Upolstrey Time Finally

It took a while to get the seat foam in from Legendary Auto Interiors and connect with Enrique at his
shop.   We decided to keep the factory color: Saddle to keep it matching.  The carpet is in pretty good condition so we are not replacing it during this interior refresh.

Exciting progress.

Restoring Seats Pending Install

Yes, it took a while to get the parts here but www.legendaryautointeriors.com came through again.   Their main order control employee was at SEMA instead of manning his post at the order desk.  No worries, a SEMA trip is worth the backlog of orders.  :)

Anyway, my seat foam has arrived.   I've got to pull the seats and get them over to the shop to be recovered and the springs repaired.   I've got to say driving her will be much more fun once you aren't sitting on the floor.

Onward.

AMC Fanatic

Coming Home Not Repaired

I get it.

Really?  I knew what I was getting into but come on!

We've replaced the gas tank all of the lines, sending unit, fuel pump, rebuilt the carburetor and still the fuel gauge is non-operable.

Wait, I forgot to mention we had to remove and replace the instrument voltage regulator.  If you forgot about that part, me too.   American Parts Depot just happened to stock this hard to find part for the everyday low price of $75 bucks.  Still no joy.

I'm picking her up tomorrow to take a break and order a replacement gauge.  Yes, American Parts Depot has that part for $75.  Wow, how did you guess.

The good news is the transmission seal is fixed and I've got wiper blades so I can start testing moving forward with cleaning up the interior and checking out the electrical.

Onward

Feels like a Porsche? Yes. 1969 AMX - /Big Muscle

This guy built a bad-ass 69 AMX but without the stock engine, trans or rear-end.   Not exactly what I would call stock but still a cool ride.

At the DMV

A funny thing happened at the DMV the other day.   I was standing in line with the rest of humanity

AMX Racer

then realized that the DMV was about to issue me new license plates with no smog for a race car.

If you haven't driven a 69' AMC AMX with a 390 + 4 speed you more than likely will not get it.    This car isn't make for cruise night or a trip to the supermarket.   Two seats, short wheel base, big engine and the need for speed.   It's a fracking "race car."

She could have yellow with black stripes, or red with white stripes.  Either way you slice it, she was made for a track.   I remember the literature stating that once the engine is broken in, you can take it right to the track and race it.   It's true.

I don't know what I was thinking when considering her for a daily driver in potential traffic.   On the way to the DMV, my wife and I ran into stop and go traffic.  "Ellie" was not happy sitting in first gear just idling.  Not a fun ride.

When the DMV handed me my plates, I smiled and ran outside to install them and drive my race car legally on CA streets.

The saga continues.

Back at the Shop

Well it didn't last.   She spent the morning getting new temp plates at the DMV only to find herself

back at the shop with a rear transmission seal leak.

I knew one we stabilized her and took her out driving her not super hard but putting her through the paces it might cause more issues.   We revamped the brakes taking care of any safety issues so it was more of a dry run.    The reality is I've been nursing her not taking her over 60 mph and not shifting hard or accelerating quickly.

I let Jon at Sounds of Speed do that while I listened for issues.   We are still working out the issues and are not done by far.    The engine "tick" is getting worse so we are pulling the valve covers to take a peak.

The fuel gauge and temp gauge also stopped working after a new gas tank and sending unit.   The 68-69 AMX- Javelin use an instrument regulator that American Parts Depot carries which is incredible.

An engine/trans rebuild is on the horizon but I rather put it off to save a bit of $$$$.   I estimated a good chunk to get her up and running and we are just about there without touching any interior issues.

The driver seat is freaking trashed.   You really feel like you are sitting on the floor.   The doors need serious alignment and the passenger door doesn't lock.   I think most of us know the problems with the doors locking and the windows falling off the track.   My Javelin was a prime example costing me $500 bucks to get a body shop to fix it 28 years ago.

Onward.

Sounds of Speed - Shop in Santa Clara

If you have a classic or muscle car and are looking for a master mechanic, look no further.   Check out Jonathan and Mitch over at Sounds of Speed in Santa Clara, CA.

They treat your car like their own.   Detail oriented and will always give you the best recommendations based on the research they do for your collectors car.   Parts sourcing, installation options and upgrades.

Jon is currently working with me to restore my 1969 AMC AMX to it's full glory.  We started getting it stabilized and completing all safety repairs then moved on to getting it running to become a daily driver.    All this in preparation of a engine & trans build.    She's running pretty good after sitting for years.

Sounds of Speed

2555 Lafayette St. #104

Santa Clara, CA 95050

408-987-9553

I highly recommend Jon and Mitch.

