71 Runner Resto - The beginning

[1971_Roadrunner]

Started to reorganize the garage so I can set up a new rotisserie just bought.
Took the cover off the runner to find the mice had really done a job on the headliner and seats.
No problem... I'll use the winter months to tear down and restore the seats and dash carrier.

Thought i would show the 1980 photos and some from today, pre-teardown.

From today - out of the garage and uncovered

Pulled the mat.... mouse crap, dirty but very solid

When i drop the drive train and mount the body on the rotisserie, I'll post more.

 

[davek]

thanks 4 the pics and have fun.

 

[plymouthman72]

I am seriously digging those hubcaps. She looks like a super solid base. Good luck with your build!

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

I am seriously digging those hubcaps. She looks like a super solid base. Good luck with your build!

When I was younger I really wanted the factory rims..... I'm glad I didn't do it.... I'm happy to have a base model sleeper.... everyone seems to want a GTX or a R with a wing.
You have to work driving this. Manual 4 speed.... no power steering.... no power brakes..... no discs-all drums.

 

[popslavaz]

Looks like a great car to bring back to life. Working on a '71 RR here also. Good Luck!! POPS

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

Looks like a great car to bring back to life. Working on a '71 RR here also. Good Luck!! POPS

Got some pics?

 

[440jimr]

Love the 71s!

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

Love the 71s!

I've always been a 68 B body fan. I especially loved the 68 charger and Dart GTS 340 I had.....I kick myself for selling them...... only if I had known the future value.

 

[71Beeper]

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/attachments/img_1142-jpg.535588/
Well at least your trunk looks a lot better than mine did.

 

[71Beeper]

Where are you getting the body and paint done?

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

Sorry for the delay.... been traveling some.
I'm doing the body and paint myself. Getting the garage prepared for the tear down and sizing up the rotisserie on the car. I should be dropping out the drive train this week end coming up.

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

Dropped the drive train out last week end. It went pretty smooth with exception that the last 2 bolts.... of course the last 2 bolts would not break free on the K-frame.
Extreme heat did not help but leverage did break the heads off the bolts.
Here are some pics of the progress.

 

[plymouthman72]

Thank you for sharing these pictures, its looking great! What did you use for castors to move the engine on the ground? I am soon to put mine back in early next year and want to go under the car like you did. With the k frame on, how much room did you have for the oil pan?

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

I happened to have an old bread factory tray steel dolly laying around like the pic below.
I put 2 - 2x12x26inch planks inside the frame so the k-frame could rest on it. My wheels were steel though and the dolly had a capacity stamp of 1500 pounds.
My oil pan does not go below the k-frame member so no issue there.
For the A833 4sp attached to the engine.... I had a HF furniture dolly which worked fine for the trans to rest on.

Later on, I'm going to fabricate a very low profile steel tube dolly like in the attached pic below.

 

[72RR4SPeed]

Nice 71! Looks solid. I like the way you dropped the engine from under the car. I have a 72 Roadrunner and am planning to install the engine tranny and K Member in the same fasion. I am also in New England. Keep up the good work!

Dropped the drive train out last week end. It went pretty smooth with exception that the last 2 bolts.... of course the last 2 bolts would not break free on the K-frame.
Extreme heat did not help but leverage did break the heads off the bolts.

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

Where about in NE are you? I'm in central Mass.
Oops.... Rhode Island I see.

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

Finally dropped out the rear suspension and gas tank etc....have the car on the rotisserie.
I'm extremely happy to still see a lot of the undercarriage still shows the galvanized metal where Plymouth dipped it.

 

[WileERobby]

Is that a bench seat car I see through the windshield ? Looks like one I almost bought in 1972, awesome !

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

Yes. Its a base RR with taxi cab interior. Black bench seats with charcoal grey/silver inserts.
340 4bbl - 4 speed - drum brakes all around - no power steering or brakes.
No rally rims just 14 inch wheel base with the stainless steel satellite hub caps.

 

[1971_Roadrunner]

All numbers matching main components..... the only exceptional thing is the engine. I rebuilt it in 89 because of failing head gaskets etc.... from sitting so long. I bought it in 80 with 19K on it, then the rebuild happened with 35K or so on it.... now the car has 43K and the engine 8K or so.
Its a 68 block with intake port matched J heads - 2.02 intakes - 10.5:1 forged pistons - forged crank / rods - comp cam, if I remember right about .501 lift - Edelbrock Torker 340 single plane (original series)..... and hooker headers... replaced the prestolite dual point distributor with direct connection electronic...
A lot of things have changed in vintage muscle tech since 89, so I have a lot of catch-up to do considering update mods.