1973 Plymouth RoadRunner

[Dino]

Can't go wrong with a 73 Road Runner. I have one and I think its one of the best looking cars to come from the Chrysler Corp. From that picture you posted that car doesn't look like it needs much work to get it running and driving.
A few things to know:
1) finding good, usable replacement quarter panels are hard to find.
2) fenders almost impossible in usable conditions.
3) front grill, hard to find and expensive.
4) don't even start looking for a good trunk lid.
5) K members different between small block and big block.
6) most of the glass is interchangeable with 3rd gen Chargers.
If you don't buy this car, PM me cause I would be interested.

Mike

and all of those notes seems to be decent on this car, so no big headaches to make the resto.

I still vote for the RR getting a nice touched up 340/4 speeds setup like it was. Rallye wheels and I like even the factory color, although dunno what would be the original strip color

you can also make a Daisy Duke RR clone



Nothing great but just a cool factor, since doesn't have anything special but a stock look

Pretty sure any guy would not want his first car to known in school as a Daisy Duke car 

Again father son project for a kid first car does not need a 340 set up in my opinion

I had a clone 73 RR for 7 years
My car was black with white stripe and white interior with a 360 auto set up

Did not know till many years after I sold it my oldest daughter wanted it and still wants one just like it (she will be 27 this year)
Many good times as we took the kids trick or treating in that car every year I had it for Halloween (we live out in the country)

Maybe you should buy it then!  

Sucks when you read fast and miss certain words. I read "after I sold my oldest daughter"  

[Bad B-rad]

Besides the fact that I have schooled my two sons about all the important things in life, like The Dukes of Hazzard, Looney Tunes cartoons, Knight Rider, and the A-Team and who Mr.T is. I don't think most kids who turn 16 in one year know who Daisy Duke is,so no one will be breaking his balls about that.
I think he digs the Roadrunner because of the cartoon Bird,and because he knows Dad loves his Mopars.
After the body and brakes/front end/and what not as far as motor and trans I would prob go 5.2 or 5.9 magnum motor for the SMP EFI,and auto trans,and after he gets some miles under his belt and as long as he doesn't wrap it around a tree we can add what ever or build a 340 4 speed,or what ever.
As far as the Trans-AM I would def find one with a good body  and decent 305 auto trans, nothing to crazy, just something that is reliable.
I bet that body or interior parts that are 73,74 only parts are tough to get.

[Dino]

How many of these Runners did they make?

[Kern Dog]

340 only available with the Road Runner in 73 and 74.

Uhhh....AND the Dart Sport, the Duster....

[ralley72]

How many of these Runners did they make?

I don't have my little white book with me, but I seem to remember over 7,000 in 1973. That would include all available engine combos. I think most were 318 cars.
340 with 4 speed I'm thinking around 700, more likely less than that, so not very many.

Mike

[TeeWJay426]

340 was replaced with the 360 in '74.

I'd say $2000-2500

340 was in Charger a Rallye by default, so I guess a 340 on a Satellite would be a RoadRunner by default

Correct, 340 only available with the Road Runner in 73 and 74.

Mike

[Dino]

How many of these Runners did they make?

I don't have my little white book with me, but I seem to remember over 7,000 in 1973. That would include all available engine combos. I think most were 318 cars.
340 with 4 speed I'm thinking around 700, more likely less than that, so not very many.

Mike

I guess not!

Thanks

[73-Charger-Canada]

I don't think there's any arguing that the RR is the cooler car. I'd like to give you my opinion, since I kinda own both cars. I have a 73 Charger (practically the same as the RR) and I have a 84 Camaro Z28 (practically the same as the TA). I bought the camaro when I was 19, and the Charger at 26 (28 now). The Camaro was hands down the easier car to find parts for, since my local pick-a-part had about 20 of them. The parts for the camaro were also generally less expensive than for the mopar. To all the people talking trash about the 3rd gen cars, yes, they are a little ugly BUT they are a fantastic car for some kid to learn about V8s (305s are cheap and plentiful) carburetors (prior to 86) and the basics of the front engine, rear wheel drive platform. Cheap and easy to work on, and nobody really cares if you break it. Easy to upgrade if he feels like it too. The other thing that is important is that the TA currently runs and drives correct? That would help with getting your kid into loving the car, since everything you do is visible right away, and it matters to put work in and get it done right, because that's your daily ride! My camaro ran and drove when i bought it (pretty reliable 305) and I ended up doing all the basic stuff over time (rad swap, steering components, heater core, struts/springs etc.) then in time built a 383 stroker with aluminum everything and hot cam etc. Long story not so short, I had a fantastic experience with my first car being a fairly reliable third gen GM, and I learned lots that helped me when I bought my 73 B Body which came much like your RR there, no engine, trans, etc. Just my two cents, I think either way he ends up with a cooler ride than all his buddies with Toyotas.

