http://www.classiccar.com/forum/categories/american-motors/p3/feed.rss Mon, 20 May 13 17:51:27 +0000 American Motors Discussions on Classic Car Forum en-CA http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/65392/304-amc-or-350-chev-swap-into-65-american Fri, 21 Dec 2007 03:12:24 +0000 AmericanTaddy 65392@/forum/discussions
Taddy]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/63978/rambler-engine-swap Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:56:38 +0000 ramblin_man 63978@/forum/discussions


what would it take to switch it for a small/big block V8?



would i have to switch the tranny too?]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/64490/install-a-gm-overdrive-automatic-in-a-hornet-with-a-258- Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:07:40 +0000 bobt@vcmails.com 64490@/forum/discussions
Bob T]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/63598/69-rebel-sst-restoration Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:32:38 +0000 69rebel 63598@/forum/discussions


Please email me at

dead_freak_69@yahoo.com]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/63501/vacuumelectric-wiper-motor-conversion-on-65-american Thu, 29 Nov 2007 01:23:19 +0000 AmericanTaddy 63501@/forum/discussions http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/52949/rambler-american-brake-specs Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:31:45 +0000 AmericanTaddy 52949@/forum/discussions
Thanks.]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/63126/rare-pair-in-1958 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:48:45 +0000 huddy55 63126@/forum/discussions


Hudson all the way up to 1957 sold well so it was fair to continue the name for another year to help the sales of the Rambler. All Ramblers were sold as Hudson Rambler or Nash Rambler for the 1958 period. Many 57 Hornets were still being sold during this time. Very few 1958 AMC cars sold during this year and only a handful left.



Pictured here are possibly the only two 1958 Ramblers restored in Australia. Both are owned by Allan Smith of QLD. The one on the left is the 58 Hudson Rambler sedan. Allan purchased the car from the original family. Les Pendlebury (huddy42) a regular member on the hudson forum, father purchased this car new. Les later owned it before it went to Allan. This car now fitted with a 327 AMC V8 and is in truly brand new condition. Every part is pratically NOS and it was restored over a 20 year period. Note that every 58 Hudson Rambler had 3" circular HUDSON badges on the C pillar.



The pink 58 Rambler wagon was sold as a Nash Rambler. Once again a very original car before restoration and another one with full history including much original paper work. This car is 70% restored and again mostly NOS parts were used. The original 6cyl remained in the car. A credit goes to Allan for saving such Rare Ramblers and I think my self lucky to live only 10 minutes away from him and his 2 rare 58's. Allan also owns about 10 other AMC products in various forms of condition.]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/62427/air-service-officers-ambassador Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:40:11 +0000 huddy55 62427@/forum/discussions


AMI (Australian Motor Industries) Assembled only 16 1970 Ambassador Hardtops along with 4 sedans.



This car pictured is not one of them.



Ive known this car since I was a boy. It was used as a bridal car for my mothers 2nd wedding back the late 70's. The second owner Noel Keiselbach was one of my grandfathers best mates going back to the 60's. My Grandfather died back in 1985 and Noel passed away about 10 years ago.



Noel's Story.

An Australian air service officer was posted in the US during the Veitnam War. The man (cannot remember the name) wanted to bring back an American built car as Australian cars at the time were not as big and as powerful as those from the US. This gentleman attended many drag strips in the late 60's to find out which make of car that might be of interest to him. As time went by he relised that AMC was the brand for him (he said AMC was the last brand to give up on the track). He decided to purchase a 1970 AMC Ambassador SST Hardtop with the 360 4bbl V8 which was rated at 290 HP. The car was a special order direct from AMC. It was right hand drive, column auto, power steering, power drums all round, window tint, light group and Air cond. The car was driven in right hand drive form in the US for 2 years before he was sent back to Australia. Once the car arrived, his daughter was given honours to drive it but said it was to big. The Ambassador was then sold to Noel in 1974. On the front and rear bars it still has original AAA stickers on them.

