I was in the process of rebuilding the suspension in the beater valiant, when I got a call about a green duster a former member was in the process of letting go (too many cars). Being that the BV was a good car, but my main parts stash was geared toward the final revisions of the A-body/duster 73-76, and '67 was just not easy to get parts for (no dipping into the "stash" for parts). So I parted the BV down and transferred the suspension and drive train to this car (cleaned out some items, making room for others).
So:
She's a Gold Duster, one year only color for 1973 (Pale Green).
Her original equipment was benchseat, map light, Gold Duster Package, rear defroster(blower), AM radio, 225/A904, power steering, manual 10" drum brakes, Halo Vinyl Roof.
Original owner had some issues and upon pulling her interior apart it became evident that the car had suffered a massive electrical short in some of the circuits (dome light had about 6" of burned off wiring from the socket back toward the package tray...the headlight switch no longer had it's recetacle either...)
Poor car is now going to be schizo:
All wiring replaced by full intact harnesses from my old 1974 Duster.
Still have a few "1973 only" items to modify to make the package complete.
The front bench was torn and is bad shape, so I replaced all the seats with good black ones salvaged 9 years ago from a 1976 Feather Duster that was totalled...(best $300 I ever spent).
Beater Valiant suspension includes 1976 unitized/fully welded K-framed
New bushings, stock 1973 sway bar, 340/360 T-bars
Disc Brakes and 10" drums in the rear.
8.25" rear end with 3.55 Sure grip from Hpak Duster
Summit Driveline Loop
Converted from Auto to Manual-Floor shift
Pedals and linkage from BV
1974 A-230 3-spd
Spec Clutch Stage 3 disc
Engine is refreshed from the 280/270 Hpak motor I ran last year.
10.3:1 SCR
Erson 280/270LSA111+4
Known good melling pump with hardened gear
#600 Peanut Plug head without AIR
1.70/1.44 SI Valves
Stage 1 port and polish (clean ports and gasket match)
Offy 4-barrel Intake
List#6299 Holley 390cfm carb
#52 jets front/#54 jets rear, 10.5PV, orange pump cam #1 position
#25 shooter
Stock Single exhaust manifold that has been "massaged"
Heat flap removed.
Single tailpipe from 1974 Duster 2 1/4" from manifold to
V-8 muffler then 2 1/4" out to bumper-exhaust tech added
a 340 exhaust tip since he had a spare.
Engine break in went like clockwork and it should be ready to go when I get tires and an alignment. I have a couple of gauges to wire in and I think things are golden for this car...
More Later,
-D.Idiot