Thanks

AMX Fanatic

She's Home!

First, I want to thank Jon from Sounds of Speed for the work he put in on "Ellie."   He really treated her as his own from recommendations to the excellent quality and craftsmanship of his work.


There are a ton of mechanics out there - Jon is an artist who loves cars.   Who better to work on this classic 69 AMC AMX.    If you are in the Greater Silicon Valley or SF Bay Area please consider Sounds of Speed off Lafayette in Santa Clara as your go to for your classic muscle car or your new 2016 Corvette.   They have you covered.

Sounds of Speed

2555 Lafayette St. #104

Santa Clara, CA 95050

408-987-9553

Interior, carpet and weatherstripping next up.

Interior, carpet and weatherstripping next up.

Reclining Seats

There are a few places that have replacement seat covers but they don't match exactly.  We are going to check out a local custom shop to check out pricing.  The other question is to original vinyl or upgrade to leather.

The other cool feature is how the seats lay all the way done. How cool is that?

New Very Cool Brake Lines

If you are restoring your muscle car and don't want to go with OEM or stainless steel brake lines http://store.fedhillusa.com/ who makes a very pliable anodized brake line that will pretty much last forever.  Well not really but the original lines lasted 46 years so these new lines will more than likely outlast Ellie.
there is another option.  My super master mechanic Jon turned me on to

We have been restoring systems one by one with stock parts based on today's standards.   I disappointed in the brake pads and shoes that are available.   I'll have to look around for a better set than I purchased.

Onward

Period Correct Wheels

One of the coolest parts about old muscle cars are their wheels and tires.  Each have their own unique

style whether it be Rally, American, Cragar or other period correct wheels.

My 69 AMX or Ellie has the perfect wheels and now the correct center caps.   American Parts Depot happened to have OEM replacements in stock.

She is coming together slowly but on schedule.   We've made great progress over the past four weeks finishing with a complete brake overhaual including new brake lines, master cyclinder, and booster.   We did go completely stock with all new front rotors, calipers, rear drums and cyclinders.   Everything new.

I posted earilier about next steps, I'm looking forward to getting the seats done.

Stay tuned.

AMX Fanatic

Three Weeks and Counting...

We've got a bit more work to do before "Ellie" comes home and we start our adventures together.

rear brakes before

So far we've completed the following:

• new gas tank and fuel pump + all new lines
• rebuilt Edelbrock 610 CFM Carb
• Complete tune-up including wires
• new starter solenoid
• new master cylinder and booster
• all new rotors and drums including calipers, wheel cylinders + all of the trimmings
• my choice of pads and shoes were limited.
• new hoses and  belts
• new KYB shocks in the front and Gabriel High-Jackers in the rear
•  all new exhaust from exhaust manifolds back including Magnaflow mufflers

That should get her back on the road.     Next, I've got some work to do on the front seats which are trashed.   I'm not sure I will do the carpet this time around.   The interior is saddle which is Ok, but I rather have black.

The original seats are vinyl but I may replace with the OEM leather replacements.   I haven't seen the quality yet so I'll need to decide soon.

That's it for now.   Onward.

Next Stop New Seat Covers - Vinyl or Leather?

The original seats in "Ellie" are vinyl noted on the door markings so I am leaning towards purchasing the OEM replacement  vinyl covers and sticking with stock.


The vinyl seat covers are $1,000 cheaper which is important when it comes budgeting for other items that I need to get her going.

I'm still considering doing the carpet but I'm afraid once I pull it up the project will cascade into a bigger project.    The current carpet is in good condition with no stains and doesn't smell of smoke.  Findig a non-smoking car was a big win.

I've found a place in Santa Clara that does a lot of classic cars upholstery jobs.   Two weeks to go.

HotRod Magazine AMC 401 Build

Great article covering a 401 ci  build. 

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/1308-amc-401-build/

She has a name.. Ellie

Yes, guys and girls do name there cars.   Everyone remembers the famous muscle car from the movie

"Gone in Sixty Seconds" with Nicholas Cage.   His unicorn was a 67 Ford Mustang GT500 named "Eleanor."

My wife and I went back in forth choosing a name over the weekend.   Either was too straight or it sounded to "strippery"  not sure that is a word but anything ending in an "i" like "Cheri, Bambi and Shelli" were out of the running.

So I went with Ellie.   It doesn't end with an I and has the good down home southern feel like the famous "General Lee."

I like it.

Welcome to the family, "Ellie"

What's Going On?

She's still at the shop waiting for a carb rebuild, new brake parts to arrive and her new exhaust to be

fabricated.

