas cap setup for external fill from eBay. It’s a boat part, but does what I need it to do I believe. Have to decide if I mount it behind the quarter or on top. Not sure which will look better in the long run….
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52803175940_4612744b71_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2os35zb)Screenshot_20230408_180857_eBay (https://flic.kr/p/2os35zb) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Next up, and out of order, well talk about the engine and trans. Trans first.
The four speed leaks from every orifice, and I needed to sort out the clutch and flywheel to mate to the ls. I had picked up a low mileage ls1 flywheel and clutch a while back based on a few threads I found. They were depending on an earlier disc fitting in the later pressure plate to make it work. Or using the 2004 3500 truck flywheel and clutch. I had the bright idea to try the clutch disc from the 3500 (10 spline) with the ls1 pressure plate I already had. Fit like the factory designed it that way. It also appeared that the pressure plate would be a perfect interchange between the two as well. So, I got a disc from rockauto, as well as a gasket set and ls7 pilot bearing. It was also discussed about having a blowproof bellhousing in this. I’ve not seen them used in a road race application, but can’t say it’s a bad idea. Especially when I plan to go aluminum flywheel at some point. My friend Patrick found me one in Ohio, and I grabbed it. Needs sandblasted and a little cutting and grinding, but what doesn’t with this project?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52802763801_87a4b2a8a6_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2orZY4k)Screenshot_20230408_180243_Facebook (https://flic.kr/p/2orZY4k) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

With the engine, I went ahead and finally got the broken exhaust bolts out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52756645485_643bfb358a_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/NN5wV33r3o)20230318_124049 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/NN5wV33r3o) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52756645490_75fd833769_4k-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/76997G6C2W)20230318_124138 (https://www.flickr.com/gp/150940429@N02/76997G6C2W) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
Went on to mock up the intake, and ran into issues. First was that the throttle body hits the water pump and accessory brackets. It also hits the steam vents and the bolts for the valley plate. And there’s no place for the throttle cable bracket.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52743595728_f3f5222ad3_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2omLHs9)20230311_140202 (https://flic.kr/p/2omLHs9) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The water pump was first tried to be adjusted with a large pipe. The outlet wasn’t able to be moved enough, and I also worried that the hose would hit the hood with how close it was. So, I ordered the f body water pump and spacers for 105. Not here yet, so use your imagination.

The accessories have multiple solutions. But with concerns about hood clearance, I was hesitant. Upon test fitting, we found that the alternator was almost entirely above the hood. So, I went looking for inexpensive solutions. Bought the $49 one from eBay, and I’m not unhappy with the quality. It’s a lot of individual pieces, which I don’t care for, but well made. The hardware is pure chinesium though. The alternator clears the outer skin of the hood by a hair. I’ll modify it to lower the alternator as much as I can so as to not cause rubbing and damage to the as yet unmade fiberglass hood. I think I can get a solid inch out of it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52803201280_94a4d9ca6c_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2os3d75)Screenshot_20230408_182638_Google (https://flic.kr/p/2os3d75) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The valley tray was sorted with a handful of buttonhead Allen bolts from the Salisbury bolt house.

The throttle cable was solved (in theory) by a ~9$ eBay bracket. If it doesn’t work, ill fab something.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52802772606_3daa6ef27b_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2os11F9)Screenshot_20230408_180816_eBay (https://flic.kr/p/2os11F9) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