My Stepfather purchased the car from Noel not long before he passed away about ten years ago. The car is still in our family and will never be sold outside the family. It has just clocked 100k and the interior is 100% original except for the carpet. It has only 1 thin coat of paint over it original white colour. the body is 100% rust free and has dead straight panels. It is just one lovely car to drive.]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/63063/nice-65-ambassador-convertible Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:03:59 +0000 huddy55 63063@/forum/discussions http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/62048/8-month-restoration-of-63-classic-770-story-long-but-good Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:42:45 +0000 huddy55 62048@/forum/discussions


This is a story of the restoration of my 1963 AMC Rambler Classic.



In mid December 2006, I was chatting with a good friend of mine named Allan about the up and coming HETNR (Hudson, Essex, Terraplaine, Nash, Rambler) National meeting in Toowoomba QLD. The subject of what car was I going to take came up. I own a few cars and I have always seemed to take the same ones to all the shows. I turned to Allan and said "I wish to take something different this time". Anything different that I wanted to take would have to be restored. I looked at the collection I had and decided to restore one of my 1963 Classics. This car had been sitting on a friends farm for about 5 years as I didn't have any covered space to put it. Allan agreed that he would help me to get this car ready for the week long national rally. So I proceeded to move the car from the farm to Allan's place where it was to under go a total restoration.



On the 26th of January 2007, Allan and I went on a club run for breakfast to Beaudesert QLD and meet up with some fantastic people (my first run with the HETNR car club of QLD). After breakfast, some great conversations and showing off of all our cars, we were all asked what we felt like doing next. At this point, Allan and I looked at each other and said "were going to start the restoration of my 1963 Rambler Classic". Yes, it was the 26th of January 2007 when we took the first bolt off the car. This is were the fun begins, you see the national rally started on the 30th of September 2007. That is correct, it was only 8 months away.



When I told everyone what we were doing, a lot of comments came back that it could never be done. This was a major driving force for me. There was no time wasted pulling everything off the car. By the end of the first weekend there was nothing but a bare shell sitting on 4 home made legs (the cars only support for the next 6 months). So with only weekends to work on the car (we both worked full time jobs throughout the week), we pushed hard to get it ready. Every panel was stripped by hand. First they were paint stripped, then cleaned back to pure steel with a strip and clean wheel till all traces of rust creep (tiny spots of rust) where totally removed. If the strip and clean wheel didn't remove the rust creep, I sat there with a electric drill and scratched the spots out with a drill bit.



Once we got each panel totally cleaned, they were etched ready for the next step. There was only a few minor spots of rust in the whole body and panels. These were all cut out and plated with new metal. The only panel that we had a problem with was the bonnet. So for this, we went to the hardware store and bought some pond liner and made a molases bath for us to submerge the bonnet in. Molases mixed with water at about 3:1 Water to Molases, is the best rust converter that I have ever seen. After one week, wiping over the bonnet every couple of days with steel wool, the bonnet came out looking like brand new steel.



Now with all the panels except the bonnet were repaired and etched. We started to high build prime everything. After the high build, it was time to start filing, Allan did all of the filing of the body and panels. Once the body was all filed ready, it was time to get under the car and do some rust proofing and sound deadening. What a messy job this was, but I think the results speak for themselves. The next job to tackle was the engine bay. I had Allan weld up all the none genuine holes as well as some of the factory ones. After a lot of prep work and rubbing ready for paint, I masked off everything and Allan put on the first part of the colour in the engine bay. What a fantastic sight that was to see some colour on after all this work. So back to Allan's we go. As the car was coming off the truck we had a crazy idea, lets get the motor and transmission (that had been previously prepared) out of the garage and put it straight into the car. We rolled them out into the carport and very carefully lowered them onto the ground. Next we lowered the body off the truck right down over the top of the motor and raised the motor into place. WHAT A SIGHT, the engine into the engine bay gave us quite a rush. For the rest of the weekend, we put in the diff, suspension and front end. Now "that was some amazing progress" we were told by some people, and it was. By this time, people were still very skeptical about whether we would have it done in time though, more amunition for me to push harder.



