1973 Plymouth Roadrunner

Moms68 · Apr 26, 2021

Daddythunda said:
So I was removing the battery and the parts store was closed, so I was placing it back till they reopened and the following happened, I purchased a new cable and have it installed. If I remove the bottom radiator hose and run a garden hose through the top, is that OK to flush the system?

View attachment 1102623

Prestone makes an flush and fill kit. Very simple to use, you just have to cut in a T to one of the heater lines. The purists will probably say that's a no-no, but back in the day everyone put these on their cars.

https://prestone.com/product/prestone-flush-n-fill-kit/

HawkRod · Apr 26, 2021

I totally agree with the earlier posts about doing and checking simple things regarding running hot. One other thing to verify is your fan shroud and fan combination. Shrouds are extremely important and are often left off. So check your fan, fan clutch and fan shroud. Are they all in place? Is the clutch good? A picture or two of this area would help as well.

Good Luck!

YY1 · Apr 26, 2021

73 may not have a fan clutch...or a shroud.

Mine has neither...and it's an AC car.

Is the timing set right?

Do you have an overflow tank?

How long does it take before it gets hot?

...is the thermostat opening?

HawkRod · Apr 26, 2021

YY1 said:
73 may not have a fan clutch...or a shroud.

Mine has neither...and it's an AC car.

Is the timing set right?

Do you have an overflow tank?

How long does it take before it gets hot?

...is the thermostat opening?

I have a 1973 Road Runner with a 340 and A/C. Had it since 1979. It absolutely has a shroud. When I got it, it also had a fan clutch, although it is possible that could have been changed out, but I doubt it.

WileERobby · Apr 26, 2021

Condolences to you, and welcome here. Beautiful car, I love the 71-74 styles. Don't hesitate to seek advice & opinions here, lots of good people & knowledge here.

73HEMI_RR_GTX · Apr 26, 2021

Daddythunda said:
So I was removing the battery and the parts store was closed, so I was placing it back till they reopened and the following happened, I purchased a new cable and have it installed. If I remove the bottom radiator hose and run a garden hose through the top, is that OK to flush the system?

View attachment 1102623

Yes,
That will get some of the junk out of the radiator. There are also as stated previously a radiator flush solution you can buy. I would highly recommend you buy a cheap infrared thermometer (get at harbor freight) It will help in diagnosing the cooling systems. You’ll be able to check if your thermostat is operating correctly and determine where the radiator may be plugged internally just by temperature of sections of the radiator.
I would do the following:
1) drain radiator.
2) remove lower radiator hose and flush radiator out with garden hose with full water pressure.
3) replace lower radiator hose and fill radiator with water and add flush solution.
4) start the engine and let run until engine gets to running temperature (instructions are included on the flush solution bottle) for about 10 min. Shut engine off let cool down.
5) repeat steps 1 and 2
6) install lower radiator hose and add coolant.

hope this helps. Also don’t for get you can get plenty of how to’s on youTube.

Michael_ · Apr 26, 2021

I also have to flush my cars cooling system as soon as the weather allows it.
I got suggested to use this chemical coolant flush: https://shop.dr-wack.com/en/products/bars-nural and will probably give it a shot.
Its made in germany but they also ship in other countries as well. Im sure there are similar products available in the us, though...

gearhead1969 · Apr 28, 2021

beautiful! I had a really rough 73 that needed everything and I still loved it.

Daddythunda · Apr 28, 2021

So it does not have a fan shroud, I guess I will be on the look out for one.

Daddythunda · Apr 30, 2021

Apparently another car guy passed in out town a few weeks back and they are doing a cruise/car show in town to honor him and my father. My first question is where can I find a new passenger mirror. I guess it broke when my mom and dad took it out one day. Also I uploaded a picture of the engine bay. I am not a huge fan of the bolts for the valve covers, i want to replace them... I am flushing the radiator this weekend and also I have a new oil filter, any recommendations for oil on a worked 383 engine?

73HEMI_RR_GTX · May 1, 2021

Daddythunda said:
Apparently another car guy passed in out town a few weeks back and they are doing a cruise/car show in town to honor him and my father. My first question is where can I find a new passenger mirror. I guess it broke when my mom and dad took it out one day. Also I uploaded a picture of the engine bay. I am not a huge fan of the bolts for the valve covers, i want to replace them... I am flushing the radiator this weekend and also I have a new oil filter, any recommendations for oil on a worked 383 engine?

View attachment 1104675 View attachment 1104676 View attachment 1104678 View attachment 1104679 View attachment 1104680 View attachment 1104681

classicindustries.com or Year One.com will have a reproduction mirror. As well most any reproduction part available for your RR. You can also look in the parts for sale thread on FBBO maybe a member might have a used one for sale

YY1 · May 1, 2021

Just an FYI- that is not a factory mirror.

You can get a cheap, quick fix just like it at a local parts store.

Factory used RH mirrors are somewhat hard to find in good shape, and usually go between $40 and $100.

They were available in chrome or painted body color.

Repro are available but are kinda pricey IMO.

Moms68 · May 1, 2021

I use a high zinc oil.

https://lucasoil.com/products/hot-rods-classic-cars/hot-rod-classic-car-10w-30-motor-oil

Charles Cook · May 1, 2021

I think I have one.

Daddythunda · May 5, 2021

YY1 said:
Just an FYI- that is not a factory mirror.

You can get a cheap, quick fix just like it at a local parts store.

Factory used RH mirrors are somewhat hard to find in good shape, and usually go between $40 and $100.

They were available in chrome or painted body color.

Repro are available but are kinda pricey IMO.

Really, that explains why it seems to have only one place to attache to the door and any repo I find has one on each side. I will have to remove the current one and see if I have another place to screw it down. I knew the 383 was not stock as well, the car changed a bunch of owners over the years. If I can't find one I will have to figure out a way to mount that mirror temp in the housing.

YY1 · May 6, 2021

$30 for a pair of the style you have at Discount/Advance-

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...ssenger-side-1600/6210724-P?searchTerm=mirror

YY1 · May 6, 2021

Here's a painted style repro pass mirror on ebay for $150 and $20 shipping.

It's a 71, though and the mounting screws are closer together than 73/74.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/392664191392?fits=Model:Road+Runner&hash=item5b6c9c11a0:g:kD8AAOSwXRleM6tV

I'd put a wanted ad up on this site.

1973 Plymouth Roadrunner

Moms68

Well-Known Member

HawkRod

Formerly hsorman

YY1

Well-Known Member

HawkRod

Formerly hsorman

WileERobby

FBBO Gold Member

73HEMI_RR_GTX

Well-Known Member

Michael_

FBBO Gold Member

gearhead1969

Member

Daddythunda

Member

Daddythunda

Member

73HEMI_RR_GTX

Well-Known Member

YY1

Well-Known Member

Moms68

Well-Known Member

Charles Cook

FBBO Gold Member

Daddythunda

Member

YY1

Well-Known Member

YY1

Well-Known Member

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