The Great Pumpkin - '71 Duster

rmchrgr said
Right it's Shark tooth, not "Sharkstooth". I'm an idiot.

No big deal. Idiot is about the last word I’d describe you with.

rmchrgr said
Anyway, I believe you're correct in that you could get the Shark tooth grille with the Twister package. My guess is the inclusion of the vinyl top is probably what excluded the sporty grille option because the combination of the two looks a little odd. Twisters were painted roofs AFAIK.

I don’t remember any more. I was always about power and speed. God bless the restored, all hail the hot rodder!

rmchrgr said
The decor/package designers probably figured the secretaries and grade school teachers who were driving 318 2bbl Dusters didn't care about a racy look. The vinyl top gives it an illusion of class. "Let's tart up our basic transportation model with a top hat so people think they're getting some amount of luxury." Right.

They were quite popular! It just sucks underneath after many years outside.

rmchrgr said
My car had stick-on side molding too to prevent parking lot door dings. It stands to reason people who bought 340 Dusters probably didn't spend much time at the supermarket so preventing shopping cart dents was likely less critical to them. 318 2bbl Dusters probably spent more time in shopping center parking lots than anywhere else.

As I remember it, many people did that stick on side stripe bumper deal. I thought for the longest time it was a stock item.

rmchrgr said
And yes, I did think about all that before I bought the grille... I do wish my car didn't have a vinyl top. If I ever decide to paint the exterior it's gone.

No doubt. My latest garbage, the ‘71 rust bucket, is a factory two tone. If you ever get to that time where the final top goes the way of the wind, keep the trim for it as the two tone cars kept the trim on dividing the paint.