Watch Us Fix Up & Drive a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Parked in a Field 25 Years (closed captioned)

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  • Опубликовано: 19 сен 2024
  • Read print story online in "Hot Rod" - www.hotrod.com...
    Or, in Hot Rod's August 2021 issue
    Get it Running! 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Found in an East Texas Field" by Jerry Heasley

Комментарии • 686

  • @MH-53E
    @MH-53E 2 года назад +7

    What a great video. This had Real Life Story all over it. Just about all video productions start out the same, a pile of random video clips. It's how you interpret and assemble those clips that makes a good and entertaining production. I am interested in chec out your other work. Great job sir.

  • @chesterswingjr9796
    @chesterswingjr9796 4 года назад +25

    While frame off, fully restored cars are indeed beautiful, I’d rather have something like this. Functional, fun, safe to drive, and no worries of parking lot dings, dents, or stone chips, etc. Just drive it, and smile. That’s what it’s all about. FUN!!!

    • @scoobyroorogers
      @scoobyroorogers 4 года назад +2

      Well said Chester, well said....

    • @red_fox_flareside
      @red_fox_flareside 2 года назад +2

      Agreed. Lots of fun. It rips down the road too! Great job putting life back into it.

    • @michaelratliff9449
      @michaelratliff9449 4 месяца назад

      For your information,..It doesn't have a "frame"...it's a unibody construction platform...

  • @michaelerb9143
    @michaelerb9143 4 года назад +114

    They need to keep these cars running, safe, and on the road. American Heritage, at its finest.

    • @brysonkuhn3290
      @brysonkuhn3290 4 года назад +4

      There is no making these cars safe

    • @polarparadise9335
      @polarparadise9335 4 года назад +1

      They need to be restored not driven as such, at least imo patina is for 50’s and earlier cars these muscle cars deserve proper paint job

    • @polarparadise9335
      @polarparadise9335 4 года назад

      Carlos the Boss same here with both my first gen ram projects, but too many people leaving them that way forever rather then cleaning the body up and nice paint job

    • @polarparadise9335
      @polarparadise9335 4 года назад

      Carlos the Boss exactly that’s all I was getting at to get it running and driving an enjoy even for couple years before putting money or time into body and paint but I find it sad when people just leave them like that indefinitely and I used to dig old hot rods and stuff all patina but is too over done now in my opinion

    • @polarparadise9335
      @polarparadise9335 4 года назад +1

      Carlos the Boss I 100% agree I can’t stand watching him I mean his money but I also find it a shame as he’s acquired some rare and cool cars, they deserve full body and paint job

  • @Harleylovinchelley1
    @Harleylovinchelley1 4 года назад +1

    I'm glad you guys saved that old Road Runner. It would be a shame if it went to a crusher.
    My uncle had one back in 1970. He put some "sticky Mickey Thompson tires" on it. It would need 500 horsepower to smoke those, they had a LOT of traction. He would raise the RPM to 3000 and let the clutch out quick. That car would lunge forward, he floored it and it was doing 45 in a split second, time to shift. Fast as lightning He kept foot on the floor and shifted to second, slipped foot off the clutch and BAM it sounded like we got hit from behind by mack truck. It would lunge forward again. His had a 3.23 sure grip axle,. Shifting at 5000 on the Sun Tach, he shifted at 45mph, 70, 95, and the needle went below the dash in fourth. He had a guy work on the distributor and rejet the carb. It was faster than all three of the other Road runners we encountered. He even beat a GTX 440 to the 1/4 mile but the GTX had an auto matic. Plus we jumped it two whole car lengths off the line. The guy in the GTX had to look under the hood, thought it had headers and wild cam but no, those were factory stock. We ran the GTX two more times and beat him again. Last time he got a better start but could not pass us before the 1/4. To be fair he was gaining. I guess those 440 cubes finally woke up. My uncle explained his GTX was at least 400 pounds heavier and about the distributor and told him where to go to get his done. Didn't see him again.
    Uncle taught me how to slam shift like he did, wow what a jolt.
    It would be a blast to buy a four door satellite and make mods to it so it was as fast as a Road runner and go around blowing doors off.

  • @williamjavier1653
    @williamjavier1653 4 года назад +4

    Very nice build excellent work. My Grandfather LOVED Chrysler cars he had a black over red 62 big block cross-ram dual 4 barrel. Helped him many times when I was young. Doing a block in car rebuild was norm for the time almost everything was done by hand . It actually was the good old days.

  • @rupe53
    @rupe53 4 года назад +8

    A few years ago I did almost exactly the same thing with a Corvair panel van. Rescued from the grave, got it runnin', and drove it home. A week later I had ironed out the electrical issues and started on the mechanical so I could do the shake down. It spent November through April (winter here) in the garage to go through the basic systems to make it reliable. (brakes, fuel system, minor body work, etc) At that point I drove it for a year, after spending maybe $1500 total. Spent the next two years fumbling through body work and paint to make something that's sturdy, but only a few notches above a rat rod in the looks department. 6 years later I am still driving it, almost daily.... around 1,100 miles in the last 7 months. At this point I am into it maybe $2,500 and still need to do a headliner, but you just don't see any of these around!