Just found out we need a new gas tank due to vast amount of rust in the carb. The deeper we dig the more we'll have to replace.

Another big item was for a pre-1971 gas tank they don't make a reproduction gas tank filler neck so you'll have to sweat the old one off and reattach to your new tank.   Once we get it back in I'll post some images.

Yes. An expensive gas guzzling mistress right?

We will see.  Night.

At the Shop...

She's at the shop getting a thorough once over to see what we have before moving forward.

The hunt for parts begins;

1. Carter AFB 4664s - maybe a kit

2. KYB front shocks ?

3. Gabriel Rear Air Shocks NA

4. Front Seat Bovers w foam inserts - found

5. Brake Parts - fingers crossed I don't need rotars or drums

6. Wheel Cylinders & Caliper - starting to look

7. Mufflers - going with MagnaFlow - Foose is always right.

8. More to come...

View from Behind - All Hooked Up

A sad sight when you see an AMX sitting on the back of a tow or flat bed.    In hindsight, I should of know

AMX Hooked up

that I would run into troubles but I'd thought I'd give it a shot.   There was times in my old 69 Javelin SST in high school, I thought she was not going to make it or run out of gas but she came through,

This was not one of those times.

The good news she is in good hands at a new shop who knows classic muscle cars.   We have a quick hit list to get her back on the road including a full tune-up, all filters and more than likely new shocks all the way around,

I'll know more next week.

Some Days Go Haywire from the Jump

I was off to the DMV to get plates this morning but was thwarted by a bad carburetor.

Safe on the Flatbed

Yes, everything started out well in fact she was purring on the freeway.   Granted, I didn't push her past 55 mph but she sounded good and was tracking pretty straight.

Then I exited the freeway which stalled her out leaving me stranded at a red light at a busy freeway off ramp at the start of a Friday commute.   I really had thought I had planned it out making sure we left early with the least amount of traffic but you can't account for everything.

Anyway, she eventually calmed down and restarted but there was something wrong with the float because she kept flooding so I called a flatbed two.    The bright side is she drove up on to the truck under her own power.

The guys at the shop were excited to see her for the first time not spending a lot of time with 45+ year old AMXs these days.

A quick shout out to the transit working who helped me push her across the street and the gentleman getting gas who helped us reposition her next to the gas pump.  You guys are awesome!  Thank you

So plates will have to wait >> onward with rebuilding the stock carter carburetor and more than a few safely inspections.    Fun times.

Time to get Serious...

Fun aside, we've got a lot of work ahead of us.   First, we've got to figure out why she is smoking on startup then continuing on after warm up.   The reality she has been sitting for at least three years so she needs a good blow out.   I'd love to take her on the freeway but before that she needs to head into the shop for a complete safety check.

Last night we went out for gas after commute hours.  My wife followed behind to make sure we didn't get completely stranded.   Once she got going she wanted to go fast.   Once in gear, I could feel her pulling away wanted to faster.

I remember reading a copy of the AMX Source Book about how owners would spec out their AMX at the dealer, pick it up

Actually, it seemed like she didn't like 1st gear at all.   I mean she wanted to get out of 1st gear as quickly as possible and get moving.    I had to hold back to make sure I didn't push the engine without having a full safety inspection.

I have to say once she is cleaned up and running smoothly she will be fun to drive.

DMV Tomorrow for Plates

Off to the DMV tommrow to get temporary plates.   I ordered the new retro black CA plates for the cool

factor.   Apparently, they will be here in a few weeks.

Looking forward to getting it up on the rack to give her a full once over.   I found a pretty cool shop owned by two guys who love cars.

She's almost road worthy.

Steel Mistress Cometh...

We first crossed paths over the 4th of July weekend in Chicago.   She was beautiful for her age.   I noticed her out of the corner of my eye while driving down main street.   All I can remember is a garden hose, bubbles but more so how the water glistened off her curves.  Wow, what a first impression.

We didn't speak a work when I got closer but the moment was captured in silence.  One more tidbit,  I did catch a glimpse of her leaving the lot, what a view from behind

Over the next few weeks I though about her.   My wife called it "pining" over her.  Whatever.

I made the decision to bring her out to CA because a long distance relationship just wouldn't work in this case.   I spent the $$$ and paid for her travel expenses to move to CA.

Last night she arrived at dust.  I saw her in the back of the transport hiding behind two younger models.   This was really happening, I thought to myself.  She roared to life as she slowly exited the transport.  A young man carefully assisted her exit down the ramp steadily.  The sunset mixed with her taillights came on illuminating her name badge which read, "AMX.".

