Back in the 60's, my dad always bought plymouth or chrysler. Then, reading,riding with older friends, in all different makes, watching mopars at drag strips; I realized Mopars kicked butt. Got my d/l, could only buy fords, chevies, etc.
Then, in 1970, when a friend took the 406 that I had made, in my 1960 Galaxy, to 7200 rpm, when he hit some sand, and broke the rings on #7 piston; I had just started college, my dad co-signed for a 1970 Duster, 318, 3 speed. ( the 340 4 speed was $300 cheaper, but no kid could get insurance).
I had fun; Put some traction bars on it, heavier valve springs- at the 1/8 strip, beat friends with 396/350 chevelle, 383 cuda.
Then, in the process of buying, and fixing a 1955 Belair with a 425hp 396 4 speed; got divorced, and gave the Duster to the ex wife. Several years later, re-married the ex; got the Duster back, and put a 340 in it. Still a pos 3 speed, but it would haul butt.
Got divorced again, wife knew my attachment to the car, she let me keep it.
Fast forward. In 1987, won a load at the dog track, so started back on the Duster; Narrowed rear subframe, Strange narrowed rear end, 4.88 spool, Morrison 4 link, SS springs,tubs,
sub connectors- Hey, progress in my shop.
Divorce (where did that track money go?)
So, the car sat on jackstands until this June. I decided; Car ain't worth no money, or fun, unless I finish it. So I install new front floor panels, still trying to finish the cage (that halo is whuppin' my ***), the details are killing me (seat brackets, linelock, brake lines, converting front to disc.
Now, paint the interior, pull the 340, clean and paint underhhod; get the 408, buy a 727 (gave one away). Then time to sand, and paint.
Sigh
But, it will be worth it; not many people have an old muscle car, that can smoke a ricer, ford, gm.
There ain't nothing like a good running Mopar, to make your day.