  • @anthonypiligno7618
    @anthonypiligno7618 4 года назад +35

    You have done a really good job man...... bringing the old back to life......JJ.....

  • @geoben1810
    @geoben1810 3 года назад +2

    To say that you have impressive mechanical skills is an understatement. I mean just getting that old girl running and driveable considering the condition she was in.
    Talk about something being a rough shape.
    I'm not sure who got the better deal here.
    Kudos and respect sir
    👍✌

  • @bpp325
    @bpp325 3 года назад +5

    Love watching this. Mopar was king in my circle. I had a moss green '69 Dart Swinger 340, Shultsy had a '68 copper Road Runner 383, Butch had a moss green '69 Super Bee 383. Them were the happy days.

  • @MrJeffcoley1
    @MrJeffcoley1 3 года назад +6

    I like this: The kind of restoration a competent mechanic can do, without sponsor money and without a ridiculous amount of restoration. Some of those aren't even fun to watch, they remanufacture and customize the car until it barely resembles itself.

    • @cycobilly7696
      @cycobilly7696 2 года назад +1

      Amen brother. This video is much more interesting than the full restoration ones. Good stuff

  • @davidcallahan5157
    @davidcallahan5157 4 года назад +21

    This guy is a real good friend to take this big job on!

  • @Turbo4Joe363
    @Turbo4Joe363 3 года назад +2

    Very cool!
    He's got nice Chevies and Fords and now he is fixing up a neat Mopar.
    A true 'car guy'.
    Love the smoky burnout once you got her running!!

  • @maskedmotorsdiy3575
    @maskedmotorsdiy3575 4 года назад +111

    I thought "Just got it running" was a new fuel filter, new battery, and fluids, haha. He worked his butt off and now the Road Runner rocks! What a cool vid, cheers.

  • @user-qr7ee2cp4y
    @user-qr7ee2cp4y 3 года назад +5

    Full restoration can take so much time and money. Start by just getting it back on the road and drive while restoring the little stuff for as long as you can, then figure it out from there. I wished I had the skills to do that.

  • @johnallen2771
    @johnallen2771 4 года назад +6

    I had a '69 Dodge Charger with a 383 and it ran like a deer. It was really quick. That 383 and the 318 were good engines. Man, this Roadrunner sounds so good when you gave it some gas and wound it up a little. So smooth.

  • @jr1827
    @jr1827 4 года назад +36

    I wish there was more friends like this out there most men don't even know how to change their Tire or change their brakes

    • @mikehoncho9344
      @mikehoncho9344 4 года назад +3

      Or oil

    • @tommyboy3261
      @tommyboy3261 4 года назад +6

      It embarrassing how bad the new men out here who knows computers not where to check the oil

    • @mikehoncho9344
      @mikehoncho9344 4 года назад +2

      @@tommyboy3261 i understand what you're trying to say and agree 💯%

    • @bigw8549
      @bigw8549 4 года назад +4

      I work in the parts biz and am surprised how many young guys are into old cars and trucks. Not all of them drive hondas.

    • @tommyboy3261
      @tommyboy3261 4 года назад +2

      Big W thank god

  • @michaelguinn5736
    @michaelguinn5736 3 года назад +5

    Thank you for saving another vintage muscle car!! Love these stories!!
    God Bless!!!

  • @rustyaxelrod
    @rustyaxelrod 2 года назад +2

    Interesting that back in the ‘70’s I wanted all my cars jacked up in the back like that, now it looks a little high, lol. Great car and good job,really cool car! 👍

  • @garyblevins3532
    @garyblevins3532 2 года назад +3

    A friend of mine and me have been working on a '68 RoadRunner for a customer but it's been pretty much a body off restoration after the last knuckle head worked on it. I hope to see more of some old classics like this one.

  • @jakepapadopoulos8654
    @jakepapadopoulos8654 3 года назад +2

    Respect to these guys that know how to bring these cars back to life. Oh the babes I could probably impress with a rod like this.

  • @beardedpriest9715
    @beardedpriest9715 3 года назад +2

    I’m looking for a Mach 1 and this guy just has one setting under his carport tarped. Lol. Got to love it..

  • @grabasandwich
    @grabasandwich 4 года назад +80

    This trend has been gaining traction for years. I think Roadkill played a big role! 😁

    • @adamwiggins8290
      @adamwiggins8290 4 года назад +17

      I think lack of funds played a bigger part lol

    • @ImNatexv
      @ImNatexv 4 года назад +2

      True. I've been drooling over grandmas six pack superbee since I was 12 it sat in the back yard forever. Just getting it running and road worthy was an amazing experience