[cdr]

I don't think there's any arguing that the RR is the cooler car. I'd like to give you my opinion, since I kinda own both cars. I have a 73 Charger (practically the same as the RR) and I have a 84 Camaro Z28 (practically the same as the TA). I bought the camaro when I was 19, and the Charger at 26 (28 now). The Camaro was hands down the easier car to find parts for, since my local pick-a-part had about 20 of them. The parts for the camaro were also generally less expensive than for the mopar. To all the people talking trash about the 3rd gen cars, yes, they are a little ugly BUT they are a fantastic car for some kid to learn about V8s (305s are cheap and plentiful) carburetors (prior to 86) and the basics of the front engine, rear wheel drive platform. Cheap and easy to work on, and nobody really cares if you break it. Easy to upgrade if he feels like it too. The other thing that is important is that the TA currently runs and drives correct? That would help with getting your kid into loving the car, since everything you do is visible right away, and it matters to put work in and get it done right, because that's your daily ride! My camaro ran and drove when i bought it (pretty reliable 305) and I ended up doing all the basic stuff over time (rad swap, steering components, heater core, struts/springs etc.) then in time built a 383 stroker with aluminum everything and hot cam etc. Long story not so short, I had a fantastic experience with my first car being a fairly reliable third gen GM, and I learned lots that helped me when I bought my 73 B Body which came much like your RR there, no engine, trans, etc. Just my two cents, I think either way he ends up with a cooler ride than all his buddies with Toyotas.

I owned my 1985 Iroc z for 17 years & worked on car for a living since the early 80's, so yes I have the right to call a 3rd gen camaro,Ta, a big PILE OF POO, one of the BIGGEST pile of poo.

[73-Charger-Canada]

Never said you didn't boss 

[ACUDANUT]

Personally I think the 71-72 RR is the better option for a 2nd gen. They just look better.

[TeeWJay426]

Personally I think the 71-72 RR is the better option for a 2nd gen. They just look better.

And like the Chargers, also more expensive.

[ACUDANUT]

You get what you pay for. Money back plus, on these 71-72 years.

[Nacho-RT74]

340 only available with the Road Runner in 73 and 74.

Uhhh....AND the Dart Sport, the Duster....

meaning on Satellites... just on RR, not any other

[ACUDANUT]

Nacho, glad to hear from you. Hope your doing better. We love you. 

[Bronzedodge]

On the other hand, if you want your kid to be a hot rodder/car guy of some sort, the Pontiac has loads of ( affordable ) potential.  LS motor swaps are too easy with tons of aftermarket support.

Then again, if it was either of my daughters ( 11 and 13 now ) I'd hope for the Road runner to have more appeal than the Pontiac.  I'll be in your shoes in a few short years.   

[Nacho-RT74]

Nacho, glad to hear from you. Hope your doing better. We love you. 

Not really, but have to live with it though... yet...

It seems some stuff can change to better soon, in my favor ( won't tell how "i know" that ). I hope so will become for real!

Thank for your words!

[ACUDANUT]

Nacho, If you ever want to come visit the real Midwest of the USA (Kansas) your welcome to stay with my family for a week or two.

[sccachallenger]

Lots of good advice here!
'73 not my favorite body style either, but hey plenty of pics of them on the track in USAC and Cup racing.
Personal experience, I think the '73- cars are among the best riding cars on rough, potholed roads.
Also Plymouth advertised a special "Road Runner 318" that year as the base RR engine, still a 2v carb, but dual exhaust and stiffer valve springs.
I think maybe a different HP and torque rating.
And many brand X guys don't understand how special 340 cars were/are!
Only offered in 2 door "sporty" cars, not trucks,vans,4 doors, or wagons, like the generals 350!

