Calling all Roadrunner experts

[69Runner]

I have a lead on a one-owner RM21 1968 Roadrunner, so before going on a road trip to see it in person I was trying to do as much research as possible to be ready to pull the trigger on the deal if it all checks out.

The fender tag decodes as a low option, bench seat 383-auto bronze metallic Coupe. The owner is asking in the mid-teens, which seems like a good deal if it's a solid running, driving, stopping Roadrunner with original driveline.

The body appears to be very solid, with a repaint 10 years ago. My plan is to bring it to a #3 condition, meaning better than an amateur paint job if that makes sense. In its current condition it will likely need tires, fuel tank, brakes gone through, tune-up at the very least.

The twist is this - the engine is a 6T440 and the car has been sitting (in a barn) since 2008. So my question is, how much does it devalue a Roadrunner not to have the original engine? By % or $. For example, a 20k Roadrunner with a non-numbers 440 would be 20k, 15k, or 10% less?

I have done everything from rebuilding 4-speeds, motors, interior work, brakes, and electrical but never serious paint/bodywork. So this is new territory for me, trying to take a nice driver to the next level. This car would appear to deserve it.

 

[Lionized]

FWIW, I paid $19k (USD) 3 years ago for a numbers matching, restored 1969 Super Bee.

You have a number of things to consider. What is your total budget including car purchase and restoration cost? How much are you actually willing to spend on the initial purchase of the vehicle? If this particular Roadrunner checks out and the price is in your wheelhouse, go for it. Does it matter to you that the drivetrain is no longer numbers matching? It doesn't sound as though you're planning a concourse restoration, just a respray and cruise around car.

 

[SlinktRR]

I have a lead on a one-owner RM21 1968 Roadrunner, so before going on a road trip to see it in person I was trying to do as much research as possible to be ready to pull the trigger on the deal if it all checks out.

The fender tag decodes as a low option, bench seat 383-auto bronze metallic Coupe. The owner is asking in the mid-teens, which seems like a good deal if it's a solid running, driving, stopping Roadrunner with original driveline.

The body appears to be very solid, with a repaint 10 years ago. My plan is to bring it to a #3 condition, meaning better than an amateur paint job if that makes sense. In its current condition it will likely need tires, fuel tank, brakes gone through, tune-up at the very least.

The twist is this - the engine is a 6T440 and the car has been sitting (in a barn) since 2008. So my question is, how much does it devalue a Roadrunner not to have the original engine? By % or $. For example, a 20k Roadrunner with a non-numbers 440 would be 20k, 15k, or 10% less?

I have done everything from rebuilding 4-speeds, motors, interior work, brakes, and electrical but never serious paint/bodywork. So this is new territory for me, trying to take a nice driver to the next level. This car would appear to deserve it.

I think that is a good market price depending on condition. I bought my '70 as a solid rolling project and I still find weird stuff on it here and there that have accumulated over the years so make sure to inspect closely. If you are interested in originality you will want to look at the doors (non-matching paint behind panels from swapped doors, painted door strikers, non-factory overspray), check body panels for bondo and rust. Bubbling, the basics. The rear quarters are often butchered in 80's-90's restorations with strange fillers and poor craftsmanship that gets glossed over with shiny paint. Take a look at the rear quarter drains and plugs to see if they are still there and check for bad rust repair in the lowers. Also look at the trunk pan underneath to see if it was installed well or just dropped onto rust.

Engine means nothing as long as it is a big block, most folks want 440's anyways. If the original engine is not there then price will not matter either way. It is a buyers market for driver B bodies right now from what I've seen on ebay so you will likely have a decent amount of negotiation space in person.

 

[69Runner]

Yes, that helps a lot. I'm normally kind of impulsive but this one is at the high end of what i typically buy as you figured out. It doesn't matter to me that it's not original, and being a 440, in my mind it makes up for it. Thanks!

 

[Phantom]

If you get anything decent for 20 k I would think you are doing good.I just dropped 10k in my engine.It s not hard to do.

 

[malex]

I think that is a very good price if it is solid and complete. Usually cars like that in fair/good condition never make it to advertisement. You'll need to get under the car and have a good look at things like the others have stated. Also have a good look at the rear structure that the rear bumper brackets bolt to. That rear frame always caught and held mud,snow,ice and everything else kicked up from the rear tires and is often very decayed. Good luck, hope it works out!

 

[Lionized]

Yes, that helps a lot. I'm normally kind of impulsive but this one is at the high end of what i typically buy as you figured out. It doesn't matter to me that it's not original, and being a 440, in my mind it makes up for it. Thanks!

Let's assume that the car itself is complete, solid and passes your inspection. Where did this 440 come from (is it a 1974 Winnebago 440 or the heart of a wrecked 1969 Charger?). Has it been rebuilt and are there receipts? How about the transmission? Be very careful my man. Ask as many questions as you can think of.

 

[69Runner]

Great advice from everyone, I really appreciate it. You know what it's like, to look then stumble upon something almost by accident. Just trying to keep a level head, I've had a few and this one seems like a real diamond in the rough.

 

[djais1801]

That's a STEAL!! Not a good deal

FWIW, I paid $19k (USD) 3 years ago for a numbers matching, restored 1969 Super Bee.

You have a number of things to consider. What is your total budget including car purchase and restoration cost? How much are you actually willing to spend on the initial purchase of the vehicle? If this particular Roadrunner checks out and the price is in your wheelhouse, go for it. Does it matter to you that the drivetrain is no longer numbers matching? It doesn't sound as though you're planning a concourse restoration, just a respray and cruise around car.

 

[Lionized]

That's a STEAL!! Not a good deal

I know. I'm still not certain if this is all a dream!!

The car was found on here, BTW.

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?43343-69-Super-Bee-Real-WM-nothern-illinois&highlight=jburt

 

[Dennis H]

FWIW, I paid $19k (USD) 3 years ago for a numbers matching, restored 1969 Super Bee.

You have a number of things to consider. What is your total budget including car purchase and restoration cost? How much are you actually willing to spend on the initial purchase of the vehicle? If this particular Roadrunner checks out and the price is in your wheelhouse, go for it. Does it matter to you that the drivetrain is no longer numbers matching? It doesn't sound as though you're planning a concourse restoration, just a respray and cruise around car.

A real deal. Don't know where these cars are found.