Re: [Amc-list] Convertible conversion?

[Wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx]

As this thread progressed I found out the big cars were not available in verts.

To do a 64 Classic convert I would do it as the factory did.

A slice along the inside of the rockers would allow a 1.5 or 2 X 3 or 4 rect tube to be slid up along the rocker and welded in.  That piece needs to run full length.

Then you need torque boxes built at both front corners from thos boxes into the uniframe. The torque bos needs to be about 12" X 8"   the 12" for to aft at the bottom and the 8" at the front vertical.  Kind of an L shape hard to describe.

At the door latch posts you need a triangulation about 8" or so up and running down to the floor.
You also need a crossmember running across where the front of the rear seat sits. That could be about 1.5" X 3" needs to go full width of the car rocker to rocker.

There are also similar triangulation boxes or plates at the bottom of the door hinge pillars.

Moving up to the core support the front corners need braced,  The factory put huge heavy 3/8" corner plates in at these points.

Then you can remove the roof and decide if the car is still structuraly sound enough, or needs more!

I think as I looked at my pics of the teardown of my 65 it could actually be done by a person willing to take the time to do so.

There is not any sign the factory triangulated the 65, though it could not hurt.

The body work would be bit of work in it's own right too.

A roadster would be easiest, skipping the functional top etc;
Rainstorms could be a bit of a bummer though...

If he wants to proceed I can take a few pics and forward them to him. replicating what the factory did would/should get the job done.

--
Mark Price
Morgantown, WV
1969 AMC Rambler, 4.0L, EFI, T-5
2004 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.7L, Quadratrac II
" I realize that death is inevitable.
I just don't want to be around when it happens! "

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>
> There were no 63-64 big car converts, just the 64 American. In 65 there was a 
> Classic 770 and an Ambo 990 convert as well as the American. 
> 
> A convert conversion could be done with all the bracing under the floor. I'd 
> start with nice 1/8" (10 or 11 gauge) channel "subframe connectors" WELDED in 
> good, then add cross bracing from corner to corner where the unit body "frame" 
> rails start to kick up in the front and back. There would have to be a 
> removeable plate in the center for driveshaft access/movement. well, not really 
> -- the torque tube could be pulled out from the back along with the axle, but 
> would be a lot of work. What I describe is very similar to the bracing used 
> under 61-63 American converts, and they are really stiff! 
> 
> A 65 could be converted to a 64, but it would be a lot of work. The main unit 
> body is the same, but all the "skin" panels, including the rear quarters, were 
> changed. The front clip would be easy enough -- trim a few filler panels and 
> maybe drill a few more mounting holes (change locations on some). Doors could be 
> changed altogether too. The rear quarters would have to be removed and swapped 
> out -- those would be the big pain/most work. 
> 
> -----------
> Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:34:03 -0500 (EST)
> From: adh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Sandwich Maker)
> 
> " From: Victor the Cleaner <jonathan@xxxxxxxxxx>
> " 
> " On Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 10:38:21PM +0000, Wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> " 
> " > The only ways I would consider doing a roof to convert conversion 
> " > would be if a convert was not available in the body style I desired 
> " > or I was willing to build with a rollcage and no top!!!
> " 
> " The 64 Classic is my favourite body style, and afaik it never came out
> " of the factory as a ragtop - only the Americans and Ambos (I've got a
> " 65 Ambo convertible as well).  So that's why I'm asking - I have no
> " desire to reinvent any wheels.  Perhaps someone else can correct me if
> " in fact there was a 64 Classic convertible offered.
> " 
> " And I definitely wouldn't go for the rollcage - just not the right vibe.
> 
> if a '64 classic ragtop never existed, imho you'd be best off finding
> an ambo ragtop and swapping trim, f&r clips etc.  that way you get all
> the chasis reinforcements already built in.
> 
> -- 
> 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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