Re: [AMC-list] Does anyone need a good Concord Wagon body near SW MO?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Jesse, I'm not the only one that will tell you the T-5 used by AMC isn't very strong. A kid with a V-8 AMX will tear it up quick! Might not while you're looking, but will. Even the Mustang guys will tell you that the first GTs with the T-5 didn't have a strong enough trans -- that's why they came out with the "World Class" model of the T-5 -- they had to make one strong enough for the 302. 

I just looked back at your message, and see that it's a 1980 AMX. If you're using the stock 258, maybe a slight warm-up, the T-5 should be okay, but you should still take it easy. The T-5 is built from the SR-4, and it's just strong enough for a 258. I parted a Gremlin with SR-4 and 258 that had been beat on pretty good. It did have just under 100K on it, but the trans was pretty trashed. Wouldn't stay in gear, obviously loose inside. Probably could be rebuilt -- I still have it "just in case". But I caution you that the trans might be marginal in stock form. There are some stronger parts that can be installed, check T-5 sources on the internet. 

The Concord will have an AMC 15. Only V-8 small cars got the AMC 20. All big cars with 232 or larger engines got the AMC 20. Congrats on the find though, and I hope someone takes you up on that rust free body. The front clip from any Concord will fit, so maybe someone with a rusty Concord (or even Hornet, though I'm not 100% certain all the body lines up front will match up, and I'm sure some mounting holes and minor mods would be needed if they do) will "claim" it. 

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Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 23:34:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jesse <j2sax@xxxxxxxxx>

OK, get ready to be hacked off.  Today I stumbled upon a 5 speed Concord Wagon.  Interior is faded to snot, a no a/c, no power car (manual brakes!).  258 is missing, but it still has the trans from the bellhousing and Z-crank back!  

The underside of this car is CRAZY Clean with mo rust, good rear quarters, (some mildew but NO rust) and the rockers even looked good, though it has that chrome trim.  Has surface "patina" along character line... like a car from out West, in fact, it has to be that way as you don't find cars from this area of the country with such clean underbodys but worn uppers and interior.  

Here's my plan.  I am going to buy it, take the trans, pedals and rear (if it's a '20) and the front clip for my son's AMX (he just turned 15 so I better get to work!)  Also probably take front disc brakes to put on 67 Rebel Wagon.  

WIth 2 Jeep trucks, the Rebel, my 79 AMX, my son's 80 AMX, 73 Commando, 2 Eagle SX4's and 2 Kammbacks, I just don't have room for another AMC right now, but I cannot imagine scrapping this one.  

If you have the above parts I described (front Clip, disc brakes, especially, I could live without the rearend) and you want to trade (other than the 5 speed stuff) I would be willing to let this go super cheap... maybe straight swap if your front clip is nice enough.  

I could probably even bring it to St Louis meet if you want.  I live in SW MO near Springfield.  

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
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