My Toxic '74 Duster

Howdy all! Been here quite a while with nothing to talk about - until now. I just retired last year and after building a new kitchen I finally have the time (and money - hopefully) to start this project. I'm getting the body work done on my '74 Duster which my son wants me to paint 2011 Toxic Orange. The car came with the dartlike stripe down the side and current plans are to put the same stripe on the car once painted. I have a 318 out of a '70 Cuda (not numbers matching) which will get some work - possibly boring and stroking, backed up by a 4-speed feeding a 8.75 A-body rearend. My intent is to make it look stock but give it some extra pop. Being that I live in Florida, the car will have to have AC. I also plan power steering and power brakes to enhance the car's driveability.

I am not a person who wants a trailer queen. I want a car I can drive hard, maybe a little autocross, maybe a few trips down the track, and a car I can take to the shows. So, please consider these desires when you are discussing your recommendations for this build.

For those who love pics, I'm sorry. I forgot to get pics before I sent it to the shop (my buddy took some which I will try to get from him so I can share them with you). Progress pics will be posted as soon as I get/take them.

I have seen an awful lot of excellent builds on this site and know that you guys and gals are excellent informational resources for getting the job done with minimal steps undoing things and excellent recommendations regarding which parts to use throughout the build.

Now comes my questions:

First, I have been looking at strengthening the body because, hey it's nearly 50 years old! The product I am considering for this part of the project is the US Car Tool Level 2 Strengthening Kit. This is a decision I need to make soon so I can provide the parts to my body shop before they get too far along. What are your thoughts?

Second, I also need to look at rebuilding the entire suspension. During my searches I have found there are so many options for what to buy, and from whom that I thought I could put it out there for you guys to let me know what you went with, and why? and who you decided to purchase from, and why?

I know this is a long read, but I realize that in order for you guys to make build recommendations the more information you have, the better. So, I'm looking forward to hearing from you as often as possible and will do my best to use your input throughout this build.

Thanks in advance,


MIKE
FANTUM