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