Hi. Looking at a 73 Duster need advice.

[acjk]

Hi. I joined the forum to ask some advice before I go look at a 73 Duster tomorrow. Anything will be appreciated.

All I know about it is that:
1. It has been sitting for about 5 years, but was running when parked.
2. It was owned by a mechanic for 20 years before that.
3. It has a 318 with an auto transmission.
4. It has "small" rust spots on the rear panels like most 40 year old cars do.

My questions are:
1. About how much would it cost to fix the rust (I'm an engine guy not body)?
2. Having sit for 5 years, is there anything I should be looking for before trying to start it?
3. What is/was the ride quality for A-bodies?
4. Would it be relatively easy to hit 400hp/torque ok the stock engine and drive train?

Any other advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

[OldmanRick]

Welcome to FABO! Sounds like a good find...

Hi. I joined the forum to ask some advice before I go look at a 73 Duster tomorrow. Anything will be appreciated.

All I know about it is that:
1. It has been sitting for about 5 years, but was running when parked.
2. It was owned by a mechanic for 20 years before that.
3. It has a 318 with an auto transmission.
4. It has "small" rust spots on the rear panels like most 40 year old cars do.

My questions are:
1. About how much would it cost to fix the rust (I'm an engine guy not body)?
2. Having sit for 5 years, is there anything I should be looking for before trying to start it?
3. What is/was the ride quality for A-bodies?
4. Would it be relatively easy to hit 400hp/torque ok the stock engine and drive train?

Any other advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

1) Rust wise, we'd need pics to even have a vague idea of what's involved to repair it.

2) Depending on how it was stored, the first thing I'd do is make sure the engine spins freely.

3) The next would be to look over the wiring very well, inside & out, to make sure it's sound and no critters have had any fun chewing on it. The last thing you want to do is throw a fresh/hot battery in her and light something up .

4) The carb is probably gummed after sitting for 5yrs, and who knows what shape the tank is in? Personally, If I got it to run on starting fluid/WD-40 for 10 or 15 seconds and it didn't make any catastrophic noises from the bottom end, I'd probably call it good for now.



As far as the ride quality.......It's a 70's lightweight car with leaf springs.....nuff said.

When it comes to the 400 hp/tq.....it can be done if your wallet is the right size or your willing to spray some laughing gas...lol. This is something we can work thru later. You got to get her home first...