'76 Duster build thread or something...

[ceekay]

Update: Didn't get paid today as hoped, so I'll have to wait until Monday to get the tires mounted and balanced.

Still, got bored and found a barracks mate with a 3/4" socket, so I pulled the front bump-stops off the bumper for a more sporty look. Gonna find some chrome carriage bolts to pop in them holes to clean it up, but it's looking MUCH better!! Also, bombed a bit of primer into the slot where the plate is supposed to go because it was very rusty in there... Will most likely get some flat black soon and hit it...

Also, took some steel wool to the bumper and cleaned it up a bit... I need to keep scrubbing, but it's looking GREAT.

Tomorrow, the rear bumper.

Anyone wanna buy a pair of bump-stops for 73+ Duster?


- CK

 

[ceekay]

So I didn't get around to busting the rear bump-stops off yet, but I DID get paid, which means....

NEW WHEELS IN THE FRONT!

Probably should've gone with the 210/70r14, but those would've looked too big with the projected 235/60r14's for the rear, and 185/60 was the only smaller tire size Cooper had in Cobras...

The suspension has since settled and it looks much better now (will get pics later), but I still want to turn the torsion bars down to give it a bit of a squat. Also, the front sits up just a bit higher for some reason. Also also, I've noticed the driver's side has some WICKED positive camber (I think it's positive, where the top of the tire tilts out), which will have to be eyeballed back into acceptable spec very soon.

But, they look good imho, pending a front end drop.

Also, I will be painting the lettering, because I want white lettering on the outside, dat-gummat, and tire companies apparently just don't do that anymore. >:\


- CK

P.s. Yes, the previous owner somewhere down the line decided it would be a good idea to lop off about 4" of trim and fold the damn fender corner in, presumably to match the rusted-away corner on the passenger side. >:\

P.p.s. Anyone interested in a full set (4x, but gotta wait for the rears to be replaced) of stock 14x7 steelies? Once the terrible brush paint is bead blasted off, they'd make a great set for some stock hub caps!

[edit] Pics of the suspension settled after a drive home.

You can also see the offset caused by the wheels; she sticks out a lot more than the steelies, for sure!

Protrusion. They stick out at least 3" further than the steelies. Still, they are just the right size to not interfere with the stock fender lip.

See? Needs an inch of pinch methinks...

Other side. Looks higher, but rest assured, the pic was just taken at a funny angle...

Also, anyone in the El Paso area, if you need tire service, go with C & M Tire on Montana. Great price, great service, they'll treat you right. Both tires mounted, balanced, and expert assessment (because my calipers want to rub, they had to figure out where the best place was for stick-on weights, they found it and even ground my caliper housing back just a hair so the wheels wouldn't rub); 12.50 each. $25.00 total.... Whereas the Firestone on post said "$40.00 per tire, but we don't do outside tires," meaning they wouldn't mount my Coopers because I didn't buy them through Firestone. We German-Russians from North Dakota call that "Horschett." ((say it out loud, with a thick "Churmun" accent)) ;)



[/edit]