The Rambler Restore Project

Rambler To-Do List for 2012

2012-02-09T12:20:00.002-05:00

Spring is coming, hopefully sooner rather than later for us in the colder regions. As the temps rise above freezing my excitement to return to the Rambler garage elevates and so a new list of things to accomplish on the old girl needs to be made. So this is my list for this year (although it is always changing as time goes by):

1: Transmission
The big one. The leaky transmission has been bothering me for some time and really is what has kept the Rambler off the road. Although it is a small leak, it is a mysterious leak and risking losing too much fluid during a drive is not worth it. A local guy around here does transmission work, ill drop by and see what he has to say.

2: Cooling System
During a few of my short drives around the block last year the engine bay seemed to be getting much warmer than a short drive should make it. I want to get a good flush of the coolant in and reseal the gasket for the radiator fan.

3: Vacuum Lines
The wipers have yet to make a full swipe across the windows as of yet. The vacuum lines dont seem to be pushing out enough air for the wipers to function, so I need to find a solution for that.

4: Seal Doors and Windows
The window and door seals have turned to crumbly, hard rubber over the last 40+ years. A fresh set of window fuzzies and door seals will do the trick with minimal fuss, plus they are easy to buy still! Thing is, the window fuzzies dont really keep out all the rain, anyone out there know of a better solution to keep it watertight?

5: Hood Alignment
The hood is an inch above where it should be closest to the windshield, I need to figure out why it is no longer flush with the body panels. Could just be from the pressure of the hood being opened and it has bent slightly, but it bothers me none the less.

These are the big 5 for now. I have other little things I will be messing around with such as really getting a good setup for the amp and speakers but these are the main things I want to achieve. Wish me luck!

Ramblin Into Winter

2012-01-08T14:15:00.002-05:00

As winter blows its icy breath into january I thought a nice pic of the Rambler getting a tan from last fall would be a refreshing change and reminder that warmer temps and car shows are only a few (or long depending on location) months away. Sometimes I really wish I had the luxury of a heated garage! Keep Ramblin.

AMC Rambler Wagon Ad 1965

2011-11-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

Another Rambling Summer Out the (Garage) Door

2011-10-29T13:59:00.001-04:00

Another summer come and gone. Above is a picture I took of the Rambler sunbathing one afternoon no more than a month ago. Now the trees are becoming bare and there is snow in the forecast. Unfortunately this year was not the Ramblers year to hit the road. Drippy transmission, leaky coolant pump, and some overheating issues were the main opposition and unfortunately I did not have the time nor the money to fix them. The good news is she runs strong and looks good for the most part inside and out, just not ready for a cruise night just yet!

National Street Rod Association 2011 Show

2011-09-30T21:20:00.001-04:00

Shots taken at the annual NSRA show here in Vermont.

AMC Featured on Jalopnik

2011-09-27T12:13:00.004-04:00

American Motors Corporation was recently listed as #10 on Jalopnik.com's "Ten Car Brands We Wish Were Still Alive" reader poll. Still love out there for this brand after all these years. You can read the full article here.

Photo Credit deanoakley

The Mighty V3, 3 Cylinders of Fury

2011-09-16T15:53:00.003-04:00

Yes the title is a bit tongue in cheek sure but it is the truth, Ford has recently introduced the 3 cylinder EcoBoost engine that will be put into production in Europe later this year and in time the good ol' USA. Ford also is introducing a new eight-speed transmission to go along with this little monster. And to ease your mind it will not be a new Geo Metro, although at time I do still see those little guys zipping along, it will be in something similar to this...thing the Ford Start concept:

The reason I am writing this entry is for the sheer fact that the mighty V8 is becoming a dinosaur, something that kids will read about in textbooks. In my graphic at top I tried to illustrate the little V3 butting into the big ole V8, granted I took some creative liberties with sizing. The point is not that 3 cylinders are going into vehicles that previously had V8's, but the truth is 6 cylinder engines are replacing 8's, 4's are replacing 6's, and now 3's are replacing 4's. In my eyes it is just another nail in the coffin for what was once a heralded engine, 8 cylinders of go.

Automotive culture is changing, fast. Where once speed, power and style were cheered we now have a culture hungering for size, MPG, and gadgets. Is it all bad? No certainly not, with gas stuck in the $4 range it necessary for auto makers to adjust to the times. What I worry is that styling is gone forever, we all will soon drive little clones of the same car. Uniformed size, 5 colors to choose, and basic options all fluttering around, sad really. I dont care for gadgets either, more stuff to break and more expense to fix. Give me manual roll windows, its not that bad. I think I will save my style ramblings for another post though.

Stowe Vermont Antique and Classic Car Show 2011

2011-08-27T14:23:00.001-04:00

As the summer winds down the car shows wind up and one of the best is the Stowe Antique & Classics show here in Vermont. Now this particular show is a favorite of mine not only for the great variety of cars on display but the endless herds of dealer and parts tents. It is always a crap shoot though, will there be any actual deals or just a lot of marked up pitted chrome? This year was the latter, a lot of interesting finds and cool parts but at a high rate, and this broke blogger does have the spare change. Regardless it was a good time.

