RD's Roadrunner *update 5-3-11, she runs w/vid*

[RD]

Spring break was no break I tell ya.  I decided to bite the bullet and get my RR painted.  Little did I know that my project would turn into a rust hunting and destroy adventure.

Now, those that know me realize that I have never done body work on any car EVER, and to be honest, I never wanted to learn either.  But, I bit the bullet and commenced to start the trial by fire (literally and figuratively).  

First, in order to replace rusty panels you need to know how to shape sheetmetal and weld, of which I knew nothing of either.  Luckily, I have a buddy who does and he taught me enough to make me dangerous so that I may learn the hard way (i.e. make mistakes and fix them) Thanks Russ! (moparguy01).  I did alot of the sanding, filling, sheetmetal fab, and welding.  *disclaimer, I HAVE NEVER WELDED BEFORE IN MY LIFE* I learned the hard way on how to do this.  Granted, it would have been easier if I had a welder with gas, but I did not.  So it was flux core for me and a crap load of patience and contorted angles.  My ability to weld progressed immensely from each panel to the next and the last one I was actually proud of.  

Oh well, this car has not seen its original color (spinnaker white btw) since 1978 so I am happy with it.  So, without further adieu, the pictures of what she looked like to what she now looks like.  Hope you enjoy it.

Jamey

What she looked like when I first got her:





4 years ago got the trunk and engine bay painted:




AND FINALLY.. AFTER 6 YEARS, SHE IS PAINTED!




























prior owners makeshift patch panel.. yes that is pieces of sheetmetal riveted and sealed together

[RD]

and some more:

[tan top]

crikey RD , been busy dude  , looks good 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Nice work Jamey

[Back N Black]

Looks good in white, i use to have a 74 RR back in 84, loved that car.

[moparstuart]

plymouth makes it   

[Brock Samson]

Man that does look like a lot of work,.. that white looks good too.. 

[TruckDriver]

Looks good Jamie! 

Now, if you have the time I could use some help on doing the body work and painting on my Dakota

[Silver R/T]

That's a lot of work but you got it done bud. Good job!

[RD]

thanks everyone, i am really excited about it (if you couldnt tell    )  I will be putting the engine (size yet to be determined) back in it soon and get her ready for the cruise/show circuit this year.

For what it is worth, I did all the bodywork without an english wheel, without any big body shop tools.  I did have a angle grinder, die grinder, DA sander, fiberglass resin, bondo, 110v flux core Clarke welder (el cheapo), and sheet metal (22 gauge) I bought from a local hardware shop (in varying sizes).  All the sheetmetal was shaped by hand and/or hammer.  Not that hard considering the RR's patch panels were in decently sloped areas.  The hardest part was the wheel trim area.

Make no mistake, the car is not perfect, far from it actually.  But, it is good enough to be a decent driver and get me out on the road.

Anyone can do what I just did, believe it or not.  I am now extremely comfortable with completing my rusty 73 Charger now too!  So, when that one is started, a huge amount of pictures will be oncoming also.

Thank you again, and I will be adding pictures as I get the decal kit on, interior complete, etc.

[69charger2002]

looks like a good driver Jamey! congrats, nice to see all hard work pay off when she finally gets painted. sweet!

[Finn]

You did all of that in FIVE DAYS?!? 

Hats off to you man! 

[squeakfinder]

    Look's good in white. At the rate your going I'd say you won't have a problem getting it on the road by summer.


                                                             

[Hemidog]

Man, are you trying to make us look bad with all that work?   

[jaak]

Looks great! This post is real inspirational. I have been doing the bodywork on my Charger on-and-off for the last couple of years, and its nearly ready for paint. I'm hoping to take a few days vacation in the next month or two, to finish it up and get it painted.

Keep up the good work,
Jason

[Belgium R/T -68]

You really gave me some selfconfidence Now I'm sure I will try welding aswell.

Per

[Lennard]

Nice job, get that Hotrod on the road!

[mikepmcs]

  WOOT!!

[NHCharger]

Wow, very impressive. Did you go base/clear or just single stage?

[RD]

Wow, very impressive. Did you go base/clear or just single stage?

single stage.  i am kinda a purist when it comes to the look of my mopars in regards to body fit and finish.... now the engine and drivetrain is something different altogether.

[RD]

Man, are you trying to make us look bad with all that work?   

nope hehe.. guilty conscience?

Look's good in white. At the rate your going I'd say you won't have a problem getting it on the road by summer. 

i sure hope not.. i hope i have it done by the end of spring!

thanks for the kind comments fellers

[firefighter3931]

Nice work Jamey ! 

Looking forward to the rest of the build pics 

What are you doing for a powerplant ?



Ron

[RD]

Nice work Jamey ! 

Looking forward to the rest of the build pics 

What are you doing for a powerplant ?



Ron

well, i have a lil 400 (came with one) that I am thinking of slapping a set of 516 (big valve) heads on to raise the compression, but i am contemplating something a tad larger.. just have to wait to see if my money situation pans out.  somewhat cryptic, but i am really not sure right now.

Jamey

[nh_mopar_fan]

I'm of the same mind as you when it comes to bodywork.

That is nice work!

[Todd Wilson]

No need to do P90X that week. You busted your butt with the body work! 


Todd