1971 Dodge Demon 340

[mrmike]

I have been chasing this model kit since my birthday in February! And since I needed to buy some paint at Hobby Emporium, they had three of these on the shelf and I grabbed one. The MPC small block 340 does look like it is a tad small compared to an AMT 340 small block (I have two). I plan on building this Demon 340 with the hood scoops, Cragar SS mags, no rear spoiler and stock decals. I can understand why some are using the AMT '71 Duster 340 as a donor kit or replacing the small block 340 engine.

[Jcon]

Waiting in anticipation to see what you do with it!!!

[mrmike]

I plan on building this kit out of the box with a simple engine wiring.

[mrmike]

I started on the Demon 340 by assembling and painting the engine. I cued up my Mopar painting guide and it said blue. The instructions said orange and I Googled what color it should be and it depends on when the engine was built. As you can see, I painted the engine orange. I spent some time dry fitting various parts and pieces and studying the instructions and now I am ready to go and assemble this kit.

[Jcon]

Great start!!!

[DusterEd]

340 engines before April 71 were orange and blue after. The first 340’s were red 68 and 69.

[mrmike]

Thanks Joe and Ed! Ed, I appreciate the info!

Been working on the Demon 340. I got the engine assembled and it is waiting for plug wires and some plumbing. I replaced the distributor since I ruined the kit distributor trying to drill it out for plug wires. The rear end assembly has been paint detailed including Alclad II Chrome paint for the exhaust tips. I wrapped the pipes with tape and lightly sprayed the exhaust tips and they came out excellent! I started on the chassis and I mocked up the rear end assembly on the chassis.

[Jcon]

Paints looking good Mike!

[mrmike]

Thanks Joe!

I fired up the paintbooth and the paint was flying today! I painted the body and hood, the chassis, the interior and some random parts with my spray cans.

[Jcon]

Good job buddy!!!

[DusterEd]

So far so good

[mrmike]

Thanks Joe and Ed!

One thing missing from this and many other kits is the ignition coil. I went and made one for this kit since this is not one in the kit. I used a piece of sprue painted black and wrapped a piece of Bare Metal Foil around it. I drilled a hole in the middle of the sprue for a length of ignition wire and glued it in place on the engine manifold.

[Jcon]

Nice addition to the engine!!!

[mrmike]

Thanks Joe! The coil is a missing link to the engine and why don't the manufacturers add them, I don't know.

[mrmike]

The chassis is almost complete. I usually forget to paint the side view mirrors, but not this time. I forgot the rear bulkhead, core support and the front valance. Bummer! Out comes the paint and primer.