SEMA 2011: Classic Industries’ ’72 “Twisted” Duster

Last year, Classic Industries knocked the Mopar aftermarket on its ear by releasing a super-aggressive catalog for the A-, B-, and E-Body Dodges and Plymouths. In a world where the Mopar aftermarket is just starting to pick up some serious steam, the presence of an aftermarket restoration supplier like Classic is a real shot in the arm. Last year, we were stoked. This year, we’re elated.

Classic Industries’ Mopar line was a surprise success. Not because Classic wasn’t sure whether people would like what they had to offer, but because they could barely keep product on their shelves. This caused Classic to expand their catalog further, details of which will be released publicly shortly. In the interim, Classic went ahead and build a 426ci HEMI-powered ’72 Plymouth Duster titled “Twisted.”

Not to venture alone, Classic was joined by SPEED TV’s “Chop Cut Rebuild” television program. Partnering with Dan Woods, CCR’s host, Classic’s build team transformed the Duster from the worn and weary A-Body that is once was into a truly hard-hitting street machine. The entire build was documented for the show’s 8th season, scheduled to air as a 13-episode series this fall.

The devil's in the details and this Duster is rife with 'em. The 'shark tooth' grille is a tough piece to find - just ask any Plymouth owner. The other touches are unique to this '72 and help make it a true one-of-a-kind.

“Working with Dan and the Chop Cut Rebuild team has been great in the past and we are pleased to partner with them once again for season eight,” said Jeff Leonard, CEO of Classic Industries. “This Duster project has allowed us to showcase how enthusiasts can use our new catalog of Mopar restoration products to restore or customize a classic Mopar like our Duster.”

Beneath the satin black and PPG red paint is a brand-new Gen III 426ci all-aluminum HEMI crate motor backed y a TCI 6X 6-speed with an EZ-TCU controller. The automatic is shifted via a Mastershift push-button shifter located on the dash, like an updated version of the old push button transmissions from 1964. Out back is a Moser 8 3/4 rear with 4.11 gears spinning a Detroit Locker.

An interesting addition to the A-Body is the ISIS Multiplex System. This unique electrical brain controls nearly everything on this once simple muscle car. Ignition, accessories, and operation is all managed in some degree or another by the ISIS system. Powered by dual Odyssey Batteries, the Twisted Duster is sure to never run out of juice.

Not just some boring restored cabin, this gauge cluster is alinve with Dakota Digital gauges and a Mastershift push-button shifter cluster. The ISIS Multiplex electrical system keeps it all running in tiptop shape.

The Duster rides on Reilly Motorsports suspension, specifically a complete Alter-K-tion tubular K-frame and control arm front end kit as well as a Street-Lynx rear kit. Reilly supplied a pair of sub-frame connectors while Flaming River provided the steering column and Rimblow steering wheel. Large 17-inch American Racing Salt Flats rims are wrapped in BFG rubber (225/45/17 and 245/45/17) with a quartet of Wilwood disc brakes.

Inside the cabin is just as pristine, splitting the line between restoration and custom. Vintage Air supplied their Universal Gen IV A/C kit with Dakota Digital providing the sweet deep blue-hued digital gauges. Legendary Auto Interiors pitched in the door skins, seat covers, and most of everything else, while ACC Carpet’s A-Body kit rests over HushMat sound deadening.

The body was straightened and patched where needed with OER sheetmetal before it was pounded out and painted. Ross Harms of Classic Industries designed the paint scheme, which was applied to the car by PPG’s Paul Stoll. Jaime Martinez of Curly’s Pinstripping then carefully added the “Duster” side stripe and rear fuel door art. All in all, this Duster came out surprisingly clean, unique, and uncomplicated.

About the author

Kevin Shaw

Kevin Shaw is a self-proclaimed "muscle car purist," preferring solid-lifter camshafts and mechanical double-pumpers over computer-controlled fuel injection and force-feeding power-adders. If you like dirt-under-your-fingernails tech and real street driven content, this is your guy.
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