Re: [Amc-list] got no wheels!

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Yeah, finding wheels to fit the drums you are using might be a bit of a problem. I'd consider spacers before cutting the drums. I mean spacers between the spindle and steering knuckle. Up to 1/2" won't have a noticeable effect on steering or wheel bearings. I used four grade 5 1/2" nuts as spacers on mine. They are about 1/2" thick also. Better than washers -- all are the same thickness. 

I'm not sure you can get that heater valve any more. Replace the valve with a nipple and use an in-line valve from NAPA. Might be able to find the part number. You may need to put a loop in the line to get the valve close enough for the existing cable. If the cable and heater switch are a problem, your nearest Navistar/International truck dealer has a replacement. The hole in the dash needs to be enlarged slightly, but the Rambler knob fits. 

One of your spare Hornet radiators (if you have one!) should bolt right in. May have to change the brackets and drill new mounting holes in the brackets, but the size should be about the same. Or even a Classic radiator if you have a spare.

Remember that the clutch in those cars is SOFT!! It's designed to slip a bit when you take off hard, it's not a performance piece at all. When I first drove one with a flathead six and clutch I thought it was about worn out, but the replacement wasn't much better! Talked to an old-time Rambler mechanic who told me they were supposed to slip a little on take off. I was dating his daughter at the time.. pulled up in the 61 American wagon... "that have reclining seats like most Ramblers"... I'd changed to buckets from a Fiat, but didn't mention they reclined too! 

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Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:16:53 -0700
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

Damn, it's all ready to go, but no front wheels!!

Got the engine together, pumped gas through the pump and lines until clean, 
cleaned the carb, fired right up and I set valves and head re-torque (2 bbl 
car you have to remove the carb to get two head bolts!).

Left the oil line to the head finger-tight, lost a few ounces of oil. 
Ooops. No sign of the missing spider either.

Heater valve sprung a leak (it was a valve-shaped lump of rust before I 
worked it over), it's a lost cause. Plugged the head for now, no problemo. 
Then the radiator lower tank seam sprung a leak. All of the brass in the 
radiator converted to corrosion decades ago, so no surprise there. It was 
on the short list, now it's top of the list.

And so it goes.

I hope the clutch lasts long enough to evaluate it, the trans long enough 
to build a replacement, that the rear wheel bearings don't grind out of 
their housings, that the motor mounts don't fall out until I find 
replacements, ... everything else I can fix on the side of the road!

-- 
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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