Plik's '72 Big Block Duster Build

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Plik

Ragin Cajun
Joined
Aug 8, 2009
Messages
999
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15
Location
Houston, Tx
I've been meaning to start a build thread for a while now, so here it is. I'll try and keep it as up to date as I can. I don't usually get much free time to work on projects, so it's going to be a slow build. Anyway, here she is. My '72 duster /6 auto, just after driving her home back in 2010.

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My build plan is basically for a 383/4speed resto mod. Not looking to go over the top, basically trying to create my vision of what a factor big block duster would have looked like. As for the color, I'm thinking B5 blue w/ blacked out hood and window surrounds (340 duster style) and dual snorkel scoop.

First things first.. I picked up a 383 w/ torqueflite from my friend's brother, came out of a '68 satellite.. After tearing it down I found a bent rod and crack in the block.

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The only thing worth salvaging were the 906 heads (which I sold), the torqueflite (holding on to for now), and all other miscellaneous parts, torker intake, oil pan, timing chain cover, etc.

After some searching i found a 383 short block from a racer down in Baytown and finished the majority my engine build last winter...

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I decided to start a complete tear down this past spring. My plan is to get her down to the shell and perform all the necessary metal work. Here are some progress pics of the tear down.

/6 removal..

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Removed the front end, rear end and suspension then put her up on dollies..

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then started on the interior...

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And that's the latest.. I just recently accepted job with Chevron. I'm taking a week off before I start and hope to focus on getting the body completely stripped and ready for metal work. Hopefully I'll be ordering patch panels by the end of the week and I'll finally get to try out my new birthday present.. ;)

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I snapped a few pics of my problem areas.. I think I'll need a complete tail section panel, lower quarter panels (both sides), trunk pan and trunk extensions and front passenger floor pan.

Trunk looks nasty..

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passenger side lower rear quarter.

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Driver side rear tail light opening.. looks like the previous owner riveted paper thin sheet metal and slathered bondo over it.. nasty.

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rust holes in rear of trunk..

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big hole...

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driver side rocker panel.. not sure if I need a full patch here, might just form a small section.

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Just in front of the driver side rear lower wheel well... again, I think I might fab up a small patch...

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Driver side rear quarter.. bondo everywhere, I'll replace the whole section..

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more holes in the tail panel..

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Congrats on new job.....and if you ask me, and by posting this build your asking me.. snicker snicker .....You picked the right year as i'm partial to 72 dusters ..Lets face it the tail lights from 72 duster or the daemon tend to have the best look JMHO>>>
Arco
 
Déjà vu...I seen that car !!
Congrats on starting on your car,I am still parts gathering and build a car port to make room to work on mine....
I will be following your build.
Martin
 
nice build i buildin a 72 big block duster as well. i just got done puttin a 383 in mine as well.it had slant six in it to. i use the schumaker engine mounts and headers. u can view them at engine-swaps.com my icon picture is the pic of my car
 
My Demon had the same looking rust holes in the same spots on your Duster lol.. good luck with the new job..i will be watching this build :D
 
Thanks everyone, I'm looking forward to starting my new position. The 9/80 schedule should allow me more time to work on my duster. :)
 
Looks like a nice build ya got going. Congrats on the new gig. Is that a Hobart 140? I got one as a pre-wedding present. LOL.
 
Yep, It's a handler 140. I still need to pick up a bottle of shielding gas for it.

Got my trim removal tool in today and made quick work of the front and rear trim. Tomorrow I tackle the glass!

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Had a little cool front come through today, good excuse to get out in the garage and put some time in on the duster. I got the front are rear glass out and the dash board.

These suction cup grab handles rock! I simply stuck one in the corner of the glass and pulled back while working the gasket away with my thumb... a few good jerks and it was out.


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$10 on amazon, well worth the money.... [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PBQ9K8/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i03"]FastCap HOD-DOUBLE Handle On Demand - Amazon.com[/ame]




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Also played around with my new spot weld removal bit.

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Alright... slow progress, I know.. but here is an update.

I got some frame connectors welded in..

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and I removed the trunk pan..

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Unfortunatly the replace pan is on back order until the end of May.. but I have some floor panel patchwork to do in the mean time.
 
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