Pics of 69 RR Project Car

[JJRJR]

 

[JJRJR]

Hey guys, just figured out how to post pics of my project 69 RR. Take a peak and let me know what you think. Just bought a few days ago. Also added some of the major rust spots I could see. Front engine cradle looks good as does the frame except back by the trunk area.

The back story (at least the one I got) was that it was in a garage in Texas for 12 years after the owner died. The owner's brother then had the car shipped to his house in Florida; that's where I come in. Found on Craig's List and went the next day to buy it. It has been towed to my mechanic's garage in Delray Beach, FL where it safely sits now inside his bay.

What did I get myself into?? Does it look very bad for a restoration project? I'm not concerned with the drive train as I'm having it all rebuilt and, of course, beefed up!! I paid $6,500 and I'm thinking the restoration will be $15,000, does that sound reasonable? I realize that $15 may turn into $20K or more, but I think this is something I can keep and sell when I'm an old man!! LOL.

Thoughts guys? I emailed a guy yesterday that does interior restoration and he said he could completely restore the interior for $3K to $4K, does that sound high?? I need seats, trunk lid, hood, and much more.

Thanks. Don't be shy, tell me what you think!! I'm a big boy. LOL.

John

 

[Steve]

Like it ...athough those flared arches would have to go uke:

 

[JJRJR]

Steve, I couldn't agree more. Why they were added is beyond me. I guess both quarters will need to be replaced or can they somehow just sheet metal back to original?

Do you think it's too rusty or shouldn't I be concerned? I'm told anything can be fixed. LOL.

Thanks buddy,

John

 

[Roadcuda]

That's a nice lookin project you have there! Just an observation, if you are going for an original look, the bucket seats are not correct for that car, and the bird on the trunk should be in the center. Just minor stuff compared to the metal work you will need. I think all the body parts are out there that you will need so good luck with the resto!

 

[JJRJR]

Thanks Roadcuda, I'm looking forward to it. Based on the project cars I've looked at, this was the least rusty. LOL.

My preference would be bench seats in front and back, but I'm having a hell of a time finding seats. I'm very new to this and don't know if I bit off more than I can chew. I assume if more rust is found in the frame, it can all be welded/fixed?

The only unknown quantitiy for me right now is the body work. I have NO CLUE what that stuff costs. I'm thinking about $3k to $5k on the engine, depending on whether or not I go for the Stroker Kit. The interior I think I could get done for about $4k, then throw in another say $3k on front end, brakes, tires, etc. So that gets me to $12K. If the body work and paint can be done right for $5k or so, I'll be a happy camper. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Thanks,

John

 

[moparchris]

Looks like a pretty decent starting point. I think if you go with a stock stroke engine you will have 5k in it with a mechanics labor attached. 3-4k for interior sounds close. 3k for suspension and brakes sounds good too. You will have 10k in body work and maybe as much as 3k more in paint if you fix it right. Replacing frame rails, trunk floor, outer wheel houses, and quarters is expensive and you will have over 3k in Sheetmetal alone, just ask me how I know that one. All in all I think you did well and as long as your doing it to have a fun toy to enjoy over the years you cant go wrong. Good luck and ask away on any questions you may have, there is a lot knowledgable guys here who are very forthcoming with info! Be careful though of a few clowns here who like to stir things up. :acme: I would say who they are but I dont want Dave and Ray to get in trouble.

 

[JJRJR]

Thanks, wow, had no idea it could be over $10K for body work. I don't want to shortcut it though, would rather get it done right.

I'll keep everyone updated on the progress. Thanks again.

John

 

[Steve]

Hey John,be sure to post more pics as you go along with the resto.We like pics on here
Best of luck with it mate.

 

[JJRJR]

Will do for sure. My mechanic is a little far from me, so gonna see if he'll take pics of that part of the restoration, but looking for a good body shop near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Will post for recommendations.

Thanks

John

 

[peresvet24]

Hey John
great photos
Good luck! :cheers:

 

[moparstuart]

super nice project

 

[generaljmwlee]

looks good ! just remember to have fun and build it the way you want it!

 

[nicanor]

I'm starting off with a little better body, but the high end of rebuilding the 383 was $4200 here in CA about $1500 to $200 more if you build a stroker. To completely rebuild the front end including changing the front brakes from drum to disc was $2200 by a Mopar restoration company. Body work, glass and paint will be approximately $10,000. I have already received a lot of help from this site. Recommend finishing all mechanical before painting. They recommended to me to paint the exterior and interior prior to completing the interior. I'm not sure if most take this route, but I can see why they recommend completing the interior last.

Good luck.
Barry

 

[ACME A12]

They recommended to me to paint the exterior and interior prior to completing the interior. I'm not sure if most take this route, but I can se why they recommend completing the interior last.

Good luck.
Barry

Interior is always last...even in the BS TV shows...and for a reason...

 

[roadrunnerh]

That's not too bad of a starting point, I've seen much worse being restored.......

Try to enjoy the process, and remember, you're not restoring it to sell.

Road Runners are kick ass rides!!!!

 

[Basketcase]

Like it ...athough those flared arches would have to go uke:

agree on that. looks like a good project! just remember you're not gonna get it done in a few weeks or months. make a list of what the cars needs and your wants. then as lots of questons here and shop around. ebay craigs list moparts Carsile mopar nats or any big shows near you. the deals are out there. some here have restored worse. good luck! and keep the pics comng and pay no attention to west coasters that don't even have a road runner..... :acme: :acme: :acme:

 

[mcmopar]

Looks good, John. Your interior estimate seems a bit high. You can get everything you need at Legendary Auto Interiors and if you need anything redyed (dash, A-pillar moldings, kick panels, dash pad, etc) let me know. I can hook you up with a guy that did my headrests. They look brand new now.
It actually doesn't look too bad. I've seen a lot worse.

 

[JJRJR]

Hey guys, two questions. If you look at the pictures I posted, the interior metal is actually painted the same yellow as the body; is this the way it should be? When I get the body redone, I want to be sure to tell my body guy if the inside should stay that way or if it should be black. I'm going with a black interior once I get that done, so not sure which way to go.

Also, if you look at the tail lights on the car, the chrome that goes around the light was painted yellow, but I think it's supposed to be chrome. Is that chrome something I can buy separate or is it part of the tail light and I need to buy both tail lights?

Thanks,

John

 

[69hemibeep]

Hey guys, two questions. If you look at the pictures I posted, the interior metal is actually painted the same yellow as the body; is this the way it should be? When I get the body redone, I want to be sure to tell my body guy if the inside should stay that way or if it should be black. I'm going with a black interior once I get that done, so not sure which way to go.

Also, if you look at the tail lights on the car, the chrome that goes around the light was painted yellow, but I think it's supposed to be chrome. Is that chrome something I can buy separate or is it part of the tail light and I need to buy both tail lights?

Thanks,

John

The whole car gets body color the interior gets covered so it was just base coat . The tail light bezel is repopped but has some fitment issues. I would strip the paint off and see how pitted they are. I had mine rechromed and I painted the argent paint back onto them.