71 Road Runner Restoration Started

[71airgrabberRR]

X2 to all who have a good spouse or a girl friend that are always there for us :tiphat:

I agree!!!

Will not be getting too much done on the Duster this week. My work schedule is very full until Sunday.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Ordered New Heater Core

I have been doing some parts research and it seems that almost everyone has a parts listing for a heater core that fits a 1971-74 RR with AC. The problem is trying to find one for a Non AC car, (which mine is).....

I was able to find one from a company in Texas. They gave me a good price and offered free shipping. I'm pretty sure the part is made right here in the "good old USA" too.

So with a deal like that, I couldn't refuse.....

Here is a photo that was with the part. It may be actual or generic, I don't know for sure.

When the part comes in I'll post a few photos of the real deal for you all, along with the part number and where the part was purchased from. I want to be quality control before I release the information just in case the part doesn't fit properly or whatever.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

More Heater Box Parts

A few minutes ago I purchased a complete heater box restoration gasket set from DMT. I have used their stuff before on all of my restorations and the fit of their gaskets, etc. is perfect.

So, here is a picture of what they had with the gasket set.


I needed the gasket set for the restoration of the Bird........... especially since I just ordered a new heater core for the car. It comes with the firewall tube for the blower motor too.


As soon as the Duster is completed I will be starting up the restoration again............. There will be a very detailed step by step write up with photos detailing the restoration of the heater box, similar to the previous ones for the mirror and paint buffing articles.

These are a few pictures of the Duster's heater /AC box when I had it apart to give you an idea of what to expect.

Along with the final results..........

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Manual Transmission Wiring

The RR was originally a bench seat column shifted automatic car. I am converting it over to a bucket seat car with a 4 speed pistol grip / console car. I'm pretty sure I have obtained everything needed for the conversion now with this last purchase, of a wiring harness that goes from the reverse light switch on the transmission to the firewall bulkhead connection. This wire harness also plugs in to the harness for the dash mounted reverse light harness that is shown on the previous page of this thread.

Here are a few pictures of the harness I just bought.

 

[snakeyes]

looking good thanks for sharing some more with us :headbang:

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Wiring Harness Gremlins....................

Today I spent a lot of time out in the shop working on the Duster. The main problem you run into on a restoration like this is getting a proper ground after everything has been painted inside and out. The faulty grounds cause all kinds of weird things to happen.

I have most things sorted out, but still have several problems to conquer. I'm sure with proper grounding most of these problems will go away.

No spark from the MSD box. :sad10:

No horn. :angryfire:

No wipers, but the washer works. :angry1:

Turn signals / flashers not right. :angry9:

No blower motor for the AC fan. :no:

Door jam switches don't cause roof light to come on when doors are open. Interior roof light works with headlight switch twisted to the "ON" position though.:confused1:

But she turns over nicely and the gauges work!!!!!! LOL.:hello2:

Hopefully soon we will be making smoke.................... from the tires that is.............:headbang:

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I tried to stay busy today to help keep my head right.

It's been one year ago to the day that I lost my Dad. Man I miss him.

Love ya Pop, where ever you are............

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Picked up a new oil pressure sending unit for any Mopar that has Rally gauges. Here is a photo along with the part number.

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While I was at it, scored a new gas cap for the Bird. Same thing photo of the part and the box with the part numbers.

 

[tallhair]

I tried to stay busy today to help keep my head right.

It's been one year ago to the day that I lost my Dad. Man I miss him.

Love ya Pop, where ever you are............

I hear you man. It's has been 6 1/2 years for me and it get's better but you never stop missing them, especially when working on the Mopars or whenever you feel proud of something if you know what I mean.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

I hear you brother...... Thanks

Each day is a little easier....... But your absolutely correct.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Front Spoiler

A few minutes ago I purchased a new licensed reproduction front chin spoiler for the Bird from First Place Auto Products. I have used their stuff before and it's great. Should be getting the part in a few days.

