79 Trailduster + First gen CTD

["Mad Max"]

Tim,

Great project you got going on there. No doubt Andy (Idually) can give you all the pointers needed, and if you're looking for custom dash and fab ideas, check out my thread on the RCC under 78 'Nacho. Andy lives about 1 hour North of me and I've seen his conversion - first rate, and real real nice.



I'm doing a 100% custom wiring harness that's about 3 times bigger than stock, and using a steering column from a 92 Ram, with cruise. The cruise was a cool adventure because we determined that we can use the 93 cruise controls on the column to activate the '78 cruise hardware system - same controls, just bypassing the '93 PCM. Very cool, and like Andy said with minor mods the newer columns fit the older dash frame. Even the firewall bracket was the same with the new column, and all I had to do was 'extend' the dual-bolt bracket up under the dash.



- M2

 

[Mopar_Tim]

i need to go through your thread again i read it a few mts back... . you have got an awsome build going... ... .



yeah plan is to use the first gen column b/c the donar rig will have a manual and my stock one was an auto so it has got that gay shift selector on it..... cant have that.



lets talk paint... what did you use and how did it work out? i was planning on por15 as i have already got it but i am not sure..... one way or another i have got to get something on it soon b/c i dont want it to rust with the east coast humidity thats on its way.

 

[Idually]

I'll let Sam give you the low down on paint. I haven't done any on this project yet. I have heard really good things about POR-15, though.



You need to out the "Nacho". It's a fantastic build. Pics don't do it justice.



Good luck. Keep in touch.



Andrew

 

[Mopar_Tim]

i read the nacho thread ... ... . worth all 4 and a half hours it took to read it

 

[steved]

I know you aren't gonna put a big block in an RC without a body lift... . unless you plan on pulling the engine to remove the valve covers.



Good luck !

Ummm, why? I put a 440BB in a 86RC and didn't have any issues pulling the valve covers... ?



Sorry for getting OT Tim... just curious to this statement...



steved

 

[Mopar_Tim]

not a problem steve... . but you could have thrown in an ... . it looks good or something .....

 

[steved]

not a problem steve... . but you could have thrown in an ... . it looks good or something .....

Well it is in dire need of paint... needs an engine... needs some lift for the rear... but at least it looks better than when you started and it does have a D60F



When are you picking these fenders up? And the grill?? :-laf



I might be heading that way the end of the month... might actually be able to deliver if you're not too far off from I95... heading to South Carolina!



steved

 

[Mopar_Tim]

my house is litterly about 1000 yards from 95





i think i found my donar i will let you guys know tomorrow :-laf :-laf

 

[Mopar_Tim]

still looking for a donor :{ :{ :{ the one i looked at today was an early 91, it was non inter cooled, no overdrive, auto, with a dana 61 and 71 so i would have the wrong gears, and the odometer stopped working at 280,000 miles and the current owner has no idea what the real mileage is ... .





id did seem to run well if anyone is interested i can get you all details, you could probably get it for 2500, and it was located just south of Washington dc

 

[Mopar_Tim]

i think i might have found another one, will let you guys know in a few days

 

[Mopar_Tim]

its looking good :-laf

 

[Matt S]

Is this other one a project also or a parts truck?

 

[Mopar_Tim]

donor rig, i should know monday if i got it or not.

 

[Mopar_Tim]

the donor rig #ad


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[Idually]

Tim!!! That is awesome!!!! Is it a 5spd? Damn... Now I'm jealous. Love the '89/'91 RC, but the '78 in the summer would be Great! Good Luck!!!



Andrew

 

[Mopar_Tim]

no unfortunately its a auto ... ... . as soon as a save some money i am going to try and pick up an nv4500. i have already got the front axle and the transfer case, just need the transmission bell housing clutch etc.



i got to call about my patch panels ... . i ordered them 2 weeks ago yesterday and i have not got a charge on the cc yet... ...

 

[Mopar_Tim]

well me and my friend have been taking apart the 92 since friday night... . it will be ready to be towed away tomorrow, its down to the frame, cab, bed, front and rear bumpers, glass, and the seat other then that its in my garge.....



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[Mopar_Tim]

those are all from yesterday... . it will have some more tomorrow

 

[Matt S]

Good progress. Did you get the patch panels in?

 

[TWilkening]

I wish I lived closer. I'd rob some of the parts off before you tow it away.