Pulled the front clip, getting 66 U13 ready for paint

[BajaFresh75]

I'm preparing my early Budd bodied Roadster for paint vin# U13Fl732223. I'm guessing it was built on the first day of production August '65. It's been painted once, but I'm going back the original color, Marlin Blue. I removed the inserts and the front clip for the first time in 48 years, to find all structural parts rust free!

Looks like factory or dealer added undercoating did it's job. It's flaking off pretty easy now, so I'm going to remove it all and have the inner fenders and core support painted. I'm going to replace the front floors, but all other sheet metal will be original.

 

[thegreatjustino]

That's amazing. Should look great once painted.

 

[MyOriginal66]

Hey Chris,

I'm so happy that one made it up to you... I was sooooo close on pulling the trigger. It's going to be really nice when finished.

I just bought a radio/heater delete U13 and it's missing a few things, one of which being the right inner fender fresh air block off plate. Since you have the clip off, do you mind posting up some detailed shots of it? Thanks!

Also, PM me if you have some '66 parts your willing to part with, namely the hard to find stuff like a bench seat and rear bumper. Need a few other odds and ends as well. Thanks!

Anton

 

[House]

That's going to be a great looking rig!

 

[BajaFresh75]

66

I just bought a radio/heater delete U13 and it's missing a few things, one of which being the right inner fender fresh air block off plate. Since you have the clip off, do you mind posting up some detailed shots of it? Thanks!

Thanks! I love heater deletes, and anything else delete for that matter on the early ones! Yes I'll post a picture of it. I was checking it out yesterday, lucky for you its basically a 6" diameter round piece of sheet metal with 3 sheet metal screws holding it in place.

 

[BajaFresh75]

plate

Here are pictures of the fresh air block off plate. The plate measures 6 3/4" diameter.

 

[MyOriginal66]

Here are pictures of the fresh air block off plate. The plate measures 6 3/4" diameter.

Thanks Chris, much appreciated.

After looking at pics of my firewall, I don't believe it's heater delete since it has holes for the heater box. I think the PO is mistaken. Oh well.

Looks like you've got a solid rig there. Can't wait to see it finished.

 

[BajaBronco]

There was a guy with several roadsters who admitted to me he made them all heater delete when he restored them.

 

[House]

Odd, I am GLAD my Roadster has a heater...

 

[BajaFresh75]

I took the dash out today and noticed no fire wall gutter. Do any of you gurus know if Budd bodied Broncos predated the firewall rain gutter?

 

[berg bronco]

Looks familer! I'm excited to see the process

 

[Scott C.]

Chris, both of mine have the gutter. What about 158? does it have gutters

 

[Colman]

my u13732164 doesnt have the rain gutter and it is an orig budd body
mu u1377xxxx has the gutter iirc

 

[Bronconut]

My U13FL732285 does not have a rain gutter either. I am just getting into the restoration and thought maybe something had happened to it over the years... Body appears to be all original though so far.