Roadbird's 1970 Roadrunner restoration.

[70RR]

For $500 I think you got a steal!! I see cars like this going for $3000 to $5000 all the time...70 Roadrunners have the best dash they evey put in a RR in my opinion..
Enjoy the ride Rick

 

[Roadbird]

Hey Roadbird, after having built two rotisseries, I can tell you that steel alone is more than 500 bucks for one rotisserie and you're going to need casters too, for a good one, each one is going to be around 45 bucks per piece. Rotisseries are not for sale too often used that is, and, the ones that are manufactured are at least 2 grand. You got to have the right equipment to head into this battle dude.

I know and I have been looking at harbor freight for a new one at just under $1300. It looks pretty good and within my budget but was hoping for a steal. I might get that one sometime later.

 

[Ron 73]

Good luck on your bird!

 

[Roadbird]

For $500 I think you got a steal!! I see cars like this going for $3000 to $5000 all the time...70 Roadrunners have the best dash they evey put in a RR in my opinion..
Enjoy the ride Rick

I paid $3,000.00 for my Roadrunner. The $500.00 was for the amount of money I was looking for a Rotisserie. Still looking for one though for sale and have been searching online.

 

[usaroadrunner]

good luck on the bird...70 is the best. :sFl_america2:

 

[Ron 73]

I tried to find one around here to contribute a little but, the very cheapest i could find and it on Ebay was 900.. If you decide to build one i have this that i hope would be useful. Good luck.

 

[snakeyes]

I've purchased several look on craigslist and now and then eBay also try a lot of the other brand vehicle web sites when guys are done with restos they often sell them

 

[Roadbird]

Thanks and I'll probably work on getting materials to build one for myself.

 

[Roadbird]

I've purchased several look on craigslist and now and then eBay also try a lot of the other brand vehicle web sites when guys are done with restos they often sell them

I will check on that too. Thanks so much. I have a new Mig 135 arc welding machine from Eastwood that I haven't used yet and probably use it to build me one with the plans that Ron posted here on this thread. Thanks everybody.

 

[detmatt1]

I will check on that too. Thanks so much. I have a new Mig 135 arc welding machine from Eastwood that I haven't used yet and probably use it to build me one with the plans that Ron posted here on this thread. Thanks everybody.

Careful bud, you'll need a little more substantial welder to build a rotisserie.
You won't get the penetration on the thicker steel and you'll need it for a structural piece like that.

 

[snakeyes]

RB there are several companies that make them and then there are some companies that make real cheap ones -junk-. look at what your needs are, this going to be be a long time investment - one that you will keep or will it be a one time use and then sell it, do your research , the ones that I have have bought were to resell because I was able to pick them up real cheap for friends in need . I`m looking to purchase one now for my son , the one that I`m leaning towards is made by accessible systems its the 4000 lb unit because it could be used while the front and rear end is still in it along with other items , a friend of mine bought one while doing his restos and I liked it ,it is a beast , so look up accessible systems , whirly jig , and auto twirler, summitt also sell rotisseries. if you are going to build, brush up on your welding skills,that will be you under it, like dematt said you will need a larger amp mig welder or a stick welder to make one, have fun, if you want you can send a pm to me ,have fun in your venture.

 

[Donny]

Or copy either of mine.

 

[wannadrag]

Careful bud, you'll need a little more substantial welder to build a rotisserie.
You won't get the penetration on the thicker steel and you'll need it for a structural piece like that.

I have to ask why a better welder?A 135 will weld up to 1/4 steel easy.I built a T bucket roadster from scratch,37 chevy gasser,31 Model A hot rod and backhalfed and caged a 69 camaro drag car plus numerous others with a lesser wire feed than the one he has and i am still here to tell about it.

