just bought a 73 road runner. im gunna need help

[Smellslike1974]

There's nothing wrong with a 318!

I dig the car though,even if its the paint job that makes that car look totally different.

And about the rr hoods.You can tell the difference depending on if there's vents near the windshield...correct?

[WileEcoyote]

wow thanks guys for commenting and the compliments. um i know the last owner said he had to replace the original hood, um ill get the serial number when i get back to my house and post it up than. whats funny the grill on there now is very cheaply made lol its really flimsy. i have a buddy thats a mechanic and hes fixed up some old cars but this one is not his and since he said he would help me out i dont know how much hes willing to help, thats why when i seen this forum i was very eager to join. i just dont know where to start, i was guessing the floor since i guess it corroded away or rusted away they patched it up with some type of .... something, tho its sturdy, i want to get that out of the way, um i guess ill be looking for a lot of parts, original hopefully, and i have no idea where to start, i have my buddy who will help me install and teach me a few things as long as i have the parts. i wish i could meet up with some one who had a lot of knowledge about these specific cars and give me a list of things i should do first.

[72Satellite440]

Hey Wes and welcome again wish I was 23 again
Good looking car- Id like to see the origional 440 back in place.
-72 SatSebring-Dan

[Lrdrunner]

How original do you plan to restore? People here can answer most all of your questions or direct you. If you plan to go with chrome bumpers, you can exchange yours for re-chromed at Tri-City plating in Tenn.
You have some emblems and decals out of place or incorrect. My car had over roof stripes like yours when I bought it. I put correct ones on after it was re-painted, got them from Pheonix.
Post your questions and part needs and some one will help you.

[WileEcoyote]

im not a racer lol so i want to restore to its original state as much as i can. and thnx guys i can see alot of people are willing to help me, so ill take a whole bunch of pics. and if anyone can give me insight on whatever, that would be so much help. ill take pics of the some of the real bad things that i think is wrong witht the car and post them.

[WileEcoyote]

one big problem besides the floor being gone and they patched it up with some thing is i believe all around the bottom of the car theres bondo, does this mean all the parts with bondo should be replaced? i geuss i have an untrained eye because i cant see it but i was told it was there. i know its going to take years but i want this car to be as mint as possible lol

[WileEcoyote]

its great i feel like all you guys are pros at roadrunners since all of you own one lol

[bruce]

Floor panels are available... you'll need to get a welder or find a friend who let you use theirs or a shop you can work in that has one (auto body class at a local community college?). Any bondo on the car that's there to patch rust holes needs to come OUT and be replaced with good metal. If the bondo is there just to smooth out the bodywork then you'll probably be okay (LOTS of variables there!).

A body shop class at a local community college is a GREAT idea if you're inclined to do things yourself. That's where I learned the basics...

If you want to set up a shop in your home garage then be prepared to spend some $$$ on tools--a good air compressor is a must, then the welder and body tools, etc, etc...

Not sure how much is available in the way of patch panels for '73 and '74s. Stuff is coming available for the '71s and '72s but I think the '73s and '74s still aren't getting much love. If patch panels aren't available you'll need to learn to shape metal to make patches.

Don't get overwhelmed or discouraged though, cuz none of this is rocket science and every single one of us was in your shoes at one time--young, eager and ready to take on our first old project car. Good luck, and as many have said, we're here to help, answer questions and give advice.

Good luck!

[WileEcoyote]

ok wow lol, that was insightful because i thought i was gunna have to replace whole parts. my budy has a garage with a ton of tools etc so i think with that ill be ok, hopefully he'll know how to weld witch im sure he does, ok i guess im going to have to get a lot of info from him about the car and if he cant help i always got the forum. thnx again guys

[kb73rr]

Hi - I've got a 73 Road Runner too and have been more or less restoring it for six years now. I took a lot of pics during the process and documented a lot of what I did. This might give you an idea of what's involved. Here is the link if you're interested.
http://www.muskie-lures.com/73roadrunner/index1.htm

[Eric]

Welcome to the Nest!

[WileEcoyote]

ok heres what the put under the floor. they also put a peice of metal on the inside over this nasty looking stuff, this is one thing im going to have to fix. i dont know if i should replace the whole floor or not

[WileEcoyote]

under floor

[WileEcoyote]

my pos 318 engine that i plan on replacing with a 440 in due time lol

[WileEcoyote]

i need a head liner