Photography by BBT FABRICATIONSe 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 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.
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.


