Re: [Amc-list] AMO or AMCRC? or Local?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Start watching e-bay for a 65 American TSM (Technical Service Manual -- what AMC calls their factory manual used by dealers). It won't give you the basics, like packing wheel bearings, but will give you all the specific details about your car. I wouldn't start a restoration project without one!

For the more basic things look for a text book such as used in high school or tech school automotive programs. You might find something like that on e-bay. Or for a basic auto repair book. Neither will have anything specific to Ramblers, but will tell you all the basic/general stuff you do to nearly every car. 


The big difference between AMO and AMCRC is the shows. AMO uses a concours judging system where you get points for different areas of the car, and there are three levels so you don't have beginners competing with old timers. A new member starts at the lowest level, but once you win a trophy for that level you have to move up to the next one for the next show. Once a car wins the top prize in the top level it has to sit out of competition for a number of years. Keeps everything fair. There are different classes for years/model/type of car. 

AMCRC is more about driving and preserving the cars. they have shows, but judging in each class is by popular vote. Everyone who registers a car gets to vote on all the other cars in all classes. Top votes win. 

Both clubs have good publications and give technical advice. The AMCRC "Rambler Reader" is more "friendly" with a few purpose written articles and more letters from readers, whereas the AMO "American Motoring" is more magazine like. AMCRC has a bit better support for the older cars -- they only support 58-69 Ramblers. If you're more performance oriented or prefer newer than 69 AMCs AMO is a better choice.

But let's not forget NAMDRA! Like AMO, NAMDRA also supports all years. I'm not sure of their judging system, but I'm sure Jock will chime in. They also have a good publication and technical support. NAMDRA is more performance oriented than the others, and usually has drag races scheduled with or near their shows. 

You can get tech support from on-line AMC forums like the list here. But you get other things from clubs, mainly regular meets, but more also. There's nothing like knowing who in your area can help with advice, parts, and physical help! I'd start with a local club (or the nearest) and see who they are affiliated with. Then I'd join and consider joining the national club they are affiliated with as well. I myself belong to AMO and AMCRC, and a local all makes club. Even the all makes types will help you out on the basic stuff, and they sometimes spot old Ramblers and let you know. They will certainly know what machine shops and salvage yards to go to or avoid in the area. 

Check my website out too! I print an AMC specific magazine. It has technical articles as well as articles about specific cars. It is meant as a supplement to club publications, not an alternative. I get into more modifications than the clubs usually get into, but cover everything from restoration to racing. 


-------------------
Date: Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:01:29 -0500
From: "Bruce Griffis" <bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>

Hey all - I was thinking about finding parts for the Rambler, and
looking for instructions on how to repair/maintain it. Don't think I
can just wander over to NAPA and pick up a Chilton's for a '65
American!

Are folks on here members of AMCRC? AMO? What's the difference? How do
I know which one to check out? I think there is a local AMO group, so
I'm guessing I'd start there. Is that the general idea? Would joining
a group give me better access to repair instructions - so I'd have 1/2
a clue when packing bearings, rebuilding brakes, ...? Or is that
generally available in online forums?


-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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