Roths 60' Valiant resto

-
R

rothsauce

Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2015
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Location
Minnesota
Have been searching for a few years for a god project car to restore, and finally came across this beast after coming to terms with the fact I did not have the space to restore my first choice in vehicles; though someday I'll get a Travelall regardless.

Until then, this car is going to be a great learning experience. I've never worked on a car - either from lack of space or of time/knowledge/funds. Have been reading as much as possible to get prepped for this project, and can't wait to really start diving in to things.
Found this car late last year, and had to wait for the weather to ease up before having it brought up to its new home. Far as anyone could tell, it had been sitting in someones garage since the 80's.

For now my major concern is cleaning the rust out of the trunk and assessing the undercarriage. It is covered in 30 years of mud and muck, with some rust already obvious but not a clue as to severity. Most of the rust on the hood is surface rust, which I hope to also tackle in the next few weeks. Until then it's been minor things - had to remove the ignition and trunk cylinders to get a proper set of keys, and switching out the rear tires for ones that could hold air.
 

Attachments

  • 11146299_10206820230692690_4749766643264934870_n.jpg
    35.1 KB · Views: 202
  • 11125245_10206728027107658_4570364646670589258_n.jpg
    35.4 KB · Views: 220
  • 11096466_10206728026507643_7253656672422904564_n.jpg
    35.1 KB · Views: 197
  • 11018580_10206728026707648_4760875637502817701_n.jpg
    54.3 KB · Views: 205
  • 10006342_10206728026867652_2920721895603987904_n.jpg
    63.9 KB · Views: 210
  • 00i0i_TpsT0br2ky_600x450.jpg
    43.9 KB · Views: 202
Looks reallyt solid. To bad it is a "more" door, but actually looks really solid

Mikey B in FL
 
Was pretty happy with its condition overall, the pictures they'd posted online captured things really well. Haven't come across too many early Valiants in this neck of the woods and was rather excited to find this one not too far out of MN. Helped that the dealers were really nice guys to work with.

Recently found a 62' that I can use for parts if need be. Hoping that most of the issues here are minor compared to what could have been.
 
cool find-- be careful --62 has a lot of differences than than 60-61- in the parts interchange area. that car looks to be ready for some driving-- & should not need much!!
Lawrence
 
I'm hoping it'll just be some minor things, if it comes to it. Already plan on swiping the locks since the ignition and doors are the same and the darn things are hard enough to find. Never hurts to have an extra set lying around.

Though in a perfect world, I'd love to buy the 62' and fix it up as well. Looked like it could still be salvageable depending on how solid the frame is. The body was in gorgeous condition.
 
Thanks Hyper!

Have been working underneath to clear away that caked on mud, which is loads of fun with just a paint scraper and wire brush. Made some good progress on the passenger side at least, and found one rust hole. Not too bad, the metal around it wasn't soft so it will probably be manageable with a patch. Will know it bit better when I can put it on some stands and can get a better look. Will tackle the drivers side another day.

Going to see if the engine will turn tomorrow, if successful will make sandblasting and pressure washing an option.
 
Haven't been able to update for a while, so here goes.

The engine would not turn over for us. Wanted to, but fuel was not making it into the engine and we also ended up damaging the water pump and/or possibly a gasket and are leaking coolant. Without an engine stand or hoist, and just getting caught up in other crap, haven't been able to make any additional repairs for the past few weeks.
Am debating on whether to go ahead and grab a rebuild kit or sit tight and replace parts as we tear her apart.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top