    • @philsmidwestclassiccars150
      @philsmidwestclassiccars150 4 года назад +3

      @@adamwiggins8290 Lack of funds always plays an issue. Big time with me. 12 years ago, I started out with buying a running 69' El Camino. It was a pretty sweet little ride when I got it. It had a 1969 350 CUI engine block (not original to the car but according to the block #'s, it was a 69') installed with a TH350 floor shifting automatic transmission with a Horseshoe Chevelle Style Floor Shifter & bucket seats. The bucket seats were trash, but the rest of the interior was o.k. & all the OEM Gauges worked. It has a working Sun Tach mounted on the steering column. She was sitting on 14" wide track tires & is painted a light primer grey. I like "Patina" so paint is not an issue with me. I found the car for sale on an online auction which spiked my interest & watched it every night for about a week or so before jumping in with an offer. I didn't win the bid as someone would always out bid me as soon as I made an offer. I liked the car, & offered up to $2,500 for it site unseen, provided the car was the same car being offered with the 75 pictures that were being shown, & the car was somewhat road worthy. I would at least want to drive it back to WI from the sellers place in Derby, KS., then from there, it was going to be used as a long term project, something for me to tinker with over the next 10 years or so. Well, Still driving a truck & I'm still buying parts. Over the past few years, I've had some issues pop up that affected my plans. I've moved a few times & had to take time off work (6 years, no income) to take care of my father who had a stroke & needed a care taker so he could remain in a home enviroment. This put a big damper on my project, but as time continues to go on, I still stay focused on the project. I've had time to spend with the car & plan out the things I want to do with her. She's been non-running now for over 4 years as I burned a battery cable for the starter on one of the headers & that shorted out the engine. I started to tear into her & bag & label all the nuts, bolts, screws, & parts I take off. As I do so, I check the part out. Is it still in good working order? If so, do I want to upgrade that part? I do my research & start acquiring information on what I will change as I go along. Yes, it is expensive. I'll probably end up rebuilding the entire El Camino by hand & it's going to cost a fortune, but when I get done, It will be something I tore into, cleaned up, upgraded & rebuilt. My 10 year project is still with me today. I just keep pushing the 10 years back as I go along. I also added another sweet ride to her. A 70' Chevelle which came along & I managed to wiggle into. She's got a well documented - well built 350 with a 4-Speed Muncie M-21. Perfect interior. Engine has all the high performance electric parts I was looking for to replace on the El Camino. I had to tow her to my place as she didn't have a carburetor & the mice got to the wiring harness. She's also painted primer grey. Time will tell if I complete my projects, as things change almost daily in our lives today. Funds do play a factor, but if used wisely, you can over time end up with the treasures of a lifetime. I have $7500.00 vested into my 2 project cars. I have about $2500 in parts for the El Camino. That's 10K, over 12 years. They can come & tow these two clunkers to the boneyard today if they want, & the 10K loss wouldn't really bother me. That's money I've all ready spent so it's gone anyway, I have a couple of classic cars & a few parts hanging around to show for it. I know dudes that blow this kind of cash on drugs, booze, & fast woman over time. It's where you put your priorities & how hard your willing to work for your goals along with your cash flow funds. I don't have a lot of money, but over time, I get what I want. Always keep them projects alive & stay focused Adam. Money is only a part of the equation, a big part.

    • @THEcyclonewill
      @THEcyclonewill 4 года назад +4

      I think people are starting to realize it's more fun to drive them than to pull the cover off to wax and look at.
      These guys being Powertour veterans speaks to "the drive it" mentality.
      IMO shiny paint causes stress. (2x Powertour Longhauler)

    • @bbb462cid
      @bbb462cid 3 года назад

      @@THEcyclonewill I can tell you've never owned one of these cars. There's more options than "worship it as a shrine" and "drive an old piece of shit".

  • @O1Richard
    @O1Richard 4 года назад +8

    Good to see it back on the road, so much more character than many modern cars.

  • @michaelerb9143
    @michaelerb9143 4 года назад +20

    My dad was a huge Mopar guy. I thoroughly enjoyed the vid. I can see now, why he was. Stout car, even in the less than pristine shape it's in. Nice job, to ALL the Jerry's...my dad's name btw. 👍🏻👍🏻

    • @thewriter2549
      @thewriter2549  4 года назад +2

      Nice, to all the Jerry's from another Jerry.

    • @burlsigler8454
      @burlsigler8454 4 года назад

      @@thewriter2549 did you take the engine completely apart and clean it up?

    • @thewriter2549
      @thewriter2549  4 года назад +2

      @@burlsigler8454 We went over that in the video. Did you miss that segment about the oil filter gasket blowing and the oil pump problem and earlier when I asked Craig if he was going to try and start the engine without a rebuild?

    • @1982MCI
      @1982MCI 3 года назад +1

      @@thewriter2549 my love for these old cars started back in the late 70’s when my brother bought his first car which by today’s definitions would classify as a barn find. It was a 69 Road Runner and it had been in an old barn for a number of years and had amassed almost a foot thick pile of pigeon poo on the hood and windshield. He had the car towed home after buying it for $150. Spent a day cleaning bird crap off the hood so he could lift it then spent another day troubleshooting it and found no fire and after chasing that down and found the gear on bottom of the distributed had sheared off so he found a 383 distributor in the junk yard and swapped that out and I still remember the day he fired it up for the first time ! My addiction was born. His was the B5 blue and had it repainted same color but added white stripes like is on this hood and this is the second blue/white stripe road runner I’ve ever seen, brings back many memories Jerry! His was a 4spd also and what is really crazy is my brothers name is also Jerry!
      Thank you for the trip down memory lane brother. I needed that today!! Thank you very much

  • @nickscognarealtor4045
    @nickscognarealtor4045 4 года назад +2

    I like the way you went for the brakes first. Smart guy. Great job on the car too!

