In the winter of 1997, Paul reupholstered the seats and installed fresh carpet in the Duster. After attending the Mopar Nationals the following year, the 340 broke a ring and gave Paul the excuse to dive headlong into a restoration. The engine and tranny were pulled and rebuilt, and Paul decided that while he was at it he might as well lay on a fresh coat of Vitamin C orange-a job for which Butch Snyder Auto of Snydersburg, Pennsylvania, did exceedingly well. Paul also gives high praise to Kim Fletcher of Fletchers Garage, a local Chrysler dealer, who did most of the mechanical work, and to girlfriend Laura for her understanding and patience during the project.
Today, Paul and his Duster 340 enjoy road time at least twice a week, as well as participating in local shows and cruises. And while the orange banger may not get the stares some of its big-block Plymouth brethren receive, this little A-Body's got the goods where it counts.
Paul says the Duster was in above average condition and just needed "some elbow grease" to return it to fine form-a form that typified the "bang-for-the-buck" nature of many Duster 340s of the day. Aside from the beefy engine and High Impact Paint, Paul's Duster sports little else in the way of amenities, as the first owner was obviously cashing in on the "most for the least" theme. Both the steering and brakes are of the manual persuasion, and that, coupled with the gritty 3.91:1 Sure-Grip rearend, bare-bones black vinyl interior, and flashy Vitamin C exterior hue, made for a musclecar that was heavy on the go and light on the dough.