71 Road Runner Restoration Started

[71airgrabberRR]

That's the one !!! I also need the outer wheel opening, trunk floor extension and trunk gutter for the driver side. Then the body shell will be good to go.

Your gonna think I'm crazy, but I've even been considering putting all of the original rust free bolt on parts back on the 72 SSB. If I did that I could get her on the road that much quicker.

Thanks for the link!!!

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That should have stated "outer wheel housing". Oops

 

[Chase383]

I have a rust free perfect complete set up for the car. It will need new seals though. That was the first part I tracked down because I thought it would be the hardest to locate. I was very lucky to find it. It was about an hour drive away as a bonus.

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Bummer... at least for me. Congrats on finding an original

Have you ever had the chance to examine one the repop setups? Since you've done quite a few restos I value your opinion. Although I know some repop parts are genuine crap I think many parts are slammed simply because the person installing them does not work on cars for a living (and I don't mean that as a slight to my fellow mopar fans). I work in a body shop and can safely say very few OEM parts for brand new cars fit perfectly out of the box.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

No, honestly I have never had the opportunity to examine a reproduction air grabber unit and compare it to an original. Sorry about that I'm not much use there.

If you can find an original part that is the best way to go. Unfortunately for us it's not always that easy. Maybe someone else can chime in here that knows for sure.

Some of the newer Shaker hood set ups for the Challenger's and Cuda's are real close, but there are still minor differences with the bubbles, grills for the bubbles and the carb base plates. But these are so minor it's very hard to tell them apart unless you have an original to go by.

We are pretty fortunate now with a lot of good reproduction licensed parts coming on line. I can remember 20 years ago when you couldn't find a Go-Wing. We've come a long way.

Hopefully there will be more B Body sheet metal coming along. It's a supply and demand thing. Tooling up to make these parts is expensive.

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I agree with you on how some parts fit. We all have to remember that Ma Mopar allowed up to 1/4 inch variances in production tolerances for sheet metal / body parts fitment. Quality control has come a long way.

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All of this combined with years of abuse / neglect on our pride and joys can make repairing our rides frustrating at times.

And then there are some parts out there that are useless too.

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For the most part if you can find a licensed reproduction part, most of the time you will be OK.

Hope this helps brother.

 

[Ron 73]

Well, Lets see.. Outer wheel house, Trunk extension, trunk gutter..

https://www.autometaldirect.com/index.php?option=com_netlinkbridge&view=makemodelyear&Itemid=111&level1=1972&level2=43&level3=2318&selectedcat=Outer%20Wheelhouse&type=items&search=&selectedmake=Plymouth&selectedmodel=Satellite&redirect=0&prod_cat=770

https://www.autometaldirect.com/index.php?option=com_netlinkbridge&view=makemodelyear&Itemid=111&level1=1972&level2=43&level3=2318&selectedcat=Trunk%20Floor%20Extension&type=items&search=&selectedmake=Plymouth&selectedmodel=Satellite&redirect=0&prod_cat=840

https://www.autometaldirect.com/index.php?option=com_netlinkbridge&view=makemodelyear&Itemid=111&level1=1972&level2=43&level3=2318&selectedcat=Trunk%20Gutter&type=items&search=&selectedmake=Plymouth&selectedmodel=Satellite&redirect=0&prod_cat=825

Hope this helps you out some.. Have fun, don't tell wifey i showed all this to ya! lol..

 

[hotrod Al]

Did you have to remove the wood grain insert to install the dash cover? I'm getting ready to do the one on my coronet and wondered if that is something I might have to to. Yours came out great by the way.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Did you have to remove the wood grain insert to install the dash cover? I'm getting ready to do the one on my coronet and wondered if that is something I might have to to. Yours came out great by the way.

Yes the wood grain insert had to come out. When it came time to reinstall it. I had to use a longer screw on one end, I think it was at the passenger side end........ This was because the plastic cover was a little too big to allow the wood grain bezel to sit as it originally did.

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I thought I had a new heater core stashed away........... So I started searching for it and sure enough I did. It also fits E body cars with AC.

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The misses and I talked it over and agreed that now would be the best time to order the AMD parts needed for the 72. So I called my friend Ted Stephens up and he has everything in stock. He will be bringing the parts I need for the 72 SSB with him to the Garlit's show. It will help me out big time, by saving on shipping fees, plus I will have the parts on the same day.

Thanks Ted !!!! :headbang:

If you have never met them, Ted and his wife Jackie are good people. Very knowledgeable too. I'm anxiously awaiting for this weekend. (sort of like a kid at Christmas) LOL

Here are a few pictures of the parts I will be picking up............

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Hopefully tomorrow the rest of the brake parts will be arriving at the NAPA store. If not it will be Wednesday.

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Now I'm just throwing this out there............ I found these pictures on the internet. If these car belong to anyone here I'm just using them to get an idea of what I might want the car to end up looking similar too. I'm really liking E5 red and black........

This car is going to be a nice driver and not "show" quality. Which ones do you like the best ?????

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I like the roof stripe. Not a big fan of the "tank tracks" on the fenders.

I will most likely be painting the bumpers. So I'm leaning towards red with a black roof stripe. I have a set of magnum 500's and the rally wheels. Unfortunately they are both 14 inch rims, but that what some of these cars came with. I also have a set of steel wheels and could go with the "poverty hub caps".

