Hey Guys. Thanks for the forum.

[ACME 383]

I have two Mopars, a 69 Roadrunner and a 70 charger R/T. Both all there numbers match and both all rusty. Frame rails rotting holes in the floorboards rusty. Trying to weigh some options and thought this was a good place to get some input. I have had the Roadrunner in the family since 1969. Dad bought the car new. Oh the "now don't tell your Mother" stories I remember as a kid! I purchased the Charger in 1984 or so from the second owner. I am trying to decide if it is time to sell one or (gulp) both vs. diving in on full scale restoration(s). The time to make a some decisions has come and parting out a numbers matching car seems against all I have preached about in the past.That being said it may be time to admit defeat. Neil young knew what he was talking about when he said,"rust never sleeps".
Anyway, good to see For B Bodies only as a place to share thoughts. Detroit still hasn't come up with an adequate substitute for B Body Mopars in my opinion. Thanks guys.

 

[tallhair]

Welcome to FBBO from down south of you. Interesting quandary you have there. Can you afford to restore or restify 1 or both to your taste?

I'm sure you could buy a very nicely done car for less than what it may cost to do a very nice resto on either one of them but it would help to see some photo's of both. However you've got some great history with both of these cars and I can definitely understand where you are at.

 

[sublimegtx]

Welcome, If I were in your situation I don't think I could part with dads car.

 

[ACME 383]

Selling one to start the finances for restoring the other is probably an option to look at. The charger is arguably the more desirable of the two but the roadrunner was my first car and has way more sentimental value to me because of it.Frankly I am having trouble coming to any kind of dollar value on either to weigh in to the decision. With the market down like it is I agree buying a done car is probably cheaper than getting the rotisserie started. To get them even safely drivable will require a where do you stop project.

- - - Updated - - -

You are right sublimegtx. I would LOVE to give him a chance to drive it again while he still can.

 

[tallhair]

I still have my first car which is a 70 RR and I wish I had my dad's 69 RR that he bought new. So I am definately understanding you brother. Having the same battles with myself .. logic vs 'feelings' I feel your pain. Looking forward to see how this works out for you. I'll help if I can but there's far more experienced folks here than me.

Now post at least some pics .. we don't care if they are rusty

 

[6pktgo]

Welcome to FBBO, :wave: I really hear you on the Father/Son thing. Just my 2 cents but I`d hang on to the Runner, sell the Charger to help get the project off the ground & when it`s done, the look on your Dad`s face when he slips in behind the wheel, will be ALL worth it! :tongue1:

Let`s see a few pic`s, Thanks

 

[ACME 383]

Right on the money Tallhair. I remember there were two 69's left on the dealers lot in November 1969 and Dad naturally brought the orange with black ralley stripes 4speed Hemi home for mom to test drive and so close but she thought the Hemi was a little too much and the 383 automatic was the result. You read between the lines I am embarrassed to get the camera out but you guys seem understanding enough so I will try to get some posted tomorrow.

 

[ACME 383]

Still had some daylight to at least get the Roadrunner. The charger is under the tarp next to it. The glass is out of it and it will take some time to get it uncovered. I have good doors and fenders for the Plymouth from a 69 GTX we parted out 20 years ago.

 

[hunt2elk]

If you need to choose between the 2, I would definitely rebuild the Runner. I think the father - son thing would be pretty cool. Wish my old man was still around to help on my projects. There are a lot of good resto threads going on right now for a little guidance if need be. If you have the time, check out the holy grail that Propwash has almost completed on his black beast.

 

[tallhair]

X2 H2E and I don't even have to see the Charger although they are cool and I like them. That RR has 'provenance' but sell something else besides the Charger to fund the resto, and keep the Charger for your son or your next project.

 

[alleyoopmgv]

Welcome to the site!

 

[rsd859]

Cool story, I don't know what I would do. Good looking RR too!!!

 

[Photon440]

ACME 383 - I like your name.

You know, those pictures don't look terrible. I mean, having to replace a quarter panel and wheel house because of a lot of rust isn't any worse than having to replace them because of moderate rust. Either way, you'll be looking at a lot of measuring, cutting, and a lot of satisfaction when you see the new metal in place.

You say the frame is rusting out, that would be the part getting me worried.

-=Photon440=-

 

[eric383]

Welcome and take it a day at a time. A big project can become overwelming.

 

[daredevil]

Welcome to fbbo. I,d do the runner too. The 70 will pull more cash even rough.

 

[Bear R.-]

Welcome and 2 nice rides esp.that Runner.wow... nice project..God Bless.Barry

 

[ACME 383]

Thanks for the replies one and all. What would be a fair and honest price range for both sides for a charger in such rough shape. I am seeing asking prices for project cars all over the board. I know that a car is worth what someone would pay is always the last word, but where would a reasonable starting point be in June 2013?

 

[6pktgo]

I wouldn`t be embarrassed about the pictures , in the least! Countless car & truck owners have been there, done that & feel your pain! :gah:

Take lots of pictures before you start, for reference reasons. Then make a fairly detailed ( research) list of parts & what you`re looking to do with it ( research) (@ the end of the day) & how much you`re thinking of spending on it.( research) Myself, i`d do all of this before I removed a single screw. I`ve seen it many times where someone has tore a car apart & thought they could make it back into a show car, only to realise that takes $$$$$$ thousands. Then the car is sold with only some of it`s original parts & the rest is history. :frustrated:

To return it to a nice street driver takes much less but if this is a numbers correct car, been in the family it`s whole life, then the sentimental value would push me to the higher end street driver, so you & your Dad, could play with it. :3gears:

Let`s see a few pics of the 70 & hear a few details, before we start guessing but any way you decide, The Best of Luck!

 

[Budnicks]

welcome to FBBO, good luck with the 69 RR & the 70 Charger

 

[okiemopar]

Go for the Runner, you can buy a lot of sheet metal for 3-4K if you can do the welding. It took me 8 years on my 70 RoadRunner but I bought parts as I had the money and I done all the work and painting my self. Just don't get started and feel over whelmed on it just stop working on it for a while and then get back after. Good Luck from Okla.