Now we were off to paint. The body and panels were all taken in individually and left for the painter to just lay the colour on. All he had to do was mask the car off and lay on the colour. The colours that were chosen were Chrysler Alpine white for the roof and side strip and Nissan Sky blue metalic for the body.

The day that the car came out of the paint bay was a major step. The finish on the car and panels was totally amazing to look at. So on to the back of the truck and straight back to Allan's we went.



When we got back to Allan's, there was not much to stop us now except for time. We started to plough full steam ahead and get this thing assembald. The doors were all hung, boot installed and the guards put on and glass went in. Then the car had to go back in for the side white strip to be painted on. After the car was all masked up again, and the strip laid on, it was back for the last time to Allan's to complete the car. Now all of the side trim, badges, gutter moulding etc were put on. Now that we had the guards on, we were able to trial fit the bonnet. The bonnet needed some panel work on it before it could be painted and we had to have all the front assembled so as to be able to do this. So 5 weeks after the car was painted, the bonnet went in to be painted. When it came back and was placed on the car, you could not tell that the bonnet had been painted at a different time.



We were flying along now, working on weekends and now most nights throughout the week. We were down to 5 weeks before the rally. There was a lot of late nights to finish off the interior, doors, engine bay, grill, bumper bars etc. Then all of a sudden, the car was finished. We put the trade plate on and did our road testing and final adjustments to kick down and lights etc, then off for its road worthy and registration. The car was registered on the 20th of September 2007. 7 Months and 3 weeks after starting restoration.



What a journey, and much to the amazment of the critics ( my friends and family who said it couldn't be done), IT WAS. This build has been a fantastic learning experience for a few people, but mainly for me. Would I do it again? Yes. Would I do it in this same short time again? Only if I had to.



There is some very big thank you's I must give for this build. First my family for allowing me the time away to get this done. Second to Fiona and Preston for putting up with me being at there place while doing this car, early mornings and late nights. Third to all the friends and family that said it could never be done, Don't underestimate a dream. Forth to all the family and friends that believed in me, and last but by no stretch of the imagination at least, Allan Smith, who without his help and vast knowledge, I know this couldn't have been possibly done to the standard and quality it has turned out to be, Thanks mate.



Thank you, Garry Murphy]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/61412/looking-for-info-on-amc-sc-rambler Sun, 04 Nov 2007 03:02:49 +0000 coyfam3 61412@/forum/discussions
Looking for my father-in-laws old SC Rambler.

He said it was a 69 1/2 number 501.

He has nothing with the VIN number but he was the originall owner on title.He purchased it from An AMC dealer he worked for in Syracuse,IN.

It would have been titled to Richard Plikerd.

Wasn't sure if anybody could help me but maybe someone could at least give me some avenues to search down.

Thank You

coyfam3@yahoo.com]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/62108/62-rambler-for-sale Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:23:49 +0000 Jon B 62108@/forum/discussions http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/62680/toowoomba-qld-hudson-amc-meet Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:10:43 +0000 huddy55 62680@/forum/discussions http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/61338/neutral-safty-switch Fri, 02 Nov 2007 22:43:41 +0000 STEVE1103 61338@/forum/discussions http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/62422/as-promised- Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:54:06 +0000 huddy55 62422@/forum/discussions


Here is a shot of some of our families cars.



go the red white & blue]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/61723/where-are-the-amc-threads Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:18:33 +0000 huddy55 61723@/forum/discussions


This is my first thread on here and many more to come.



I am a Happy 1955 Hudson Hornet and 1966 Rambler Classic 770 Cross Country wagon owner.



I have owned is the past....1972 AMC Javelin 401, 1969 AMX 343, 1971 Matador 360 Wagon, 1970 Rebel 360 sedan, 3 X 1967 Rambler American sedans, 2x 1946 Hudson Super Six sedan and 2 X 1983/4 Jeep Cherokee 360 v8 wagons.



