Honestly, it started when I found a '72 Roadrunner for sale. I went into Reliance, TN to look at the car. Met some real good ol' boys, but they were too attached to the car and it was in REALLY bad shape. I couldn't reach a reasonable deal with the guy. The next day I took a look at a '71 demon for sale, but this car was too far gone for me to even make an offer. Floor gone, no engine, mounts cut out... Demons are rare, but no way I could fix this one up. Finally I took a look at this '72 Duster, and the body was awesome. Lines great, no engine, no trans. Previous owner blew the engine because his "mechanic" didn't tighten the oil pan down... ugh! Anyway, he was going to fix it back up, but his mother fell ill and he needed for medical bills. Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for me, his loss was my gain.




I went asking around and found a 360 and 727 tans out of a winnebago for $300. Engine was running when pulled and the trans was rebuild, but never tested because the linkage was wrong. Got it for a steal.



I decided to rebuild the engine to a 408, and have the trans upgraded to include a shift kit, wide kevlar bands, racing clutches and a 2700 stall. Heads went to the shop too, 1.88/1.6 valves to 2.02/1.6 valves. New locks and springs too. The engine I had vatted, bored .030, cleaned, chamfered, new freeze plugs and new cam bearings.

engine before


engine after



Heads before


Heads after


Transmission comes back Monday.

 

Meanwhile, I was waiting for the engine and trans I started the body work that did need to be done. The trunk pan was in the worst shape, and the driver floor board had a rust hole in it.

Trunk Before


Trunk After


Welded some holes.


Now I'll be working on the floor and dash. Bought a new dash and console, will be fabricating a bezel for the dash this weekend, and hopefully I'll have time to clean and paint the floor too... I'll post more as the build continues!

 

way to go looks like its getting ready for the road

 

Transmission is back. Pieces are coming together!

 

Looks like a short tail shaft trans from a truck ... It looks like it is coming together nice..

 

Nice build!

 

Yeah, it's a loadflite from a winnebago!

 

that's going to be a long drive shaft.
do the trany mounts line up?

 

Honestly, I don't know yet if the mounts will line up. According to all I've read, the case on the 727 torqueflite and the 727 loadflite are the same, so I am assuming they do. I do know that I will have to put a fluid cooler on it, and have a custom drive shaft made.

 

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I have been working a lot of overtime. I was able to get some more work done though.

Interior stripped, cleaned and painted with rust preventative.




Removed the bumper and grill for refinishing. Removed the fender to realign a saggy door, but realized that the lower hinge needs replacing. So... waiting on more parts.


I'll keep updating... All engine internals are here except the rotating assembly, which is scheduled to come in next Wednesday...

 

fantastic. i couldnt do that much work.

 

Looks good! Why have I not seen this thread before today? Keep up the good work!

 

I'm like Joe.... How did I miss this one???? Great build and thanks for keeping us posted..... Will be watching......and waiting for your next post.....

 

looking good keep postin...

 

Painted the Engine, Limelight.

 

Nice color!

 

Looks like a conventional 727 truck version, should fit. The loadflight version of the 727 has a completely different pan shape

 

Comp Cam XE274 Installed


Scat 408 Internally Balanced Installed


KB Hypereutectic Pistons Assembled

 

Lifters, Pushrods, Heads and rockers assembled....

 

Cool build,,

 

looking Good...

 

Sharp car! From looking at the pics I have to ask did you use any cam lube on that top half assembly?

 

Driveshaft shouldn't be that long ? It's a Duster. Just tell the drive shaft Co you need a heavy duty shaft maybe a 4" tube

 

Yeah Tony, I used cam lube. I see in the picture where you would think I didn't though, doesn't show up very well...

 

The motor is coming along nicely! Did you have any extra work done to the heads to help with flow?

 

Yes. I had them cleaned, ported, polished. The 1.88 valves opened up to 2.02 valves, and lapped them in.

 

Haven't posted in awhile. Here's the shape of the engine so far. I think I'm on pace to finish the car by summer!

 

Dan...Take a close look at those valve covers.....
They love to hit the intake runner and cause you to chase an oil leak....
I had to use extra think valve cover gaskets to get it sealed....

Looking Very Good...

 

Thanks for the heads up. I will definitely make sure I have a good seal.

Thanks!

 

RacerHog,

Sure enough, it looks like the covers are sitting on the intake. Again, thanks for the notice. Do you remember which gaskets worked for you?

Thanks!