1973 Duster restoMOD!

[Stacked440]

Figured I'd start a thread to post pics and stuff in for my newest project!  I just bought a 73' duster that has a factory sunroof and fold down rear seat.  It has been converted to have 71' taillights and the sharktooth grill.  The plans for the car is some nice frame connectors, unibody stiffening all around, Custom triangulated 4-link 8-3/4" rearend, rack and pinion steering, a 5.7L hemi with either a NAG1 or 545RFE transmission and a few smaller modern touches.  The car is on a rotisserie and work begins this next week with frame connectors, no pictures of the car on the rotisserie but as a sampler, engine pics! 2005 5.7L hemi from a 2005 Chrysler 300C

[Chryco Psycho]

I have a 545RFE if you need one...... sounds like a wicked project 

[Stacked440]

I have a lot of questions about the engine transmission combo that I might go with for the car, considering the transmission and engine computers talk...a lot.  The motor has MDS on it and I'd like to be able to use it in the duster.  Wasn't sure if the 545RFE's computer could communicate with the engine computer from a car instead of a truck and still get the MDS system to work.  Any information anyone has would be awesome.

[69bronzeT5]

Would you mind registering the car please? 

www.geocities.com/dusterdartsport1973registry/

[Stacked440]

It has been sometime since the project has begun, I haven't made much progress because of work and school, but The bottom doesn't have undercoating on it anymore (for the most part).  I have 1 frame connector welded in on the passenger side and since the pictures, I've got the other fitted and am waiting for some space to clear up so I can pull it outside and blast the floors and the frame where the connector comes through.  So...progress pics may be few and far between but here are a few of the car as it sits now, and some frame connector pictures.

[femtnmax]

Great Project!!  I had a 73 340 duster years ago.  Was a good car.  Not sure how you plan to drive it, but mine was REAL light on the front end at about 120+ mph.  Definitely needed a front spoiler or...
The battery was in the trunk.  Rear leaf springs had original main leaf with the rest of the spring stack from a 68 R/T.   Straight line accel left two equal length black tracks even without a locking diff.

[72bluNblu]

What size tubing is that for the connectors? Looks good! 

[ChallengerGary]

That's a serious frame connector. Good job.  Can't wait to follow your progress 

[Stacked440]

I don't remember exactly how thick the connector is, but it's thicker than the factory frame rails, I bought them from U.S. Cartool and am very satisfied with the fitment.  Say Gary, do you reproduce the duster twister hood decal?
like the one on the right

[ChallengerGary]

Yes, I produce the side stripes and make a paint mask for the hood stripes