Dad's 340 Duster

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J

Jay D Jay

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Joined
Aug 30, 2020
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Location
Greensboro, NC
When my Dad passed away in 2002 his '71 340 Duster was ready for paint and to be put together. He raised me a mopar fan, took me to shows and rallies every year. We talked so much about the Duster, and when I bought a 67 Valiant as my first car, the bond was hardened.
My Dad's Duster is still in peices and unpainted. Plus my brother-in-law lost the original motor while he was storing the car.
Today the car is in storage. For reasons unnecessary to speak here, I have never been able to have the car finished. My Dad went and special ordered the car the day he turned 16, as he had saved the cash. He and I are the only owners. I am at risk of loosing the car. I am permanently disabled and live with my disabled Mom.
I am putting together a fundraiser to try to gather the money to put the car back on the road. I intend to use it as a daily driver. I can't seem to get a handle on how much money I would have to raise to put it back together. It needs a motor, glass, paint, disc brakes, power steering, a radiator, etc. I have the interior and it's all in good shape. Some things were completed in the late 90's that may have to be redone, like the chassis, rear end, and chrome. I have to save my Dad's car. I would be broken if I had to sell it. What do you all think I need to raise to finish the project? I've read anywhere from 15k to 40k, and beyond. It does not have to be a show car. It does need to be drivable. I don't need a ton of hp, hopefully I can get 350 to 400 hp to the wheels when it's all said and done. But that's if I can raise the money and find a credible and fair shop to do it. So how much should I try to raise? Unfortunately, I have nothing to add to the pot.
 
You need to separate yourself from the zillions of scam artists out there. You make a claim. At least post some pictures of the car; you & dad, dad & the car from back in the '70s, the car in pieces now. Perhaps some documentation, like title and so forth might sway a few folks you aren't a swindler. Put yourself in the shoes of folks spending 10s of $thousands on their own cars. Why would they help anybody that posted what you just did?!?
 
Hello Sir, I'm sorry to hear about your circumstances. It sounds like your Dad was really proud of the car, especially if he had the fortitude to save up and buy it at 16 years of age.

First and foremost, I think you will find that most of the members on this site are genuinely concerned for the safety and well being of other members. That being said, these cars (especially if they are restored with any performance parts) are not suitable as daily drivers for someone who is permanently disabled. That is not a derogatory comment towards you in any way, and I don't have any idea what your disability is, but it is still a true statement. These cars do not possess the creature comforts of today's vehicles. If you have any issues with your feet, legs, back, shoulders, or neck it may be quite uncomfortable and possibly dangerous to operate the vehicle.

But, there are ways to minimize these issues. For instance, you may consider a slant 6 engine (they are great little power plants) or a mild 318. Since you are starting from scratch, you also have the option to swap in a 318 Magnum. That way you will have the reliability of some newer technology and also fuel injection. I consider myself pretty healthy, but it's a pain in the butt spending any amount of time hunched under the hood adjusting the carb.

Power brakes and power steering are a must. You will want to invest in good suspension parts to make the ride as comfortable as possible. Also, factory seats back in the 1970's were not build with the contouring effect of today's cars. So, if you spend a lot of time in the car during a normal day, there is always the option to upgrade your seating.

Depending on how many parts you need to replace or acquire, the amount of body work needed prior to paint, the quality of the paint job, the cost to rebuild or purchase a crate motor, the cost to rebuild or purchase a new transmission, how many pieces of glass you need to purchase, and the hourly labor rate of the shop you would need a minimum of $20,000. Most shops are $80-$100/hour. Over half of the cost will be shop rate. I think you will find to have this done at any reputable shop, you'll be closer to $30,000. That is to build a mild, reliable driver. Not including performance parts in the engine, trans, rear end, etc.

There are many members on here that can sell you used parts, for a decent price, as opposed to buying new ones. Might be a way to keep the cost down.

Good luck to you, which ever route you go. Please post pics of the restoration.
 
Our condolences up here on your Dads passing. My Dad is gone as well and I had to(gladly) buy his 67 cuda from the estate. Dont take this the wrong way, but you are in Greensboro NC? Lots of members close to you to help. I for one have more time than $$ to spare, and I would say the majority of members here are in the same boat. Maybe someone in NC can help.
Dont forget we are in Covid times, priorities over ride toys.
Cheers
 
Condolences. As is stated above, since you just joined the group today you should dig out some photos and documentation of it and post here. In these times of covid and layoffs even with gofundme's, money isn't going to be easy to solicit from anyone with just a song and here on FABO there's plenty of connections for parts etc. and we like pictures of mopars.
 
