And so it begins,,,,,, 5-speed Duster swap!

-
I finally got the exhaust finished up today. All in all the Jegs A-body exhaust kit fit pretty decent. If you have a welder the kit is doable. If you were planning to clamp it all together, it’s not gonna fit worth a crap. I plan on getting it set down on the tires tomorrow, so I can get a proper measurement for the custom aluminum driveshaft I’m getting made. Once I get those measurements, it time to start patching up the floor pan. If I keep plucking away I may be able to drive this thing yet this summer!

IMG_4835.jpeg


IMG_4836.jpeg


IMG_4838.jpeg


IMG_4826.jpeg


IMG_4858.jpeg


IMG_4857.jpeg


IMG_4856.jpeg
 
Finally got the floor pan patched up. It was a lot of work, especially the rear section. But, I think it turned out OK. Time to put the interior back together!

IMG_4885.png


IMG_4891.jpeg


IMG_4892.jpeg


IMG_4893.jpeg


IMG_4894.jpeg


IMG_4897.jpeg


IMG_4898.jpeg


IMG_4903.jpeg


IMG_4902.jpeg
 
I whipped up a spacer out of a piece of aluminum bar stock, I had laying around. I wanted to move the shift handle a little closer to the driver. It all fits under the stock shifter boot, so it should be all good.

IMG_4935.jpeg


IMG_4934.jpeg


IMG_4933.jpeg
 
If I lower the rear of the trans and remove the shifter, the trans will slide right out.
 
Custom driveshaft arrived today. She’s a beauty, and fits like a glove. Shout out to Action Machine Inc.

IMG_4959.png


IMG_4960.png


IMG_4961.png
 
Put some me heat shield on the wires going to the starter and the starter itself. Headers were a little close.

IMG_4969.jpeg


IMG_4970.jpeg


IMG_4971.jpeg
 
I got the power steering lines mockup up today. I’ve got the power steering pump apart for a reseal kit and paint. I also got the alternator and radiator mounted up today. If I keep plucking away,,,,,,, she may run again!

IMG_5003.jpeg


IMG_5005.jpeg


IMG_5006.jpeg


IMG_5007.jpeg
 
Looking good! Also if you flip your radiator catch can, it can push the fluid back into the vent port when it cools back down. Gets you closer to a sealed system like most newer cars.
 
I got the power steering lines, cooler, belts, fan, etc. all buttoned up over the weekend. I’m still trying to figure out a fan shroud setup. I may end up contacting Champion and see if they have a direct fit one available. Also, my 4 belt lower pulley wouldn’t work, because it hit the water pump pulley, so I had to scrounge up a 2 belt pulley. Everything fit’s great now!

IMG_5060.jpeg


IMG_5059.jpeg


IMG_5058.jpeg


IMG_5047.jpeg
 
I also put 6 qts of NAPA conventional oil in it. I need to find my oil pump primer shaft. Once the oil is primed, I should be ready to drop in the distributor, top off the radiator, and see if this thing is gonna run! (New engine, never fired) It’s going on year 4 since the last time this thing has been on the road!
 
When I bought the Duster about 8 years ago, it came with a new in the box Year One Shark Tooth Grill. I might as well put that in while I’m working on it!

IMG_5066.jpeg


IMG_5067.jpeg
 
Don't forget to black out what goes behind that grill before you get it all bolted in. Much easier than having to take it all out again later. From a guy who did just that! :lol:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top