73 Plymouth duster question

[Joe Janusch]

well its going to be a 73 duster I decidied. all I need is a grill front fenders, so no big deal. now I just need to decide if I want to go 340 or 360

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by Joe Janusch

well its going to be a 73 duster I decidied. all I need is a grill front fenders, so no big deal. now I just need to decide if I want to go 340 or 360

'73 has to be a 340 only
'74 has to be a 360 only

The main difference between the 2 model year bodies is that a '74 has rear shock absorber-type bumper brackets. Not sure how strict NHRA is about that but NHRA regulars may know. They do help with the weight in the back since they are heavier than standard brackets used in previous years.

[Bobby DiDomenico]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

'73 has to be a 340 only
'74 has to be a 360 only

The main difference between the 2 model year bodies is that a '74 has rear shock absorber-type bumper brackets. Not sure how strict NHRA is about that but NHRA regulars may know. They do help with the weight in the back since they are heavier than standard brackets used in previous years.

Myron,

Now that would be funny, letting the huge aircraft carrier bumper mount slide but worrying about some plastic tailights!

[Myron Piatek]

Bobby,
Yea, you never know. Some tech guys may pass it and some may not, if they even notice. So it's best to ask.

[Bobby DiDomenico]

It has been a while since I've seen one, when did Mopar go from the small bumpers to the style where you could sit on them like a park bench? I had a Ford and the rear bumper sat 6! A lady I knew had a Purple '70 340 (I think) Duster and it was one where the purple came off. Really liked the Demon version, great looking cars.

[Jim Wahl]

Myron, correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the big bumpers came out in 1973 or '74 for the A bodies. The Demon was renamed the Dart Sport in '73 because of some flack received from Reverend Billy Grahm. Jim

[Bobby DiDomenico]

Originally Posted by Jim Wahl

Myron, correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the big bumpers came out in 1973 or '74 for the A bodies. The Demon was renamed the Dart Sport in '73 because of some flack received from Reverend Billy Grahm. Jim

When Mopar went to the large bumper, did they all have those big black rubber "bumperettes" on them?

[Jim Wahl]

Guys, the difference in the tail lights on a Demon and a Duster is HUGE! It would be like a Camaro running Firebird tail lights! Also the Demon has a one inch longer wheel base than a Duster, 107 to 108. Check the specs. They are both A bodies but there are big differences. Front fenders, hood, grille and bumper (depending on year). I don't think a Firebird would pass tech with Camaro tail lights. Jim

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Jim Wahl

Guys, the difference in the tail lights on a Demon and a Duster is HUGE! It would be like a Camaro running Firebird tail lights! Also the Demon has a one inch longer wheel base than a Duster, 107 to 108. Check the specs. They are both A bodies but there are big differences. Front fenders, hood, grille and bumper (depending on year). I don't think a Firebird would pass tech with Camaro tail lights. Jim

They BOTH have a 108 wheelbase Jim.

[Jim Wahl]

Hey! Your name isn't Myron! Only Myron can correct me! Seriously, I know what the NHRA specs say, but I have owned many many A bodies and have seen the wheelbase difference and have read it in many other sources. Not worth arguing about. The point I was making is there are more differences in the two A bodies than most people realize. Also the dash changed majorly in the A body in 1972.

Terry, do you think NHRA or IHRA would allow an early model Firebird Stocker or Super Stocker to run Camaro tail lights?

Bobby, it was an option. Jim