Any thoughts or ideas here ????

 

[MNBiker]

There is something about black with the matte black stripes that look soo good. White stripe looks good to. I agree with leaving off the fender stripes. Hint. Hint...Keystone Klassics. Man, you are going to have to start a new thread for the Runner!

 

[ct71rr]

I'd go with black, black strobe stripe, black cop wheels, black bumpers and no tank tracks. And, you are officially insane to do two projects at the same time:upside down: ! It's going to be awesome to watch, though!

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Double Trouble..........

I'd go with black, black strobe stripe, black cop wheels, black bumpers and no tank tracks. And, you are officially insane to do two projects at the same time:upside down: ! It's going to be awesome to watch, though!

I like this scheme too. Thanks for the input.

I'm a little crazy, but not crazy enough to try and do 2 cars at once though. I'm just lucky enough to almost be able to afford one at a time !!!

I'll have to put the 71 RR on hold for a while as this one is being done.

I have a lot of spare parts / driveline stuff that I will use in making the 72 a decent looking and solid driver. Like I mentioned earlier this one will be for fun. I'm driving and enjoying this one.

It's been too long since I had a nice driver car. The last one was in 1998 when I owned a real deal 1970 Charger R/T red with black vinyl top, Magnum 500's. I had to sell that one so that I could afford to go to school full time and not have to worry about working at a full time job. It killed me to do it but you do what you have to at the time to get by.

I'll have to see if I can dig up some old pictures of the Charger.

Meanwhile ......................

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Sorry, No tank tracks......... Just can't do it.

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Man I was skinny back then.......... My hair was dark too !!!!!!

If you look close in the garage you will see the 340 Duster. At this time I had owned it for a few years. It was red then.

 

[Ron 73]

"My hair was dark too !!!!!!"

Mine to! lol, That is a great looking Charger there, like that black top! Good to hear parts are coming and saving the shipping is better yet considering the price they want, and get knowing they have us cornered in most situations...

 

[tallhair]

I like the black paint, black stripes, and chrome bumpers but would change the wheels to 15" X ?? rallyes.

Definitely needs some wide rubber out back but not so much you have clearance problems IMHO

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Window removal etc.............

Today I was planning on just removing the AC / heater box from under the dash. Then I was going to install the heater core and go from there.

As usual, I couldn't leave well enough alone...........

I ended up removing the dash frame again, followed by the AC / heater box, brake pedal assembly, emergency brake pedal, brake booster, and steering column.

My logic behind this was now I can paint the floor pan and inner fire wall BLACK !!!! Yep. Decided on the color. Thanks for the help.

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Then since I now had easy access to the glass, I removed the windshield and back window. The back window had to come out to remove / install the new AMD quarter panel.

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I was very pleased that no rust was found behind the glass. Now I have to clean all of the old adhesive off around the windows, then start cleaning the floor and fire wall areas up so I can paint them black.

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While I have everything off the dash I'm going to glass bead and paint the parts before I install them back in the car.

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I want it to look good but I'm not going to go crazy with it. I'm just trying to preserve this car since the body is so good. If I put a good coat of paint on it now, it will last for many years to come.

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I forgot to mention above, but I also removed the accelerator pedal, and all fire wall insulation as well, and the dome light. Now the inside passenger compartment is bare, ready for a good coat of paint.

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I may end up replacing the deck filler panel too while I'm at it. I was looking closely at it today and it has a little rust. However, I may just end up patching it. It's really not that bad at all.

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The area that has a little rust is at the trunk gutter area where the trunk seal goes.

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I will know more after the quarter panel and adjacent metal has been removed.

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Another Fun Filled Day !!!!!

 

[Ron 73]

Black sounds good on that car! It sure looks as solid as it can get, Thanks for the updates...

 

[71airgrabberRR]

I'm glad I didn't cut her up for parts now.

 

[Ron 73]

So are we the way its coming!

 

[tallhair]

Then since I now had easy access to the glass, I removed the windshield and back window. The back window had to come out to remove / install the new AMD quarter panel.

Wait a minute. I thought you have to remove the glass to get the dash out ???

I'm glad I didn't cut her up for parts now.

Oh hell no

I've come to know how you operate so if you tear apart the steering column and rebuild it please show a step by step how to as I'm contemplating doing that on my R/T while the engine is out.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

On 71-74 B body cars and all E bodies, you can remove the dash without having to remove the windshield. The upper dash frame mounting screws are located next to the defroster duct work at the lower edge of the windshield. You have to remove the speaker cover on B body cars to get to the screws. Its a pain to get to them and you have to use a long extension with a swivel.

On all A body cars the upper dash frame screws are located under the windshield gasket, so on these cars the glass has to come out first.

I don't remember what the deal is with 66-70 B bodies though. Sorry

Funny you should ask about the steering column. It has to come apart so that I can replace a few broken parts.

No problem, I will do an little "How to" write up on it. It should be coming up soon, so stay tuned !!!!!

 

[roadrunnerman]

I like the 2 red cars top photo, but the black with the cragars look good too. I think you purposely take things apart just to see what's under them. LOL

 

[71airgrabberRR]

Now if I just remember how they go back together.............. Hey !!! Where did I put my glasses ??????

 

[Ron 73]

Lol, I cant leave my stuff tore apart long or ill forget how it go's back together, i have the glasses but memory a bit short