'70 Duster 440

I'm a bit of noob here. Some great projects underway - very impressed! Rather than post pictures, here's a link to my ongoing saga...

http://aperturestudios.homestead.com/dusterproj/index.html

First you should do that for a living
second it looks great
third,the car is very clear from the pics
forth,when that car is done,I think the car shows you attend will be over as soon as you drive in,just pic up your thophie and enjoy

mrmopartech

Nice work. It will look sharp when you get it done.

Very nice thorough job!

70Duster 440!! Agreat job on your site.
Your car is gooing to be a car I can not wait to see completed!!!
I will show it to my son,
So he can see how we will do my next projects.So we can do it write.
I see you are a great Dad too,A mopar man on his way.
Just like Mrmopartec said a trophy winner,and a money maker at the track.


I like that 70des looking yellow dodge truck I see in the back ground too.
Have fun and keep us posted

Wow, thanks guys for the feedback - it's encouraging. I'm actually headed out to the shop right now to spray some epoxy...

Looks really good,you do nice work!:thumbup:

Nice job on bolth the car and web site.

Thanks again for the comments. It helps make the work seem worthwhile and it's nice to start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Looks great!!!

She sure looks good, give the boy a pat on his back. Keep us updated :thumbup:

Excellent looking work! Keep it up, and as Scott said, you'll have a definite winner there.

impresive! just keep on doing it that good all the way :D

wow looking good :thumbup:

Hey,you make an good resto job on your car. :thumbup:

I'm getting ready to mock the engine and trans into place so that I can set the pinion angle, measure for wheels/tires, and drive shaft. I fabbed up this dolly for the 'ol "install it all from the bottom trick".

Your attention to detail is amazing. Your workmanship is fantastic.


I can't wait to see this car featured in Mopar Muscle :wav:

Is there anything that you are not good at??? Awesome job, great pics and site, they will help me a lot with my 70 Dart build as I still consider myself a NEWB, I am still in the process of taking everything to bare metal. Keep up the great work can't wait to see more, definately a show stopper!! :thumbup:

You guys are way, way too kind. I consider myself pretty average with average skills. I've had car projects before - but nothing ever this extensive. I enjoy just getting in there and trying new things. Some of the stuff on this project had to be done while other stuff was optional, of course. Others may need or want to do some of the same stuff so I hope the pictures and text are helpful on some level. Reading about and seeing others' work is how I get ideas. After seeing my stuff you may see how you don't want to do something or come up with a better way to do it - and that's a good thing.

For anyone interested, I've started Rocky Mountain dash mockup and grille restoration. (www.70duster440.com - Repairs and Mods page)

If anyone wants to see something in particular documented, let me know - maybe I can.

Preston

Is the Rocky Mountain dash set-up worth the money?
I was thinking about using it when i get my Scamp that far.

Very nice work, ya gotta love a Duster with a big assed Mopar. Welcome to the dark side.

Terry :burnout:

Is the Rocky Mountain dash set-up worth the money?
I was thinking about using it when i get my Scamp that far.

I guess that's kind of a subjective question. It is by no means cheap. The work is very nice - looks like precision water jet cuts, heavy material, and the tubes are welded in place. You'll spend another $500-$1000 for aftermarket gauges. It not a simple bolt in affair either. Unless you go with the cluster-only insert there's trimming to do on the frame. And, of course, you have to finish it youself unless you have them powdercoat it. But, if you want something really different, then yeah, I'd say it's worth it.

Just finished the repairs and refinishing of the grille. Went with all black-out...

Very impressive work. Can't wait to see it when finished. You've definitly raised the bar a couple of levels. Mike

My 10 year old son and I did the 'ol "install the engine/trans from the bottom" trick today. Pretty slick way to do it without beatin' things up.

Yeah, that's looking pretty good. You definately have "above average" skills. More Pics! Keep posting them here :thumbup:

I've posted pics of latest progress including a swap from stock UCA's and knuckles to RMS control arms and Fatman drop spindles - for the "just right" stance...

www.70Duster440.com

The rear suspension with B-Body housing, Espo springs, and Green bearings is in. Ready to measure for custom wheels and tires....

Pics and the gory details can be seen at the usual place.

looking good can't hardly wait to see the finished product!!!