We also ran into issues with the coil packs. The number 7 and 8 coil packs hit the cage. I think I have a solution in cutting the mounting brackets, relocating the two offending coils closer to the intake, and rewelding it. Haven’t tried it yet, but I have spare coil packs to try out on. If that fails, it gets harder and more expensive. But there’s a commercial version of this idea, so it may be a viable option. Just need to play with the welder and find out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52803201280_94a4d9ca6c_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2os3d75)Screenshot_20230408_182638_Google (https://flic.kr/p/2os3d75) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The dipstick sticking above the hood was easy, just rebend and bolt down under one of the header bolts. The steam vents will be sorted via an an kit at some point, but I need to learn a lot more about where to hook it up to the cooling system. For wiring, I bought the eBay $100 harness. I know ill need to check it thoroughly, but it’ll still save me a ton of hours vs working with the stock harnesses I have here.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52803207928_dc28ea220d_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2os3f5G)20230408_172107 (https://flic.kr/p/2os3f5G) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Anyway, it clears the cowl, looks neat, and should run strong as long as its going to run. I know it’s a hand grenade with the pin pulled after being rusted stuck, but it’ll be fine for shakedown. Hopefully ill pull it about 2 laps before windowing the block….
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52756239431_bd8de868ae_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2onTvZ2)20230318_193206 (https://flic.kr/p/2onTvZ2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Until next time

[dusterbd13]

as I sit here on easter Sunday, I reflect about the previous year I’ve had. Easter is a time of rebirth, of good news, of new beginnings in my home. In the last year, I’ve ended a 20 year career in frontline mental health services, started a career in industrial sales, watched my daughter start eighth grade and then move onto the early college, watched my wife rebuild her girl scout troop from some pretty horrific events, buried a few friends, stepped up to help my parents more as they age, took control of ,my health and finances, and generally tried to become the man I believe I’m supposed to be, not the man I generally am. I’m happier, a little skinnier, poorer in wallet but richer in faith and love. I celebrated 19 years of clean and sober, 16 of marriage, 14 of fatherhood, and 15 of homeownership. It’s been a hell of a year.

As far as cars, I sold the Prius, sold the neon, sold the amc, gave the stepside to my daughter, resurrected the miata, drove the duster more, got dads 49 ford cab almost done, and busted hump on the MoCar. For this update, I want to take time to look at where we’ve been, where we’re at now, and where we’re going.

On 4/28, I posted this
Dusterbd13-michael said:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52037150159_e2aa71d7c6_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nhkZN8)20220428_161044 (https://flic.kr/p/2nhkZN8) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
its definitely interesting to tow

But, i own a stock var of indeterminate age and manufacturing!

By 5/10, I was here:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52081281338_0d43f101ac_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nmfbsw)20220510_075317 (https://flic.kr/p/2nmfbsw) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Other milestones included parting out two dusters in Crossville Tennessee, another in my dad’s shop, cleaning and painting the chassis, fitting the ls and four speed, learning about grand national hubs and vintage wilwoods, and spending a lot of time with my father and best friends learning how to do a tube frame build.
I could bore you with milestone pictures, but they’re all her on other posts, along with far more information than I can summarize. However, what isn’t there is the growth of skill this project has seen. Id never built heat shields, rebuilt calipers, modified a firewall, made cad templates, worked with pop rivets, worked with aluminum, repaired roll cages, or many other things. Thinking three steps ahead of where I was in the build, and how a decision today would affect things downstream were skills I had to learn and apply. I’m still learning them, and having to revisit things I didn’t think through enough. But I’m improving at it.

The overall culmination of this build is a fast, reliable, safe race car that is street legalish and looks like a duster. You’ve seen this mockup picture, cause I’m damn proud of getting here.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52683745720_7d36a13728_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtY8s)20230211_171528 (https://flic.kr/p/2ogtY8s) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/
photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The mockup gave me the shot in the arm to push through to now. But, just because im methodical, ill show you how we got there first.

We had the body fit pretty well, when we found a lot of bondo. The decision was made to have the shell blasted when we did dads truck. I went a little overboard and had more blasted than I originally expected to, which cost more. But I think it was the right call overall.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52734663432_7a472823ee_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWc3)20230304_100448 (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWc3) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52735600635_c0d5dc07f6_3k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2om4JMH)20230304_114105 (https://flic.kr/p/2om4JMH) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52735600690_a6ed546ed0_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2om4JNE)20230304_130054 (https://flic.kr/p/2om4JNE) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52735664028_751e22e140_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2om54CG)20230304_135436 (https://flic.kr/p/2om54CG) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

