Re: [Amc-list] Might have to go back to commuting, urgh ....

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

If it's a 199/232 car there's no problems at all. A Rambler is no heavier than a Hornet or Gremlin and MUCH roomier, which should mean more comfortable. Weight is actually about the same. Hornets and such have a little less frontal area, but not really more aerodynamic. Less frontal area might mean 1-2 mpg at speeds over 60 on the freeway, but that's about it.

There's nothing wrong with a 196 as a commuter as Tom can attest. I used on for 14 years, but only had 5-10 miles one way most of that time. Drove a 63 American from Warner Robins GA to Elgin IL (an hour west of Chicago) once a years for 5-6 years straight, so I drove mine everywhere! Just make sure you have a back-up vehicle or spare parts on hand. The only normal maintenance item that really sets you back time wise is if a water pump goes out. Had to send my last one in to be rebuilt after the store got two that were wrong (there are five different possibilities for the 196 OHV, only one for the L-head). Here's a tip: the L-head and OHV pumps are the same, so if you have an American always specify the L-head pump! Some companies have that one wrongly cross referenced to the wrong OHV pump, as they have all OHVs using the same pump (two different shaft lengths, and two different water outlets! the fifth one is for the AL block). 

The only other things that are likely to fail over a length of time is the starter and generator. Both are relatively common since they bolt to six cylinder Chevys, but not likely to be in stock. Usually easy to rebuild if there is an auto electric place nearby, and they may have a rebuilt one to exchange. If the gen failed on a driver I'd replace it with a GM alternator and be rid of generator and regulator problems. A little fabbing for the mount, but pretty easy, and there are places that have universal retrofit mounts. 

Things like trunnions and seals usually last 20-30 years. Brakes weren't hard to get last time I tried, but did have to be ordered (that was... 10 years ago? sold the American in 99...). Brake drums are a different story, but a disc brake upgrade can be done for the front easily, a little harder for the back unless you're handy with a welder. Then it can be done for as little as $200 if you don't mind losing the emergency/park brake. 

-----------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:56:58 -0400
From: "Bruce Griffis" <bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>

So - it's time to get the Rambler in shape to be a commuter car. Not
sure if it's a good choice, or if I should look for a Gremlin, Hornet
or Concord (or gasp! a newer disposable commuter car!). Also not sure
about my kid doing online school. Either back to brick and mortar
school, or my wife may decide to stop working and keep him on track.
We pulled him out for good reasons, and those reasons haven't changed.

-- 
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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