[ACUDANUT]

Lots of good advice here!
'73 not my favorite body style either, but hey plenty of pics of them on the track in USAC and Cup racing.
Personal experience, I think the '73- cars are among the best riding cars on rough, potholed roads.
Also Plymouth advertised a special "Road Runner 318" that year as the base RR engine, still a 2v carb, but dual exhaust and stiffer valve springs.
I think maybe a different HP and torque rating.
And many brand X guys don't understand how special 340 cars were/are!
Only offered in 2 door "sporty" cars, not trucks,vans,4 doors, or wagons, like the generals 350!

I don't think we all live with roads like this..
If you want a ugly 73-74 Buy it.
If you want Style and Looks, buy a 71-72.

To each their own. 

[70 sublime]

Besides the fact that I have schooled my two sons about all the important things in life, like The Dukes of Hazzard, Looney Tunes cartoons, Knight Rider, and the A-Team and who Mr.T is. I don't think most kids who turn 16 in one year know who Daisy Duke is,so no one will be breaking his balls about that.
I think he digs the Roadrunner because of the cartoon Bird,and because he knows Dad loves his Mopars.
After the body and brakes/front end/and what not as far as motor and trans I would prob go 5.2 or 5.9 magnum motor for the SMP EFI,and auto trans,and after he gets some miles under his belt and as long as he doesn't wrap it around a tree we can add what ever or build a 340 4 speed,or what ever.
As far as the Trans-AM I would def find one with a good body  and decent 305 auto trans, nothing to crazy, just something that is reliable.
I bet that body or interior parts that are 73,74 only parts are tough to get.

Cars like this do not pop up everyday
So are you still trying to work out a deal on the car or are you going to pass ?

[Bad B-rad]

Waiting to hear back from owner of car, If he passes on the trade for my 2003 4X4  quad cab Ram then I may offer cash and just sell my hemi ram or use the motor for my son's Roadrunner(If we get it)
I think is asking price was $3500 so after I inspect car in person I can make an offer,again if he passes on a trade.


Going to inspect car this weekend. So most people agree this should be bought for $2000 or less Is that correct?

[HPP]

IMO, a high percentage of early licensed male drivers tend to hurt their first vehicles, even if they assist with the build effort. Are you willing to potentially sacrifice the RR to the car gods should your son have a mishap in it? I also wouldn't worry about a Daisy persona. I think that car was only used for part of an early season before she traded it on the white CJ.

In '85 I picked up a Z28 with a 305 HO, and a 5 spd. I installed a performance handling kit in it, and it was a blast to drive. This was after I parked my '68 Road Runner. No, it did not have the brute acceleration of the Plymouth. It did not have the torque and burn out capability, but it was a shit ton load of fun to drive and it didn't have to slow down for corners.  With snow tires on it it went everywhere my Plymouth went in inclimant weather, so, IMO, no diff there. 30 years since then, is there as much support for the F bodies, maybe not, but it is still a GM which means it is much friendlier to a high school budget in terms of parts availability and cost. But they did come with a lot of plastic in them and I bet a lot of that didn't weather the decades well.

Want to keep him all Mopar, then find him a late '90s Jeep Cherokee. They are plentiful, easy to find, easy to get parts for, and kids love modifying them. 4wd or awd and he has year round transportation. If he wads it up, get another one and swap all the cool parts over.

[Nacho-RT74]

Nacho, If you ever want to come visit the real Midwest of the USA (Kansas) your welcome to stay with my family for a week or two.

Thanks! Didn't know you were from Kansas. Funny! Kansas is allways calling me somehow!

On my Road trip from Cali up to Carlisle show back in 2008 barelly got close to a corner of Kansas by the I44

[Nacho-RT74]

If you want Style and Looks, buy a 71-72.

I think this is the first time I could agreed with you on 71/72 cars LOL

however I don't think 73/74 are so badly ugly, just don't same nice like 71/72, but  still pretty much decent by those years where stilish began to change ( if not, tell to the Mustang guys )