This revealed a lot more body damage than I expected, as well as far more trim and sheet metal screw holes. I went ahead and welded up every hole I could find, shaved the filler cap and rear side markers, and began hammering damage straighter than it was. Bodywork is not my forte, but we made it suck less.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52735602320_1eb4ff63c2_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2om4KhL)20230305_103322 (https://flic.kr/p/2om4KhL) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52734665392_d8da35b422_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWLQ)20230305_103328 (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWLQ) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52735602375_8daba4f1f7_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2om4KiH)20230305_110615 (https://flic.kr/p/2om4KiH) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52735187936_8b007b2b77_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2om2C7d)20230305_110621 (https://flic.kr/p/2om2C7d) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52734665437_757e647df6_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWMB)20230305_110630 (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWMB) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I then spent a WHILE sanding everything with 180 grit on a DA, as this is what is needed to be done to a sandblasted surface prior to applying primer. Afterwards, dad art and I spread out some tarps, ran air hose out, loaded white epoxy primer in a harbor freight gun, did a final wipe, and shot a gallon of primer across 10 separate large panels, including the inside/outside/underside of the cab and duster body. It was a LONG 10-hour day of priming and prepping. But, done. It was only in the high 40s, so we moved all the parts inside after they tacked to where we could let them cure at 68 degrees for a few days.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52735666038_3b98a97d16_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2om55em)20230308_134759 (https://flic.kr/p/2om55em) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52734665717_5efb70abfd_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWSr)20230308_140526 (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWSr) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52734665762_d6e4809ea5_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWTd)20230308_164728 (https://flic.kr/p/2okYWTd) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Once it was cured, I prepped the epoxy with some 320, and used two cans of John Deere blitz black to do the roof and quarters. I’ve used this stuff in engine bays, and its help up to small fires. Good stuff for a satin/flat finish. I left the A pillars unpainted, and anything I plan to do in grey. The second coat really took care of the tiger striping visible in this photo
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52738423978_07c1979842_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2omjd53)20230309_173127 (https://flic.kr/p/2omjd53) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

We then moved the body onto the chassis. This is where things got technical. And precise.

First, we leveled the chassis on 6-inch setup blocks as this was the minimum ride height I want to set the car for. Its what makes the exhaust and front crossmember a reasonable amount off the ground. We then leveled the car side to side, and made centerline reference marks for the body and chassis side to side. Using a cheap amazon laser level with vertical and horizontal lines, we lined the center of the body and the center of the cage and made our first tacks.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52756484864_8af52c7f2f_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2onULWC)20230318_142801 (https://flic.kr/p/2onULWC) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

We worked our way around, squaring up the chassis and body in every axis we could. There’s still some fitment oddities, but with Mopar quality control being what it wasn’t, and the nature of a tube chassis, it came out pretty square, level, and nice. We strapped the body in place, along with a few tacks, and mounted the doors and fenders to make sure everything was playing together nicely.

Next, we went ahead and found the centerlines of the axles, giving ourselves references with the laser. I made a template from cardboard and the nascar slick, giving a 1-inch margin form tire edge. I also gave a centerline to line up with the laser, then traced the templates with a sharpie.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52756645555_a3e269b29e_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2onVAHa)20230318_190154 (https://flic.kr/p/2onVAHa) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52756484869_cf60b63d8c_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2onULWH)20230318_190309 (https://flic.kr/p/2onULWH) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52756645605_4f8faed80e_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2onVAJ2)20230318_190534 (https://flic.kr/p/2onVAJ2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

We put the engine in and called it a night then.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52756239431_bd8de868ae_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2onTvZ2)20230318_193206 (https://flic.kr/p/2onTvZ2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52755699662_bdc5ba633d_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2onQKwE)20230318_202630 (https://flic.kr/p/2onQKwE) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Took a plasma cutter to the wheel wells. Out a fresh tip in every panel to ensure the cleanest cuts I could get. I also left about 1/8-1/4 beyond my cut lines so I can flap wheel back to a nice even radius. Then, ill make a 1.4 tipping die to flange the panel around the wheel wells for strength. Haven’t done it yet….
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52759858380_313f3029bb_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ood4LG)20230319_152449 (https://flic.kr/p/2ood4LG) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Went ahead and set all four wheels, the radiator, blocked up the front clip where it needed to be, and stared for a few to figure out next steps. Look how much tire is inside the fender. Its evil….
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52759456246_7da4234db5_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oob1em)20230319_164236 (https://flic.kr/p/2oob1em) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

