getting a car

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Dale Murry

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mom's house
Been lurtching around here for a few weeks, have good news that I am about to get a car.
My mom's sister's long time boy friend got busted again and this time he is being put away for a long time. Mom's sister Nancy has moved all of Jake's stuff out and arranged for me to get a car that Jake had parked in the garage. It is a 1971 Duster. I do not know much about it but I will over the next few days. My dad said that Dusters were the last of the musle cars and are really hot. I hope that it has a Hemi in it, if it is not a Hemi I want to put one in.
 
Welcome to FABO Dale! Dusters never came with a HEMI but hey it could still have one I guess if a previous owner put one in it.
 
Welcome aboard. Post some pics and we'll give guidance as much as possible. And, lets plan on keeping things simple, no Hemi. Not yet, anyway. Is this your first car and how old are you? I'm really pulling for you here, we need more stories about youth inheriting cool cars and appreciating them.
 
welcome aboard son

yeah, that thing wont have a hemi

as cool as getting an A-body is (especially a 71 duster) a word of warning, do not put ANY money/time/effort/blood into this car untill you have the title clear and in your name

this is ALWAYS good advice, but especially in a case like this where the actual owner might not want to get rid of it...that sounds oddly like the time homer ended up with snake's car

 
This is proof that Chrysler’s marketing team should get a gold star for planting the seed that the public should assume or wish that every Chrysler should have a HEMI!

Has that thing got a HEMI?
 
This is proof that Chrysler’s marketing team should get a gold star for planting the seed that the public should assume or wish that every Chrysler should have a HEMI!

Has that thing got a HEMI?

this one?
also a duster

 
F it, put a hemi in it ! Gen 3s are cheap (someone got one for $100 here recently). Carb it and go. 392 crate makes 480HP. Cheaper than a stock '425' HP 426 although none of the 426 hemi crate motors make that or are that size...?
 
If it's an original 340 duster, you might want to keep it stock. Worth more than swapping in a different drivetrain. As OP said it's been in a garage, and he knows nothing about it. If it's a slant 6 or 318 car, then do whatever with it, but a 340 duster, I'd restore to original condition. Heck, the car may already be in good condition. He hasn't seen it yet, so everybodies going on speculation.
 
probably should make sure the title is clean, correct for the car, and able to be legally transferred to you.
 
Welcome. Can't wait to see what you got there. People here are Great and will help you every step of the way with it. As said get the Title. We don't want you getting it all fixed up (if needed) and then giving it back when he gets out.
 
Been lurtching around here for a few weeks, have good news that I am about to get a car.
My mom's sister's long time boy friend got busted again and this time he is being put away for a long time. Mom's sister Nancy has moved all of Jake's stuff out and arranged for me to get a car that Jake had parked in the garage. It is a 1971 Duster. I do not know much about it but I will over the next few days. My dad said that Dusters were the last of the musle cars and are really hot. I hope that it has a Hemi in it, if it is not a Hemi I want to put one in.

You can about bet ur a$$ it aint got a hemi in it !
 
F it, put a hemi in it ! Gen 3s are cheap (someone got one for $100 here recently). Carb it and go. 392 crate makes 480HP. Cheaper than a stock '425' HP 426 although none of the 426 hemi crate motors make that or are that size...?


Agree except I'd keep the EFI.
 
Before we start mocking up a hemi transplant we need to see the car. Who knows what shape its in. And swapping a HEMI isn't cheap, unless you have lots of extra parts, time and skills. I think for most youngsters whatever engine is in it now is probably more than sufficient. Learn to drive it and about wrenching first before the HEMI swap. Most younger people have no idea what it feels like to drive a 50 year old car with manual brakes, manual steering, rear wheel drive and 50 year old suspension. Adding 350HP into that equation off the bat probably won't work out too well. Good luck.
 
Welcome to FABO, yeah, we need pictures of the car from all angles.
Everyone is right, the first thing to do is get the car in your name before you go any further and spend time and money on the car.
Some great advice posted here already, carefully read the replies.
A lot of us have 40 plus years experience driving and working on these cars...........
 
Welcome to FABO, yeah, we need pictures of the car from all angles.
Everyone is right, the first thing to do is get the car in your name before you go any further and spend time and money on the car.
Some great advice posted here already, carefully read the replies.
A lot of us have 40 plus years experience driving and working on these cars...........

Jake signed the car over to Nancy and Nancy signed the car over to my mom, she said she will sign the car over to me when I graduate from High School. I have this year and next year.
Dad said the car needs a battery so I will get one this week. I already have the money as I work nights a week at Burger King. My boss likes me and said he will give me a full time job after I graduate. My mom said I cn live with her as long as I want, I have my own room and everything, so I an set. I have heard about he car but have not seen it dad said he would help me get it this weekend.
 
Maybe getting this car will fuel a desire to study auto mechanics ( or something), Burger King is a great after school job but maybe not a career move. Good luck with the Duster, give us pic as soon as you can. Congrats on the car!
 
sounds like you're on the right path
(and sounds like your mom is a smart woman holding on to the title for now)

college isnt for everyone and if you do not want to study there is no point in wasting money on it now
(plus, i love BKs bacon king)

keep us posted
 
we get a free BK Burger with every shift completed. I like work the French fry grill so I get plenty of fries.
I have done every job in the place including he drive through window,
 
Dale, congrats on getting a Mopar!
You do realize you've just been adopted by about 200 old-school Mopar guys, right?
Don't get discouraged when you get the car. Remember, it's 50 years old..probably a lot of things to fix on it before you can worry about putting a Hemi into it.
Don't fixate too much on the 'hemi' thing. A good running 340 Duster is a pretty stout little car.. I'd have no worries at the lights pulling up next to a newer hemi Charger with a 340 A-body.
 
Welcome to FABO!!! Glad to have you on board.

Takes me back to when I was 16 and got my first car...a 1972 Duster.

I hope you have as great of a time with your Duster as I did with mine! Enjoy!!
 
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Clean the car 1st ....and look it over top to bottom, underneath..
2nd Look over the brakes and tires real good and start there, replace what is worn.
Then move on to the electrical..
Hemis and the rest can wait till the car is deemed safe. I wouldn't want you to get in a wreck and mostly I dont want you gettin hurt. Now..If it hasn't been registered in so long that it's out of the system... it may need a brake n lamp inspection. Just start with 1 and 2 and report back.
Sucks about your moms bf going away, but good for you for it falling into your lap.
 
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Congrats on the car bud. Wish I'd of gotten mine in HS, instead got it a little before 30.

The 340 is what I have and it's a hot little engine and burns the old 14 and 15in tires with ease. Fixing these old Mopars can be pricey so look for good deals on FABO, vendors, craigslist, and fb marketplace. That's what I've been doing.

Also remember there is always another project to start on after you finish one! You'll have a blast!
 
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