Finally getting to it!!! 1970 Duster 340

-
Thanks Denny. I’ve always loved the look of the A body Rallye cluster. This cluster never looked this good even in 1979. The vacuum metalizing just didn’t hold up well.
 
steve7071 said:
Kevin,
I can't find my pictures but it's just a regular phillips head either #6 or 8 self tapping screw about 5/16-3/8 long. I used new hardware on mine (I had an original screw to copy) but dulled the plating with a scotch-brite pad so it wouldn't be too shiny.
Click to expand...
I would like to see the tail light cover screw also Steve
 
I’ve just finished reading all 33 pages of this restoration and I’ve got to say wow, the attention to detail is perfect.

It sucks that you ended up having issues with the original body shop and was good to see that you ended up with someone to do a much better job in the end. If you don’t mind me asking what ever ended up happening with the original body shop, hopefully you were able to get some of your money back.

I look forward to seeing this finished, as I’m sure you do too. Keep up the good work!
 
Hi BaptistBen. I'm glad that you enjoyed my thread. Unfortunately, I haven't received any compensation from the first body shop.........I'm not holding my breath that I ever will. Going forward with the lawsuit endind up costing me more legal fees but I thought that it would help prevent the same thing from happening to another person. I have no idea what happened to the previous body scumbag.
 
Last edited:
It’s a sad reality of the world we live in nowadays, at least that is all behind you now, and you are going to end up with a beautiful car at the end still.
 
That's true Ben but I'm fortunate to be able to continue on with the restoration after the loss of money from my misadventure. A lot of other people would have been forced to stop the project or sell it off to recoup some of the lost money. In the end, I hope that he is judged by a higher power than me.
 
Even though the markings will never be seen after the interior is completed, I decided to replicate them on the doors and right rear inner fender. She was born with the markings so I decided to put them back. Damn OCD!!

IMG_2096.JPG


IMG_2100.JPG


IMG_2103.JPG
 
OCD is good when restoring a car!
 
Cleaned up my door latches this weekend. They got a little mucky from the body shop. Coated the inside of the doors with Herculiner for a little extra protection and sound deadening. All wiring is finished except for the positive battery cable. Hush Mat was applied on the roof in place of the factory roof insulation.

IMG_2107.JPG


IMG_2105.JPG
 
I know that the blower motor color is a source of debate. I know that when I replaced the original blower motor in 1982 it was black. Some argue that it shout be silver in color. All I know is that black is correct for my car.
 
Miguel340GB5 said:
Original heater motor after restoration.
View attachment 1715272026
Before restoration.
No black paint on it.
View attachment 1715272025
Click to expand...

You have to remember those blower motors received no primer whatsoever....they were very hastily shot with gloss black on top of a very smooth motor casing. This would cause the paint over time (esp in colder climates where it was actually used the most) to start flaking off in large sections and totally disappear. I have LOTS of photos of 70-72 Duster's with most of the factory/supplier paint still on the motor. I also have LOTS of photo's of blower motors with just a tiny bit of black paint at the very end of the motor in the crevices around the two long screws that hold it together. I will never state they ALL received paint because no one can be absolutely sure. Cars in warmer climates without AC tend to retain most of the paint due to little or no use of the blower motor. They were painted way before 1970 as this late 60's factory photograph attest to.

20190106_215935.jpg
 
I had debated about installing my headliner or having an upholstery shop do it. Called several shops yesterday. They charge $450! Looks like I’m going to try my hand at installing it myself.
 
Installing a headliner isn’t that hard. The worst part is back around the sail panels. Be prepared to get your fingers pricked by the little sharp teeth that hold it in a few places!
 
FJRdoc said:
Even though the markings will never be seen after the interior is completed, I decided to replicate them on the doors and right rear inner fender. She was born with the markings so I decided to put them back. Damn OCD!!

View attachment 1715271450

View attachment 1715271451

View attachment 1715271452
Click to expand...
I'm the same way, my car is far from stock. But I'm doing it like, I think, it should have come from the factory. I'm the only one that'll ever know. Just weird I guess.

IMG_20180921_155022377.jpg


IMG_20180921_161552993.jpg


IMG_20180921_154956340.jpg
 
dmoore said:
You have to remember those blower motors received no primer whatsoever....they were very hastily shot with gloss black on top of a very smooth motor casing. This would cause the paint over time (esp in colder climates where it was actually used the most) to start flaking off in large sections and totally disappear. I have LOTS of photos of 70-72 Duster's with most of the factory/supplier paint still on the motor. I also have LOTS of photo's of blower motors with just a tiny bit of black paint at the very end of the motor in the crevices around the two long screws that hold it together. I will never state they ALL received paint because no one can be absolutely sure. Cars in warmer climates without AC tend to retain most of the paint due to little or no use of the blower motor. They were painted way before 1970 as this late 60's factory photograph attest to.

View attachment 1715272591
Click to expand...
Most 1970 Duster and Darts the blower motor were not painted black. This can go either way. But from my research and owning low milage cars most not painted black.
 
I got various odds and ends done on the car today. Installed the horn and worked on my neutral safety switch harness. Just going to rewrap the NSS harness when my harness tape arrives. Finished indtalling the parking brake handle. My original spring that returns the handle to horizontal position was broken. All headliner bow clips are installed along with the seat belt brackets.
It shouldn't be long before the engine and tranny are installed and then I can try my hand at headliner installation.
 
It was a good day today. I got done with work early today and I decided to install my engine and tranny by myself. Everything went as planned. Engine and tranny went in without any issues. No chipped or scratched paint; I'm very happy with how it all went today.
















IMG_2139.JPG


IMG_2141.JPG


IMG_2142.JPG


IMG_2144.JPG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top