1974 Dart Sport “Desert Rat”
Thought I’d take some time and post some pictures of my new a body project, it’s been quite a while since I worked on and a body.
We recently relocated to Phoenix Arizona from Champaign Illinois and I have always dreamed of pulling a rust free Mopar out of the desert… Well, I did it!
Not quite all it’s cracked up to be, I was hoping for a quick cleanup get it running and driving and leave it somewhat ready but as so many projects go… It is now getting pretty much everything!
My plan is to make it somewhat of a rat rod, since the exterior has all of its original paint I plan on leaving it the way it is cleaning it up adding new stripes and a vinyl top.
The motor turned out not the original but a 1970 to 318 with 904 transmission.
Unlike my last 1970 Plymouth duster I built this one is going to stay a small block but the plan is to dress a late model magnum engine to look like an original LA 360.
The name desert rat comes from the inside of the car being completely overrun by Desert rat‘s. It needs a complete overhaul and is getting it currently!
I have already relied on members here on FAO for parts and tips as I did with my 1970 duster for 440 project.
If this one turns out half as nice as the 70 I will be thrilled! I just want a cool original patina cruiser with AC. Again it was going to be a quick flip but… turns out I really like the car and feel it is well deserving of the build I am giving the car.
The car was purchased in Kingman Arizona and came with a fairly complete 1973 dart sport as a parts car. That car is for sale and I will take any reasonable offer!
Any comments are welcome, I’ve been restoring Mopar’s for 20+ years and I am thrilled to be doing A dart sport. I have always wanted a 71 or 72 dodge demon but this is close enough for now!
We recently relocated to Phoenix Arizona from Champaign Illinois and I have always dreamed of pulling a rust free Mopar out of the desert… Well, I did it!
Not quite all it’s cracked up to be, I was hoping for a quick cleanup get it running and driving and leave it somewhat ready but as so many projects go… It is now getting pretty much everything!
My plan is to make it somewhat of a rat rod, since the exterior has all of its original paint I plan on leaving it the way it is cleaning it up adding new stripes and a vinyl top.
The motor turned out not the original but a 1970 to 318 with 904 transmission.
Unlike my last 1970 Plymouth duster I built this one is going to stay a small block but the plan is to dress a late model magnum engine to look like an original LA 360.
The name desert rat comes from the inside of the car being completely overrun by Desert rat‘s. It needs a complete overhaul and is getting it currently!
I have already relied on members here on FAO for parts and tips as I did with my 1970 duster for 440 project.
If this one turns out half as nice as the 70 I will be thrilled! I just want a cool original patina cruiser with AC. Again it was going to be a quick flip but… turns out I really like the car and feel it is well deserving of the build I am giving the car.
The car was purchased in Kingman Arizona and came with a fairly complete 1973 dart sport as a parts car. That car is for sale and I will take any reasonable offer!
Any comments are welcome, I’ve been restoring Mopar’s for 20+ years and I am thrilled to be doing A dart sport. I have always wanted a 71 or 72 dodge demon but this is close enough for now!