My 1st B-Body: 1971 Road Runner

[Chase383]

Ok.... so I stretched the truth a tad,

Its actually a 1971 Satellite.... but I actually I'm glad its a car that no one will miss not being restored back to stock. My plan is to build the car I would have ordered new in the 1971, had the options been available and had I not been born in the 1983...

The car is pretty solid.... the trunk floor is mint, the floors are solid minus a few extra holes for a shifter, non original seats and the most bone-headed dual exhaust install I've even seen. The frame rails are solid but I'll have to chop off somebodies home-cobbled trailer hitch and fix some cosmetic damage.

Worst spot of rot is the front window channel from the vinyl top.


I can already see the finished car in my mind:

A 71 Road Runner clone, B5 with a white interior and half top (the car's original color combo) with the white roof stripe, Air Grabber hood, chin spoilers and a Go-Wing.

My goal for the car is to build a car that is a balance between a nice, stock looking resto and a fun, reliable driver.

I want car the to be enjoyable to drive, reasonably fast at the dragstrip, and well mannered on road trips. A bit of a challenge... but I think I can achieve it.

No more wishing for a Hemi or Six Pack as I did when I was younger, a stout 383 will do just fine (and its cheaper :grin. I always wanted to row my own gears... so a 5-speed swap will give me my beloved pistol grip and decent highway manners.

I plan add subframe connectors, firewall bracing and torque boxes to stiffen the up the car, as well rebuilding the suspension with handling in mind.

For long distance comfort, I'm going to fit the car with A/C using as many factory parts as possible, using the brackets to drop a modern compressor under the alternator.





That's all for now, below is a pic snapped the day after I brought her home and started removing grime. Still need to finish my new garage and lighten the fleet up a bit before I start any real work.

 

[Propwash]

Cool! Sounds like a fun build. Best of luck bringing her back.

 

[snakeyes]

hi welcome to the site ,keep posting up , and do I see a bricklin next to it :eusa_think:

 

[Chase383]

Yes you do...

That was my old project that I've had for a few years. But as time rolls on priorities change. I used to picture myself speeding along by myself in the Bricklin.... then realized that maybe I should include my loving and supportive wife in my car fantasies. Then I realized the two I us can fit comfortably in the Bricklin for about 15 mins...


So I few months ago I tell her I'd like to get another old Mopar and sell the Bricklin. She tells me thats ok as long as she likes the car I get. My two dream cars were a 68 Charger or a 71 Road Runner. I preferred the 71, she the 68. But when we went to look at the car (just look, since I haven't sold the Bricklin) and she falls in love with 71 too.

She even told me to stop haggling with the guy and just buy it already... she's a keeper.

 

[Ron 73]

Welcome aboard bud! Sounds like a great car your building.. Good luck with it and ill be watching your progress...

 

[roadrunnerman]

Sounds like the plans you have are going to turn into one nice ride.will be watching your progress.

 

[super-bee_ski]

Keep up the good work!
You saved another "great mopar" from old age, rust and or destruction.
Yup, a stout 383 is great!
Or search this forum, we recently discussed the 451 combo based on a 400.

Anyway, it's all good.
Do it like: "you like it!"

 

[wannadrag]

Kool

 

[djais1801]

welcome aboard...something to light a fire for you! here's my B5 RR clone, started life as a 6 banger from Canada..

 

[RustyRatRod]

Damn fine first B body.

 

[Diecastdeluxe]

I like the steel rim look. I used to do that to my MOPARS back in the old days. It kind of gives them a NASCAR flavor. I used to have a '71 in Petty Blue with a red stripe.

 

[Bruzilla]

Welcome to the forum. It sounds like you've got the first biggest hindrance to your effort taken care of, that being spousal support. The next biggest problem is going to be developing a budget and staying on it as going over budget is the biggest killer of these projects.

It's a lot easier to stay on budget with a 383 than a Hemi or 440-6, so good choice.

 

[Dennis H]

History. John Herlitz is the father of both the 70 'Cuda and the 71 Runner. How is that for a resume. A man of Vision, may he rest in peace. The nicest nose ever on the 71 B Bodies. He actually brought them to market. Thank God!

