Old Man Mopar
Righteous Dude
Yikes!
73' B3 340 Duster pro touring build
- Thread starter 76orangewagon
- Start date
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76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
Did a little more test fitting on the front bumper, it's hard to tell in the pictures but its drawn back an extra 1" over factory and is starting to fit the fender pockets better. I've got some more shaping to do to make it fit correctly, Tom (the painter) said he will work his "Magic" on it and it will flow right into the fenders flawlessly. I also decided to add another modification before it gets painted. It is a flush mount Billet battery lug terminal.... after lots of eyeballing it in several locations I decided to mount it in a unique location. Don't worry we took precautions to keep the water out of the cab, The cable routing was mocked up also to make sure everything will clear everything and stay tucked out of the way. It also is probally going to get powder coated Matte black so it will be suttle and not stand out like in the picture... enjoy
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
Okay, somebody stop me....I can't leave the front Bumper alone, I decided to try to see if it looked better by adding some rings to the lights and give it some depth. If I decide to keep them I will drill holes in the bumper and weld the rings to the bumper from the backside hiding all the welds for a smooth and stamped look once complete. I also started working on a permanently mounted but retractable tow hook, it will require a small notch in the bottom edge of the bumper face and will be 90% hidden unless needed....Yes, I will be powdercoating it Red. It's made out of .500" 7075 aluminum and is 3" wide with two 3/8" shouldered bolts that will ride in the slots and act as guides. I might be adding a quick release pin to secure it in the hidded position.
jrlegacy23
68 Barracuda
You should put a small electric ram on the tow loop so you can activate it in the car. Then you can option it to drop out from behind the bumper or from between the grill and bumper.
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
This is actually my second design, the first was billet aluminum and had 8 cap bolts recessed into it. The problem was it was too thick (1/2") and didn't flow with the bumper..... Remember I like suttle modifications that make you question if it came that way.
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
Interesting idea.... but I think thats something that Andrew (Blue Missle) would be better at with his actuators, motors and high tech gizmo's :headbang:
HemiMark
Well-Known Member
I'm not going to stop you but I am sending 2 gallons of rum to distract you !
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
I can use that when I start making the billet Valve Covers....also I have a call in to the Upholstery lady to see how much to redo the new seats in Red.
HemiMark
Well-Known Member
:thumblef:
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
Another test fit today...I got the driving light rings tacked in place (need to gring the weld still) and got my retractable tow hook completed. I like the way the bumper tucks into the valance, I still have some minor work to do on the ends to get them fitting tighter into the fender gap. I post pics of that once that's complete. When the tow is retracted it hardly noticable. I also got a nice surprise from UPS....my complete tinted glass kit for the Duster.
HemiMark
Well-Known Member
Looking good Ross...........
pettybludart
Well-Known Member
Been following your project for awhile now,but are you chroming the front bumper after all the mods?Nice work...waiting for some color..:glasses7:
blue missile
Well-Known Member
Ross,
I love the thinking out of the box, great looking work, keep making it yours.
Andrew
By the way COOL dolly!
I love the thinking out of the box, great looking work, keep making it yours.
Andrew
By the way COOL dolly!
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
I wasn't sure a few if I was going to chrome it or paint them but after going to Mecum in May and saw some awesome cars with painted bumpers I was sold on painting them..I plan on a two tone paint scheme to visually reduce the sive and give defination to the shape.
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
I like this tow hook idea better than the original designed insert, it will hopefully never be needed so it will be in the retracted position most of the time. Also it is basically there cause I thought it would be cool looking.
I can't wait to make it even more unique once I start with the engine bling. Theres gonna be lot's of Billet.
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
Finally got the 1 piece Timing cover and motor mount cut out, I still need to recess the motor mounts into the timing cover instead of sitting on top like in the pictures. The purpose of the ears is to make the Edelbrock RPM heads even with the block ( I hate the fact that the heads overhang the block roughly 7/8"). I still need some minor machining on the bushed motor mounts since the Saginaw TC II steering pump and alternator will mount to them. This started with a 100lb piece of 6061 T-6 Aluminum. Once I get to mock this up to the block all will become clear as Mud ...I guess you could say that this would be considered pushing the envelope, I could have just bought a front engine plate and saved lots of time and money but I want to be unique here.
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
I bought this one as a sample to copy, but decided to change the overall design and add alot of thickness since it will be used as motor mounts also. I'm gonna sell this one now that it's served it's purpose.
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
Okay here's a mock up of the front Timing cover and motor mount combo, I still have some material removal and machining to do to make all the angles correct and flush mount the bushed mounts to the timing cover but you can see in the mock up how much room I will gain for my Power rack and pinion clearance once the "modified" factory mount and tabs are gone. Once I get all the machining done I'll make the mounting tabs that will bolt the mounting ears to the HemiDenny K.
Bull1tt
AWB Dodge
Like a "Mad Scientist" with a CNC machine... Looks great Ross!
My vote is for chroming the front bumper, if you are keeping score. -Don
My vote is for chroming the front bumper, if you are keeping score. -Don
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
Thanks Don.....If I plan on parking next to the Hemi Boys I figured I need something unique so my little ol' small block gets noticed. Thanks for your vote...for chrome.
Old Man Mopar
Righteous Dude
1. I'd better keep my money in my shoe
2. I don't want to forget to get my shots
3. I musn't mention those "Wal-Mart" photos
4. I shouldn't offer to make them all tow hooks
5. I'd better bring them all the rum they can handle
76orangewagon
Well-Known Member
I think I actually have those covered....so I should be good.
1. I'm always broke so there is no money to keep in my sneaker
2. The Military makes sure this is covered and them some
3. I don't do anything Wal-Mart
4. I have an extra tow hook that I won't be using....just in case
5. I Always come well stocked
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