My 1968 Roadrunner Project

[TexasRoadRunner68]

I am new to the forum and am a first time MOPAR owner. I was converted over to MOPARs by an uncle who had a 1970 GTX with a supercharged 440 and pistol grip 4 speed. After years of lusting for one, I finally have one of my own. This 68 Roadrunner came up on the local classifieds and I had to have it.


She's a RM21 factory 383/4 speed car with an 8 3/4 3.55 sure grip rear. Originally, it was a bright blue metallic (QQ1) car with a black and silver interior. It's a bit rough...it has rust in most of the typical B-body problem spots. But it runs, and the engine and trans seem to be in good shape.


















I will be fixing her up as time and money allow. She will need a full restoration and a lot of body work, but I think she's got a lot of potential. I will try and post pics as I get work done. I love looking through all the completed restoration threads on here, and have seen many in rougher shape that have turned out amazing. :headbang: I will keep you guys posted.

 

[NZ 70 RR]

Welcome aboard. Nice looking project, everything very fixable. Finding time and motivation the key. Look forward to the restoration.

 

[Clay Dots]

Good score, nice project, welcome you will learn a lot here, best wishes on the bird!

 

[747mopar]

Great looking car, can't wait to see it brought back. Are you keeping the 1969 grill in it or putting 68 back in, I always liked the 69 grill. Welcome aboard and good luck.

 

[hunt2elk]

Welcome to the site. You have a nice looking project there. Take your time and do it right. Love the Keystones.

 

[TexasRoadRunner68]

747mopar- I am not sure yet. I'm thinking I will probably put the correct 68 grill back on her, but I do like the look of the 69.

 

[TexasRoadRunner68]

[video=youtube;wKzHakb6u5U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKzHakb6u5U[/video]

It seems to idle well. It has headers, an offenhauser 360 intake with Holley carb (probably a 650), and what im assuming is an aftermarket cam.

 

[747mopar]

Damn, that thing sound pretty mean. Does it run as good as it sounds?

 

[TexasRoadRunner68]

It seems to run well. Its a turn key motor. I would eventually like to stick a 400 stroker in it, but it seems that in the mean time the 383 will do. Unfortunately, I havent really been able to try it on any sort of road. The brakes were shot and those tires are old bias plys. The wiring also needs some TLC...its pretty shoddy at the moment.

- - - Updated - - -

I did clean up the rear frame rails. They had some surface rust and light pitting, but are solid.
Before:


After:


- - - Updated - - -

I also started rebuilding the brakes. I was hoping to at least be able to move the car under its own power. The emergency brake cable is bad...I ended up replacing pretty much everything. I am still trying to find front 11x3 drums, since the ones on here were beyond turning. Unfortunately there's a bit of rot in the front drivers frame rail. Does this look like a patch-able problem, or cause for a frame rail replacement? It's fine under the battery, and the passenger one is solid as well.


The bottom has a few pin holes, but it goes all the way through the sides. This is the kind of rust I really wanted to avoid, but after seeing this I checked all of the frame. The rockers and everything else is good. I'm not sure why this area rotted, the passenger side is solid on front and back.

 

[BigBlock61]

Nice find, you should be able to bring her back with minimal effort. There are many people here who are willing to help with answers to questions, so ask away. Good luck and have fun with it. Like hunt2elk said, love the Keystones!

 

[cdr]

LOVE IT & hello from katy texas

 

[moparjohnny]

Holy cow,that is better than the one i started to work on,good catch,i am going to put disc brakes on my front i want more stopping power for that kind of a car, keep us posted, and welcome,now get to work.

 

[tallhair]

Welcome aboard .. are you aware of the Dallas Mopar Club? Their members may be a source of help and parts for you. Used to be pretty big anyway don't know now.

I think the 69 grill looks good on it actually and I love the 68 tail lights and round side markers.

 

[Basket case]

nice find!4 speed postcar. like the '69 grill myself, but I might be biased. keep the pics coming.

 

[99ss]

welcome to the club ... !

 

[Budnicks]

Nice 68 RR project, I like the 69 grill too but in 69's... I'd put a 68 Grill back in it myself... it sounds pretty damn good, I have one of those old archaic Offy 360* dual plane intakes, on my parts shelves too, I'm on my 13th 68-70 RR... 68 is my favorite year personally, unless it's an 69.5 A12 of course, I'm kind of biased thou... Good luck, Have fun & "git r' dun"

 

[TexasRoadRunner68]

Thanks for all the replies! She needs some work...the front floor pans need to be replaced, the firewall has some dents or cuts in places. The areas behind the front tires and part of the inner fenders seem to have been cut out for side pipes. There is also a little rust area in the driver frame rail behind the shock tower. It's strong enough to hold weight, so I'm assuming a patch would be sufficient. The area under the battery is clean...go figure. The hood is shot too...I want a 6-pack repro hood anyways though. Overall, she's fixable...trying to get it back on the street.

 

[Ron 73]

Grill does look good on it and its going to make you a great ride when done, Little elbow grease and some time and you'll be having a ball! Good luck with the job ahead of you!

 

[Basket case]

I got a Penstar Repo 6 pak hood for mine, love it.