 

[Chase383]

Thank you for the replies guys,

I've been getting a little work done on the car despite the fact my garage is unfinished and crammed full of cars.

I've managed to vacuum about 10 pounds of leaves, dirt, rust, spiders and wasps out the car and I am taking inventory of what I have, need to save, need to toss, and what I need to start looking for.

The weather is starting to get cooler so hopefully I can start hit the junkyards to see if I can score some needed parts locally.

 

[Ron 73]

Good luck in the junk yard search and hope you do keep us up to date when you get started on it. Weather getting cooler here to, right now its 47.8 outside 15 miles south of lake Erie... soon the lake Erie snow machine will be workin against us up here! temperature probably sounds good to you living in Texas, bit chilly to me lol..

 

[70RR]

Welcome FBBO

Did'nt you list the Bricklin on FBBO a while ago..I made the comment that in 1975 in Concord N.H. they were being sold at the Buick Dealer.:eusa_think:.I like them then and I like them now...I think you will have better luck finding parts for you 71 RR than the 75 Bricklin.:grin:.Good Luck Rick

Ok.... so I stretched the truth a tad,

Its actually a 1971 Satellite.... but I actually I'm glad its a car that no one will miss not being restored back to stock. My plan is to build the car I would have ordered new in the 1971, had the options been available and had I not been born in the 1983...

The car is pretty solid.... the trunk floor is mint, the floors are solid minus a few extra holes for a shifter, non original seats and the most bone-headed dual exhaust install I've even seen. The frame rails are solid but I'll have to chop off somebodies home-cobbled trailer hitch and fix some cosmetic damage.

Worst spot of rot is the front window channel from the vinyl top.


I can already see the finished car in my mind:

A 71 Road Runner clone, B5 with a white interior and half top (the car's original color combo) with the white roof stripe, Air Grabber hood, chin spoilers and a Go-Wing.

My goal for the car is to build a car that is a balance between a nice, stock looking resto and a fun, reliable driver.

I want car the to be enjoyable to drive, reasonably fast at the dragstrip, and well mannered on road trips. A bit of a challenge... but I think I can achieve it.

No more wishing for a Hemi or Six Pack as I did when I was younger, a stout 383 will do just fine (and its cheaper :grin. I always wanted to row my own gears... so a 5-speed swap will give me my beloved pistol grip and decent highway manners.

I plan add subframe connectors, firewall bracing and torque boxes to stiffen the up the car, as well rebuilding the suspension with handling in mind.

For long distance comfort, I'm going to fit the car with A/C using as many factory parts as possible, using the brackets to drop a modern compressor under the alternator.





That's all for now, below is a pic snapped the day after I brought her home and started removing grime. Still need to finish my new garage and lighten the fleet up a bit before I start any real work.

 

[Chase383]

Did'nt you list the Bricklin on FBBO a while ago..I made the comment that in 1975 in Concord N.H. they were being sold at the Buick Dealer.:eusa_think:.I like them then and I like them now...I think you will have better luck finding parts for you 71 RR than the 75 Bricklin.:grin:.Good Luck Rick

Yes I listed it here. And its actually the other way around with parts... a Bricklin is one of the easiest cars to find parts for! Several vendors offer loads of used and NOS parts for them. One place even sells new body panels.

 

[Chase383]

Here is fresh pic.

I've pulled off some of the JC Whitney special junk the car was "upgraded" with and swapped on a couple wheels with tires that hold air.

 

[Chase383]

Woo hoo!

Got me a parts car... this triple green rust bucket will be donating.... bucket seats, A/C dash, rallye gauge cluster, power brakes, tinted glass, windshield trim, A/C firewall section, all the A/C hoses and condenser, and if I'm lucky under the green shag carpet... some floor panel patches.

Even my Dad and his 70' Challenger will be able to use a few parts.

 

[Ron 73]

Cool beans! Sounds like your pumped and ready to go!! Good luck and have fun...