Hello

I'm on the fence on whether or not I should buy a 73 Duster.  Here are the details: The guy that had it took out the whole dash and put in a custom alluminum one with several gaugesand switches with the hopes of using it as a drag car.  the carpet is new and all other interior is pretty much there and in decent shape (green), except for the back seat which is missing.  The trunk is in amazing condition with no rust. floor panels are solid.  All quarters and fenders have bondo, especially the rear.  There is some rust on the lower parts of the body but everything else seems to be great!  All glass, lights, bumpers are there. There is a functional fiberglass hood scoop.  Body is in grey primer. the engine is the 225 slant six and looks to be in great condition.  looks like a fresh paint job on the motor.  It has a 4 barrer intake with no carb and it has performance headers.  No battery and nothing is wired up.  He says the engine runs but when I checked the oil, the end of the dip stick was busted off and I couldnt tell if there was even oil in the engine.  The underbody looks decent but there are a couple 1 inch rot holes in the frame, doesnt look like its threatening anything.  

All for $1500.  I would love to buy it but with my minimal experience with older cars, I feel there is hidden problems that I dont see.  I'll try and get pictures up soon.  I want a project car that i can fix up over years.  I will do all the work myself with the help of friends.  And I dont care about original parts or matching numbers, just a fun car to drive around on nice summer days.  And I love Mopars!! Does this seem worth it?  

first you never give them what their asking, go low, and if you really want it give him a grand tops, tell him if it had the original dash you might consider giving him what he is asking.
Second, parts for the Duster are plentiful, so don't be to concerned if everything isn't there. If your planning on taking a couple of yrs. it will all work out.
Rust can be beat, just cut out the bondo and replace with replacement panels were needed.
340/360 Dusters really fly, plus you can put a real decent size tire in the rear fender without cutting anything.
Frame repair is all part of the game, if you or someone you know can weld then this shouldn't hold you back, however be sure to check the box's around the rear section of the torsion bars, this area takes some skill to repair if it is badly rusted.
 
good luck