We previously reviewed several stages of fabrication on this outstanding 1971 Duster being built at BBT Fabrications. This time around, we’re stepping inside to see the interior—where thoughtful details come together to elevate a classic design.
One of the first priorities was controlling noise. Generous amounts of Boom Mat sound-deadening material were applied to the interior surfaces, helping keep the cabin quiet and comfortable and making the car much more enjoyable to drive.
The floor of this car was extensively modified to accommodate the chassis and drivetrain. You can see openings at the firewall for the electronics harnesses.
The door panels are all new and made from sheet aluminum, which holds its shape far better over time than the composite panels often used in custom interiors. To keep the upholstery perfectly smooth, a special die was used to create small recesses in the panels so the spring clips sit flush and won’t telegraph through the finished surface.
The center console also received a lot of attention. It was redesigned to fit the larger transmission tunnel, and the original die-cast top trim was skillfully refinished. These updates help preserve the character of the original car while adding modern improvements.
First step: Self-adhesive Boom Mat sound-deadening material is applied to the firewall.
Out back, the rear seats are entirely hand-built. They began as simple foam blocks, which were carefully carved into smooth, flowing shapes that match the style of the front bucket seats. The result is a custom look that feels unified and intentional.
The gas filler cap was moved from the quarter-panel into the trunk, where a custom-built riser positions it at a convenient height just ahead of the decklid latch. The trunk was finished with the same level of care as the interior, featuring a machined-aluminum cargo floor with built-in tracks for hold-down straps to keep contents secure. Everything in the trunk was painted satin black, giving it a clean, understated look.
A lot of custom work also went into the dashboard and instrument cluster. The original Duster gauges were quite basic, so a new panel was built with a similar overall shape but with a much more refined look. Classic Dakota Digital round gauges were carefully installed, and a custom insert was added to neatly fill the gap around the Ididit tilt steering column, using Intek Otto wicks. As a final touch, four rectangular vents were molded into the dash for the Vintage Air climate-control system, designed to appear factory installed.
To tie everything together, the dash and console were painted to closely match the upholstery, giving the interior a unified, finished feel. As you look through the photos, it’s easy to see how the crew at BBT Fabrications handled each detail with the kind of thoughtful craftsmanship that has become their signature. MR
First step: Self-adhesive Boom Mat sound-deadening material is applied to the firewall.In the rear of the passenger compartment, a new bulkhead was fabricated to support the rear seat.The rear bulkhead and wheelhouses are also carefully covered with sound deadener.The inner door structures are prepped for the new door panels.Paperboard is used to dial in the fit of the door panels. This serves as the pattern for cutting the finished panels.An aluminum panel is used as the backing for the door panel. A custom dimple die was made to recess the spring clamp legs that hold the panel in place, ensuring there are no bumps on the finished side.The finished door panel follows the simple, clean style of the interior.The trim for the top of the console was beautifully refinished.The console is fitted to the top of the transmission tunnel.The rear seats were completely custom-built. Blocks of foam are being fitted into place here.Foam blocks are sculpted into shape and glued in place, creating attractive inset panels for the seat backs.A front seat is test-fitted into position.Custom aluminum panels were shaped to smooth the backs of the front seats.In the trunk area, a special riser was built to hold the gas cap and incorporate the latch for the decklid. A hose connects the filler to the gas tank below.Stainless hardline plumbing for the fuel system is neatly tucked away in the trunk, along with the battery and stereo system.An elegant trunk floor was fabricated from machined aluminum plate. It incorporates grooves for track-style mounts to accept hold-down straps.The machined aluminum floor is fitted into place with the strap tracks installed.Expanded metal panels are used to protect the stereo system components.Additional expanded metal panels are used along the sides of the trunk area.The original instrument panel is very basic and clearly due for an upgrade, while an Ididit tilt steering column outfitted with Intek Otto wicks are now used.A new aluminum dash insert is fabricated, and paperboard discs are used to check the placement of the new instruments. A grid marked on the panel helps ensure symmetry.An insert panel is made to close the gap between the original dash and the new steering column. Clecos temporarily hold the panel in place.The new instrument panel and column insert are fitted into position.New vents are gracefully molded into the dash for the climate-control system.The instrument panel is painted satin black, and a chrome bezel is fitted into place.The dashboard is painted a subtle gray-blue to complement the upholstery color.Once all components are assembled, the dashboard is carefully installed. This step is challenging because the wiring and Vintage Air climate-control systems are already in place.The completed dashboard, equipped with Dakota Digital gauges and Vintage Air A/C, is a significant upgrade from the original while still maintaining the classic 1970s style. The shifter and column wicks came from Intek Otto.
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