A 1974 Duster - My 2nd one, 41 years later!

-
Looks good, but why spray the door jamb before the 1/4 is welded on?????????????
 
Good question. Well I taped off the edge/lip where the 1/4 panel will spot weld to. I have been waiting for a welding star friend of mine to come help with the 1/4 re-attachment but he hasn't been able to stop by yet. I wanted to get something done while I have access to the passenger side....So, paint arrived and I painted it. If it gets heated when we are welding.... I will fix it. No biggie. I'll have to goop some seam sealer too so not worried.

With tape removed:

IMG_2456 by Alexl5280, on Flickr
 
Front suspension rebuild is almost complete. Correct pitman arm arrived today. Just need tie rods (inner/outer) for both sides, they are set to arrive on Friday. Disc brake pistons set to arrive on Friday also. So, it looks like the front end wheels can go back on, and it will be on the ground this weekend!

IMG_2458 by Alexl5280, on Flickr

IMG_2459 by Alexl5280, on Flickr

IMG_2460 by Alexl5280, on Flickr
 
Almost ready for a motor, what do you have to stick in it?
Sorry I am lazy did not want to look back thru the last 8 pages.
 
Engine. Tonight. Higgs and I have planned to go out to meet a nice man named Dave, I think in Strausberg, CO....not too far from Denver. Dave has two 360's that Higgs and I are going to buy. So, if all goes as planned I will have a 360 home tonight. The plans for the 360 are .030 over with a forged stroker kit from Scat: 408

I will be doing the rear end build up while the 360 is at the shop getting .030 over'ed and ready'ed for build. Thinking hard about doing a Mini Tub/spring relocate as well.
 
360 arrives last night! Big Thanks to Higgs and Dave in Strasburg, CO! The builder 360 LA engine was bought from Dave. I tore it down this morning. I am told it is from a 78' truck and is in standard bore. Everything turned nice and freely, easy tear down. My plans are 408 Stroker.

IMG_2471 by Alexl5280, on Flickr

IMG_2472 by Alexl5280, on Flickr
 
My modified/restored/converted auto steering column....now ready for a floor shift car. I used that $7 dollar Ebay bearing that everyone has been using, realy worked out well. I had the plate that attaches to the firewall powder coated in gloss black. New white foam gasket (wish it was black):


IMG_2480 by Alexl5280, on Flickr

IMG_2481 by Alexl5280, on Flickr


Steering column installed.

IMG_2483 by Alexl5280, on Flickr

IMG_2482 by Alexl5280, on Flickr

I have been reading....looks like I will need to modify my stock Z-Bar for fitment of the headers. Another thing to do.
 
Dr Diff has ALWAYS done right by me! Your car is coming along nicely, as a result of your great work. I'm looking forward to a ride in this sweet car!
 
I painted all my white foam gaskets with black rattle can flexible bumper paint before I put them in.......
 
^ Good tip! I would have to pull the column and I am not sure it is worth the effort. If I have to take the column out when installing the headers I will paint that gasket then.
 
OK. Inner seals arrived and have been installed. A shot of shiny gloss black paint was applied. The paint kind of crinkled on me, I may sand it smooth and shoot another coat or two. I didn't powder coat the housing because I haven't decided if I am going to mini tub or not. That would require moving the leaf spring mount on the axel and I don't want to ruin a powder coat job if I decide to do the mini tub, so paint for now. New 30 spline 5 x 4.5 axels are set to arrive today from Doctor Diff. The brake rebuild kit will be here later this week then I can get backing plates and rebuilt drum works transferred to this 8 3/4" axel.

IMG_2496 by Alexl5280, on Flickr

New 8 3/4" Axels just arrived from Doctor Diff. All set up with Green bearings for my Green Machine!

IMG_2498 by Alexl5280, on Flickr
 
My rear brake backing plate is supposed to be done, the powder coater just called. So I can get the passenger side done and then give him the other plate. I took one apart at a time so I can have a visual to refer to when putting it back together. I know stupid, but safe.

I am fighting with "Do I mini tub and spring re-locate" or do skip it??? I already have my 15x8 wheels and tires...but 15x10's would look awesome. Do it? or Skip it, and keep going?
 
Alex the project is very cool, very intricate.

By the way I received the firewall clutch linkage plug in the mail today. Thanks!
 
^ Welcome on the clutch plug! With the old drivers side as a guide (mirror's image) the passenger side backing plate was back from the powder coater....So the new brake shoes and spring kit was assembled.

IMG_2501 by Alexl5280, on Flickr
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top