Hey all, I'm new on this forum, and relatively new to Mopar. My name is Chris. In the next few days I'll be picking up my new ride. It's a 1971 Plymouth Duster with 25k original miles. The car has a 440 out of a 1972 Charger, a 4 speed from a Hemi application (seller was unclear on what exact car/Hemi), dana 60 rear end with 4:10s and a locker, narrowed, mini-tubbed, 8 point cage, etc. The car is absolutely gorgeous and CLEAN. I'd consider the word "clean" to be an understatement, actually.

I have a few questions I was hoping you guys could help me answer. First of all, the car needs a carpet. What is the restoration part resource for Mopars? I know OPG and YearOne are big companies, but I don't see much for Mopar cars on their sites.

Also, the story with the car is that it was built up from a slant 6 in Florida in the mid '70s, then garaged for a very long time. I can tell the car was built the right way, the construction and welds on the cage and mini-tubs are flawless, and there isn't a single speck of rust ANYWHERE on the car. Now the interesting part. There's a riveted plate on the firewall that says "DON GARLITS PERFORMANCE SHOP" from Ocala, Florida. I know Don Garlits is a big time racer, so I'm thinking this car might have some history that I'm unaware of. Any help or information is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

Chris

P.S. Pics will be posted in a few days!

 

I'm sorry, I'm so new to these cars. Could you link me to "Legendary." I've dealt with ACC and a few other carpet companies doing other restos, but never Mopar stuff. I see one on summitracing.com for $153.99 that seems like a good deal.

edit: i think i found it, is this it? http://www.legendaryautointeriors.com/

I'll order a Year One catalog now, and here's a pic of the car:

 

Haha! Those scoops are NOS from a Coronet 440... I like them on there, personally. I think I'll keep 'em. (until i change my mind )

Thanks for the info about Legendary, that's why these forums are so valuable. Nothing like experienced car guys giving honest opinions about products and companies!

Any ideas on the Don Garlits thing? It's got me stumped... it must have been a special car for them to rivet a plate to the firewall...

 

i'm on Long Island, NY... Ocala, Florida is only about 1,000 miles away i did a search for a contact number for the shop, but all I could come up with was the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum, which is also in Ocala, FL

 

Thanks man, I'm, pretty excited to learn more about its history. I can tell just by looking at it that the thing doesn't have 30+ years worth of track passes on it, so I dont think it was run often (or at all). I'm thinking Don Garlits' shop probably built the car and then it sat for a looong time in a garage.

Brooklyn isn't far at all. Maybe we can cruise on out sometime. Flowerfields classic/custom car show is this weekend, will you be there by any chance?

 

Okay, here's another question for you guys. The Hemi transmission that's in the car locates the shifter handle much farther back in the trans tunnel than the original transmission. A new hole was cut and the old one plated up and welded closed the right way. I'd like a pistol grip in this car, but it seems like they all will angle the shifter even further back. The B body ones seem to have the most height and the most desirable angle. Is there a resources besides the obvious that sells quality reproduction pistol grip handles? I see them on Summit and Jegs, but is there a better place around I should know about? Thanks!

 

That's a very sensible piece of advice until I find out what the story on this car is. Thanks! As soon as it's parked in my driveway I'll run the VIN to find out the options, etc. I'll also be calling the Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum on Monday to see if they have any information.

 

Thanks for the info! I've discovered 440source.com for the motor and now that site for the trans. They both seem to be very reputable companies for parts/tech help. I'm going to have to give them some of my money.

 

Thanks! Yeah, I'll definitely be following up on the Big Daddy thing. I'll be a pretty constant member on this forum from now on, as I'm sure I'll be doing plenty to this car. I have so many questions! Pics later this week!

 

Okay, while I'm waiting for the car I suppose it's time for some stupid questions. Can anyone here school me on the 4 speed transmission that I was told was from a "Hemi application?" Were all 4 speed manuals the A-833, but just rated for higher torque to handle more powerful engines? If it's from a Hemi, and in good working order, how much hp/tq can it handle before grenading? Just trying to get some knowledge. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

Here's another stupid question... is it frowned upon in the Mopar community to put a Hemi hood on a car that doesn't actually have a Hemi in it? I've always loved the Hemi scoop and would like to put one on my Duster when I get it if the twin scoop hood gets old. I was just curious, having been around other circles of car guys I know certain things are frowned upon. Anybody?

this one... just for a visual

 

when the time comes i'll shoot you a PM

 

Okay, glad to hear it guys. Hemi scoop hood painted flat black it is . So, can anyone offer some insight about the trans question I posted earlier?