Re: [AMC-list] My upgrades/conversions

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Great list of upgrades! I suggest you get the Scarebird (www.scarebird.com) disc brake kit. I think they still list it for Javelin/Rebel on their site, but I can assure you it fits all AMCs that were equipped with drum brakes. It uses readily available parts, just keep the list in the car in case there's a need to repair something later or on the road. For a good driver you've done everything I can think of. The only other possible change would be to a 4.0L head, but if yours is good I wouldn't bother. If it needs rebuilding, the 4.0L head is a thought. 

Adding AC doesn't have to be a headache, depends on how you go about it. Tom J had a hard time getting the factory evaporator to work in his 63, I had none. I'm using a factory evaporator/housing/vents (the evaporator is the part inside the car), Tom chose a Vintage Air unit. I think he plumbed it up to work with the factory vents... I'm sure he'll chime in! I believe his main trouble was getting the cables and venting system to work the way he wanted it to/thought it should. It's not like a modern system, mine is all factory and does take some getting used to! I went with little heat for three weeks in cold Delaware weather because I forgot I needed to pull a know to let heat in the car... the one you have to push to get AC! The old Rambler system in in recirculation mode all the time for AC, outside air for heat (heat wont recirculate). If you want a little fresh air mixed with the AC (not that the car is "tight" like newer models) you crack a kick panel vent. 

Prior to having a factory air car, I used an under dash unit similar to what a dealer would have installed with great success. You can get those from Vintage Air (http://www.vintageair.com/catalog09/09%20VintageAir%20Catalog%2022.pdf) or Southern Air (http://www.southernrods.com/categories/heating-and-cooling/heating-and-cooling-systems/southern-air-1.html). I used something like the "Trimline" system in my 63 Classic, but you could use the narrower "Econoline". Just a few bucks more for the wider one, which distributes air a little better (but admittedly not much). Their Mustang unit would look good in an American, it's essentially a "Econoline" with older looking vents. I prefer Southern Air, mainly because you buy from the manufacturer. With VA you have to buy through a dealer, which adds a little to cost. SA makes their own units. 

If you want to use a ducted system it gets a little more complicated, but the air is spread about the cabin better. The factory and under dash units blow air out the center. Riding along the interstate with the sun coming in one side of the car gets a little warm on the sunny side with no vent blowing along the side as in modern cars. So my left side might get a bit warm while my right is nice and comfy. I didn't think that a big problem.

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Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:54:19 -0700
From: "Thomas Garner" <Tgarner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Over the last year or two, with lots of help and advice from the list, I've added several things my car. 
It's a 1964 AMC Rambler Classic with a 232 engine. (most probably knew that already :))

Here's what I have done:

1. Added power steering.
2. Added power brakes.
3. Converted from points to DuraSpark ignition.
4. Converted from 1 bbl to 2 bbl carb. (in progress)

Next thing will be to change over to front disk brakes. My brakes work good as is, but I"m hoping that switching to front disk will cure the knot on my forehead that seemed to form after my first test drive after the power brake add.:) (may not be related, but I think it is)

After that, I will have the interior fixed up. It's actually not bad. It has no holes or tears that I know of, but it is just worn.

My question is, other than swapping my 232 for a V-8, are there any other recommended upgrades? I thought about adding A/C, but that seems to be too big a head ache.

--
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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