Well, after some cutting and hacking and fitting the Rocky Mountain dash so it works, I got the dash frame and all the pieces primed today.

Next, I'll squirt some color and fill all the holes with gauges.

that grill looks very nice :thumbup: keep us posted

I have a question,what kind of epoxy are you using?Nice work,i cant wait to dive in to my 72 like that.

I have a question,what kind of epoxy are you using?Nice work,i cant wait to dive in to my 72 like that.

U-tech E360 (Akzo Nobel). All the brands are ridiculously overpriced for the stuff.

oh ok,the same people that make Sikkens.Yeah,pretty pricey stuff.We were using Sikkens at my work,but they switched to Glasurit.

This is a grade A mopar in the making.
You should have been my neighbor.
Great work and a great dad to boot.
Don't get no better than that :thumbup:

that's some quality work. excellent job. please keep the pictures coming, you're giving me ideas! :)

EXCELLENT WORK!!!!! Thanks for the shots of the 1/4 panel & corner replacement. I have similar work (other side - same exact spot) to do on my '72 and was wondering what I would be looking at. If a person just reads your words, you make it seem simple, but you display some very advanced skills and thought processes, my compliments to you. Great job with the pictures, keep up the good work and the blog.
Daryl

Okay kids, here she is near the end of the mock-up stage. Next is primer/sufacer and lots of blocking. Then color.

The wheels are 16x8 (4.5" bs) V45's from Vintage Wheel Works.

That car is going to turn heads where ever you take it when its done. That is really coming along nicely.

Wow, what a stance! What size tires do you have on there, I can't hardly make it out in the pic?
Bob

Wow, what a stance! What size tires do you have on there, I can't hardly make it out in the pic?
Bob

Nothing radical. I would like to have gone with a 275 in the rear but I couldn't find one for a 16" wheel. You can for 15" and 17".

Anyway, they're 225/50-16 front, and 255/50-16 in the rear.

I agree the stance looks great- have you picked a color yet?

I agree the stance looks great- have you picked a color yet?

Hey Richard! I'm going with the original street hemi orange with a blackout hood and side stripe. I guess it'll look similar to your avatar!

Hey Richard! I'm going with the original street hemi orange with a blackout hood and side stripe. I guess it'll look similar to your avatar!

Cool Thats a good choice. The avatars my son's car, its really a classic muscle car paint job. When and if LOL. I ever get mine to that point were talking about doing the same thing but using the sassy grass green and black. It might be kinda cool when we show up to shows together, or just go cruising.
Richard

Got the AutoMeter Sport Comp II gauges installed recently in my Rocky Mountain Dash.

They look really good! I might do that to my Scamp when i get that far.

This guy is a natural, a real natural.

I haven't posted much progress in awhile because I've just been block sanding and stuff in my spare time. I have re-designed the look of my site and added some reference video clips. Let me know what you think.

www.70duster440.com

Very nice job, maybe the best I've seen.
Bob

My God you do awesome work, congrats on the great progress. Wish you were my neighbor!!

Very nice! I like the torque thrusts too.

Guys at a local hot rod body shop have been doing the final block sanding on my car. Supposed to pick it up tomorrow and then take it back in a few weeks for color.

In the mean time I've built a floor shift column, rebuilt the heater box, and rebuilt the wiper pivots - among other things. Details are on the site.

Outstanding work my friend!

Preston as usual I'm Impressed. your attention to detail puts many of us to shame. can't wait to see the finished paint.

I'm real interested in the smaller heater blower motor. I won't be putting in a big
block but. the smaller size should really clean up the engine compartment.
do you have a part number or source for them.

Richard

Thanks Richard. You know I don't have much info on the motor. There was a guy on another board name Jerry Boschert a couple of years ago who had found a source for a few motors and bought them all. They weren't OEM replacements but the bolt pattern and diameter were the same. The shaft is slightly different requiring a bushing which he supplied. I JB welded the bushing on, then ground a flat on one side so the squirrel cage would fit on. Seemed to work fine.

I located a address and phone number for him if you or anyone is interested. I think the next best options are either a rear defrost motor or the heater box mod outlined over at BigBlockdart.com: http://www.bigblockdart.com/index.php/topic,13995.0.html

I like your attention to detail, plus the fact that you are personalizing your car. It's smart to leave the bodywork to others. I'm doing my own, and I've already spent three frustrating months, and just recently started the paint process. Many professional restorers do not do work as good as yours. Keep us posted. Howard ( Renton Wa)

Thanks Howco4. I haven't decided 100% whether to have the body shop spray the color - especially after having good luck today painting some smaller parts myself.

