[AMC-list] Kids and Ramblers

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

All this is very true! The thing is I've been on a couple hot rod boards advising on Ramblers and modifications for a few years now. I get questions on engine swaps (what fits and how) all the time. As prices for things like Chevy IIs and Chevelles sky rocket and the supply dwindles more are considering Ramblers due to lower initial cost. Modification costs can be spread over time, and a 64 Classic hardtop is STILL cheaper than a 64 Chevelle HT. Most do want to put a more modern engine in, and admittedly a GEN-2/3 AMC V-8 is as much trouble to put in as a Chevy or Ford V-8. Those who want something easy for a cruiser I recommend finding a 232 and some mild hop-ups, and often recommend a 258 or 4.0L. Some do see the wisdom of trying to keep an AMC drivetrain even with the V-8, but rear drive transmissions can be hard to find. 360s are easy enough though. I point out all the pros/cons, they have to decide what's easiest (or most often most practical) for them. I'd rather see a 
Rambler running around with a "foreign" drivetrain than crushed anyway. At least it will be around for parts one day!

-----------------
Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:32:55 -0700
From: Steve Avery<stoverstevens@xxxxxxxxx>
To:amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [AMC-list] AMC-list Digest, Vol 24, Issue 36

On the last topic- the '64 where mentioned is that young kids don't want
these cars. This digresses and yet ties into what Mr. Hathaway is lamenting.
The saving of these cars.

  One day, we the current caretakers of the marque, will be gone. If some
kids gravitate to Ford, GM, Chrysler cars from the era so should they to
Rambler, ne` AMC. The issue is getting the word out that these cars exist
and that, apart from the Javelin SST's, AMX's , Machines, SC's, and so on
that the other models are affordable. Moreover, they are different than a
Valiant, Dart, Falcon, or Nova.

In that difference comes self-expression. Perhaps it's quite true that the
cliche of the fussy, doddering, odd fellow or the arty, trippy, slightly
nerdy gal driving an old Rambler that mimics what Ma and Pa or Grandpa and
Grandma ordered from the dealer way back when turns away today's youth. What
they need is a couple of examples that appeal to their sensibilities and a
nudge in the right direction.


--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)


_______________________________________________
AMC-list mailing list
AMC-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://list.amc-list.com/listinfo.cgi/amc-list-amc-list.com