Project "cruster" 71 Plymouth Duster

[exesivefire]

So I have been bouncing this idea around in my head for a while, and it seemed like a good use for two kits that i otherwise probably would not have used. Those of you that may remember my Krusty Cuda build will get the idea for the name, for everyone else I'll explain as we go along here.

Nascar kit meet Duster, it's almost asking me to do this..

 

first step, cut this stuff out, it's going to be in the way.

 

Need to do a little trimming 

 

and some more..

 

Like it was meant to go there...

and some major trimming on the wheel openings 

 

My original plan was to use some sort of bolt on flare, but with how that is looking so far I am not so sure anymore. I also haven't nailed down a power plant but I'm considering a viper v10 with individual throttle bodies, or maybe a hemi, even a modern one could work.. also not sure those will be the wheels and tires I use but I do like them.. 

what is for sure is I'm going for a weekend racer type, not going to be pretty, just pretty mean. Probably lime green, but of the neglected sort. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 29, 2016 by exesivefire

[MemyselfandI]

I like it! can't wait to see the final build.

 

[Rider]

Very cool. 

[slusher]

I remember you Cuda build and it was killer. I like how this one has started...

[martinfan5]

Neat idea,  what wheels are you using?

[exesivefire]

Neat idea,  what wheels are you using?

not sure, could be these, could be something else?

[Geno]

That is gonna be one bada$$ Duster.

[62pyro]

Looks like another great start.

[JTalmage]

This is going to be great! Can't wait to see the finished product!

I have a Nascar chassis'd project in my future as well... one day.

[wrecker388]

This should be wicked if it turns out anything like your Cuda! 

[Harry P.]

The link you posted doesn't work.

[exesivefire]

The link you posted doesn't work.

if you are referencing the links above the pictures, I have no idea why it did that, I pasted the img tags like normal..

Edited September 29, 2016 by exesivefire

[exesivefire]

Started today's bench session working on fiddly bits that don't really show anything, mainly tweaking the firewall and adding tabs to the back of the chassis to ensure some sort of positive fitment between the body and chassis assembly. A little time now will save a bunch of headache later and ensure not only do I have a spot to actually glue the two parts together, but they will go back in the same spot every time.

then I opened the front wheel openings a little more so I could put a larger tire up there that matched the rear, instead of that super thin Pegasus tire I had in earlier mock-ups.

Then I wasted a LOT of time trying different centers in these wheel rings I made, only to end back up with the ones I started with. Oh well at least I know now.

Next I spent some time modifying the door panels to match the new floor, I think I have it worked out that I can attach the panels and the dash to the body before inserting the chassis. This should actually help during assembly as I have seen during the several times I have assembled and pulled this apart already.

Super happy with the stance, It is awkward and awesome all at the same time, debating if I am going to throw the stock bumper on the front with some sort of spoiler or just make something. Time will tell, winging it has worked so far. I know I will regret saying this, but so far this car has wanted to happen, it is almost scary.

[Yo Jutt]

Wow! This I like! Love the old muslemcars customized like this! Lime green is going to be sweet definatley going to be watching this one.

[Rider]

Some really good progress on this.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Love it. Great start.  The nascar kits are great parts kits for projects like this.

[Dragline]

That is VERY cool. Great idea and the execution is sublime.

 

 

Watching.

[GTJUNIOR]

If your crusty Cuda was anything to go by, this is going to be insane. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

[James2]

Always fun to watch how these projects progress. As far as power, what about the experimental OHC Hemi's that came in one of the older Roadrunner kits. (I think)

[lghtngyello03]

This looks sick already. That Chassis looks like it came for that kit.

Edited September 30, 2016 by lghtngyello03

[espo]

Wow, what a great looking build. Your thoughts on the fender flares, maybe just a very slight lip around the openings just enough to give them a little more finished look. The front spoiler with a stock bumper that is pulled close to the body would look very tough. Like the deep set wheels and the fairly stock looking interior.   

[Modlbldr]

I like this. I'll have to keep it in mind for the two NASCAR kits I have. I'll be watching.

Later-

[exesivefire]

Always fun to watch how these projects progress. As far as power, what about the experimental OHC Hemi's that came in one of the older Roadrunner kits. (I think)

that's a possibility I have that kit here.. although I'm not sure the engine is still in it... I do need to think of something, the viper engine has been ruled out. It's just too big.

[62pyro]

that's a possibility I have that kit here.. although I'm not sure the engine is still in it... I do need to think of something, the viper engine has been ruled out. It's just too big.

If you mean the pro street Super Bee,I may still have the engine if you don't.

[exesivefire]

So worked on a proof of concept tonight.. I like it