Finally getting to it!!! 1970 Duster 340

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Coming along very nicely Kevin, the attention to detail is top notch and the satisfaction when your all done is worth all the extra time. When you get to show it off this summer the compliments your going to get will be plenty.
 
Thanks Danny. I got the rear carpet installed today. Started on the front but stopped because I'm pooped! I'm happy with everything that I got done this weekend. Filled the power steering pump with fluid. Replaced the cork tranny pan gasket with the Mopar reusable rubber gasket and poured 4 quarts of fluid in for now. I should get the carpet finished within the next couple days. Hopefully, my exhaust system arrives soon.
 
Carpet installation is complete. Rear interior panels are installed. I am going to add some insulation it the trunk divider before installing the rear seat. I think that things are looking good.

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Your carpet laid down nice. Mine not so great, maybe because it sat in the box for six years. Tried to warm it with heat gun and tried putting weight on it, but still wrinkled.

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I had my carpet laying out for a long time. I also used a Wagner steamer to help with the install. That steamer has paid for itself with the carpet and headliner install as well as with wallpaper removal around the house.
 
Wish I thought of that, oh well live and learn.
 
Kevin,
The car looks great! You're about 1-1/2 years behind my restoration but the worst is behind you. You'll be driving the car soon and can't wait to see it finished.

Steve
 
Thanks Steve. I lost valuable time with my body shop fiasco. Things are moving along nicely now. I finished insulating the trunk divider and I plan to install the rear seat tomorrow! I'm anxious to see how the black and charcoal seats are going to look installed. I also made a copy of my build sheet and plan on putting it under the rear seat springs. I saw that Danny did that on his Dart restoration and I really like the idea. I think I'll sign and date it while I'm at it.

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Rear interior is finished! The two-toned seat looks great. It is a very subtle difference that is more noticeable in sunlight.

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I tried to install my steering column last weekend only to find that it wasn't long enough to reach the steering box. I was very careful when I removed the column and during the component restoration to try and not collapse the shaft. Did a measurement only to find that the shaft was short. I have no idea how it happened. This weekend, I was able to get the shaft out to length and I replaced the upper steering column bearing. My wife helped me guide the shaft into place :lol:and I was able to get everything bolted up. Next project will be installing the guts to the doors and side windows.

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be honest....in the back of your mind you were thinking....where did she learn to do that?

just bustin ya'...we're all friends, ya know...and don't rat me out either.
 
Oh I'm gonna drive her Dave. I haven't driven this car on the road since 1983! I am so looking forward to hearing the 340 fire up and cruise down the road. I had a hard time deciding on an exhaust system for the car. I was torn between an Accurate system or a stainless steel system from Waldron's. In the end, I elected to go with the stainless steel system because I just don't want to worry about exhaust issues. I hate doing exhaust work.
I received notice that my exhaust system will be dropped off to my house tomorrow. I will report back on how the system fits and the quality once I have a chance to get into the installation.
 
FJRdoc said:
Oh I'm gonna drive her Dave. I haven't driven this car on the road since 1983! I am so looking forward to hearing the 340 fire up and cruise down the road. I had a hard time deciding on an exhaust system for the car. I was torn between an Accurate system or a stainless steel system from Waldron's. In the end, I elected to go with the stainless steel system because I just don't want to worry about exhaust issues. I hate doing exhaust work.
I received notice that my exhaust system will be dropped off to my house tomorrow. I will report back on how the system fits and the quality once I have a chance to get into the installation.
Click to expand...

Kevin,
The car looks amazing! I ended up going with Accurate's system. Here's a short video of how it sounds
It looks like you're making good progress on finishing the car, how long do you think it will be before you're able to drive it?

Steve
 
Thanks Steve. Your exhaust system sounds great. My exhaust was delivered today. I'm anxious to see how it fits and then to hear it after I fire the old girl up! I hope to get the door internals installed this weekend. Actually, there isn't much work to do to finish the car. I expect to complete my work before the end of next month. I will need to test everything out before I have the windshield and rear glass installed.

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Stunning! Did you have to trim that carpet on the top edge?
 
My carpet fit perfectly TF360 (probably better than when it left the factory). I only needed to trim around the steering column mounting plates. Otherwise, the rest just tucked under the firewall insulation.
My brother and I purchased steering coupler cages at Carlisle the other year. I installed mine last night and finished painting the coupler. Now I can feel confident that everything is going to stay in place.

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those can be a MFer to install the final time all prettied up and fresh paint all around....powder coating the case, cap and retainer helps so you don't have to break out the touch-up brush / paint.

the retainer is the tits, isn't it?!
 
I figured that the install would mess up my painted parts so I installed the coupler unpainted. I painted everything on the car with the retainer installed. I used Chassis Black semi-gloss with a small brush. It flows out nicely without brush marks.
 
Looks awesome. If you want the correct color for the retainer it is like a baby blue from the factory.
 
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