To be honest I am no expert on Mopars and have for some time wanted to own an A or E body car but it was never the right time in life for a variety of reasons. Through the years I have done some mechanical work on older and newer cars and I have the abilities to work on a project car but wanted to run by what I am potentially looking at from the experts on this forum.
I have been looking at 70-76 Dusters it appears they are still somewhat plenitiful and project cars can be had for $2-3K range in decent shape (looking for minimal rot) but are 6 cylinder cars. I currently looking at a 70 and 72 6 cyl cars mostly original that have for the most part decent bodies. My concern is the conversions needed to convert to a V8 including K-member or schumaker mounts, front disc conversion, torsion bar upgrade, rear end and or axle swap (so all BBP), steering linkage upgrade, finding a donar engine/tranny etc. and the cost of rebuilding those components. Do other's think it is worth trying to find a V8 car and paying the premium than starting with a 6 cylinder car...the extra time in trying to find the parts, labor to install even if I do it myself still time) and the costs of the parts and or donar car may ot weigh the benefits of finding a cheaper 6 cyl car. Any comments or suggestions, even estimated costs on conversion and cost of a decent 6 cyl vs V8 car would be appreciated since I am just starting out. Thanks.
I have been looking at 70-76 Dusters it appears they are still somewhat plenitiful and project cars can be had for $2-3K range in decent shape (looking for minimal rot) but are 6 cylinder cars. I currently looking at a 70 and 72 6 cyl cars mostly original that have for the most part decent bodies. My concern is the conversions needed to convert to a V8 including K-member or schumaker mounts, front disc conversion, torsion bar upgrade, rear end and or axle swap (so all BBP), steering linkage upgrade, finding a donar engine/tranny etc. and the cost of rebuilding those components. Do other's think it is worth trying to find a V8 car and paying the premium than starting with a 6 cylinder car...the extra time in trying to find the parts, labor to install even if I do it myself still time) and the costs of the parts and or donar car may ot weigh the benefits of finding a cheaper 6 cyl car. Any comments or suggestions, even estimated costs on conversion and cost of a decent 6 cyl vs V8 car would be appreciated since I am just starting out. Thanks.
