Re: [Amc-list] Brake rebuild kit for 1965 American (Bendix/Wagner brakes)

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

In the 60s AMC typically used at least two sources for outside parts. The main logic behind this was that if one had a strike (apparently common in the 60s!) or some other problem that interrupted supply, there would be a system in place to buy from the other manufacturer. To make this work they needed to buy so many parts a year from each company, so usually spec'd one manufacturer for certain models and one for another. That's why the L-head 196 got Autolite electrics and the OHV got Delco, for example. There were Ainsworth and Douglas steering columns (manual shift columns) as well as Bendix and Wagner brakes. 

My best *guess* as to why the brakes sometimes deviates from the TSM is that there were supply problems of some sort during the production runs -- Bendix had problems meeting demand (they supplied for Ford and I think some Chryslers also) or maybe even went up on pricing, Wagner just offered a better deal, etc. The TSM has to be printed early, so goes with the plan in effect when production starts. Since both types of brakes are covered there would be no reason to print a supplement to the TSM. It's possible that a service bulletin went out stating that there was a change in some of the brakes, but I don't think it would have been a necessity. Dealers would have stocked parts for both, and the parts are pretty generic, nothing specially made for the AMCs except the backing plates. 

------------------
Date: Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:33:01 -0800
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

-- Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> What's even better is my 67 American wagon has Wagner brakes. Both the
> TSM and the parts book say it should have Bendix. My 68 does have Bendix
> and honestly, I don't notice any difference in braking between the two.


Wow, then pretty much it appears randomly distributed from our point of 
view.

To be honest, I don't even know WHY there are two brands; the parts 
practically interchange! Drums are the same sometimes, I use Wagner shoe 
hold downs on Bendix systems, the self-adjusters are identical I think...


-- 
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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