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1974 Plymouth Roadrunner

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 6:47 pm
by hjworton
Hi All,

Brought my baby back from her week being checked out by the guys at Kent Car Craft in St.Peters, Broadstairs. They love Yank metal - Boss Doug has his 67 El Camino in the workshop, another customers Cutlass was up on the stand being worked on too - and will be my partners in getting my RR back to her former glory.

The good news is that there is nothing much wrong that cannot be sorted out fairly easily - wiring loom requires a little attention, indicators probably require new switch(hazard and relay circuit tested), steering box has too much play (around 3 inches in a straight line), no dipped beam headlight, reversing lights not working, horn not working, tyres are all past sell-by date, rear n/s wheel arch is rotting, gear box mount perished, steering system ball joints perished, engine drinking oil somewhat. That's pretty much everything - the tatty interior is another matter entirely. So, I think I managed to get off pretty lightly considering I bought her blind and I'm a complete novice(and I mean COMPLETE).

We also had a laugh about the terrible(IMO) exhaust tips someone has installed....not my style a all, they have to go ASAP.

I've joined photobucket and have uploaded some pics; http://s1283.beta.photobucket.com/user/ ... n/library/

Does that work ?

Doug and I chatted also about installing a slightly more powerful motor at some point - wedging a 440 in might be too much I'd say, a 340 or 360 could be the way to go...

For now, it's just about enjoying the ride :)

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 6:56 pm
by Mossy68
Good stuff.
Nothing too sinister there.
If it was mine I'd give it a thorough clean inside and out. Fill up the tank and go out with a big v8 grin on your face :thumbright:

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 7:06 pm
by hjworton
Funny you should mention it, that's top of my to-do list ;) From the end of Feb onwards I'll have a lot more time for both driving and tlc, cannot come soon enough - I'm totally in love with this car, we have finally found each other !

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 7:12 pm
by Mossy68
hjworton wrote:Funny you should mention it, that's top of my to-do list ;) From the end of Feb onwards I'll have a lot more time for both driving and tlc, cannot come soon enough - I'm totally in love with this car, we have finally found each other !
Long time coming but worth it. Enjoy :thumbright:
I've been using mine for work all week. Proper Mr1968. Love it !!!

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 7:16 pm
by autofetish
nice car :thumbright: :thumbright: :thumbright: :thumbright:

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 7:20 pm
by hjworton
Thankyou, Sir !

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 7:29 pm
by Pete_B
Cracking looking car, welcome to the club :thumbright:

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 7:55 pm
by hjworton
Cheers Pete :)

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 8:02 pm
by mas
Welcome hjworton, we could go for a burn I'm only in Ashford :thumbright:

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 8:24 pm
by hjworton
Wotcha Mas :)

Not sure I'll be burning much - other than oil, running a but rich - she's only the 318 but certainly up for meeting for a cruise.

Btw, I've moved the pics to an album that's a bit more organised; http://s1283.beta.photobucket.com/user/ ... %20set%201

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 8:40 pm
by Dave81
HJ, looking at the pics the car looks better than you described it. It will have battle scars and issues (Most 40yr olds do).

Love the color, and as Gary says a few hours on the interior and it will feel like a completely different place to sit!

Just drive the Bananarama! out of it! The list of minor problems can be done as you go!

Agree with you on the exhaust trims. Just get the saw out and cut it at the rear bumper! :twisted:

All in all mate a very nice lookking Mopar with BAGS of potential! :thumbright:

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 8:42 pm
by mas
Smallblocks rock :thumbright:

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 8:47 pm
by hjworton
Dave81; Cheers Mate, I love her to bits... As you say, will sort the little bits as I go.

Mas; they do indeed...she is a bit asthmatic tho, could do with a wee bit more.

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 10:04 pm
by MilesnMiles
360 is the way forward as it'll bolt right up. Night and day difference from a 318. Loads of info on how to make them perform without breaking the bank.
High comp pistons, decent camshaft and timing chain and fit and forget. Easy 300 hp without mega bucks.

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 13 11:03 pm
by hjworton
Dude, that sounds more than perfect. Plan starts hatching....