Re: [Amc-list] 50-63 Nash-Rambler/ Rambler American chassis (was "steering wheels!")

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

I forgot to add that you could even use the 50-54 convertible "slide back" top mechanism and parts on a 58-63! Now THAT would be neat, at least on a 58-60. 

I don't know how I could overlook the Hornet/Concord/Eagle line as being a long lived, somewhat modern chassis! The Volvo 240 I mentioned isn't any more modern. 

Used to be that manufacturers (at least the big three) kept unit bodies for 3-4 years before redesign, with just minor face-lifts between. Now pretty much all of them are keeping the same basic body for 5-7 years due to tooling costs/ There are still face-lifts along, though not as radical as they used to be -- for example the Ford Taurus. Of course AMC always kept thiers much longer, though sometimes facelifting was a bit more than minor! Most people don't realize that the 56-62 Ramblers are all on the same floor pan. I didn't realize the 56-57 wasn't a totally different body until I got the 56 Rambler TSM (57 is a supplement). Then it's obvious that the floor is the same, but nearly everything above the floor was changed for 58. Another good example is the 61-63 American, all external panels (including roof) were changed, but the only major chassis panel to change was the firewall. 

--------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:16:38 -0800
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

-- Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> > I'm afraid Mark is 100% correct on this one! Not only is the 63 American
> > "the end of the line", most parts date back to 1950!
This is why I increasingly like this chassis. I've always liked 
40's/50's cars except for their size -- they're just too big. I've 
wanted a 50 Rambler for "ever" but they're museum pieces basically, and 
though I've never looked hard for the Nash Rambler in the middle years 
they're pretty rare.

-- 
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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