Re: [Amc-list] Hemmings short article on the '61 Custom Six

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

The only "problem" with the 56-62 Rambler/Classic Six is the six. The 196 is adequate power for an American, and IMHO isn't really enough for the bigger car. It's geared a little lower and has a couple more hp due to a different carb, but it's just not enough for modern traffic. Unfortunately the V-8s aren't that economical, even the little 250 used from 57-61. I suppose they are reasonably economical, but only when compared to other V-8s of the era. The 327 gets in the mid teens, the 250 in the high teens (maybe low 20s with OD and careful driving). The six can get in the mid 20s IF you don't mind traveling at 45-50 mph. At highway speeds you're looking at high teens, maybe low 20s if you keep it around 60. Those cars fared well in the old economy runs, but average speeds were in the 40-45 range for cross country trips. 

Luckily the bigger, later six will fit (up to a 4.0L), but you have to fab engine mounts and swap transmissions too, which also means the torque tube and rear axle has to be swapped out. So it's a lot of work. 

I like the older Ramblers too, but you have to know the limitations of the original drivetrain and/or the amount of work needed to update them. Not for the faint of heart! 

----------------
Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:06:05 -0400
From: "Bruce Griffis" <bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>

But I picked the magazine up for the short blurb on the '61 Rambler
Custom 6. What a nice little car. I can definately see tooling around
in an early '60's Rambler. Still small enough to fit in my garage.
Still small and light enough to get decent mileage. Still an easy to
work on 6.

I like my American, and can't wait to get it sorted out - but the
early Custom and Classic line is pretty cool, too. Hmmmmmmm - a Cross
Country would be pretty styling for cruising, toting the kayak to the
river or camping.While I like the '63 (and '64) Classics, the earlier
models would probably fit in the garage a little better.

Good thing my wallet is empty, or I'd be looking (and my wife would be
none-too happy!).

-- 
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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