  • @austinteutsch
    @austinteutsch 3 года назад +1

    We used to do this shit all the time in South Texas in the 60's and early 70's. Brings back a lot of great memories.

  • @jasonmacneil2256
    @jasonmacneil2256 2 года назад +2

    You can tell Craig is such a nice and kind man. It is very cool for Craig to do this for Jerry. Couple of really nice guys that I hope to meet one day on the power tour when my wife and I get our 69 GTO going.

  • @leonardtaylor6526
    @leonardtaylor6526 4 года назад +4

    I do not think i would do a full restoration . That car has some great patina . Awsome work .

  • @Smurphenstein
    @Smurphenstein 4 года назад +4

    Great to see a build that most people could aspire to. I tried with an old car I had to strip it and repair it to perfection. In the end it was going to cost so much and I didn't finish because I was going for unattainable - at my budget - perfection. If I had just fixed up the trans and done the rust I would likely still be driving that car. Ended up selling it.

  • @coolmoodee
    @coolmoodee 3 года назад +2

    I collect mopars.... I would drive that thing all day long . Well done on the car . Very cool build .

  • @josebaca715
    @josebaca715 3 года назад +4

    The Rod Runner said: I was waiting for this moment aaall my live🎼🎼🎼 outstanding job, superb effort and rescue, my respects!

  • @DavidMoore-co2ze
    @DavidMoore-co2ze 3 года назад +6

    I’ve worked for a lot of guys when I was younger restoring and replacing sheet metal in early years a lot of sheet metal wasn’t available or very expensive to buy. We used a lot of used metal to replace what was needed. Also welding technology was still stick and we brazed a lot of things back in. Even body fillers had you limited to what you could do. Not like today where you can get about anything but it’s still very costly and time consuming to do. For those of you wannabes it’s not as easy as it looks.

  • @MrRODSTER426
    @MrRODSTER426 4 года назад +3

    That wobbly mirror can be adjusted by taking it off and tightening the friction plate that holds the mirror in place... Easy Peasy fix!... Good job!...

    • @thewriter2549
      @thewriter2549  4 года назад +1

      Thanks for the tip!

    • @Coleman94a
      @Coleman94a 3 года назад

      Bought one at the Moparty Holley Show along with pass door handle.

  • @karenbilyk-vogel6553
    @karenbilyk-vogel6553 3 года назад +2

    What a gentleman, bringing this back 2 life. Muscle cars verse the junk we drive 2day! What a wonderful friendship u have!👍

  • @automotiveaddiction428
    @automotiveaddiction428 4 года назад +6

    This is perfect....it shows you dont need to start out with the perfect car...start small and end up with something awesome in the end.

  • @skeetermcswagger0U812
    @skeetermcswagger0U812 4 года назад +10

    It was cool to hear that it had the right horn in it still!
    I haven't heard that horn sound from a road runner in I don't know how long.....

  • @philsmidwestclassiccars150
    @philsmidwestclassiccars150 4 года назад +5

    Thanks for the video Jerry. That is great to hear & see the old school of sound bartering still working for friends where he can provide a service for you, & you can provide a service for him. Just to hear the Road Runner running was a treat. I have a 70' Chevelle & a 69' El Camino that I'm working on. Sometimes it takes time. Keep up the great work & I love your attitude about the looks, (It's an old car, 50 years old, what do you expect it to look like?) The nostalgia "Patina" looks are great, That Road Runner has "Character" & that's something you never want to change.

  • @edsmachine93
    @edsmachine93 Год назад +1

    Nice Roadrunner project.
    Alot of work, I would say this getting it running was more that a success.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Take care, EM.

  • @TairnKA
    @TairnKA 4 года назад +3

    Recently I commented on a junkyard tour video about how kewl it would be to have trade schools, community colleges and high schools get as many of the cars running and complete (parts) so people could enjoy driving them while doing the finishing touches on them (bodywork, paint), maybe even customising? ;-)

  • @TheCanadianBubba
    @TheCanadianBubba 4 года назад +15

    It's running and driving... that is the most important thing. Great comeback story Jerry, thanks for it. Great to see an upload as well, shows you are ok !

  • @normanmunns4743
    @normanmunns4743 4 года назад +5

    This old banger has far more character than a fully restored car
    keep all the warts and pimples
    it looks and sounds great

  • @Merylstreep1949
    @Merylstreep1949 4 года назад +7

    Let's hope this starts a new trend instead of the lesser cars being over restored. You could always o c.d. restore it later...nicely done,looks wicked. I'd have put keystones or cragars on it though

  • @philipwilson867
    @philipwilson867 4 года назад +1

    I bought a 71 olds delta 88 new . When I got a 100,000 miles on it I replaced the coil springs. I can’t tell you how much it restored the original ride. When I watch people restore old cars too day I remember that! They always change the shocks. I think people have it backwards. Change springs first then shocks.

