Ambassador (and 1967 Marlin) bumpers, etc.

["Christopher Ziemnowicz" <chrisz@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Question:
>From: "Mahoney, John" <jmahoney@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Did no one bother to compare the [Arctic Boy] '67 Ambo wagon rear photo
>(which didn't link by clicking) with the '67 Marlin bumper view?  Did no one
>note the generational difference between the side-by-side Ohio AMC show
>cars?  Huh?

Answer:

The rear bumpers on the 1967-73 Ambassador, Rebel, and Matador station wagons are slightly different than the one used on the 1967 Marlin. Yes, It appears that they are using the same design, however, the top back edge that fits against the body has a 1/4 lip on the Marlin. It goes up to the Marlin's tail lamps and back body. This filler cannot be used with the station wagon's tailgate -- if someone would even want to cut off a unique to the Marlin bumper! On the other hand, the wagon type bumper could be used as a replacement on a Marlin. It would leave a gap of almost two inches, but would be better than no bumper at all!

AMC was frugal in its bumpers. The 1967 and 1968 Ambassadors share the same pattern for both the front and back units. The front has cutouts for airflow. In a pinch, one could interchange them. This basic bumper design was also used on the rear of the 1969 Ambassadors. Only the backup light area was blocked off. The '67 and '68 bumpers could be used and would have the advantage of "quad" backup lights. In a way, that could be seen as "shedding more light" on AMC history!

BTW -- Rebel bumpers have a similar interchange except that the front ones remained the same from 1967 through 1970.

As far as other interchanges with the 1967 Marlin, the following information may help:

The 1967 Marlin was built on the Ambassador platform (or Unibody sub-frame). The front fenders, hood, front bumper, and fuel tanks (except for 3-seat station wagon gas tanks) are interchangeable with the 1967 Ambassador. Marlins shared the same interiors as those used on the 1967 Ambassador 990 and DPL 2-door models. The Marlin?s grille is a blacked out version of the ?rally light? type used on the Ambassador DPL models in 1967. The doors from all 2-door Ambassadors, Rebels, and Matadors are also interchangeable through 1973. However, starting in 1968 the outside door handles are recessed into the door lines along with a paddle-type interior handle and locking mechanism. The 1967?s interior door trim panel, armrest, as well as interior door handle and mechanism thus cannot be used with the newer recessed handle doors. After 1970 the side glass of 2-door hardtops no longer had a frame, thus there may be weather seal gaps with the rear quarter glass. The 1968 Ambassador front bumper and dashboard are the same as 1967. The hood from 1968 Ambassadors can be used on a Marlin, but only together with the 1968?s windshield cowl cover. Likewise, the 1968 Ambassador?s front fenders will fit the Marlin, but only in conjunction with the plastic grille design used in 1968. The 1967-68 Rebel?s dashboard will also interchange with the exception of the instruments.

Chris Z.