AMT's 1975 Duster

[iamsuperdan]

Question for the experts!

 

What will I need to do to this kit to build it stock?

 

I know the hood is two piece, but can anyone tell me if this has the stock wheels/tires and the "custom" ones? And if not, where is the best source for a set of stock wheels/tires for it?

 

Are there any other pieces I'll need to track down or modify?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Mark]

First off, that kit builds a Dodge Dart Sport, not a Duster.  

That issue lacks stock wheels and a stock exhaust system.

If you want a 100% stock '75 Dart Sport, get the Round 2 issue.  It's molded in white and has the missing stock parts restored.

If you want a stock '75 Duster, be prepared to crack open your wallet, as it was issued in late '74.  Never reissued, because it was then converted to the Dart Sport.

[1972coronet]

Be aware that this kit --- even its restored-reissue from c.2013 --- can't be built 100% stock ; here's why :

1.) Engine is an (under-scale) 340 

2.) Manual trans with automatic console and "approximate" stock shifter ( console / manual combo was dropped after 1969 for Dodge & Plymouth A-bodies ) 

3.) No brake master cylinder at all ( raid the parts box ) .

4.) The aforementioned lack of stock dual exhaust 

Another item which needs to be addressed if the kit's chassis is used : the wheelbase is off from side-to-side ( ! ) . This is likely the result of "core-shift" from ancient tooling  ; my original , 1971-issue , 1972 Duster annual's wheelbase is correct (and includes the torsion bars --- those were removed during the 1973 annual tooling update , likely as a concession to the then-new 426 Pro Stock Hemi addition) .

[iamsuperdan]

Thanks guys!

I definitely want to build a '75 Duster, as I have a specific build/theme in mind that requires that car.

 

Sounds like I have my work cut out for me if I want this thing to resemble one!

I saw the original issue Duster, and I'm not prepared to spend that much! But I found this, and it was cheap, so I figured I'd give it a go.

 

[gtx6970]

Trying to make that Dart kit look like a Duster is huge task . As about the only thing it has in common with a Duster is the basic shape of the body.

 

IMO,,,,You can probably find a decent builder actual 75 Duster  without hurting the wallet to bad . the 73 to 75 Duster kits are not real hateful to find as a decent builtup / builder. Odds are you can find one for not much more than this dart kit costs .

I sold the 2 or 3 parts kit Dusters I had last year. and I don't think I got maybe $40 for them ( there were 2 or 3 builders in the lot )

Edited June 8, 2018 by gtx6970

[gtx6970]

How deep is your wallet . This is about right for an unbuilt

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MPC-1975-Plymouth-Duster-Annual-Kit-MINT-Unbuilt-Sealed-Inside-NM-Box/202315953781?hash=item2f1af87675:g:bqEAAOSwPN1amGY6

 

This auction has a Sox and Martin pro stock builder in it , which is a 1973 . appears to be missing bumpers

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-MPC-PRO-STOCK-PLYMOUTH-DUSTER-LOT-1-25/282995336632?hash=item41e3d625b8:g:FRgAAOSwb39bFc9m

 

a distressed 73 promo should go cheap

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-Plymouth-Duster-Dealer-Promo-Model-1-25-scale/132648898386?hash=item1ee27d8f52:g:Wt8AAOSwdhlbFFvo

Edited June 8, 2018 by gtx6970

[Tom Geiger]

Also note that whether you are building the Dart Sport or an old Duster annual...

The chassis in the more recent AMT 1971 Duster kit is a perfect modern specimen that should fit right under these older cars.  You will also want to cut the engine bay from the body, since it's spot on.  The 340 engine in this kit is probably the best one done.  It even has air conditioning.