Re: [Amc-list] '63 Ambo questions

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

1. I haven’t a clue, and can’t think of anyone to ask. I checked the parts book, no length given. You should be able to replace the cable with a length of galvanized cable from a hardware or farm supply if your housings are good. Make sure you get any swedged connections tight, especially in the brake drum! I’d use clamps on external connections. Cut to fit, and allow for stretch by making the new cables just fit with the adjuster all the way out. 

Do you simply HAVE to have a park brake? If it's needed for inspection you do, otherwise you can live without it. I keep a pair of chocks in my car just in case, but it's an auto trans. I miss the park brake in my manual shift Jeep truck, can't get out with the engine running on a slight incline. 

2. The bore is cast on top of the block just behind the right head. Due to the heater being over there it's very hard to see with the engine in the car, but if you can get back there with a small wire brush/stiff tooth brush to clean it, you might be able to see it with the help of a mirror or digital camera. I don't recall if the bore is cast in decimal inches or fraction, but the 327 has a 4.00" bore, 287 3.75", and 250 a 3.50". The 250 can be identified by removing a rocker cover, it has adjustable rockers and solid lifters like a 195.6 OHV six. No adjusters on 287/327 rockers -- they use hydraulic lifters. 

3. You can still get in-line engine heaters that go in a heater hose. There are also magnetic heaters that stick to the oil pan. 

------------
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:32:04 -0700
From: Victor the Cleaner <jonathan@xxxxxxxxxx>

In my continuing effort to achieve a quickie rehabilitation of this ride...

1. Can anyone tell me offhand what the parking brake cable lengths are?

2. I can't quite seem to recall from ages past how to distinguish the 
287 and 327 from the outside.  Was it a number cast into the rear of the 
block (i.e.  under the flex plate)?

3. Has anyone ever come up with a modern replacement for the block heater
for the 287/327 (2" hole), or am I stuck buying NOS?

-- 
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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