Got lucky, I think, with a Duster...suggestions?

[oxygenetic]

Hello all! Okay, I know how to change my oil, change a tire, and at one point, learned that my ignition switch in the distributor of my 305 Chevy Truck was bad and managed to change it myself. This learning inspired me to restore an older car (didn't take much). I recently acquired a Plymouth Duster...pseudo-abandoned and owed as a bad debt. I know a little about the car according to the previous owner: engine runs great (I've seen it running) but needs a new tranny. The car has been sitting for almost a year, is in quite a bit of shambles (rusted through floorboard, interior is a wreck, rust on the roof and in some of the quarter panels). I decoded the VIN and found out it's a 1974, 318 with 150 hp. I have a few questions. Well, first, I want the vehicle to run. My first question: Since it needs a new tranny, how hard will it be to switch it from auto to manual (muscle cars, I believe, need manual). I heard that in those days, Mopar vehicles came equipped with the right linkage and what nots to convert and all you had to do was add a clutch and cable. After it runs, I'd like to increase the hp (150 doesn't sound like enough for a muscle car). Without dropping a new engine (because of funds) how will that be possible? I think it has a 2 barrel Carter carb and I know that changing it to a 4 barrel will increase the hp...but by how much and what else should I do? I want to start it but I imagine I have to drain and replace all the old fluids first...true or false? If true, other than an oil change and syphoning the gas, what else is necessary?

As you can see, I'm such a mech newbie, so I hope there's some sympathy (or empathy) in helping me get my feet wet. I plan on doing it all myself: the welding (floorboard), the mechanical, AND the painting (when I'm ready, I will ask for advice here also). I have a clear canvas, here guys. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

[71Cnet]

first to go from auto to manual you are going to need alot. tranny, bell housing, clutch, pedal assy, all the rods and the z bar. there are a couple of other things i cant think of right know. 4 barrel would help. you might want to put in a cam and lifters. while you are there you might as well put in a timing chain. a dual exhaust always helps and dont always think bigger is better. the rear axle is probly a 7 1/4. if you do end up putting alot of ponys under the hood you might want to look into an 8 3/4 or a dana 60. it is always good when you get a new car to change your fluids. you never know the last time it was actually done. that is all i can think of right now. if i think of anything else ill let you know. good luck and i hope your wallet likes you.

[BleedDodge]

I wouldn't even call that a muscle car. You have a long way to go.

[PeteRR]

The car doesn't sound worth restoring. If you do want to, then I would find another auto trans to drop in for now. Tackle the body work next. Then get the interior into serviceable shape. Do a mild rebuild on the 318 after that. Once all that was done I would start to think about a 4-speed swap.

[mopargirl]

I know most people don't consider Dusters musclecars, and technically they ain't, but a 340 or 360 Duster can smoke a whole lotta musclecars.

See the Duster resto section on my website for some details on the restoration we did. www.breakstuffracing.com

[SeventyOlds 442]

Believe me, That car is not worth restoring, its just a hole to throw money into. It won't be worth anything when you're done (maybe a couple K) and you'd have to spend more money to restore than you could buy a few years older duster already or very close to done. I have first hand experience with a 1968 Tempest I didn't know what I was doing and it seemed like just a little bit of work but theres a whole lot more than you think. The way you describe that car it sounds like that will be nearly a 2 or 3 year restoration project. If you reconsider than good for you but if you go on and do it anyways than good luck.