  • @leonardtaylor6526
    @leonardtaylor6526 4 года назад +17

    That is awsome . The one man got his toy running and the other man has air conditioning in his home . Good stuff .

    • @georgepacheco4521
      @georgepacheco4521 4 года назад +9

      we used to call that bartering , cuts out the tax man.

    • @leonardtaylor6526
      @leonardtaylor6526 4 года назад +4

      @@georgepacheco4521 Nice point , I like that .

    • @rustyjeep2469
      @rustyjeep2469 4 года назад +4

      George Pacheco I think it’s time to get back to that sort of thing being commonplace!

  • @rodreel7136
    @rodreel7136 3 года назад +6

    great job, and great video. brought back some memories for sure. my entire family drove mopar's when i was a kid. back in the day this is exactly what you would do. get it running and some fun with it!

  • @Wooley689
    @Wooley689 4 года назад +23

    It's cool to think how long this gem waited to burn rubber again.

    • @wandaclark1735
      @wandaclark1735 3 года назад

      They need to keep these cars running, safe, and on the road. American Heritage, at its finest.

  • @JA-sm9zf
    @JA-sm9zf 4 года назад +7

    Hi, that was a really neat video to watch. It inspired me to keep working on my 57 Chevy to get it on the road as is with mismatch paint and all. Thanks for sharing.
    -Juan in Virginia

  • @brandonl5247
    @brandonl5247 3 года назад +2

    Awesome story guys, so cool of your friend to do all that work in trade for $6k central air conditioning and heating

  • @paulanger2048
    @paulanger2048 4 года назад +24

    It always trips me out how these cars always seem to be at least partially dismantled. "I'll just take it apart and leave it in a pile." Yeah that's it, take it apart and lose stuff, put it in the trunk.

    • @Thatdudewithatie
      @Thatdudewithatie 4 года назад +4

      You convinced yourself to start a project even tho you don't have the time or money. That's how it usually ends up in parts.

    • @sparkola
      @sparkola 3 года назад +2

      I keep mine that way so the wife can’t sell it at the garage sale

  • @frankcastle5294
    @frankcastle5294 2 года назад +1

    Great vid. NO BS...just good honest info and facts. Lost in the mists of time is the fact that the 68 RR was arguably the most stripped down big profit musclecar of all time and they sold like wildfire. The 5 year/50K mile Chrysler full warranty also helped. Their warranty dwarfed anything else in the world at the time. Sadly, these poor souls got horribly abused and beaten to within an inch of their lives. They were awesome cars.

    • @thewriter2549
      @thewriter2549  2 года назад +1

      This is my stock in media, content wrapped in human endeavor. There are so many good people out there that do their best to make the world a better place. I like to see them get credit and no better way than showing the brilliance of their hard work.

    • @frankcastle5294
      @frankcastle5294 2 года назад

      @@thewriter2549 Well said Jerry and that guy really thrashed in his home garage to put this RR back on the road. And that rear end? Stock was an 8-3/4 Chrysler diff with 3:25 gears and no sure-grip. Sure Grip was about a $45 option.

  • @captaindiamondjim
    @captaindiamondjim 3 года назад +2

    Proud moment at the 7:07 mark. Blue electrical tape bandaid on his finger. Best bandaid in the business.

  • @michaelcuff5780
    @michaelcuff5780 3 года назад +2

    Great job! The old girl still smokes em up! Now with a bunch more money and time she could be a nice car! Thanks!

  • @shanew.williams
    @shanew.williams 4 года назад +1

    I applaud your efforts. I'm 57 & Disabled but I own a '65 Coronet 4 speed ,improving it sloooly. It's in about the shape your car is now. Runs& drives but the rest is, as they say "Rougher than a night in jail". lol...

  • @TheDirtCatBrothers
    @TheDirtCatBrothers 4 года назад +4

    1500 for a 68? Oh my gosh...I'd be crying for joy if I ever found a 68 for that cheap! All of the late 60's Roadrunners I've ran in to were extremely expensive!
    I must be looking at the wrong areas though, sadly, my area doesn't have much going for it. Still happy with my 73 and will remain happy. I'm very envious for how cheap this 68 was lol.

  • @michaelaguilar2106
    @michaelaguilar2106 4 года назад +1

    Too bad this car is not getting the ground up restoration it deserves. I do however appreciate what was done to get this great Road Runner up and running. Great Video !!

    • @thewriter2549
      @thewriter2549  4 года назад +3

      Thanks. Let me add that they talked about a future owner picking up a restoration, which might very well happen. Craig sure got that 383 sounding good.

  • @cameronrobinson2422
    @cameronrobinson2422 4 года назад +5

    This guy needs a show

    • @mattbehindthewheel6901
      @mattbehindthewheel6901 4 года назад

      try Roadkill by Motortrend

    • @Coleman94a
      @Coleman94a 4 года назад +1

      @Matthew, Yeah and their budget and mechanics. No comparison.

  • @131601
    @131601 Год назад +1

    It lives again ! Great job ! When you showed the drivers point of view going down the road, I imagined the original owner on his first drive with a huge grin on his face shifting the 4 speed and thinking man what a car !