This did show some more issues to address. Hood clearance, as well as master cylinder reservoir clearance, and how to attach thinks in a strong and light fashion. The engine is buried under the cowl. Oh, and there’s no way to run a factory grille.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52759456246_7da4234db5_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oob1em)20230319_164236 (https://flic.kr/p/2oob1em) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52759703964_7b0326f210_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oocgSm)20230319_165742 (https://flic.kr/p/2oocgSm) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I noodled on this for a while. I finally came up with the solution to the front clip mounting, which is a piece of 1x1x.065square tube across the car, with a pair of weld nuts in it to bolt to the fenders. Then, a pair of tube standoffs with nuts welded on, grade 8 studs, and some nuts for adjustment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52804569862_78a8052e76_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2osadWj)20230409_103622 (https://flic.kr/p/2osadWj) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The grille is a work in progress. I took the melted one, cut all the fins out of it, zip tied in some gutterguard, and added the 73-76 headlight bezels. I kinda like it, but needs a more closed mesh, and ill figure out a way to actually attach things together in a way that will survive a light breeze. But, the proof of concept is solid.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52805530840_6d8a7d5ffb_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2osf9AU)20230409_104414 (https://flic.kr/p/2osf9AU) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

That brings us up to where we are today.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52800778053_396bd72a98_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2orPMLi)20230402_111826 (https://flic.kr/p/2orPMLi) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52800580099_d494b59eea_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2orNLVi)20230402_111859 (https://flic.kr/p/2orNLVi) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52800732760_27394542ac_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2orPyio)20230402_111940 (https://flic.kr/p/2orPyio) by https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52800780658_c03ef16bb8_4k-1.jpg (httpsMichael Crawford, on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52799769887_011a68aaaf_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2orJC58)20230401_161939 (https://flic.kr/p/2orJC58) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I’m in love. Its exactly what I had in my head in high school. The rear wheels need to come out a bit more, the rot needs fixed, the body panels need permanent attachment, there’s closeout panels to make, etc. long road ahead. But, here’s where we are headed.
I enlisted appleseed and Gameboy to do some photobashing for me, with the idea that there was no wrong answer. The thing in my head was the lapis blue from the neon, with 340 hood treatment and stripes. I have a quart leftover. But I asked them to go nuts and show me what they thought of.
Gameboy led with the 73 340 scheme
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52800582924_fe13594bc7_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2orNML1)tommyboy_rear (https://flic.kr/p/2orNML1) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
Appleseed went nuts with all the color options
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52804588532_c0580f96de_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2osajud).pending-1681680308-Duster 1 Pink (https://flic.kr/p/2osajud) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52804589572_6eccc617c0_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2osajN9).pending-1681680339-Duster 1 Yellow (https://flic.kr/p/2osajN9) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52805404139_11b3276988_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oseuWp).pending-1681680352-Duster 1 Orange (https://flic.kr/p/2oseuWp) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52805404244_244e516bd0_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oseuYd).pending-1681680357-Duster 1 Green (https://flic.kr/p/2oseuYd) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52805404529_f2c1cbacf8_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2osev48).pending-1681680367-Duster 1 Blue (https://flic.kr/p/2osev48) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The final winner of the day is lapis blue, 71 340 blackout hood and window treatment, 340 stripes. It speaks to me, as the thing I loved the most about the neon was the color and its contrast with the black trim. This makes me happy.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52805574208_c57709ae7d_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2osfnuC)Duster blue 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2osfnuC) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/04/52799773837_3b187a8761_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2orJDfe)tommyboy_71_front (https://flic.kr/p/2orJDfe) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Its been a wild year y’all, and is shaping to to be another one! Go love your families, and count your blessings. We all have blessings, and things to be grateful for. We just have to focus on them.

