Re: [Amc-list] Thomas Garner, 64 Classic

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

It's not a bad idea to keep a good parts car when you're driving an old one! 
As someone else pointed out, swapping the six requires swapping the  radiator/engine/trans/torque tube/rear axle. The six is a small one (195.6 cubic inches) and the driveline won't take much more power. A relatively easy upgrade is to the newer 199 or 232 six. It all bolts to your transmission, and you just need to move the radiator forward a bit. That's done by changing the brackets from side to side. You'll need a 1964-1971 199 or 232. The bell housing pattern changed in 1972, so a 72 or later six is harder to fit (I've done it, requires some driveline knowledge and fabricating skills, so I won't go into that here). You can get some hop-up parts for the 199/232 engines also, but you don't want to stress the small six trans in the 64 too much. It will be great with one of the larger sixes for cruising, but don't expect to do any drag racing or burn-outs. 

I got tired of the Ranco unit in mine and replaced it with a simple on/off valve from NAPA. I got the kind that fits in a 5/8" heater hose, doesn't bolt to anything. Don't know the part number, but they can find it in their catalog. As Tom states, you can tell when the thermostat opens up on a cold day because the heater gets a bit cooler. Not too much so, but noticeable, especially when the heat is on full blast and you're a bit on the cold side! I had that experience when living in Delaware this past two winters. 

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Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2007 18:01:42 -0700
From: "Thomas Garner" <Tgarner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Hi,
 New to this list.I have a 64 AMC Rambler Classic with a 232. I also have a 63 classic, but due parts being so hard to find, I'm currently using it has a parts car. THe 64 is in great condition, I'm currently fixing small stuff now, but I've been driving it. 
 I'm debating on swapping the inline 6 for a V-8. A 287 or 327. I was wondering if anybody knows of either one for sale in my area. (would actually like the tranny to go with the V-8) I live in the middle Tennessee area.
 Also, I'm trying to repair the heater valve and have somewhat got it fixed with some seals I found at Lowes. It's not factory, but I got it to work, BUT, it still leaks by a little bit when it's off. Not a huge deal, but I actually like to fix it 100%.
 On the Ranco switch, can somebody tell me why it has a little copper coil, kind of like a temp. gauge or sensor? I can't see any purpose in this, since it is completely controlled by the lever inside.
 The seat belts are there, but they don't roll up. I think they should, but maybe not. Any info would be helpful.a

 That's enough for now, I've got more for later, but that will be a start.

Thanks,
Thomas Garner

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
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