So hey.

Uhh, I like cars. Old cars. Like, with carbs.
I'm working on my "hand-out collection" of old cars-
Right now the stable is about four, but I have a gutted motorhome
(1973 Dodge Sportsman w/a 360)
for a parts donor that doesn't get counted.

So anyways I was just recently handed the shell of a 1970 Plymouth Duster. No motor/trans(+support)/driveline.
Right front fender thrown in the cab.
The only glass in it is the back wing-windows
and the steerings gone
AND the roof has been smashed in by a tree.

I'm planning on popping the roof back out with my engine hoist and I have a few mallets to pound the roof into "real nice" shape.

I'm going to try to use pretty much everything from the motorhome on the Duster...

Anyways,
Thanks! Glad to be here!!

 

Think you can post some pics of it? Sound like a cool project.

 

Welcome!

I wonder if a permanent convertable could be made?

 

Not without some type of frame reinforcement (subframe connectors) that thing will fold like a cheap suit.

 

welcome to the forum! i allways like to see project progression pics!

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

welcome to the forums

 

Welcome to the forums.... Be sure to add photos soon... We love photos of projects.... Be sure to check out the Mopar of the Month contest... Some rules have changed so be sure to check out the sticky for the simple, new rules and then join in......

 

Welcome to the forum

 

 

 

Thanks for all the replies!! Cool forum!

As for the pics-
I'm NOT running those front wheels, and the motor was just set in for inspiration-

The guy that gave me the car keeps saying "make it a convertible" also but I need to try to straighten the roof first.
Then, if I mess it up I'll hack the roof off, but only after researching points to re-inforce the uni-body "frame" (and hopefully I won't have to do that).

Set a Datsun 620 bench seat in up front! Hahah! Bench front seat for the ACTION.
Trying to decide how to switch and modify the dually rear-end for the duster. I know it has and can be done I just forget what needs cutting off.
Looks like the steering box from the motor home will even bolt up, but I'm fairly certain the steering ARM is different (also not sure is the exhaust will be in the way of the steering column?)
And I don't plan on re-installing a heater (right away) so I'll have to make block-off plates for all the holes in the firewall, but, oddly, I might run the power-steering? Not sure.

I'm kinda thinking, like, unpainted beater style? And maybe dual-headlights...

What about disc brakes for these??
Oh, I'm thinking of painting "Demonseed" and a little cartoony devil on the trunk lid and rocking the faded old paint. Opinions?
Thanks!

 

sure hammer up the roof and a little bondo and it should be as good as new, best of luck with making it seal, air and rain will be the biggest chalange. keep posting pics as you progess

 

Hey man, it sounds like you have got quite a project on your hands. I am new to the forum too, and i also have a 1970 plymouth duster that i want to restore. Mine is not in bad condition, but i do have a million questions.

For the first question: When i went to put the motor into the car, the exhaust was sitting right on top of the steering box and was missing the motor mount by about a half an inch. I have no idea how to fix this problem!

Can anyone help?
-Maley