Is it worth it?

[moparmarks]

A new cowl and firewall from AMD that fits an e-body is very close to the originals on that Runner.
I think Chad (@ct71rr) has done that change.

I too tackled my 71 Runner without any experience but it took me a long time.
How's that saying go.......go big or go home...

E body and 71-4 B upper cowls are totally different. A/C firewalls are close enough to use. Non-a/c walls are different.

 

[secr1973]

Got the back half of the floor out. Do I separate the floor from the torsion cross member or just cut it out all together. I have it supported pretty well and I was planning on putting a temporary cross tube that is welded to the front rails and the rockers to make sure things don't move.

 

[Jerry Hall]

I would drill the spot welds out, because the torsion bar cross member integrates into the outer rockers. Unless you have the body on a frame table there is still a chance of allowing the body to twist.

 

[Cojohnso1]

I personally did not like these generation B-bodies. But as affordable builds to 2nd generation have all but vanished. I have been gaining some interest. The '71 around the grill bumper is a favorite over the bumper guarded '72+.

I may run out of time before before I actually would target. But if one was happen to fall in my lap? That changes everything.

 

[Jam72]

Thanks for all of your input. I would be doing most of the work. I would much rather buy the tools and learn how to do something myself than take it to a shop. I have a welder and have done some body work before so I am confident that I could do the floors and the torsion bar cross member pretty easily. I guess it is the cowl and firewall area that I has gotten me questioning this, mainly cause I wasn't expecting it. I don't think I need to replace the whole firewall, maybe just the upper portion near the cowl. I will know more once I get the fenders off.

I expect there are many cars out there either basic or half restored that will be less challenging. I have restored a few in my time but none that far gone. Presently I am 90% finished on my 72 Charger which was started by another who needed the money. Mine will finish out at $35,000 Canadian so should not lose money if and when I sell it. I do all my own work including mechanicals, body and painting. I never plan to put more money into one than its final market value. I expect your costs will exceed value - it will be fun though.

Good comments, so thank you. We decided to put some work into it and replace the floors and the torsion bar cross member and after that we can decide if we want to keep going. I think doing the floor and the cross-member first will hopefully give us enough confidence to tackle the cowl stuff. My son is more ambitious than I am and definitely wants to keep it and do all the work. Parts are on order, so wish us luck!

 

[secr1973]

Thanks Jerry, that's probably a good call to take the floor out first. We will tackle that next.