  • @mikeb46
    @mikeb46 3 года назад +2

    My 1969 Road Runner did not come from factory with self adjusting brakes. I had to manually adjust them about every 3-4000 miles. I was planning to install self adjusters but ended up trading for a 1968 Charger.

  • @philsales342
    @philsales342 3 года назад +1

    Recalling a car I wish I still had. (as most of us do). It was a 1969 Plymouth Satellite Station Wagon. Ordered brand new by a Catholic Priest in upstate NY. It was Black, 4 door.
    The only thing that showed something special, was the Non Chrome( almost hidden) dual exhaust, and H-70 wide oval tires. It had an HP 383, and factory 4 speed on the hump. A real sleeper. My wife awakened a few Chevies, on her trips to the Grocery store

  • @johnwatz4955
    @johnwatz4955 3 года назад +3

    What a great video!!! You are a “GearHead”!!! Wish I had your skills.

  • @garrygballard8914
    @garrygballard8914 4 года назад +8

    Super guy. Reminds me of what I did back in the 70’s in Detroit.

  • @one5thofwhiskey738
    @one5thofwhiskey738 4 года назад +13

    When it comes to muscle cars, especially Mopars, I prefer the well worn version that's still smokin' em. Great job getting her running again.

    • @philsmidwestclassiccars150
      @philsmidwestclassiccars150 4 года назад +3

      Yes, I'm ole Skool Mopar. Love the Nostalgia look & sound (smoke & all), 100 % Patina = Character.

    • @davidqueen4719
      @davidqueen4719 4 года назад

      Wish I never left my 68 sport satellite go .

    • @philsmidwestclassiccars150
      @philsmidwestclassiccars150 4 года назад

      @@davidqueen4719 Yea, image what it would be worth today. Don't think about the money though, try & remember the good times. My 1st ride was a 70' Dodge Pickup Truck, 440 CUI, 727 TorqueFlite with a Hurst Floor Shift Kit. I've wished a million times I had that ride back. We don't think much into the future when we get rid of our toys.

  • @DougFLTRX
    @DougFLTRX 4 года назад +2

    I've seen that truck around town. Nice to see another Bowling Green resident on RUclips. Sweet Mopar. That's in pretty good shape for a Mopar that old. My 68 GTX was trashed and full of huge holes when I bought it in '96

  • @VetteSource
    @VetteSource 4 года назад

    This is the right idea. Fix it to your taste and budget and enjoy. Don't worry about what everybody will think of your car, enjoy it and relish the fact you are making a valuable contribution to keep old iron on the road for the younger generation to see.
    Personally I would like to know more about the red midyear laying in the dirt in the background of the opening shot.

    • @thewriter2549
      @thewriter2549  4 года назад +1

      That find is on my channel, so you can watch it.

    • @VetteSource
      @VetteSource 4 года назад

      @@thewriter2549 will do, thanks👍

  • @lonnyjaw
    @lonnyjaw 4 года назад +4

    So cool! I need to get another project thing going again. It's so fulfilling to make diamonds out of old rocks.

  • @REMBRANTTUBE
    @REMBRANTTUBE 2 года назад +2

    FANTASTIC JOB!! THANKS FOR SAVING THIS CLASSIC!

  • @jaredreese8639
    @jaredreese8639 4 года назад +2

    I bought a 1973 Charger SE for $700 21 years ago. Got it running, did the basic bolt ons, Edelbrock intake & carb, MSD ignition, Hooker competition Headers...etc. never even considered painting or restoring, I'd rather drive it!

  • @DEADMANRIDING1
    @DEADMANRIDING1 Год назад

    Until recently, had a 68 RR that was a big block killer. Put a punched out bulletproof 360 truck block in it, nitrous boost, boxed frame, 3 speed auto w manual shift kit, traction bars put all the power on the ground, no tire burning, just pure acceleration. Top speed was 110mph, but you got there in a flash. Great times, miss the beast.

  • @c5back9
    @c5back9 4 года назад +3

    Great video and very cool Road Runner! Nice going guys!!!

  • @freebird1ification
    @freebird1ification 3 года назад +2

    i can tell this fella loves the old cars he went above and beyond on this runner i wouldnt do any more to it but fix the rot in the rear wheel wells to stop that from getting worse other than that id drive the wheels off of it

  • @HaroldReece
    @HaroldReece 3 года назад

    I bought my 68 Road Runner in March of 1968 after getting home from basic training. I wanted a four speed hemi, they told me we have six all are 383 with torqueflight. Pick out your color, they aren't going to build any more this year. Sticker price was $3215.00. It was my first new car and I loved it.

  • @bennyturbeville5232
    @bennyturbeville5232 4 года назад +13

    What great guy,True all around American. GREAT JOB MERICA

  • @dbc105
    @dbc105 Год назад

    Thank you for putting this back on the road as a '68 RR. It is one more original car that can carry on. Maybe at some point it can be slicked out but for now just saving it is well worth a big Thank You. I only wish I had found it.

  • @irishkeif7791
    @irishkeif7791 4 года назад +5

    Great job! I love how you incorporated the cat. That cue ball shifter makes me wanna rip it up.

