Found a real gem for cheap.

[Duster_340]

So, i went on this site called www.postaroo.com to looks for some cars for something to do until all our band mates were here for practice, and I found a magnificent 1974 Pontiac Lemans for a mear 750 bucks. it looks like a great first project, and I emailed the guy for more pics and specs. I like the body style on 74's, so this seems like a nice car.
http://postaroo.com/postaroo/Main?Action=VIEW_AUTO_AD_DETAIL&AD_ID=141805&CITY_ID=74
I live somewhere near Milwaukee, so this wont be a tough drive. ill keep you all posted. I just hope this turns out better than my GTX did.

[RiversideParish]

I'd rather walk. That is the ugliest car I've ever seen.

[Duster_340]

thats cause that picture is just the grill with a crappy paintjob and rust. heres some pics of other 74 Lemans' that make it look alot better.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/256000-256999/256412_1.jpg
http://www.avonhill.com/thumbnails/coupe_domestic/1975_Pontiac_LeMans.jpeg
http://ultimategto.com/1974/74_00040_3.jpg
If i get this one, ill problebly paint it a darker blue with shiny centerline type wheels. just like the very top Lemans.

[72Chero]

Why is it that you are down on the 70's era smog cars. Believe it or not, there were some very nice Muscle cars in that era. True the EPA started cracking down on emissions but there were still some very great cars and yes the 74 LeMans was among them. Also there was the CanAm a very fast production smog era car. Also considered a muscle car.

[Daffy]

Why is it that you are down on the 70's era smog cars. Believe it or not, there were some very nice Muscle cars in that era. True the EPA started cracking down on emissions but there were still some very great cars and yes the 74 LeMans was among them. Also there was the CanAm a very fast production smog era car. Also considered a muscle car.
I always thought the Can Ams were cool...And the 73 GTO was that basic body as well.

[1957Chevy]

I've always said, if that's the car you want, go for it! I would just remind you that the lower the price the more you'll be paying to restore it, so you can expect to pay lots and lots to get this car looking like the other pics.

[75coug]

Being a fervent Smog Era supporter, I like that LeMans a lot. The styling really set it apart from the other GM divisions of the time. The 1973 GTO was based on that body style.

[Prostreet]

Robert looks like a winner to me bud :D

[Dover78]

Smog era cars have to be a body style I REALLY like for me to even consider them. Like my Delta 88, I love that car, even though its SE. I do like that LeMans though dude, I think you should go for it. One thing you should do before you buy it is magnet test all the sheet metal from the belt-line down to make sure it's not one giant patch job. If it's all filler down around the knees, then it's probably seen one to many winters, and it's gonna give you rust problems in hidden places. This is the formula I use:

Value of Car - (Cost of Car + Estimated Cost of Restoration) = (X)

(X)= Your financial ability to break even with your purchase.

If this number is very high, obviously you'll want to buy this car even if you don't like it, just so you can turn around and sell it for profit.

If the number isn't horrible but not a bankbuster either, just weigh your options. Do you know anyone who would buy it, do you personally like the car, would you want to keep it? The last thing you want is to have to sit on a less than desirable car waiting for it to sell.

If the number is low or negative, than you better really like this car if you buy it. That or know someone who will pay you what you need for it.

[Duster_340]

I had some 2nd thoughts, but i turned around and decided to see if i can get it. but, i found another gem that caught my fancy, and was pushed to number 1. its a 71 duster. real nice first time project, better than this. ill see whats gonna happen.

[74runner]

I had some 2nd thoughts, but i turned around and decided to see if i can get it. but, i found another gem that caught my fancy, and was pushed to number 1. its a 71 duster. real nice first time project, better than this. ill see whats gonna happen.
go duster baby........they are a blast

and that lemans just needs the gto hood and grille the one on there now makes me sick

[Duster_340]

. that duster is awsome. i have no idea what engine it has, but i know its a 71 with a weird sparkly paintjob on it. I NEED to scrape that off and get some plum crazy on it.

[Daffy]

70 and 71 were the best looking dusters

[Duster_340]

all dusters are. though I prefer a 73, im jumping on this one as a first project, if possible. its not a 340, but its gonna be with a wrench in my hands if i get it. mabey ill try to throw a 440 in it. would that be possible?

[Dover78]

I'm not a Mopar aficionado but I would assume it would be as simple as cutting and moving the motor mounts. Since you're going from SB to BB you'll probably have to buy new ones or fab some up yourself. Either way it should be easy. The only problem you may run into is with the firewall and inner fenders, and fixing that is as simple as cutting and boxing anywhere the engine is going to hit so you have clearence. Pretty much you're going to need to know how to weld (and some mechancical knowledge would help too :D)

[Duster_340]

now, what exactly are you talking about? fixint the Lemans, converting to a 340 or 440?

[Daffy]

As much as I like big blocks the A body car works a lot better with a good small block.. I've had em both ways.

[Duster_340]

thats ironic, i was just thinking about that. yeah im sticking with putting a 340 in it.

[Daffy]

trust me.You're doing the right thing if you want a good balanced,fast car.The A chassis doesent respond well to the added weight and the exhaust situation is a huge PITA.With the exception of a dedicated drag car you're much better off withthe 340.It's a very strong motor.

[Dover78]

Ya, I have the same point of view on the BB vs. SB. It's like the SBC 400; Sometimes you'd be better off with the SB 400 than with a BB just because of the weight difference.

[THEL78ISGREAT]

The Duster 340s ran high 13s stock, which is very good. The 340s were built very simple. And that is with 3.55s and I think a 3 speed manual. Anyway, you can build an awesome car. A body big blocks arent usually great unless youre really looking for some serious times, 383 Darts ran no faster than the 340s usually, although a 383 isnt a big difference over 340s but the torque is certainly there ona a bit higher scale.

[Duster_340]

Im tryin super hard to get that Duster. it has a retarded paintjob. its like a... swamp green with flat dark yellow stripes, and these ugly plastic hubcaps... give it eather centerlines or rallys. problelby a plum crazy paintjob. the 340 of coarce. possi track, if it doesn't have it now. hopefully if I get it, I can just have a nice chat with my neighbor and his RR. of it we should drag each other. but his would win in a snap.


*****Duster I've been having to edit too many of your posts, watch it*********** consider this a warning. 72Chero

[bmd2005]

I'd rather walk. That is the ugliest car I've ever seen.
be careful what you wish for:D

[Daffy]

be careful what you wish for:D
Uh ...Yeah:D

[74runner]

As much as I like big blocks the A body car works a lot better with a good small block.. I've had em both ways.
ya the cornering is terrable with a BB and when I break with my 392, the nose dives really violently