It's been over a two year project, but the car that I purchased in August of 2020, and had delivered by truck from Tn., to my home SoCal, will be ready before Christmas! When the car arrived by truck, and I signed the papers, and the truck left, and while my wife and I looked at the car, my wife asked, " Did you say the name of this car was a Duster or a RUSTER?". My wife walked back in the house disgusted.
I wondered if I should just call a tow truck and have it hauled away. I had ZERO experience in Car Restoration. My attraction to the car was sentimental. My dad had purchased it new, in 1971, drove it for 6 years and 120, 000 miles, & sold it to me, so I could drive it back and forth during my college and graduate schools, only to sell it back to my dad for one dollar upon his retirement.
So, I began a journey, buying parts for this 50 year old car, a 225 slant six, automatic, just like my dad's car. I bought a MESS!
I ordered chassis parts, electrical wiring, had engine and transmission overhauled, purchased all new accessories, ( radiator, starter, alternator, carburetor, all hoses, new clamps, etc.) I am handicapped, and cannot do the mechanical work myself. I made deals with various mechanics in their chosen fields, that if I bought the parts, they would install them for me. Evidently, it's too much time out of their day to search for parts for an older car.
I started shopping with companies like Summit Racing, Year One, Jegs, Classic Industries & Rock Auto. I bought more wrong parts than right ones the first 6 months. I did purchase the Pertronix Distributor, to go pointless. Got to be good friends with UPS staff in the nearby store, returning parts!
I sent my Duster to an Auto Body & Paint Shop, where it was brought down to bare metal, & chassis was sandblasted. Very solid body. No rust, no holes. Got lucky! Car was painted a "DODGER BLUE" color. I had the trim around wheel wells added, and metal "Duster" emblems placed on front fenders. Chrysler Gold Star on right side added for good looks on right fender. Turn signal indicator lights installed on top of hood. A Black stripe was added down the middle of both sides, and I decided to add a Rear Spoiler. A new grille was ordered and installed after painting. Not shark-tooth, but original grille like on my dad's car. Chrysler 15 inch rims and Cooper tires from Summit Racing added for appearance, with 15 X 7 inch Chrome Rallye Trim Rings to boot!
Last person to work on the car is a mechanic I found who restores classic cars in Sylmar, Ca, near where I live. Name is Alex. He had a waiting list. I waited 5 months until he could take my car. I asked him to install a new axle I had purchased, with 3.23 Sure Grip Differential, leaf springs, new shackles front and rear, u-joints, gas tank, with filler neck and grommet seal. Axle came all together, complete, with disc brakes, and shipped from Michigan.. I also purchased two other items.
1. Power Steering-to convert from manual, or my wife won't be able to turn the wheel & drive the car..
2. Also purchased A/C that mechanic is installing, with compressor, pulleys, fan belts, hoses that go through firewall, and a very nice A/ C Vent Unit that mounts under dash.
I purchased a 4 row radiator with shroud, to keep engine temp cooler.
INTERIOR:
Interior is being changed from Navy blue to BLACK. EVERYTHING, down to the rear armrests, will be NEW, & BLACK. I purchased New Front & Rear Windows , with new rubber moldings, and metal trim for front and rear glass. I even purchased those metal gizmos that open and close the side rear pop out windows! The Instrument Panel was sent out to a company in Van Nuys, Ca., to completely restore the look. I had deep scratches on the speedometer plastic screen, that I could have never seen how fast I was travelling. I purchased all new gauges, and cable for speedometer.
A new Window Wiper Motor was purchased with electrical water pump for new water washer container also purchased & installed. I had to have heater box refurbished, buy vent cables, buy new vents on dash, and vent hoses under dash.
Now I await my Duster in less than 10 days!! I have not seen the car, since I delivered it in February to Alex, earlier this year. He promises me that this car will look great. Beyond what I believed!!
I will take several photos inside and out of My Duster and post just ASAP! Just think, every time I start that car, I get to think of my dad, who has long since passed, but sorely missed. If that isn't a piece of heaven, then I don't know what is!
Donniedon