I decided to do the hinges, brackets, fasteners etc. Boy does it make a difference getting some color on things!

I've been using Akzo-Nobel products (U-tech and Lesonal Primers, Sikkens) from my friend who runs a supply shop. The body shop uses this line too but they prefer Matrix Systems clear because is polishes better. Mixing topcoat brands is generally a no-no but they've been doing it for 2-3 years with no problems - and they do top notch work - a lot of hot rods and restos.

Anyway, the Matrix products are about 1/2 the cost of Sikkens or PPG. A gallon of clear and hardender was under $100 with tax. The supplier claims the big manufacturers recently settled big court cases for price fixing which would explain the outrageous prices for paint these days.

So, I sprayed Lesonal base in Street Hemi Orange (V2) followed by two coats of Matrix clear. They both went on and look great. You can even see the tiny bit of metallic in the orange - something I couldn't see in the old factory finish. I used a DeVilbiss GFG 670 Plus gun.

Hi Preston, I have been keeping track with your work and I love it... I have probably visited your site like 500 times looking for updates during the summer since I was looking for windshields and stuff, keep it up and I am really excited to see her when she is finished

Lookin good! I think you should spray it yourself with how everything has turned out so far I am sure it will look good.

Thanks guys. Hey vkarapanos, why don't you show us some pics of what you're working on there in Greece?!

I haven't started on my big project yet, and it is going to some time before I do, but tommorow I will be getting some stuff for my lady from your country and I am excited like a small child would be. The stuff include suspension bushings, edelbrock IAS shocks, an idler arm, anti-sway bars from www.performancesuspension.com/moparfek.htm, fuel tank with sending unit and a fuel cap. These stuff are not part of my big project but they are indispensable in order to keep the car going smoothly until I start. I will send some pics this weekend but do not expect something fancy.

This my duster and the stuff I received yesterday.

Wow, it all looks great. You have a good project there!

Thanks, it means a lot coming from you, so when is your next update going to be?

On Saturday my friend Scott and I finished shooting "small" parts. Below, he's getting ready to shoot black while I took care of the underside of the deck lid, mirrors, and grille panels in B/C orange.

Next up: body, doors, and fenders!

Well, it's on the trailer and I'll be heading over to the booth soon. Wish us luck - we'll be squirting color tomorrow morning. I'll have her back tomorrow night ready for reassembly. At least, that's the plan.

Oh... And I hate snow!

Good luck Preston... looking forward to see the result!!

Here we are finishing up the paint. Bake for an hour and ready to go.

That rocks. super nice job. Only an hour to bake the paint? What temp is the booth for this time?

what a gorgeous color. im only starting the body work and i can't wait till its finally time to paint.

Only an hour to bake the paint? What temp is the booth for this time?

Thanks. I think this booth was hitting about 120. It was snowing when it came time to take it home tonight. Luckily I'm only a couple of blocks from the place. Barely made it since it's uphill most the way. Once I got it in the shop I took a couple of big cotton bath towels and chamoised it off. Looked fine. Baking sure beats waiting overnight or longer.

Looks amazing so far...

Preston -looks great- this time of years a great time to get the paint done,
gives you the rest of the winter to put it back together. and come next spring
you can enjoy driving it.
Your on the home stretch!!!!
Richard

That looks great!!!!!:thumblef: You gave me ideas when i do my project. Can wait to see it finished....Rick

I love that color. Looking forward to more pics.

Thanks guys! There's a few more pics of the paint process on my site now.

Hi Preston,
Just a line to tell you what an excellent job of documenting
your rides rebuild on your site.
The website itself is outstanding.
The information and insight one can gleen from your rebuilds and upgrades
is quite phenomenal.
The custom seat brackets and steering column conversion and rebuild would be of great help to anyone contemplating doing it themselves.
I also found your steering and brake mods quite helpful as you added
your references and source info.
Your car will be the perverbial standard of new and old combined
into one slick, beautiful and omnipotent package.
Did I mention I'm jealous.
Kudo's to you, and a big slice of raisin pie :lol: