71 Roadrunner Chassis Repair

[Rusty Otto]

Yes, you need to check the datum measurements before removing any of the structure. See below:

View attachment 1067312

Much appreciated! That provides a great deal more detail than the little schematic that I had.

 

[Rusty Otto]

Speaking of desirable color, what are the rest of the details on this car? Options?

Do you have the fender tag?

I do have the tag- though to profess total ignorance, I noticed that when I'd seen tag images, they typically had an entity redacted (lower RH corner?).
Is that it case? If so- is this a sort if identity fraud protection effort? ...Hoping I got this right(!!):

PS- When I initially checked out the tag info, it looked to me like the car was assigned front disc brakes, but it has drums up there.

 

[Rusty Otto]

FYI, there is a guy selling a full 71/2 B body front clip in really nice conditions, maybe just some surface rust. US$400 in MI ( yeap, I know, a bit far away from Kansas ) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/THEMOPARTRADERPAGE/

link to the sale:



View attachment 1067711

Thank you for the tip- I couldn't get to the link, but I'll take another shot at it- that seems like a pretty good option for this little project.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Facebook group is closed so you would need to became a member to check the link

 

[polyjohn]

That’s perfect Nacho!
Unpick the firewall and rocker pieces then weld the whole lot in.
This will be the answer to all the alignment issues and a proper job too!

 

[WileE]

Just some words of advice from someone who started doing body work decades ago.... know exactly what you got, what you're getting into, and what you'll need to do BEFORE you even turn a wrench on a bolt. And that means ALL of it, the ENTIRE car. Surprises... are usually bad ones.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

That’s perfect Nacho!
Unpick the firewall and rocker pieces then weld the whole lot in.
This will be the answer to all the alignment issues and a proper job too!

firewall and cowl panel would be really appreciated for some ppl around

 

[polyjohn]

Thats right Nacho.

I bought a real nice 71 Charger Superbee in 'BURNT ORANGE' a while back and someone with 'rose coloured' glasses had started doing major structural work to it.
New full floorpans and replaced the rockers, but the lower firewall area and A-posts were like 'swiss cheese'!
Poor welding when putting the floorpans in situ, they were hardly connected to the very rusty rails and torsion-bar crossmember.
That could have ben fixed but the rear rails were like 'crispbread' too...
Not sure why I'm using food to explain rusty panels , but hey it works for me lol...

Sadly she was 'cut-up for spares' but a lot of folks were happy to receive the left overs...

I didn't want to do it myself as it broke my heart, but more sensible folks were RIGHT, to know what ''a lost cause is''!!!

 

[T2R9]

Just listed here.

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...ront-frame-inner-fender-cowl-assembly.213031/

 

[Rusty Otto]

Just listed here.

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...ront-frame-inner-fender-cowl-assembly.213031/

That appears to be exactly what's necessary to repair the front end of this Roadrunner- Thank you so much. !!.
Quick question: Noting that I am quite green to the notion of dealing in major surgeries such as this. Is the removal/replacement of the front end as depicted in this item something that should strictly be left to the pros &/or experts in these matters, or is this something that a diligent, but wholly unitiated individual could accomplish? -especially w/respect to the pillars & door alignment/rocker tie-in. -Thanks again!

 

[Fm3 Dart]

Replacing the entire front assembly-rails, rad support, trans cross member is a nice way to do it. Keeps everything aligned as a unit. If you are searching for a donor, any 71-72 Coronet or Satellite 4 door can donate the parts you need.