[chevyz240]

Cool Build!

[DionR]

Love it!! Keep it up, can't wait to see the completion.

I leaned towards the red, just so people might think you had chopped up your red Duster. :naughty:

But I agree with the blue and black color scheme too. Just looks right.

[dusterbd13]

Previous budget was 6336.63 with 2019 recoup

new money:
aluminum angle: 12
fiberglass doors 100 facebook marketplace
fiberglass hood and bumper 650
aluminum shifter arms: 17
grille mesh 18
boom tubes 50
round coils, dodge 19lb injectors, spare sensors, extra tensioners, etc: 20
headlights: 184
fuel filler hose free
brake reservoirs: 14


Sales
None that I can remember

new total: 7401.63 with 2019 recoup


back with an actual update!

So, this summer has been crazy. Family obligations, career change, honey do list, other cars, etc have all conspired to keep me away from this project and the track. I must admit to going through withdrawals.

The last few weekends, I have gotten back to it though!

Earlier this summer, while in Maryland, I was able to score some fiberglass doors. These made impressive weight savings, and honestly ended up fitting way better than the hacked up steel doors.
Steel door weight:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/52933460666_47a99df4b6_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oDxPFy)20230521_104740 (https://flic.kr/p/2oDxPFy) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
Glass door
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/52933855020_4be0186726_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oDzQUL)20230521_104533 (https://flic.kr/p/2oDzQUL) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

To get the glass doors to fit, I had to cut them to clear the nascar door bars. I had to cut way more than I really wanted to, and I will have to figure out how to add some structure back in around the door bars, as well as design a latching system.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53123912469_2ce5823b22_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oWnWnk)20230813_151626 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWnWnk) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53123711281_fc3c32bd0d_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oWmUyz)20230812_163846 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWmUyz) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

The hinges I’m proud of. I used some 3x3 aluminum angle, converted the factory hinge bolt locations to ¼-20 (the original 3/8 hardware was overkill, and heavier), then drilled and tapped the aluminum for bolts to make pivot pins. Works beautiful, and the doors come right off to be out of the way for service. I’m happy with it!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53124193063_a03b5d0a2c_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oWpnMa)20230813_151604 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWpnMa) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164869568_0c8c775fef_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRud)20230904_134257 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRud) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

With that, we have nice doors that operate on the race car finally!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53124113095_810ef75b01_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oWoY1p)20230813_151912 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWoY1p) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Moving along, I decided that the next major order of business is closeout panels. Thought there is that once all the closeout panels are made, I can clean and paint everything and then start final assembly. Theres a list of things that need to be completed to make closeout panels though. First up was obviously hanging the front clip and doors. After that, I decided that the taillight panel needed to be done. I cleaned up the brown 70 panel, ground out all the bondo, drilled all the spot welds out to skin it down. then, drilled out the welds on the 74 panel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164868713_92c9d9cf35_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRet)20230901_192914 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRet) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164816745_c3ecfb331a_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZzMt)20230901_202134 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZzMt) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I then proceeded to do a lot of welding
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164384041_0811d13cec_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZXna4)20230902_132454 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZXna4) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

And then rust repair on the taillight panel, quarter panels, and decklid. And a lot more welding.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164868798_425f51fa7b_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRfW)20230902_092641 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRfW) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164585139_11c1300bd0_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZYoWg)20230902_133351 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZYoWg) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53163794017_5829b70839_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZUkLe)20230902_143921 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZUkLe) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164585654_a2356d76ca_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZYp69)20230904_134242 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZYp69) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

