New here with a 1978 Trail Duster Sport 440

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Nov 27, 2017 | 05:23 AM

PGG

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From: Fort Worth Texas 76116

New here with a 1978 Trail Duster Sport 440

After years of looking I finally found a pretty clean very original Trail Duster Sport with factory original two tone paint, 440, 727, cloth striped interior, AC, Cruise control, AM/FM/CB in dash radio. I am looking to replace with wheels and steering wheel back to a factory optional models
and I am looking for a optional front bumper brush guard. I will also want to rebuild the motor to give it a reasonable amount of power to around 400 or so. I think it came with about 195. I will have to decide the best route to preserving the original paint there is some minor surface patina and pin points of rust now showing.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advise. PG

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Nov 27, 2017 | 05:27 AM

Iowan

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Very nice, I'm jealous!

Nov 27, 2017 | 07:29 AM

RacerHog

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From: Monrovia SO-CAL (USA)

What a great find....

Nov 27, 2017 | 04:53 PM

TVLynn

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With a 1978 440 the biggest problem is it has a very low compression 8-1

Nov 27, 2017 | 05:30 PM

PGG

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From: Fort Worth Texas 76116

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVLynn

With a 1978 440 the biggest problem is it has a very low compression 8-1

Well we are going to fix that. Port the heads or buy indy heads and a mild to medium cam.

Anyone one know a Mopar engine rebuilding specialist in North Texas?

Nov 27, 2017 | 05:32 PM

fivepoint

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From: Northwest Ohio

Very nice! Save the paint and replace what was not stock. I would be tempted to leave the motor stock too. With a nice truck like that, I wouldn't worry about the low HP. Just cruise it

Nov 28, 2017 | 01:00 PM

afastcuda1970

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From: Dallas, TX

Very nice truck!!!

Nov 28, 2017 | 02:00 PM

Iowan

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TVLynn

With a 1978 440 the biggest problem is it has a very low compression 8-1

that can be fixed.

Nov 28, 2017 | 04:51 PM

PGG

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From: Fort Worth Texas 76116

Do I dare to just put in a mild cam have someone shave and work the heads to raise compression to close to 10-1 or
do a full rebuild? Its got a little less then 80k on it now.
My tendency is to overdo anything I do...
Are there any known Mopar engine building specialist in North Texas?
Thanks PG

Nov 28, 2017 | 04:55 PM

#10

PGG

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From: Fort Worth Texas 76116

Quote:

Originally Posted by afastcuda1970

Very nice truck!!!

Thanks afastcuda1970 if you know of any parts in the Dallas Fort Worth area
there are a bunch of things I am looking for for my 78 Trail Duster and my buddies 77 Ram Charger.
What I am looking for is WTB factory optional wheels white spoke or chrome slot, front brush guard, factory 1978 Trail Duster steering wheel.
would also like a top that is damaged in the back I only want to front to just past the roll bar to make a hard bikini top.
I also need a black dash and bench seat for the 77 Ramcharger and a 727 with NP203 for a small block.

Thanks PG