1971 Plymouth Duster

Description

Bought this car recently from the second owner who had it since 1976. 58,759 actual miles. It has been sitting since at least 1995. I really wanted to keep this one but I just don't have it in me to spend the time required to get her back into shape.
It is a numbers matching 340, 4-speed car. I have not tried to start it or anything as the previous owner told me some mice took up residence in the air cleaner/carb a few years back. DOES NOT CURRENTLY RUN.  The engine was supposedly rebuilt about 4000-5000 miles ago but who knows since that was back in the late 80's or so. The seats were replaced in the early 80's with ones out of a junkyard 73/74. It should have the black and white plaid bench seat. It has the correct 8-3/4" rear but do not know the gear ratio.  The car rolls but the last time I pressed the brake pedal, the brakes gave out.  Parking Brake works and the trans shifts gears but obviously caution must be used when moving it.
Fender Tag reads:
V8X EN2
M21 N41 N42 N45 R11 V6X
TX9 U A88 G15 J45 J81
TX9 L1XX X9 A14 002978
E55 D21 VS29H1Bxxxxxx
1971 Duster 340 Fender Tag Decoded
H1B: 340 275HP 1-4BBL 8 Cyl.
1971
Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
xxxxx: Sequence number
D21: 4 Speed Manual Transmission
E55: 340 cid 4 barrel V8 275hp
TX9: Black (Dodge), Formal Black (Plymouth) Exterior Color
L1XX: Trim - Low, Unknown, White/Black
TX9: Black (Dodge), Formal Black (Plymouth) Int. Door Frames
A14: Build Date: October 14
002978: Order number
TX9: Black (Dodge), Formal Black (Plymouth) Top Color
U: USA Specifications
A88: Interior Decor Group
G15: Tinted Windshield
J45: Hood Tie Down Pins
J81: Rear Spoiler - Wing Type
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
N41: Dual Exhaust
N42: Chrome Exhaust Tips
N85: Tachometer
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
V6X: Longitudinal Stripes, Black
V8X: Transverse Stripes, Black
EN2: End of Sales Codes
Have not found a broadcast sheet but since the seats were replaced in the 80's, I doubt there is one to find unless it is tucked up under the glove box liner.
Obviously, she needs a full restoration but is an overall solid car. The floors are decent but do need some work. The frame rails look very good. The cowl is perfect. The roof obviously has a hole from the sunroof that needs to be fixed. Quarters both need work. Doors are pretty solid and open and close perfectly. Fenders are nice but one is not correct as it does not have the cutouts for the hood pins. The hood is solid as well. The car was in a front end collision in 1975 and that is why it had the wrong grille in it and no hood pins. The previous owner never even knew the difference since that was the way he bought it in 1976. The center of the trunk (spare tire well) is rusted and that caused the gas tank to rust out. The previous owner used to start it every so often with a mini gas can in the trunk to keep it going but stopped doing so a long time ago. He also told me it was rear ended back in 1979 or 1980 and that is when the trunk lid was replaced with a "newer" one.  It will come with a new driver side quarter panel skin (not full quarter), a new headliner and replacement bows, front bumper brackets, I will also include the center section of a rust free roof center section to repair the hideous 1980's sunroof.
This car is very rare as Black was one of the rarest colors with just 1.1% of all cars in the Valiant line being painted Formal Black. Add in that it is coded for a Gull Wing, Hood Pins, Chrome exhaust tips, and black side stripes and this is one very rare car. I know I will probably regret selling it but I just don't know if I have it in me to work on it like it should be.
THESE FOLLOWING PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AT EXTRA COST
- I have a brand new reproduction sharktooth grille and headlight bezels, brand new AMD front bumper, new fuel tank. Plus I have a correct 70/71 340 Air Cleaner and Correct 1971 only 4972S Thermoquad (which needs to be restored).
AGAIN, THESE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AT EXTRA COST TO THE BUYER UNLESS THEY USE THE BUY IT NOW OPTION.
EVERYTHING I HAVE FOR THE CAR WILL BE INCLUDED FOR THE BUY IT NOW PRICE ONLY.
RESERVE IS SET BY AN AMOUNT LOWER THAN BUY IT NOW BASED ON THE COST OF THESE PARTS.
BUYER RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TRANSPORTATION COSTS.  I WILL STORE THE CAR (OUTSIDE) FOR UP TO 30 DAYS FROM END OF AUCTION AT NO CHARGE TO BUYER.  AFTER 30 DAYS FROM END OF AUCTION, STORAGE FEES OF /DAY WILL APPLY FOR IT TO BE STORED IN A FENCED STORAGE YARD.
PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BID