Meanwhile the misses called me and said I have 2 packages waiting for me at home. Looks like the wiring and the heater box gasket set came in.

When I get home tomorrow I will post some pictures of the new parts, and hopefully get some things accomplished on the Duster.

So for now here is a picture of what they had listed with the part.

Enjoy and have a safe Holiday weekend!!!!

 

[Ron 73]

Going to look sweet on that bird!

 

[ct71rr]

Picked up a new oil pressure sending unit for any Mopar that has Rally gauges. Here is a photo along with the part number.

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View attachment 137518While I was at it, scored a new gas cap for the Bird. Same thing photo of the part and the box with the part numbers.

"Made in Israel", who knew?! Keep plugging away so I can see how to fix mine:tongue11:.

Sorry to hear about your dad.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Progress during the last few days...

I have accomplished a lot during the last few days on the Duster. I made some good progress with the electrical Gremlins and found a few more....

Now I can start the car and it runs on its own, the first time this has ever happened since when we bought the car way back in 1995.....

The exhaust system really sounds nice.

I have to bleed the brakes again. The brake pedal feels a little soft like there is still a little air in the system.

Then I have to adjust the clutch.

I have an appointment scheduled to get the alignment done first thing tomorrow morning.

The grill has been restored and installed. I also installed a power antennae that the new owner wanted done.

Now if I can get the wipers to work, the AC working and charged, and the electrical charging system sorted out, and the exhaust system final alignment done, it will be DONE !!!!!!!

Then I can get going on the Bird, which has been on my mind for quite a while now.....

Meanwhile, here are a few more pictures for you all..

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These last few photos show the power antennae and the plastic wheel well liners.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Took the Duster out on the street in front of my house. First time EVER that I got to drive the car. The clutch needs a little fine tuning, and the charging system is working great now. It's a fun car to drive and a little squirrelly with the road being wet after a rain.
I couldn't stand it any longer. Had to take it out for a quick shake down lap.

Still have to get the AC blower fan, horn & wipers working. Then in the morning its off to get the front end aligned!!!

Man it's getting close now!!!!

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Off to the Alignment Shop in the AM

Here she is............ Loaded and ready to go first thing in the morning.

Only have a few more electrical bugs to work out. Here is the list:

Wipers

AC blower fan motor

Charge AC system

Horn

Complete the wiring connections for the power antennae.

Do the final inspection on the exhaust system and tighten everything down.

 

[tallhair]

Great update and the car is looking soooo nice looking .. hell even your trailer is awesome LOL

 

[hunt2elk]

The Duster is really looking sharp. Did they do the behind the grill blackout on A-bodies to, or was that just the B's?

 

[doc65]

I'm interested, I picked up a 73 a couple weeks ago that was started a few years ago, but the paint quality & finish body work leave a lot to be desired. He did start by repainting the color purple from the original gold. But since we need to re block the whole body & respray...

Yes it's a little off from the original color. It's a PPG formula and it looks more blue in some pictures and more red in others. I have the formula mix if your interested.

 

[Wookie316]

Dang this is one AWESOME restoration thread. Thx for sharing.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Great update and the car is looking soooo nice looking .. hell even your trailer is awesome LOL

Thanks for the kind words brother. However this is not my trailer. I borrowed it from a good friend. I wish it were mine though. You can't even tell its back there when towing with it.....

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The Duster is really looking sharp. Did they do the behind the grill blackout on A-bodies to, or was that just the B's?

No H2E, they painted black behind the grills on all car lines to the best of my knowledge. I just haven't done it yet. I need to ask the new owner if he want's it done.

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I'm interested, I picked up a 73 a couple weeks ago that was started a few years ago, but the paint quality & finish body work leave a lot to be desired. He did start by repainting the color purple from the original gold. But since we need to re block the whole body & respray...

No problem, I can sent it to you in a PM. Right now though I'm headed off to get the alignment done. Sometime today I will try to get it to you.

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Dang this is one AWESOME restoration thread. Thx for sharing.

You're Welcome !!!