She is here,

Arrived in California - Sunday August 9th 2015

After a few weeks of waiting "she" arrived today smoking and out of gas.   The team that drove the enclosed

auto carrier had to move her around a few times during drops and ran out of gas twice.   Not sure why they didn't make sure she
had a 1/2 tank of gas when she was loaded.    More than likely it was for safety but who knows.    Here is a shot of her being unloaded this evening.     After sitting for a few days, she rumbled to life - loud almost like she had open pipes or glasspacks.    The sound and smoke brought a few neighbors out of their homes when we pulled her into the garage. 

Need to purchase a gas can and get some gas ASAP.   Not a good start.   My wife said,"I guess I need to get used to  having a hot rod around again that runs out of gas or leaves you stranded."   Not a good start.

Onwards.

Confirmed - She's Arriving Today

AMX Restoration Book

Auto transport confirmed delivery this afternoon.   We just finished clearing the garage out so we now have
room for two cars.   We didn't have time or the room to bring my craftsman tool box home I'll have to make due with my smaller tool set.

A few weeks my AMC muscle car restoration book arrived last week.  Very cool just released earlier this month on Amazon,

Delay, Delay, Delay

She was supposed to arrive on Friday, then Saturday now Sunday.   We've got the garage prepared almost.  A bit more moving some of the larger items to storage and moving my red toolbox home.

Pool table off to storage while we try to sell it.   We've got a nice Dufferin D1 for sale if anyone is interested.  Email me if you are in Silicon Valley.

Out with the old in with the new.

Countdown to Arrival

Very soon "She" will arrive.   We've created space in the garage but I'll guessing our two car garage won't be enough space.   I can't see stuffing both cars into such a small space.

The drawback of a townhouse is there is no driveway so we'll have to contend with the HOA when we park in guest parking.   Time to move.   I'd love a two car garage with a driveway but pricing in CA for a single family home are out of control.    Time to move farther south or out of state.

Anyway, back on topic >> I'll be posting pics within a few days after her arrival.

Thanks

AMC Fanatic

Shipping in Progress - She's Coming

Ok, all that worry for nothing.  The vendor came through yesterday and she was picked up this morning enclosed safe and sound.   Arrival date is over a week out so I don't have much time to get her space ready.

Excited to see her in person again.  The last time we were together was over three weeks for a very brief encounter.   Excited.

Her journey has been mapped.

Checking out local shops for master mechanics

We're going to visit a few local shops to see what there wrench roster looks like.   If you're taking you muscle car into brand X shops I believe... "Houston, we have a problem."

"She" will have a place where the work is done right but wrenches who know how to tune up a pre-70 car.   Yes, eventually I'll swap out the old distributed for MSD parts but for now "she's" still factory stock.

I did have a chat with the previous owner who was giving me the run down on how much exercise "she's" had over the past few years and the reality she hasn't been out much so I've got to be careful not to push too hard too soon.

First thing, check up, change all vital fluids, pressure test then road test.  Slow re-entry into being a daily driver.   Yes, that means I'll need I'll need to have a lots of patience.

I'll work on that.  

I remember a story from one of my first AMX books basically outlining how you could spec out the car you wanted at the dealership basically building a race car for less than 4k.  When you you picked it up from the dealer, you literally could drive it right down to the track and race it.  How cool was that?

Found an Original Eaton PS Unit with bracket and pulley

Eaton Power Steering Unit

So this car doesn't have power steering but it's 40 years old so $500 in parts and viola - we "should" have power steering.

I found an original  Eaton PS Unit with bracket and pulley that needs to be rebuilt but otherwise is in great condition.   There are more than a few rebuilt steering gears out there for around $350.  I'll keep looking for a better deal or possible find a used unit.   The install is a ways out since I don't even have the car in the garage yet.   Definitely need to add to the calendar and budget.

Good find.   Thanks Ebay

Still not shipped - getting ready to find another company - no joy

So it's been 4 days since choosing a shipping vendor.   The rep told me they would dispatch a truck within 1-3 days then after two days I called and of course they changed their story to 1-5 days.  I received a call today from a customer service rep telling me they were working hard to find a truck to dispatch.  If I don't get a call by noon tomorrow I'm going to cancel and chose my number 2 choice.

What a pain in the #$%.  

Creating a daily driver

No word yet on a pickup date/time. :/

Anyway we are preparing for "her" arrival.  The previous owner took good care of "her" storing her inside for starters.  She's had a recent tune-up, and oil change but no major work.

I'm guessing tires, shocks and brakes will be mandatory.  Strictly R&R for now.  

