[Amc-list] The AMC Diary: Ambassador Off to Body Shop

[Archimedes <Freedom@xxxxxxxx>]

I watched today as David Ross, the owner of "Over the Hill Customs and Restorations" in Midlothian VA drove my 69 Ambassador 4 door away.  It will be in his shop for a month while he repairs the trunk floor, which had been eaten away by rust on one side.  He is also going to replace metal in an area about the size of a dollar coin on the driver's door, work some spots on the rear quarters and around the rear window and taillights, and some other minor fixes.

I'll put up photos when it's all done.

Somewhat interesting story about this car.  I got it for free.

On March 19, 2008, Harley Smith of the Potomac Ramblers forwarded a message from Bob Nist of Maryland.  Bob had decided he wasn't going to do anything with the car any more, so he offered it for free to whoever wanted it.  I didn't check my email that day, so by the time I read it, it was almost 36 hours later.  I called Bob immediately, and to my great surprise, he still had it.

I arranged for a friend with a rollback to run up to MD and get it the next weekend.

When it got here, I was really surprised at the really very good overall condition of the car.  It was definitely worth fixing up.

It looked to me as if Bob had found it with very few miles on it when he bought it -- 26,515 miles when it was first titled to him in 1988.  He had driven it sparingly ever since.  While many systems needed some accrued maintenance, overall it was a nice, clean starting point.

After the leaks and worst rust spots are fixed and the trunk looks OK, it will be going in for an all-over paint job, fresh original-style seat covers and new carpet.

Expect to see this car at some shows in the future.  I originally bought this car for my wife -- as a complement to my 69 2-door hardtop Ambassador.  Once both cars are finished, we'll drive them in an "Ambassador Train" to the showfield.


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MARC MONTONI
Richmond VA
Cu vi parolas Esperanton?
Freedom.  Responsibility.  www.LP.org 
I'd rather push a Rambler than drive a Toyota.
Visit www.AMCRC.com or www.AMONational.com .
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