Introduction 1973 Plymouth Duster 340 4 speed

[Paul Mog]

Thank you for having this platform. I just recently started a restoration of my high school 1973 Plymouth Duster 340 4 speed with sunroof i got from my dad. My dad collected all mopars, mostly 50's and 60's 300's and New Yorkers. When he brought home the Duster I knew that was the car I wanted. Unfortunately my dad past away 4 years ago from Alzheimers and we never got to restore this gem. Thankfully i work at a High School and our auto tech gracioulsy agreed to help me restore it. I plan to eventually pass it on to my son, so any modifications i make is because I don't have intentions to sell it and want to make it one of a kind. So far we have pulled the back end and painted the under side, mind you the car has been kept indoors in Ca where rust is not an issue. In the process of replacing the fuel tank we are upgrading to the Sniper 2 fuel injection system. We just pulled the engine, going to have it rebuilt with some upgrades. I have purchased Hooker Headers, Flowmaster crossmember exhaust. New alternator, radiator, watter pump, aluminum valve covers, Crager 15 inch wheels x7's in rear and 6's in front, new front end suspension, new shocks, struts, and bushings. Still need to get upgraded gauge/dash kit, new floor kit, and some interior pieces and paint the engine bay and exterior

. What brought me here was a lead to a gentleman that modifies hood springs for my new 6 pack fiberglass bolt on hood. I hope to learn and meet many people in this journey. I will post progress pics as i go but here are a few of the start so far.

 

[missing linc]

from

Condolences on the loss of your father.

Duster looks in excellent condition, sunroof probably is a pretty rare option, 340 4 speed makes it a fun car.

 

[Paul Mog]

Yeah the sunroof is rare. So rare i can't find parts to repair the crank gearing. I have not drove it in over 15 years so i cam't wait to get behind the power this car is going to give.

 

[missing linc]

I ordered some parts from a company called the sunroof doctor to repair a sunroof in one of my vehicles some years ago. Found it on the internet. There are a few members here with sunroof cars, perhaps one of them can help.

 

[340six]

Welcome

 

[Duster360LA]

Welcome to FABO - love the story on your Duster and work to restore it.
I run a Sniper 2 on my 74 Duster with a 360. A couple of recommendations if you haven't bought these parts:
1) Get Holley self regulating electric in-tank pump. It eliminates the requirement for a return fuel line; and
2) Consider a Holley Hyperspark ignition that is plug and play with your Sniper - makes timing control much easier.
Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Moparone]

Sweet car. I also have a 73 340 Duster 4 speed. There is another member here restoring one as well.
A while back there was a member here making new sunroof drive gears. @dodgefreak8 , are you still making these. I never ended up purchasing them but probably need it too.

 

[Car Nut]

Welcome aboard!

Nice.

 

[dodgefreak8]

Sorry not anymore

Sweet car. I also have a 73 340 Duster 4 speed. There is another member here restoring one as well.
A while back there was a member here making new sunroof drive gears. @dodgefreak8 , are you still making these. I never ended up purchasing them but probably need it too.

I'm not

 

[4spdragtop]

Welcome aboard! Condolences on Dads passing. Very cool what you're doing to a cool car!

 

[Builderguy]

Welcome to the site and may your project have more ups than downs.

 

[dibbons]

It's a beauty. It looks like the factory electronic ignition has been updated.

 

[TF360]

So, what a beautiful car! I have a couple thoughts for you. A 73 340 with the Sunroof and 4-speed is super rare. Like one of ten or even fewer left. In fact, I would bet you have the only one left in that color. Yes, one of one! Your Dad most likely knew that. In all original condition, done right, it's worth twice as much in Original condition. When I was your age, I wanted to do (and did) exactly what you are proposing. Make it fast! Make it tuff! Then later I learned how rare the car was and took it back to mostly original. Keep all the original stuff, and don't modify it too much if you want to keep the value in it. Thoughts for you to consider as you move along

 

[TF360]

Just looked up total 340 4-speed production numbers. 2,037 produced in 73, but it doesn't show the number with the Sunroof. Super rare with that.

 

[Paul Mog]

So, what a beautiful car! I have a couple thoughts for you. A 73 340 with the Sunroof and 4-speed is super rare. Like one of ten or even fewer left. In fact, I would bet you have the only one left in that color. Yes, one of one! Your Dad most likely knew that. In all original condition, done right, it's worth twice as much in Original condition. When I was your age, I wanted to do (and did) exactly what you are proposing. Make it fast! Make it tuff! Then later I learned how rare the car was and took it back to mostly original. Keep all the original stuff, and don't modify it too much if you want to keep the value in it. Thoughts for you to consider as you move along

I hear you, some of my dads friends in the 300 club said the same thing. Thanks for your input!

 

[Texas Red]

Nice to have you aboard... Dive on in for all the fun you can have...... Texas Red

 

[kick]

Really nice Duster. Have fun with it.

 

[Lift&Move]

Welcome to FABO!

 

[340sFastback]

Welcome . I love that Duster. 3D printing is very mature these days. If someone could model the sunroof parts they can definitely be printed.