My twin Brother Jeff and our dad currently own the following HUDSON AMC products: 1928 Essex sedan, 1935 Terraplane, 1954 Superwasp, 56 Hornet, 4 or 5 57 Hornets in 6 & v8 forms, two 63 Classic Wagons alloy 6 and 287v8, 1965 classic sedan, 67 American sedan, 68 rebel sedan 290, 69 rebel sedan 343, 70 rebel sedan 360, 74 matador sed 360, 75 Matador X coupe 360, 84 j20 pickup 360 and may be others i have forgot to mention. Then on top of this are our 15 plus hudson and amc parts cars, 4 landrovers, 2 fiats, 1 holden and our moderns which i will not get into.]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/13291/1976-pacer-for-sale Thu, 10 Nov 2005 04:23:27 +0000 bill a 13291@/forum/discussions albrighthudsons@msn.com]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/59092/trying-to-identify-these-cars-and-their-era Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:55:56 +0000 Northern Irelander 59092@/forum/discussions





I was hoping to find out the makes of these cars in the attached photo. Soory for the quality of the photo its the only one I have and its the daphnia collection in the foreground that I am trying to put a year/era to.



The photo is from a later edition of a book published in 1966, the original edition was published in 1930's. I am not aware if the photo was in the original edition of the book?



The author was W. Innes from Philadelphia, I assume thats in the region where the photo was taken.



Any identification on these motors would be very much appreciated, that would lead to an approximate year of the photo



Thanks in advance



Dave]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/57123/american-ragtop Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:42:17 +0000 66patrick66 57123@/forum/discussions


Ideas?]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/56614/best-cars Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:50:33 +0000 akg2007 56614@/forum/discussions http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/56274/hi Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:30:23 +0000 akg2007 56274@/forum/discussions http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/34727/tail-light-lens Wed, 25 Oct 2006 03:43:18 +0000 dbldcb 34727@/forum/discussions
dbldcb]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/48057/61-rambler-classic-deluxe Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:32:14 +0000 spokanite 48057@/forum/discussions
Could not open hood! Found owner of property at County Acc. office.

Had to mail note Cant find Ph. #



My wife had a pink one of these in high school. Said it was great



Any advise on price or how to negotiate.



Any help would be great



Thanks]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/17958/per-hour-or-by-the-job Fri, 03 Feb 2006 21:58:01 +0000 Nash Blackwood 17958@/forum/discussions


By the hour in which I get charged 30-40 hr. plus parts, $1000 deposit up front and settlements weekly.



By the job in which I get a firm estimate up front and pay deposits up front of 50% and 25% at 2/3 complete.



I’ve been told that by the hour was the way most shops do it but the one shop that wants to quote the whole job explained that that way lends it self to abuse. As he explained it, the hourly shops might be tempted to add time at will to keep a weekly check coming in.



I’ve got about two weeks before I decide. Anyone out there with an experience they can share with me? Anyone have a preference?]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/23354/1968-amc-rebel-550-4-door-for-sale-in-az-2800-obo Thu, 04 May 2006 05:55:01 +0000 nn2004 23354@/forum/discussions


The engine is primarily stock. Still has the Holly 1 bbl carburetor with single exhaust with one 40 Series Flowmaster. When the engine was professionally rebuilt at the machine shop here in Tucson, we had them install a performance cam (not sure on the specs of the cam). We also had them modify a bolt in the head to allow maximum oil pressure in the lifter area. I still have a print out of this modification, if a copy is desired. I have, however, replaced the mechanical fuel pump with an electrical one, which is mounted on the passenger’s side firewall. Just replaced the belt and performed an oil change. Have always replaced the oil every 2k. Does not leak, smoke, or guzzle oil. Holds all of its oil between changes. Tires have about 8k on them, and are Futura 2000LTE touring tires.



