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.