Eventually, I'd like to rebuild the stock 390 co and 4speed transmission but we're not ready for  full body restoration.

Initial Hit List

- R&R front disc brakes

- R&R rear drum brakes

- inspect all cylinders seals including master

- inspect tires for wear, flat spots from sitting

- charging system check (alternator, battery)

- cooling system check (radiator, heater) no air conditioning

- suspension check - I know it needs shocks (air in rear) inspect rear leaf springs
- new optima batter 
- full tune-up, wires, all new filters (air, fuel)

This is my initial short list besides getting the front seats redone ASAP.  They are pretty trashed.

We are still about a week out before she arrives.  Totally excited and a bit afraid.  It's been a while since we've owned a real car. Over the past 20 years we had a Dodge Caravan, Chevy Lumina, Ford Tempo, Ford Ranger, Mitshubishi Outlander, and Dodge Durango. All A to B vehicles.    Before that we or I had 78 Trans Am (6.6 liter), 67 Mercury Cougar (351W), 71 Fiat 850 Sport Convertible, 65 Chevy C10, ACM Gremlin (258), 71 Chevy Malibu, 77 Trans Am (6.6) with t-tops and my first car 1969 AMC Javelin SST 343.  Day and night right.

Get a haircut and get a real job come to mind. Lol.

No word on Ship date - yet.

So the vendor is chosen what the heck is up with not setting the pick up date?   Yes, I'm a little impatient.  The vendor emailed me saying finding a truck can take 1-5 days.  That's not what the sales guy told me before I booked.  I should of known it would take a bit to find an enclosed truck.

They said only 8% of the trucking services offer enclosed trucks so this might be difficult.

So it goes.   Onward.

Shipping Vendor Chosen

We've chosen the vendor to ship the car from the east coast to CA.    The weather is getting worse so we chose to ship it enclosed for the extra $500 to keep it sale and untouched while traveling.

If the weather was better and  I knew the car would make it - I'd fly back east and drive it to CA.   That would be a fun trip.

Total travel time should be five days so stay tuned for more details.

I also picked up an oil dipstick off email for under $20 and have a bit in on a Eaton power steering unit with

bracket and pulley.   Totally hard to find original items.  I should be able to find hoses without an issue.   I did find a rebuilt steering gear but it seemed high.

If anyone has any ideas or websites for parts please email me or comment.

Thanks

~amx fanatic

Countdown - Saturday - Shopping Day

I've got a bid out on an original eaton power steering unit with bracket and pulley.  Complete replacement items just don't grow on trees and although my wife agreed to this adventure I doubt she'll be happy climbing around a pick-a-part getting greasing on Sunday.

Heading to O'Reilly Auto for tune-up parts, air and oil filters all the basic safety check items to make sure it's running well.   There is the fact that she smokes a bit on start up.   Makes sense based on the fact there is 140k on the original motor.  Probably leakin valve guides, right?    Engine rebuilt is in her future.

Out the door...

History in the making (Wifey Says)

Wifey says-

She was purchased in 1969 and the original owner in AZ is passing her on to us. So excited my hubby has the hot rod he's been dreaming about for years.  I've always wanted to get him one but it's not the kind of purchase I could surprise him with.  So its so cool he found the one he wants. She needs some work but for her age she's looking pretty good. Keeping her original and classic for the restoration... Let the fun begin!

Coast to Coast

The clear should clear today so we can schedule the auto shipping company to pick up the vehicle.

The owner is prepping the pink, bill of sale and car for transport.   A little air in the tires will get it going.

We'll probably end up having it picked up on Tuesday, July 21st then you have to figure at least three days until we'll see it roll up in CA.

I can't wait!

~amc_fanatic

I found her in a small town outside of Chicago, IL and she's beautiful

I've been looking for her for a long while.  I've not really been in the market but casually looked for another pre 1971 Javelin or AMX but  always end up discouraged by the high prices or lack of inventory.  Over the years prices have risen completely out of reach for a survivor car.   In conjunction with work and life owning another muscle car was purely

unattainable

Until now. Early this year we moved and suddenly we had a two car garage and a serious need for a second car so I started looking.

I had a 1669 AMC Javelin on high school but mid Junior year my grandparents made me sell it do to speed wing tickets and the fact I was racing her on weekends down at the great highway.

Twenty-five years later another AMC is joining my family.  This time she'll be a 69 AMC AMX 390 4 speed, original pompeli yellow with black racing stripe.

We're completing the sale today with coding a shipping company tomorrow.

We're excited to be the proud second owners of this survivor car.