Getting Dark and Wet - Garaged

I hear a lot of AMX owners put their cars to bed during the rain and snow part of the year.   Out here in CA we are no different.   It may not be snowing but I still do not like to take her out in the rain.

In the last few months, I've driven her at least twice a week with no issues.   It's time to get the motor done based on the loud tick coming from the heads.   I've chatted with a AMX engine expert in AZ about pricing but the Taxman took too much this year pushing my project out till next year.

I'm estimating between parts and labor the project with costs roughly around $10k including adding the PS back on to the car.

Signing off for now.

AMX Fanatic

AMO Nationals Last Week 2016

AMO Nationals

Last week every AMC car within driving distance came out to show off and trade stories at the AMO National event in Clevland, Ohio.  I've had my AMX for a little over a year and haven't seen another
AMC of any kind in California.   Not one Javelin or Gremlin anywhere.

I've love to drive her out from CA next year and make a trip of it.   On the road in one of the coolest muscle cars ever made.   My wife is onboard with the trip.   When I originally started looking I wanted the 390 - 4 speed which is what I bought.     Looking back, I should have looked for a 390, Automatic with PS and AC so my wife could drive it.

Maybe our next AMX.

She's a daily driver.

Well, my wife office is officially moved so no more commuting together which saved a ton on gas.   

AMC AMX 390 Current State

The good news I no longer am driving a mini-van to work.    The bad news is "Ellie" my 69 AMX hates traffic.   I mean really hates it.    Granted a 390 combined with a 4 speed has no business in stop and go traffic but what the hell, right?

The carb and engine need to redone soon so my gas mileage is terrible but I've got to say it is FUN to drive her.    There are stretches where I can open it up a bit so you can hear the magnaflow mufflers rumble to life.

There is nothing like pulling up to a stop like, engine rumbling next to some electric car with a fracking leaf on it which so quiet you really can't tell it is on.    Then burning a bit of rubber sending the smell of gasoline and pavement on to that stinkin hybrid.   Smile.

Gotta run - time to make a pit stop at the gas station with high octane.   I can't wait to redo the engine so it runs on pump gas and has more horsepower.

L8ter

AMX Fanatic

Failed Brake Proportioning Value Part 1

We went through the entire brake system when I first brought her home.  All new rotors, drums,

69 AMC AMX Brake Proportioning Valve

calipers, wheel cylinders, hardware, master cylinder plus booster and all new brake lines.   I purchased a used brake proportioning valve from American Parts Depot.

Granted it was a refurbished part that is over 46 years old but I've only put 200 miles on her in over a year.   Last week, my wife's office moved so we can no longer commute together leaving me to start driving her to work every day.

She's heading into the shop to R&R the valve and bleed the brakes.   Her Eldebrock Perfomer carb is also acting up in the morning as well but that is another story.

Onward

Start with the engine... Then what?

69 American Motors AMX

I haven't found a local shop either via search or through a recommendation to rebuild her 390 power plant.   Ideally, I'd like to go with Edelbrock aluminum heads and manifold with a new performer carburetor.

I did find a shop in South Carolina and in Arizona that I'll be calling soon.   It's strange there is no one local with experience rebuilding an AMC motor.  

If we do the engine and trans then do we need to rework the driveshaft, then do we get into the rear end as well?

While the engine is out - is it the right time to repaint the engine bay and remove and replace everything attached to the engine bay walls?   If paint is in the mix,  should she just go to the body shop for metalwork and a full repaint?

If these domino's fall in that order we go from a $10k engine/trans job to a $20k plus job with a ton of unknowns.

Has anyone been through this with a plan of attack?   

Thanks

AMC Fanatic 

Planning on Engine and Transmission

No major news yet on getting the 390 done by an engine rebuilder who has AMC experience.   We haven't anyone local in CA with references.   There is one company in AZ and one in NC but nothing else yet.   If anyone has info on a great rebuilder in CA please post the info.

I've been driving her to work here and there based on the weather.   The wipers are intermittent and the fuel gauge is still inoperable.   There is one other classic car at work.  It's a cherried out 64 1/2 Ford Mustang.   Nice restoration and runs great.

I'm looking forward to getting the engine and transmission done but haven yet decided to redo the front and rear brakes with the Freak Ride systems.

Found the part at American Parts Depot - One Down - One to Go

After a false start, I found the brake differential valve at American Parts Depot.   That completes a full brake overhaul - complete.

We are still having issues with the fuel and temp gauge.   I've already replaced the instrument regulator - no joy.   We are going to pull apart the dash to see if their is corrosion.

