Re: 62/63 Americans in the Montery Bay Area

[farna@xxxxxxx]

Man, wish I was on that coast Joe! I'd buy the two just to fix that 440H hardtop! The AC condenser unit (dash unit) alone is worth $300 on that 63 440H, just in case it had ot be parted to save the other car. The AC unit is very rare and desireable. Sounds like it would be an excellent project car, and worthy of restoration. The only thing that could make it better is if it has a Twin Stick and the hydraulic tilting bucket seats! I think it would have EVERYTHING then!! 

If you MUST make a driver out of it consider a small V-6 or Jeep 2.5 four. A V-8 would be tight and require lots of work. The V-6 requires hot rod narrow brackets, and the four will require removing one hump under the hood (intake side). The four would be the better choice, and have as much power as the 195.6. Driving would be altered as the four doesn't have as much torque as the 195.6 off idle, but that wouldn't be a problem as the four revs up much quicker. It would be a great weekend driver with the 195.6 OHV 2V though. 

The only thing I would really suggest ditching is the power steering. The old Moraine ram type units are prone to leaking and the pivot pin seals are impossible to find. If you have a thick piece of dense foam rubber mat you can carve a new one reasonably well though. All the other rebuild parts are just o-rings and easy to get at a good old fashioned hardware store. So rebuilding it isn't impossible for the average DIY mechanic. 

A GM type power steering box is out of the question -- no room! Rack and pinion can be fitted, but requires fabricating a crossmember to mount it on and some steering shaft work. Not for the average guy, but not to difficult if you have some metal working skills. Hardest part is making new steering arms from 1" square tubing. 


On May 3, 2005 JOE B FULTON wrote:

> Folks,
> 
> There are two 62/63 Americans for sale in the Monterey Bay area.
> 
> 63 440H (loaded) a/c, power steering, but I did not check for power brakes.
> 196/auto.  2-bbl carb.  Originally Ivory/Gold (brochure colors).  Somewhat
> disassembled.  Some old body damage still needing repair.  Decent interior.
> Excellent chrome.  San Francisco car.  $300
> 
> 62 2-dr sedan.  OHV 196/auto.  Decent little car.  It is assembled and needs
> the usual things from sitting.  Originally an Oregon car.  Again no rust.
> $300
> 
> Contact me for the phone number if interested.  I may buy one of these if I
> can secure a place to store one until I get it on the road.
> 
> Regards,
> Joe Fulton
> Salinas, CA
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> .


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