Historical archives of the way it was....



I began this project back in March, 1997 beginning with the purchase of this fine automobile, a genuine offspring of Mother Mopar. This was the start of the rebirth of my Mopar dream, a big block Duster. All the modifications you see in these photos were accomplished by me. The exceptions are; the shortening and building of the Dana 60, fabrication of the dash panels, access panel, and the installation of the front windshield.

The Duster sat for three months in the apartment complex parking lot where I lived. I then bought a 2-car garage with a house attached to it, and I immediately began dismantling the car to practically a bare shell. This step ushered in the early stages of the build-up. Like most Mopar projects, this one is a labor of love. Especially for me, because many years ago, I had spent three years building my first 440 Duster, only to have driven it for 4 months before selling it. It was painful to sell it, and I kept the dream alive that someday I would have a chance to build another one. A big block Duster even more bad-ass than the first! Ladies and gentlemen, Mopar lovers of all ages, welcome to my obsession entitled "The Return of Asphalt Assault"! Party on!


Second trip to the strip!

Recognition in magazines

Latest Duster Photos

My Duster finally has a hood!

My Duster's first trip to the dragstrip!

Pictures of the initial engine fire-up!

VIDEO CLIPS of my first drive!! Finally, Asphalt Assault hits the road!

Photos During Construction

The Beloved Mopars of my Past

Engine Install

My First Paint Job!

Pro Parts semi-fenderwell headers trial fitted to the engine

Pro Parts semi-fenderwell headers installed

Engine Photos

Fabricated Trans Tunnel

My low- mounted GM 80 amp one wire alternator

Fabricated engine compartment panels

Custom 3" Exhaust System



Vehicle Highlights:

1973 Plymouth Duster I bought for $595.00. It was a bone stock slant 6 car

1971 440, all machine work performed by Oddy/Perfection Race Engines

727, rebuilt with Turbo-Action race kit, Cheetah full manual valvebody, MP deep pan, and A&A bolt in sprag

Dynamic 9-1/2" torque converter, designed to flash at 4,500rpm

Chassis Engineering subframe kit w/ ladder bars & Alden double adjustable coilovers with 110 lb./in. springs

Chassis Engineering 12 point rollcage

Dana 60, shortened to 41" drum to drum, built with Strange S/T axles and 4.56:1 gears

New custom interior with rollcage painted to match body color ('75 Corvette Bright Yellow)

Custom bodywork, including shaving the drip rails, smoothing the gas filler door, and stretching the rear wheel openings 4.5" for larger tires, and smooth firewall

Centerline Convo-Pro wheels, 15x4 front, 15x15 rear

Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro front, with 19.5 x 33 rear

Lightweight body parts; fiberglass front and rear bumpers, trunk lid, .032 thick aluminum floor

Converted factory drums to A-body front disc brakes

Rebuilt the front suspension with PST Polygraphite kit