Eagle Gremlins

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Well, less than a week after our Muscle cars discussion in which I
lamented
the fact that AMCs rarely seem to come available publicly in my area,
I have found 3 different ones for sale in my area. outside.

And then there's a '77 Gremlin for sale for $400, but there aren't a
lot of
specifics, nor is there a picture.

Independent of condition, I don't know offhand what I'd rather have. 
A '77 Gremlin would get somewhat better mileage than an Eagle, 
assuming it's a 6-cylinder Gremlin against a 6-cylinder Eagle. Though 
an AMC 2.5 Eagle would be  rare and cool and better on the gas 
mileage, it's not likely to find.

Anyhow, what should I look for when going to look at these cars? I
haven't owned an AMC in a while (since 2001), and I'm really excited, 
but I don't want my enthusiasm for the hobby to push me into a 
foolhardy decision.

Oh, and depending on engine, what kind of mileage can I expect to get
out of a '77 Gremlin or '84 Eagle wagon? I know what the Eagle's EPA 
ratings were back in the '80s, but I don't know real-world what to 
expect.

What are your guys' experiences?

Thanks!

Rhett


++


What to look for in an AMC - in a word ?

Rust.

You can swap an engine in a weekend with a friend
or friends who have the equipment - drop in a 4.0
from a 2wd Cherokee > with a 5spd. stick or
the Automatic.

With Rust - you need a panel beater - someone who
knows body work and has the welder, panel cutters,
a sheet metal brake perhaps, knows leading or bondoing,
sanding, has a large compressor for powering a paint
pot and on and on.

Gremlins are the Icon of the 60s' - 70s' , some people
would argue a 'Mod Top' Plymouth Valient holds the
laurels - or - maybe a VW micro bus.

Eagles have issues - I own two - neither running at
this time - either carbs or vacume lines or burnt
out TorqueCommand 998s from lack of cooling 
and the extra weight of the Eagle.

If ever there were a contender for a V8 factory
built > the Eagle was it regardless that the JEEP
runs a 258, as the car is heavy.

A built Eagle for the Winter Season would be a Gem,
but for now I run my '89 Cherokee 2dr Sport 5spd.
with the 4.0 - which is a tremendous power plant,
and a decent choice for an Eagle > easier swap.

So, it sounds as if you're swaying to the Gremlin song -
find out the Rust damage - open the doors and look
at the rocker panel seams > pull up the rug edge and look
at the backs of the rocker panels.

Some parts can still be found in salvage yards - 
but they won't be there very long.

Two to three years ago - the last of the Gremlins were
around in junkyards - and have since been crushed.

Parts prices have doubled since then > a $25.00 to $50.00
fender will set you back $75.00 to $150.00. 

Grilles for that year Gremlin go for $75.00 to $150.00 IF
you can find them > saw one listed for $250.00.

You can fit a '78 AMX wire mesh Grill in that slot > 
they are $250.00 if you're looking.

Back when I joined the amc-list, I bought the last 2
I could locate on the Internet - in Kenosha, for $35.00
each.

Rust is the scary, but once it is repaired - you can coat the inside 
panels with Corroless and an Enamel Top Coat to seal it in > 
check their site:

www.corroless.com

I'm using an undercoating 'wand' - to spray the corroless
inside the rocker panels - channels - front clip areas
by using a spray nozzle on a long section of mildly stiff
plastic tube-ing.  

Every panel of the Kammback is getting this treatment as
I live in New York baby, and AMC Rust is King.

I've a '78 Matador that I bought rust free with 33k on the clock.

>From sitting behind the shed - it broke in half at the firewall
and is serving itself up as plant food - trunk is gone etc. -
> plan on prevention if you do latch on to a '77 Grem.
20 years from now you'll be glad you did.

They are 'Culti' - very 'Culti', which is fine by me.



             Brien.
         NEW YORK
   eagle registry #501
eagle kammback registry