 

[Donny]

Probably duty cycle? ie how long the machine recovers from welding that 1/4 steel? Matt is entirely correct in saying that this is a bit on the low end of the work Roadbirds going to be doing, esp if he's going to make his own rotisserie. I have a 200amp and it's perfect for everything I do, I'm running right in the middle range of its settings -- which is rather hot, but, better weldors run hotter amps.

 

[Roadbird]

Careful bud, you'll need a little more substantial welder to build a rotisserie.
You won't get the penetration on the thicker steel and you'll need it for a structural piece like that.

I figured I would need more amperage for thicker gauge steel tubing. Looking at average 3/16 thick 3x3 square tubing or 1/4" thick square tubing for this rotisserie. Unless better suggestions. I might go ahead and get the Lincoln or Miller 200 amp industrial welding machine. I prefer the old school style Arc welding machines. I took structural steel welding classes back in High School in 1983 - 1985. Did some extra credit welding at Todd's shipyard in San Pedro California back in 1984 -1985.

 

[Roadbird]

Putting the 135 to the test.

Well this is my plan. I am going to test out the 135 on 1/4" steel plate and square tubing either 3" by 3" or 4" by 4". I bought a 2 ton cherry picker and a heavy duty engine stand for $100. And I can't wait to try it out on the engine and tranny removal. Will post some pics later when I take them.

 

[MoparMitch]

Sounds like a plan Roadbird. Axious to see your progress on your project. Have fun , and once again, thanks for your service to our Great Nation.

 

[detmatt1]

I have to ask why a better welder?A 135 will weld up to 1/4 steel easy.I built a T bucket roadster from scratch,37 chevy gasser,31 Model A hot rod and backhalfed and caged a 69 camaro drag car plus numerous others with a lesser wire feed than the one he has and i am still here to tell about it.

I'm not saying a 140 won't do 1/4 but it's certainly not the appropriate machine for it. My Miller 140 chart/guidelines/suggestions doesn't even show settings for 1/4" and they don't show anything for a setting for the thinner wire on the 3/16" either. I have welded plenty of 3/16" and 1/4" with it but I take a few precautions such as a good bevel on the joints, grind off all mill scale around the area about to be welded and I preheat the joints with a torch. when you are doing anything that would be considered structural, such as building a fixture that is holding a car potentially above you as you work on it the right tool choice is the only one to make.
SAFETY FIRST!!!

 

[Donny]

Roadbird, as one soldier to another soldier, I see some big problem areas that might mess your plans up. You took welding classes in 1983, and did some welding in 84 or 85? Dude, that's not the strongest resume for what you're fixxin' to do! Arc (stick) welding is ok for the rotisserie, but, for the car body and any car parts; no way, forget it! Get a 200 amp machine, but a MIG welder. I don't really want to see you jump into the water filled with sharks man, but, you're not setting yourself up to really achieve results you wish to see. I know, I've been there, and done (doing) that! And anything I say will be to help you navigate the terrain.

Do you have a shop? Are you in the Army still, and, when's your next deployment? Does the shop have 240v? Do you have a lift? Do you have the tools, engine stand, etc? Are you rebuilding the motor? Do you have like 30K saved up to dump into your car? (but first dump it into tools). Are you going to start a business to justify the cost of your new-found-acquired tools after you use them one time for your car?

And, the bread and butter angle; media blast. I know you bought a pot and compressor, so, as soon as you get it hooked up, tell me how its going, and what issues you'll run into. Right now I can tell you that you'll most likely have moisture issues and clogging with your pot. This will ruin your Saturday plans to blast a fender or door. But...the main thing is that you'll have fun messing with this car! I just hope it's fruitful and productive! Cheers!

 

[snakeyes]

RB dont get discourged , you are in for one big ride hang on and enjoy your venture you will have a lot of bad times you will also have alot good times but that is what it is all about ,you have alot of friends that will help you out, and there will be the ones that will tell you that you are nuts ,we all get that ,but when all is done and you sit back enjoy your ride and look back and see accomplishments. :sSig_goodluck: enjoy my friend