While I’m talking about bodywork, I finally finished up the decklid hinges and props. Pretty happy with it. You’ll also see the body bracing, which I think I’ll be increasing, and the free chunk of fuel filler hose I scrounged up from a dumpster at work. Due to the gap between the taillight panel and chassis, I have concerns about any light impact back there scrapping the whole body. I’m kicking around ideas here, current one being to bend up a piece of cage tube into a hoop to weld up as a nerf bar, then bolt the steel back bumper over top of it. Open to ideas here too! The fuel cell vent will exit out of the trunk lock hole. I also need to figure out a latch system for the trunk lid as well. Again, all ears for suggestions. I’m in new territory for myself here.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53163794157_4e45cc83d2_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZUkND)20230904_115231 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZUkND) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164384331_84ac225ec0_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZXnf4)20230904_115237 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZXnf4) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Next lets talk about bellhousing. I mentioned a while back that I scored a lakewood bellhousing. It needed work to fit. I had to cut the mechanical clutch linkage mount off, the scabbed in stud, and notch for exhaust clearance. After that, the clutch fork hit the floor. So I have to order a HTOB setup from speedway.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164381951_34bdf0065c_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZXmx2)20230826_102755 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZXmx2) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164866813_b97396ed56_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZQEH)20230827_144251 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZQEH) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164866728_81b17a1e87_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZQDf)20230827_142613 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZQDf) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I have steve scheduled for next week to come teach me to make closeout panels and templates. I’m excited about this. The major ones that we plan to hit are the package tray, firewall, and a pillars. To get the firewall, I needed to pull the engine. I made a sling to support the engine without the trans, as I was worried about the single bolt through the aluminum stands by themselves. That sling, coupled with an amazon lift plate for an LS made the pull a simple nonevent. So nice now, even by myself.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164869653_c20b6f2bbc_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRvF)20230904_135634 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRvF) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

Ill leave off with some overall pictures. Im playing with colors some more. I’ve come down to either area 51 blue, or a dark purple. I tried bmw technoviolet, but its too dark. It honestly looks black from almost all angles. So feel free to suggest other factory dark purples. Non pearl, standard base clear stuff. The f8 green was cool, same with the white, but not what I want. Dark purple is what’s really in my head right now….
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164384746_f1892c2827_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZXnnd)20230904_142029 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZXnnd) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53164869883_f51fda4d78_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRzD)20230904_142045 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZZRzD) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/09/53163794812_b22e6a8aa0_4k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oZUkZW)20230904_142058 (https://flic.kr/p/2oZUkZW) by Michael Crawford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150940429@N02/), on Flickr

I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it feels good to be back. Until next time friends. say your prayers and love your families.

[Vimes]

It's a Dodge, you want a factory purple, so... Plum Crazy. It's a purple so purple that other makes with purple cars say man, that's a purple car. They also have a toned down version with more red in it called In Violet, and the Indigo Blue with a deep wax comes back as a purplish blue. If you like blues you might look at Kandy Kobalt blue as well, which is a nice blue that reflects the lines back in black where other paints reflect light.

[David Sloan]

Cool project!

[ryeguy2006a]

Love this project! Nice score on the fiberglass parts.

[boss_hoss]

Beauty of a project, very impressive, you ever consider painting it Petty Blue? Seems fitting given the blend of NASCAR and MOPAR

[dusterbd13]

I had. Ive looked at all the mipar colors from then, and am now looking at modern versions. Hence the area 51. Its like a modern-day petty blue, though if i go blue it may be toyota cavalry blue instead.
I fid try gm bright purple metallic for a modern plum crazy 209168

[Bjkadron]

Well this is fantastic! Glad someone is making progress on a tube frame duster build!

The only think I would have voted against is the LS but I understand from a budget and hassle standpoint.

[jaybee]

That looks positively wicked.

[dusterbd13]

219560

Tax time cometh, and it needs to go.



13k obo as it sits, 10k without ls drivetrain stuff. All spares and associated parts come with.


Call/text 828-260-1254

[dusterbd13]

219560

Tax time cometh, and it needs to go.



13k obo as it sits, 10k without ls drivetrain stuff. All spares and associated parts come with.


Call/text 828-260-1254