I haven't found a set of used gauges yet but I created an flag so if one pops up I'll get notified.

Looking for a 1969 AMC AMX 140 speedometer - Go Pack

Please post a comment if you can help me find this part.

Thanks

Verified AMC Engine Builders - Open Question

We have an engine build quickly approaching and haven't found any local shops who have AMC experience in Northern CA.   I've heard of a couple in SoCal and San Diego but nothing verified.

Our goal is to shoot for daily driver performance upgrading the heads, manifold and carb with new Edelbrock equipment.

I found a link on an AMC board to CM Engines in South Carolina.  http://www.cmengines.com/Engines/DynoTestedPerformanceEngines/AMCPerformanceCrateEngines/tabid/113/Default.aspx

Does anyone out there have any recommendations for a 390 CID - Manual Trans build?

Thanks

AMC Fanatic

I need to crowdsource this one...

So you have a very cool classic muscle car but want to update and personalize it so you can enjoy it.   My goal is to drive it daily not to create a show car.   I'd like to update the car with modern engine technology to increase the cars standard DNA.

• My engine rebuild will enhance but I'm not creating a car to take the track.   Might have to bore .30 over and update the heads to Edlebrock Aluminum.
• My thoughts on suspension vary because there is a kit for the car that will add power steering rack and pinion system that will greatly improve the drive ability but rip out the old front end.  (torn)
• Color of the car - its currently Pompeii Yellow - it's ok but I've love it to be silver or a gun metal great white shark color.
• Interior is Saddle - would love to update it to black.   Easy for the seats, door panels headliner and carpet.  The dash is a bit tougher unless you have $3k burning a hole in your pocket.
• Wheels and Tires are period specific so I am happy.

Shop Day 1 - What is going on? (pressure differential valve issues)

Well - initially we thought one of the rear wheel cylinders failed but it turned out the pressure differential valve  failed emptying the rear cylinder of Carb to flood.   We just had the carb completely rebuilt so I'm not sure what happened.  We'll see in a few days when I get down to the shop.

The starter was burnt out in the process of trying to start her over the weekend.   It was older and needed replacement so no big deal.   Not sure about the battery but I see a new red top optima in her future.

I'm looking for a new ignition key cylinder because this one is shot.   So far my searches have come up empty.

I did find a used complete 69' 390 on eBay with the price tag of $3500 - yes - wow for just a used block and heads.   Not sure if the manifold is decent or not.   Ideally, I'd like to find a short block for a lot less. My intention is to go with the aluminum Edlebrock Heads.   We will see.

Onward.

Flatbed Time Again

I woke up the other day ready to take her for a drive and the breaks felt hard. Upon second look the rear cylinder of the master was near empty with a puddle of fluid on the garage floor.  Damn blown rear wheel cylinder after 80 road miles?

Today was a scheduled tow but when I went to start her no joy.  Out of gas?  I know the fuel gauge is out but I've been keeping track of fill ups and mileages so there is no way I'm getting 2 miles per gallon.  9-10 maybe.   So I ended up with  a dead battery adding insult to injury.  The saga continues.

When I mention the "Saga" I think most people (girls and guys) realize a lover affair with a classic muscle car is a constant struggle between the love for the car and the on-going problems.

Today's Punch List:

• Fix Brakes - pressure differential valve
• Remove 2nd Fuel Filter
• Install new high CCA battery
• Adjust carb?

Seats Finally Installed - Happy New Year!

Well its been a long road to choosing what color to finding the right shop to do the work on my 69 AMX.

old seats

I've always wanted the black or charcoal interior, instead I have saddle.   My wife likes the saddle plus its the original color so we are sticking with it.   In high school, my 69 Javelin SST had the red interior.   At the time, I was happy to have such a cool hot rod it didn't bother me at all.   I'm happy with the saddle.

These seats were trashed when we acquired the car.   The foam had disintegrated and the cloth was barely holding the springs back.

We decided to go with the original color and use vinyl since that what it says on the door.   We did one customization by adding black piping to the seats.   I have a feeling this will tie in nice when we replace the door armrests.   I believe the reproductions only come in black.

Anyway, we purchased the seat foam from Legendary Auto Upholstery and a local upholstery shop run by Enrique Auto Upholstery  did the seat covers.   He did a great job as you can see below.

We opted not to change the carpet during the install.   Instead, we'll wait until we get to the point

new seat foam and custom covers

when we are going to paint and strip the car completely adding padding below the carpet.   My wife says it's as loud as the time we went skydiving at 10,000 feet in the smallest plane ever.

Gotta laugh.

Onward.