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. These cars are typically never ending. There will always be "something" to address. Time change and unfortunately you may need to do a check on your current situation. Everyone has their own story but you have to be realistic in your goals...

Certainly not berating your asking of help but you stated 400HP to the tires. In your situation I would be happy with what the factory put out and maybe even less to get it on the road. HP cost money and asking for donations for that is pretty dicey. But you never know..... Just around the corner could be someone to help fulfill your dreams and I sure hope so....

JW
 
"Why would they help anybody that posted what you just did?!?"

Why did you say this? That kinda stung. I am asking a question and did not mean to offend you. I have been reading this forum since I found it a couple weeks ago. What I wrote to you all is not what I would say in the fundraising part, and what you said was discouraging. I did not expect that here.
 
Thanks everyone. The advise about drivability is helpful. I am strong enough to do stuff, but not for very long. I don't want to have to sell the Duster. My mom is looking for some pics. After reading the responses I feel like I may be **** out of luck and seem to have offended someone. I hope that I will not be disabled forever. I was a science teacher and really miss working. I think I'll just try to prevent loosing the car until I can get a loan or something. Thanks y'all.
 
Start by putting together a list of things you need to do. Then start looking in the For Sale ads for pieces that you can afford & start the basic assembly. If you run out of parts on one section, move to another you have parts for. Putting one back together is like eating an elephant, "One bite at a time". Good luck with the build.
 
I am putting together a fundraiser to try to gather the money to put the car back on the road.
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Jay, if you are genuine, please accept my sincerest apologies. I live in New Jersey where 99.99% of all pleas for help are scams. I spent time in the orient & Middle East -- again, where scams are the norm. I guess I've been conditioned to suspect everyone. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, welcome to FABO and best of luck with your sentimental Duster.
 
Jay D Jay said:
Thanks everyone. The advise about drivability is helpful. I am strong enough to do stuff, but not for very long. I don't want to have to sell the Duster. My mom is looking for some pics. After reading the responses I feel like I may be **** out of luck and seem to have offended someone. I hope that I will not be disabled forever. I was a science teacher and really miss working. I think I'll just try to prevent loosing the car until I can get a loan or something. Thanks y'all.
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I live 2 hours away which is a nice bike ride. If you need a hand with something, check your in box for my message. -G
 
Good luck with your project, Jay! I would start with getting the car to your house, posting some pics, and making a priority list. Such as 1) make sure all glass and seals are in place, so as to weatherproof it. 2) Get the braking system working well. 3) Lights and signals operating properly. 4) Then if the interior is usable, start on the drive train. 5) Make sure the suspension and front end are working well, with tight and firm steering. These are just some ideas, because if you can focus on one system at a time, it goes alot easier. We can guide you along at each stage of the restoration. We love to see pics, then we will have a better idea of what you need to do. That is a sought after car, being a 340. Take care!
 
SLOPAR72 said:
How about the original motor? Any chance of that popping up in your life again OP?

JW
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I actually found the original motor. However, between the comments here, and some things my friends said were really discouraging. When I started thinking about doing a GoFundMe, to raise money, I felt super hopeful that people, especially people who knew my Dad, firemen, and if some local car clubs would let me post in their groups. I am just looking for a solution that will prevent me from loosing the car, and build it as a reliable daily driver for myself. Killing several birds with one stone. Also, I am not so sure I should have posted here. I spoke with a Master Mechanic about it and he said I need to get the paint completed first, along with the chassis and suspension parts.

But I am going to wait now. I feel this is not possible. My current life situation is difficult and doing may be biting off more than I can chew right now. Thanks everybody.
 
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If you decide to sell the car, post it here. Someone will most likely buy it, and complete the project. Then your Dad's car will live on! Best wishes, for you and your Mom.
 
You posted on the best "abody" site on the net and you are asking for help....why not post here? You are asking complete strangers for $$ in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. I mentioned asking for help in form of hands on help and a very knowledgable member George/A56 actually offered to help.
Do your GoFundMe, just dont expect strangers to take on the financial responsibility. I have family/kids/grandkids, 2 cudas(both need work)bills/mortgage/debt. I also have a few parts.
I wish you luck.
 
yeah man just start cleaning things up and bolting it together,it will be a day by day process and dont rush. Buy what you need as you need it.look for deals/best price etc. It takes alot to go out in the garage every day and work on it,but dont feel you have to take days off if you dont feel like it . also get help.ask someone for help. And paint doesnt have to be expensive or show quality. You can get a quart or two of single stage paint at auto zone. keep the goal simple and realistic, and go for it. The things yoou do yourself will be the most affordable. if you have to take the car somewhwew for work it will get expensive. watch videos on the things you arent sure of,check these forums. Dont rush it. good luck.
 
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