Resurrecting the Rambler

[Ed Fernandez]

My gremlin had the 4 cylinder spring. Worked for me.
Thank you for the kind words. Sometimes I do miss the car.

[Pinballer]

Ed, all the other guys I've talked with say you're a legend.

[Pinballer]

Originally Posted by Robert Simpson

I know I am late to mention this. But was there not a AMC just like this for sale on here not to long ago? I don't think it sold. It was the 304/2bbl combo I believe and ran in Q? It was complete with parts. It is something to consider.

Robert

I did give it some consideration, but basically its the same thing as what I already have here in my red '82 . I planned from the very start to run a lower class like R,T, or U, and a V8 AMC car won't get there. The 304 V8 cross member in the car for sale would have to get changed out to a 6 cyl model one, necessitating the very same ordeal I'm going through now removing the 4 cyl one, and it had some other things done to it that I would want a little different. All in all, it was about a toss-up. Certainly nothing wrong with the seller's car as far as the build, if I hadn't had this spare '82 Spirit sitting here, I'd probably have went for it!

[Pinballer]

Originally Posted by Sean Marconette

I agree! By the time all of the nonessential parts and pieces are removed off the front end it will be close with the 4 cyl springs. Money to be spent elsewhere. Trick springs are overrated in my opinion.

Cool build! Good Luck

Sean

I hope you're right about the springs Sean. The 100,000 miles of wear they have is a cause for concern to me, but right now I need them in there to hold the front end up!
While we're on the subject of springs and such, I have one shot of a nearly completed right side suspension.

[Pinballer]

Newly rebuilt right side suspension installed less brake pieces. Amazing what some freshening up, wire wheel clean-up and some semi-gloss black paint can do. The engine cross member is in place now and the car will roll again.
Next time the auto shop bay is empty on a weekend, the left side gets the treatment.

[Sean Marconette]

Originally Posted by Pinballer

I hope you're right about the springs Sean. The 100,000 miles of wear they have is a cause for concern to me, but right now I need them in there to hold the front end up!
While we're on the subject of springs and such, I have one shot of a nearly completed right side suspension.

Brian,
FWIW my current springs in my car are original 78 Mercury Zephyr 4 cyl springs from a previous car with over 100,000 miles that I had a 351 C in. Those same springs have been in my Mustang since 1998.

As long as your springs have not been heated I cannot image them being a problem.

There is nothing better than the sense of accomplishment on you building your own car, it may not be cheaper, but you will know every nut bolt and wire in the car.

Think about adding front tie downs into the front crossmember. It will make loading and unloading the car faster and more secure too!

Sean

[Pinballer]

Thanks for your info Sean. It's not so much that I was afraid of spring fatigue or wear, the right side one was a handful with the spring compressor getting it out and back in, but more so that they might not end up transferring the weight changes on the front end on a launch in a fashion to really help me any. For now though, they have to stay there whether they're close to optimum or not.

On your tie-down idea, not sure other than welding loops or tabs onto the cross member how you mean to do this. And could this constitute "modifying the frame" in the rulebook sense? Don't need any surprises at first tech session.

[Dave Gantz]

Good luck and have fun.

Speaking of frame modifications and what's legal; this may not be; from post #26: "I had to leave the 4 cyl original coil springs in place for now until I get something figured out, may see about a re-work on my spare upper A-arms I have from the '80 car to move the spring perches inward at some later time."
Others would know better than me, it's hard to tell what's okay these days.

[Tom keedle]

Originally Posted by MR DERBY CITY

Love the AMC build, I always rooted for Ed F. When he ran his gremlin. Would you consider posting photos of the Rambler Ranch ? Pinball Heaven ? Thanks ....

i'm sure this isn't the ranch you're talking about but....http://www.ramblerranch.com/rr/

[Tom keedle]

Originally Posted by Pinballer

Thanks for your info Sean. It's not so much that I was afraid of spring fatigue or wear, the right side one was a handful with the spring compressor getting it out and back in, but more so that they might not end up transferring the weight changes on the front end on a launch in a fashion to really help me any. For now though, they have to stay there whether they're close to optimum or not.

On your tie-down idea, not sure other than welding loops or tabs onto the cross member how you mean to do this. And could this constitute "modifying the frame" in the rulebook sense? Don't need any surprises at first tech session.

I used some old "westin" running board brackets sandwiched between the frt bumper brackets on my American, i'll see if I can get some pictures today and see if i'm smart enough to post them here IF anybody is interested.
btw, i'm using 6cyl springs but it's a trunion car...