Restoration assistance '69 RR

[fowens]

I posted in here a while back as a new member and you guys were very supportive.

I literally have zero mechanical background and know-how. It's fairly easy to take things apart and I know the hard part will be putting it back together.

With not being sure where I should put this post, I thought the general discussion area may be best (if it should be moved, that's fine by me).

What I am hoping for, is if some of you can help walk me through, over time, on what I should do next with the disassemble. I fully plan on doing a bumper to bumper restoration with improvements as needed. I was hoping to do as much as possible on my own. I have people that tell me they're willing to help out. But, when it comes down to it...are scarce and suddenly busy.

Which is why I come to the group. I've seen how much you guys have helped one another, so I'm hoping you can assist. If you say I need to remove this or that next...great! I will look up how to remove that part either in this forum or somewhere online. I'd just like to get some assistance with what to do next as I am very much out of my element.

Thanks all.

Floyd

Some pics below to show where I am.

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

Looks like you are well on your way just start taking one item off at a time now boxing it and all its parts in its own box then once stripped have the body blasted / stripped and start the body work and paint process. whole thats happening start restoring ach boxd up part one at a time. Good luck, you are a bit far from me in Spokane I would love to come up and help for some beers

 

[Basketcase]

get a box of baggies for the nuts,bolts,screw,toss in a label for what they are for. take before and after pictures. we have the factory service manuals for the '69s in our Tech section, these help. and ask all the questions you need!

 

[fowens]

Any suggestions on what to tackle next? I know there's no real order to take it apart in. But, I want to set myself up for a best case scenario.

 

[Basketcase]

well just by looking at your pics, might as well take out the heater(couple three nuts on the firewall side,one bracket on the heater itself(don't forget the control cables and the wire for the blower motor).And pull the metal cover off the heater and check the squirrel cage for mouse nests. The wiper pivots are easy.(don't forget new seals for those). The wiring and the interior looks like it would be gutted.

 

[quikbird]

carefully examine all the parts you take off and see if they need replaced or can be reused. for example the bulkhead connector on the wiring tends to be in poor shape.
find the thread on bringing it back to factory spec. he has a lot of great pictures to help you out.

 

[dobie]

I know some will disagree, but I'll offer one piece of advice. I have about as much knowledge and experience as you. As in 0. I have fought wiring issues from day one. Ive always had someone "fix" the issue, but another issue pops up shortly afterwards. Looking back, I would've been much farther ahead by simply buying new wiring harnesses. Yes, they're quite expensive, however I seriously regret not spending that money up front.

Good luck with your project.

 

[69hemibeep]

I know some will disagree, but I'll offer one piece of advice. I have about as much knowledge and experience as you. As in 0. I have fought wiring issues from day one. Ive always had someone "fix" the issue, but another issue pops up shortly afterwards. Looking back, I would've been much farther ahead by simply buying new wiring harnesses. Yes, they're quite expensive, however I seriously regret not spending that money up front.

Good luck with your project.

If you follow dobies advise which has some merit go to Year one they have an exclusive on the best harness maker out there. Inspect yours if its brittle or cut up go new. Usually the bulk head connector is dirty and bad grounds cause most electric problems

 

[peresvet24]

Good luck with your project.

well as useful information for me
one day I'll have to go through it.
but first I have to create one my moving to the States for some time to deal with housing and jobs and start looking for my runner to do a full restoration of self-

 

[fowens]

well just by looking at your pics, might as well take out the heater(couple three nuts on the firewall side,one bracket on the heater itself(don't forget the control cables and the wire for the blower motor).And pull the metal cover off the heater and check the squirrel cage for mouse nests. The wiper pivots are easy.(don't forget new seals for those). The wiring and the interior looks like it would be gutted.

I've been able to complete this now. I am having some trouble with removing the steering column. I know there's a pin that can be removed to get the column out. But, I'm having a hell of a time getting that pin out.

Suggestions? Is the pin I'm thinking of below?

 

[69hemibeep]

Hammer and a pin punch

 

[dobie]

Yeah, that pin can be a pain. Use a proper roll pin punch of the correct size and a big hammer. Id soak it for a day or so in WD-40 or something similar. It helps to remove the battery tray as well as you can get more room to swing with it out of the way.

 

[ACME A12]

Couldn't help but notice the link at the bottom of your posts. Whatever happened to good old American Self Reliance???

 

[Basketcase]

that went away with .99 gas,not having to press 1 for English, and an honest days work......

 

[fowens]

Couldn't help but notice the link at the bottom of your posts. Whatever happened to good old American Self Reliance???

It really was just a way for my family to pitch in as it was a car we all remembered growing up as kids. I have self-reliance, trust me.

 

[quikbird]

Small pin punch and a hammer. It will pop out.

 

[cheflar]

Hey Fowens, looks like you are and are basically in the same boat...we have about the same amount of knowledge and doing the same thing only i have a great friend with tons of experience restoring cars, welding, painting etc...but he is a FORD guy...so at times he "just isn't sure why MOPAR did things like that"! Good Luck