Well here's an update. I've done nothing on the car as life has kicked me in the butt. Working full time, a 2 year old (can you believe he's 2?) and having a pool installed have all led me to have no time to get anything done.

But why am I updating? Well I won an eBay auction last week close to home for a new power plant. But what about the 5.7L Hemi he was going to install? Well I'm selling all the 5.7L Hemi parts.

Here's the new power train ready to be installed. I just need a few things here and there. I'll get to that in a minute...
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/IMG_3141.jpg
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/IMG_3143.jpg

Just in case your a not upto date on these engines...
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/IMG_3142.jpg

So to update it a bit more I've been doing research into what oil pan and headers I need for this engine.

Riddler

Well I'm trying to compete the metal work up so I can move on to mocking up the pedals, brakes, etc etc

The Duster firewall isn't smooth in a least bit, but that doesn't bother me. However I did have to cut the stock AC area out as I needed this area flat for the Vintage Air evaporator to sit against the firewall.

I marked the lines and cut it out.
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/IMG_3236.jpg
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/IMG_3237.jpg

You can also see in the above picture the gas pedal area needed to cut a little. I needed the gas pedal to sit angled more towards the floor for driver comfort. Now I just need to weld that all shut again.

Then using a cardboard template I marked the steel for cutting.
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/IMG_3238.jpg

After all that I welded it in. You can also see the AC bulkhead I welded in. I had to place it a small angle as the Hemi needs the room for valve cover removal.
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/IMG_3239.jpg

I have the wiper area cut and removed as well. The next time I need to weld in a flat panel and all the useless holes.

Riddler

Well back to work today...

My goal is to get the firwall as straight and smooth as possible. I've only got a few more holes to weld up, then a ton grinding and then fiberglass to smooth it.

Today involved welding the gas pedal mount solid. I've still have to make a plate for that area to make it look like the firewall is smooth. I then moved on towards the wiper motor area. I've cut it out and plans are to use a modern motor with a delay function. I snagged one out of a Dakota to use.

Wiper area cut out.
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/DSC_0028.jpg

Plate made and welded in.
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/DSC_0030.jpg

I also made a new top piece and made it look as factory as I can.
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/DSC_0031.jpg

Grinded it down smooth and it's ready for a thin application of short hair fiberglass.
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...s/DSC_0032.jpg

Different angle.
http://www.riddlerneon.com/gallery/a...DSC_0033~0.jpg


That's all for today.

Riddler

OK so that's all the pictures of have and now I'm upto date. Please feel free to ask some questions or whatever.

Hopefully there some Mopar love on these forums.

Riddler

Nice work!



Best part of these projects is working with people you like hanging out with... it makes it all so much more fun. Sometimes you have good intentions of doing lots of work - and only end up getting pizza.... and going to the store with them for something they need... LOL


It's a journey -- enjoy it!

By the way --- NO on the short hair fiberglass.... just use a good quality bondo!


It's WAY easier to use and is the proper way to make this stuff flat and smooth...

You'll find that fiberglass doesn't really bond that well with metal...

Welcome to Lateral-G. I've been here for 5 years and you already have more post than me :whistling:

Thanks for the heads up on the bondo. I was under the impression that short hair fiberglass was better to use for projects like this.

Tim yeah well I take more pictures than you. Your almost caught up to me. I really need to focus on smaller jobs and get them done.

I think I'm going to finish the fuel filler tube and the firewall. Then move onto the brakes.

Any pictures of the doors on the car yet? Maybe if I big you enough I can get you taking more pictures.

Riddler

Nice job it came out great.

I like to spend my time working on the car, rather than taking pictures.....:catfight: