1973 Duster 440
I took these pictures today. I have finished the rust repair for the most part. If I had it to do over again, I would have ordered a whole new floor instead just the footwells. I ended up with a lot of patch panels but learned a lot about sheet metal work. Mostly that I suck at it.
I pulled the windshield to remove the dash. The windshield trim put up a fight but the windshield itself came out pretty easy. I painted the dash and a lot of the interior pieces. The sail panels and some of the other plastic trim were broken, so I’ve been working with a plastic welder to see if they can be salvaged. If not, I’ll have to find some used ones or get creative since it doesn’t look like they are being reproduced.
I have a pile of parts to be installed but I’m waiting until I have the engine and trans placement done. I got a used a833 from a b body, not ideal but it’s a start. I’ll probably try to find an a body one but so far I haven’t had much luck, at least locally. I also picked up a ford explorer 8.8 with a 3.56 and limited slip, it’ll have to be cut down but that’s doable. If I can find an A-body 8 3/4 for reasonable, I may change course. Though, the bang for your buck is pretty high with an 8.8 is pretty good.
I took these pictures today. I have finished the rust repair for the most part. If I had it to do over again, I would have ordered a whole new floor instead just the footwells. I ended up with a lot of patch panels but learned a lot about sheet metal work. Mostly that I suck at it.
I pulled the windshield to remove the dash. The windshield trim put up a fight but the windshield itself came out pretty easy. I painted the dash and a lot of the interior pieces. The sail panels and some of the other plastic trim were broken, so I’ve been working with a plastic welder to see if they can be salvaged. If not, I’ll have to find some used ones or get creative since it doesn’t look like they are being reproduced.
I have a pile of parts to be installed but I’m waiting until I have the engine and trans placement done. I got a used a833 from a b body, not ideal but it’s a start. I’ll probably try to find an a body one but so far I haven’t had much luck, at least locally. I also picked up a ford explorer 8.8 with a 3.56 and limited slip, it’ll have to be cut down but that’s doable. If I can find an A-body 8 3/4 for reasonable, I may change course. Though, the bang for your buck is pretty high with an 8.8 is pretty good.