Paint is okay, considering the fact that this was my high school car, and drove it down I-10 daily for about 4 years. Car was in the mountains of New Mexico for a year, and has minimal surface rust on things like the brake drums (car has 4 wheel drums, all brakes are newer with plenty of life left). However, there is NO RUST anywhere. When we bought the car in 2000, we patched the only small spot of rust it had with fiberglass. This was on the passenger’s floorboard, and you cannot even tell it was rusted from inside or out.



Interior was redone in 2001 after the paint was done. Interior was professionally done here in Tucson, also. The design is not original, however, it does match pretty well. The headliner is all original, is the original interior color/pattern, and is slightly stained. Dash cap was redone, also, and has a dash mat on it to prevent any future cracking. Some of the plastic pieces around the light switches, ignition, etc. have become quite faded, and slightly cracked. Nothing too noticeable. Car already had the modification where the ashtray used to be in order to install a standard DIM stereo, and doesn’t look too tacky. Does include the 5.25” speakers in the door, the 6x9s in the rear, and is prewired to accept a subwoofer. All speakers are Kenwoods that were installed in 2001, and are still good. May be able to install a Sony CD deck, if interested.



I have tried to list all flaws, however, I have not driven the car in awhile, so it is hard to recall them all. The only other things that should be noted are the following: 1) The throw out bearing occasionally squeals when initially releasing the clutch. This typically only happens after a long drive. Clutch may also need replacement, even though it was replaced when the engine was rebuilt. This does not prevent the drivability; it’s simply a matter of a slight noise when cold. 2) The brakes appear to need bleeding, but the car is still drivable. This is only noticed when sitting still and applying lots of pressure to the pedal.



I also have a 390 CFM Holly 4 bbl carburetor, the corresponding intake manifold, and dual outlet headers for this car. Unfortunately, they cannot be installed with the current setup since the rear collector dumps on the starter. To install these, it would be necessary to modify the rear collector or pipe, or find a different transmission or bell housing to use with the Ford starter. This car has the Delco starter and electrical setup. These will be included if the car is purchased for the asking price of $2800.



Well, that’s all I can think of currently. This is truly a great car, and hate the thought of selling it; however, 4 cars is too many, per the apartment complex. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive this vehicle anywhere, and have taken it on many long trips. Shipping is up to the interested party, however, I can assist if it fits into my schedule. Any questions, please ask. Will answer as prompt as possible. Car is located in Tucson, AZ 85730.]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/10013/sputtering-232-six-cylinder Sun, 04 Sep 2005 20:56:49 +0000 dbeat99 10013@/forum/discussions


I am a first time user and I don't know if this has been discussed before.

I have a 1975 Levi's Gremlin X that had been sitting for around 10 years.

I have replaced the gas tank, rebuilt the carb, replaced the push rods, done a valve job, replaced the distributor cap and all plugs and wires.

From the front with the hood up and motor running, all sounds well, but when I walk around back, it is sputtering like it is missing on a few cylinders, but the sputter is not consistent. When I drive it, if I give it any more than 1/4 throttle it pops and backfires through the carb. If I give it wide open throttle, It actually does ok.

I have unplugged each spark plug cable one at a time while the motor is idling and there is a noticeable difference when I unplug each one.

This is not an electronic ignition issue because I replaced that today.



Any help would be great!

David]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/14523/engines-wanted Wed, 30 Nov 2005 21:14:50 +0000 dodgie 14523@/forum/discussions
Can handel GA, AL, TN

Koos]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/21555/nash-metropolitans Wed, 05 Apr 2006 02:42:25 +0000 billjharris 21555@/forum/discussions
I'd like to try to find the value of these vehicles to help her dispose of them.

any help is very much appreciated.

my e-mail is:bjharris@mynewroads.com]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/34217/runningdriving-gremlinhornet-wanted Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:48:52 +0000 66patrick66 34217@/forum/discussions


Anyone have a car for sale?]]> http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/14446/amx-hornet-1977-special-edition-levis Wed, 30 Nov 2005 00:12:07 +0000 Matt Falco 14446@/forum/discussions












just for fun, How money do you give me for this car ?????]]>