  • @slicktop2jz855
    @slicktop2jz855 4 года назад +19

    Awesome. As an Aussie, so envious of these Yank Muscle Cars. Want a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 Hardtop Coupe.

    • @rexjolles
      @rexjolles 4 года назад +6

      Get one of those XB ford aussie falcons. in america were jealous we DIDNT get them

    • @slicktop2jz855
      @slicktop2jz855 4 года назад +3

      @@rexjolles lol I would mate but at $20k+ for an absolutely stuffed shell thats more rust than car, can't justify it. If one pops up, would definitely love an xb coupe 👍

    • @Bobrob51
      @Bobrob51 4 года назад +3

      @@slicktop2jz855 A decent 68 SS396 in the states will put you back $30,000. A cherry one would be north of 50K. To think I paid $500 for good running 70 SS396 in 1983 boggles my mind.

    • @railtrolley
      @railtrolley 4 года назад

      There is a yard I pass on Gympie Rd Kedron: northern suburbs of Brisbane, which always has something interesting for sale. There was a red Chevelle SS there a few months ago.

    • @josephproctor690
      @josephproctor690 4 года назад +1

      Who doesn't want a SS Chevelle. Even Die Hard Fordies want a Chevelle.

  • @johnp1966
    @johnp1966 4 года назад +4

    Great video, just goes to show you don't have to have a perfectly restored car to have fun

  • @twincam825
    @twincam825 4 года назад +2

    Nice cars love the impala i had a 63 impala with 283 brings back memories keep Chester good guard.

  • @sickman1655
    @sickman1655 4 года назад +1

    Thats a build.
    Reminds me of my younger days helping dad keep'um gowing.
    I drove a hurst 3 on the floor for years in 69 Bronco. Drove me all across America with 1 302 head on 351 winsor block because dad loved to over rev the original 302.
    One beer fueled night busted skirts off several pistons mud dobb'in.
    Alot of hodge podge miss match rebuilding, drilling and experimenting got an engine replaced and built under $500 bucks.
    Bailing wire, chewing gum, and duct tape took me every where with no dependability issues other than them damn points. Lol.
    I drove threw the 90s.

  • @robertgrant4501
    @robertgrant4501 4 года назад +15

    For a one wheel peel that was epic!

  • @bolt4694
    @bolt4694 3 года назад +1

    Grew up in the sixties. 68 plain Jane, 4 speed, Roadrunner is my all time favorite car.

  • @jeffscott8323
    @jeffscott8323 3 года назад +2

    Love the steelies. And small hubcaps.

  • @nike4685
    @nike4685 2 года назад +1

    What a Genius You Are! Well done, car runs so well.

  • @Goomer
    @Goomer 2 года назад +1

    Enjoyed this, nice work. You can tell Chester was pissed because he wanted to do the first burnout.

  • @bigwrenchgarage1360
    @bigwrenchgarage1360 4 года назад +5

    NAAFNR. National Association of Automotive Fixers and Non Restorers. I'm tired of going to car meets and seeing perfectly painted and restored cars with JC Whitney parts. I have a friend with a 58 vette that runs and isn't restored. Only one i've ever seen that isn't full of new parts. Unique and beautiful. Seeing how the car has aged over the years makes it interesting!

  • @steveskouson9620
    @steveskouson9620 4 года назад +3

    GREAT job, with the 68! Stupidest thing
    I ever did, was selling my $800 70!
    383 Magnum, A833 and 8.75. No power
    anything, except it did have POWER!
    10.5/11 is the clutch size on that one.
    mine had a B&B/ Long, not a diaphragm.
    (Yes, you DID have to wear the seatbelt,
    otherwise you slid up the seat back.)
    steve

  • @eugenemorris6097
    @eugenemorris6097 Год назад

    I enjoyed every second of this video what a great friend a great guy to have in ones life helping his pal out . What a treat hearing that 383 come to life boy what a healthy runner she is .. Thanks so much looking forward to seeing more from this channel.

  • @twolfe4295
    @twolfe4295 4 года назад +1

    Reminds me of my first car I bought for 250.00 It was a 1963 Chevy Belair 4 door with a 283 power slide. A huge trunk and back seat. It was the most fun car I have ever had.

  • @Combat556
    @Combat556 3 года назад +1

    I bought a new 1968 Roadrunner 383/4 speed in April of 1968 after returning home from Vietnam. Cost: $2,900. Had a lot fun street racing the rat motor Chevelle’s.

  • @michaelbaka4777
    @michaelbaka4777 4 года назад +8

    I'm lovin' that car!! Sir, you did a wonderful job getting her back on the road. And, I'm loving your cats, too! Chester is a great cat and loves his daddy; you can tell. Looking forward to more stuff like this. Subbed!!!!!!!!

  • @tedcorey3054
    @tedcorey3054 4 года назад +1

    My mom had a friend that owned a 69 383 automatic and the woman and her husband were in the process of moving to Hawaii in 1974 ,I think. Husband was in the U.S. Army .They left the Road Runner at our house while waiting to have it shipped over (with the keys). I had to take it out a few times and I understood why she wouldn't sell it . Another car I loved but never owned (I must have A.D.D .or something ) .I've always been a Ford guy but there was something about that car. Sorry about the long story ,I could go on about it. Nice car you put together .

