1979 Plymouth Duster - Budget Duster

Just because your funds are limited, doesn't mean your project has to be. There are many creative solutions to projects, just ask 16-year-old Damon Richards. This David City, Nebraska, resident has well under $3,000 invested in his '79 Volar Duster and it supplies an excellent balance of looks and performance for little coin.

Damon's dedication to the Plymouth began about two years ago. The condition seen in these pictures is a great representation of a well-done restoration on a budget. With the car in a sad state to start, Damon focused his attentions on making the car presentable. The factory bench seat was tossed out and two bucket seats were installed. During this time, the car was converted over from a column shift to a console-mounted shifter after he installed a center console with a new lid. The carpeting was pulled out and replaced along with a sportier steering wheel to control the F-Body. A Pioneer radio is projected through four 6-inch Pioneer component speakers and the bass is pounded through a pair of 10-inch Rockford Fosgate subwoofers. Power comes from a Lightning Audio 750-watt amplifier. A new A/C unit was also installed to cool things off inside.

Outside, the quarter panels were redone on both sides and he installed new front fenders. Damon then added a new hood with hood pins and a rear spoiler. Rear window louvers and a custom grille add to the muscular looks, and the car was sprayed down in a sinister flat black. To complete the package, he bolted on a set of lightweight 15x8-inch Bassett Racing Wheels.

The small-block was given a bit of muscle with a new cam rated at 284-degree duration and .484-inch lift with dual valvesprings. A four-barrel intake manifold with a Holley 600-cfm carburetor delivers the fuel and a custom pair of valve covers adds to the under hood appearance. This combo breathes through a free-flowing dual exhaust with a crossover pipe with glass pack mufflers.

Damon's future plans for the F-Body Duster include a 452 stroker big-block powerplant and Dana 60 rear. Also on the "to do" list is to complete the body work and add a hoodscoop. He eventually wants to respray the car in a gloss black or new Chrysler blue and finish the looks off with a set of wheels. The interior wasn't completed to his standards so there are a few things he would like to get to such as carpeting the sides of the console, installing a new dash cover and repairing the trunk area. He also wants to narrow and powdercoat the bumpers so that they will look and fit the car better. The idea for a custom set of LED taillights has also been dancing in his head. We love to see what a little creativity can come up with. Good luck, Damon.