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.

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.

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

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

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.

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,

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