J-Hulk's 1/1 scale 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 (pix-o-plenty)

I think there was a thread a while back featuring our real rides, but I just finally got around to scanning some pix of my ol' 1970 Duster 340, so here she is.

Some background: Pop bought it brand new in late 1969, ordering it with the high-performance, high-compression 340 engine with Hurst 4-speed, dual exhaust, and no horespower-robbing accessories like air conditioning, power brakes, or power steering. Pop the hood, and all you saw was an engine, and alternator, and an air cleaner. All those ponies made it to the pavement! And all that for only $2,366 1969 dollars.
He drove it hard for 10 years, then parked it in the yard where it sat derelict for almost two years. Then, as a high school senior, I FINALLY realized what a cool car it was! Since I was seven, it had just been the "family car," but when I turned 17, the lights came on. Particularly after lots of folks had stopped by asking if it was for sale.

Here's a pic of the poor girl at her worst, in faded Plum Crazy, just before I started the rebuild:




After a much-needed valve job, clutch replacement (Hayes street/strip), Eagle Headers, a Holley 650 Double Pumper (I've always loved that name), new Cragar S/S wheels with the bigs & littles, and a new paint job (and vinyl roof removal), it looked like this, circa 1982:





I was a happy 19-year-old!

I had it repainted at a local shop, the name of which I can't remember, but I do remember I was quite upset with them when the gold Duster 340 stripe I had asked for turned out more like a half-a$$ed Dodge Demon stripe...and that after I had given them TONS of reference pix! I grew to love the Demonesque stripe in time, but I really wanted that 340 stripe...

The only mods to the car where the Eagle headers, Holley Carb, Hayes street/strip clutch, and the wheel-tire combo, but it still ran some pretty respectable times at Savannah Dragway. My best time was 14.02 seconds at 108 mph in the quarter mile. I'm sure with better driving technique I could have easily coaxed her into the high 13-second bracket, but getting that better driving technique was easier said than done! Some slicks might have helped, too, as I always had lots of tirespin, losing precious time off the line.
Ah, the memories!

AND to keep this a modelling-themed post, I've planned to build this car for some time now, and have both of the 1971 Duster 340 kits from AMT/Ertl.
I'm going to do one in it's original Plum Crazy glory for my dad, and one in Black & Gold for myself.
For the original, I'll have to backdate the front grill to the 1970 model, and add the vinyl roof.
For the rebuilt version, I'll have to do the same grill mod, add the Cragars and fats 'n' skinnies, add the headers, and add a Holley carb (the kit comes with a Carter, I believe). Plus, I'll have to rough up the interior a bit, since I never got around to restoring it fully!

I eventually had to sell my black & gold baby in 1985, as I was going away to university and could no longer give her the attention that she needed (and was going to need. I think her rings were shot...) I sold her for $3,500 in 1985...$1,134 more than pop paid for her in 1969! I reckon I had put a lot more than that back into her, though. Worth every penny! I always tell myself I'll get another Duster...340 Six-Pack!

If I ever get this modelling project under way, I'll be asking you true auto modelling masters for your sage advice!

Thanks for looking, and I hope you enjoyed the pix.

If pix won't enlarge, you can check 'em out here:
http://rongeorge.com/modules/Gallery/upload?page=3