    • @thewriter2549
      @thewriter2549  4 года назад +1

      Interesting story, thanks for sharing. There is something about those Road Runners. Just a mid-sized body, but the grille and the cartoon character, the horn, and the performance added up to more than the sum of the parts. I think the 383 is a sleeper.

    • @tedcorey3054
      @tedcorey3054 4 года назад +1

      @@thewriter2549 If you insist I'll finish the story. I was driving it around the neighborhood and turned down a street and realized it was the street (Kay) previously lived on and thought "I Gotta' get out of here before someone recognizes the car".I stepped on the gas to expedite leaving and it needing a tune up desperately it coughed and killed the engine .I popped into neutral and tried to restart it ,it cranked a few times but the battery ,a lifetime Sears Diehard wasn't up to it. As I was cranking it over it was rolling very slowly backwards and and after about 20 ft. rolled partially into the driveway of Kay's old house ! I was kind of concerned at this point when a friend came up to me and asked "what was up ". I told him and called the older bro. of a friend who was a mopar guy who owned a 68 or 69 Runner 383 4 spd . . He was there amazingly fast ,pulled right up popped the hood threw the cables on and it fired right up .I thanked him and we parted .I was anxious to get the car back to my house but when I approached I saw my Dad was home from work . Him being full Italian South Philly guy wouldn't ask questions first ! Surely I was caught . I shut the key off and coasted into the spot where it had been parked anyway .He never noticed the car missing and shortly after someone came to pick it up .Man, I liked that car. I'm 63 years old now ,my Dad passed in '07 (still miss him) and foolishly never owned a Road Runner . I really enjoyed your story ,I'll be subscribing.Thanks .Jerry.

  • @doghouse416
    @doghouse416 4 года назад +25

    That's a mechanic,...blue tape band-aid and all.

  • @jasonpetrich4141
    @jasonpetrich4141 Год назад

    This man is one hell of a mechanic,.looks exactly like my dad's 383 cobalt blue he had 2 68,69 both from high-school we still have the metallic green 69, we sold the blue one. In Washington.

  • @yakvegas509
    @yakvegas509 4 года назад +4

    I love your videos. Doing a 74 Nova Hatchback, can't wait till i get it going again. TY

    • @thewriter2549
      @thewriter2549  4 года назад +2

      Good luck!

    • @scottcol23
      @scottcol23 4 года назад +3

      Cool, I have a '66 I got when I was in highschool (1997). Took the whole thing apart, lost interest, then about 4 years ago I finished it. Only took 20years. But I love it. Good luck on your build. I also have a '72 Camaro RS with the 396. Its still original but clean. I got that 22 years ago for $800 from a farmer down the road.

    • @xbear7473
      @xbear7473 4 года назад +1

      Wow scot so cool really good to hear that’s amazing

  • @jimbeller7948
    @jimbeller7948 3 года назад +2

    Nice job all the way around - reno, video, kittios. Love those 68-69 Mopars!

  • @dougfaloon3501
    @dougfaloon3501 4 года назад +2

    Love the idea, would love to follow your progress, your successes and the obstacles you encounter.

  • @jamesmcginnity1874
    @jamesmcginnity1874 4 года назад +1

    Hi Jerry, I love your video. I had three of those cars, one a A12 car I miss them ALL !!! Thanks for the video . Really made my day.

  • @erniearambula3525
    @erniearambula3525 3 года назад +2

    383 is no slouch I could be wrong but I believe it came with posi, the 383 was a low buck intro into hot rodding just drop in a cam exhaust and a 4 barrel holley and you'd burn rubber like nobody's business.

  • @stevedurham2225
    @stevedurham2225 4 года назад +1

    68 roadrunner,my first car,383 auto with headers,323 geared,mine was in a little better shape but after I got thru mechanically,painted it it the original gold color,beat a lot of chevys n fords on top end,power pulled it on thru with those tall gears. Now it's just a memory .,but I still drive and love my mopars!

  • @7171-Ws6
    @7171-Ws6 4 года назад +12

    17:50. That intake noise is glorious

  • @jpalberthoward9
    @jpalberthoward9 2 года назад +1

    This is what most of them were looking like by the time I got old enough to drive. There were plenty of folks who were wasteful, careless and extremely abusive in those days, and drunk driving was common, so lots of these cars got wrapped around trees and light poles. We took an awful lot for granted back then. Also, the "energy crisis" of 1973 caused most of the original owners to drop these cars like hot potatoes and buy Pintos, Gremlins, Vegas, and Toyotas overnight. Cars like this one soon ended up in the hands of high school kids who could barely afford the gas for them, much less maintain them properly, and so most of them went to hell pretty fast. In the late 70's, you'd have a hard time giving these cars away.
    Now they're back and it's great to see everyone putting them back in action and on the road. They're a part of history and it would be tragic if they all got scrapped. I'm just really happy to see it every time another one gets rescued and resurrected. My heart still skips a beat and does a backflip when one goes by.