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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.