This year had the luck of good weather, in some years past the field the event takes place in has turned into more of a 4x4 mud runner than a show field. The cars were in fine shape, some real sights were on display and a wide variety at that which is what I appreciate the most from this show. It is not completely overrun with mid 50's Fords and Chevys (not that there is anything wrong with them) like many shows, this had Studebakers to Desotos to Jeep FJs. One clear omission from the lineup though, the 4th contender of the mid-century, American Motors. Now to be fair I did hear some rumblings later in the day as we were leaving that there was in fact a Javelin in the lineup, it may have just arrived a bit late. But as I eyeballed the chrome lines not a AMC was in sight, too bad really.

These types of shows are great for the classic car hobby, it helps promote restoration and appreciation for the cars of yesterday to the younger crowd. The club that puts on this event is the Vermont Auto Enthusiasts Club and they do a good job, I may actually join their ranks next year. This year seemed to be down slightly in numbers of cars on display but I was there at opening (9am) and there more than likely were a good number of late comers.

So if you find yourself in the area in August next year, head up to Stowe and visit this great show. You can find a bit more i nfo on this event here.

Rambler eBay Finds of the Week

2011-08-14T14:40:00.005-04:00

Old Car Visors Are New Again!

2011-08-14T10:23:00.003-04:00

From Old

To New!

My orignal visors were in a word, trashed. The orignal AMC Rambler visors for this model were made from a thin cardboard and cardboard does not stand the test of time. After a bit of research and some googling I came across a visor restoration place in NY with some good prices and what looked like good results.

After a bit of reading and deliberation I decided Vinyl Specialties was a good bet. I filed out the order form, sent in payment and shipped the old ragged visors off via UPS the next day. After about a week I received a shipping notice and had my newly upholstered visors in hand! The people at Vinyl Specialties did a great job, professional work and a good price (the entire thing ended up costing around $75 with shipping and everything).

The new visors look great, the new padding and vinyl are top notch and the sewing on it is superb. They did a good job matching up the colors as well and fits the interior. So if your in the market for some visor restoration give these guys a chance I dont think you will be disappointed.

Click on the shots at left for some detail.

iPod Connection in a Classic Car

2011-08-01T14:15:00.002-04:00

A cool little side project I have working. I have been jumping back and forth trying to find a way to get some music in the Rambler as it did not come with a radio or speakers (being a 550 base model). I tried hooking up the 63' model radio I purchased online buying some small speakers and an aftermarket flat antenna, but the AM radio being as old as it is and being AM only just did not work and the stations were too finicky in the car. I also thought about getting a ReadiRad AM radio converter to beam music through the air to the stock radio, but it just seemed like it would have problems with reception and I was not prepared to pay the $130 for a test that may not work. I was stumped.

Recently I had stumbled upon a website The Jalopy Journal. Started reading some articles and browsing around and hit this post under the tech section, "Hidden Tuned via an Ipod". Very interesting indeed! A simple project really, take an amplifier, some speakers, a wiring kit, and an ipod connector and make a simple connection all the while hiding it as any good classic car owner would do to not mar the interior with modern ugliness. Here is the diagram from the post:

Really quite simple. A few connections here and there, getting everything mounted and secured, then testing out the system. I hit up Amazon for the things I was lacking (amplifier, wiring kit) and didn't spend more than $50 total I believe. I got a cheaper amplifier and basic wiring kit, going with what is in the diagram would have been much pricier but that is why they mention that the amp was something they had previously. I went to a great site I know for electronics monoprice.com and got a simple male audio connector for the iPod/satellite radio/whatever connection you will need for a few bucks. I chose the male audio connection to keep things simple and I also did not want to be running juice directly to the iPod like the diagram. I also must mention I had two small speakers and an iPod already so I did not have to purchase those.

After getting all the shipments in I unloaded the boxes and started stripping wires, adding connection points, and preparing the hardware. After getting everything wired in and slipped into the correct places I was ready to rock & roll (also not you need to connect the amp to your fuse so that it turns on when you turn the key on the car, you dont want it running and draining your battery 24/7). I turned the key and tested the tunes and there it was, modern convenience in a 1963 Rambler. Couldn't be happier with the results and this is a great application for those looking to get a quick, affordable solution to your radio woes. Again thanks to The Jalopy Journal for this great post and idea!

Rustoleum Roller Method = Success

2011-07-18T14:24:00.004-04:00

After finally completing the Rustoleum roller method of painting I can say it was for the most part a success, and by far more effective than rattle cans! Here is the end result:

It took some time, some sweat, and some mistakes but I got there. The process was relatively simple, below are my steps;

1. Lightly sand surface area to ensure good adhesion when rolling on the paint

2. Mix 70% Rustoleum 30% mineral spirits to correct consistency (like milk)

3. Use (New) foam roller and begin gently rolling on mixed paint for one coat

4. Dry for 6 hours

5. New coat of paint once base is dry, allow to dry once again

6. Wet sand dry paint with 1000 grit sandpaper to reduce orange peel

7. Wash and Dry area

8. Begin repainting as previously described (you may need 4-8 coats depending on application)

9. Allow final coat to dry for a day and wet sand once more to reduce orange peel

10. Buff using Meguiars Ultimate Compound to get out all scratches and imperfections from sanding

11. Wax if satisfied

This process worked for me. I was able to paint on a 2 coats in a day and reached 4 coats over a weekend which seemed to cover it well (granted I had white already underneath so I needed less). The process is not perfect, I still see some orange peel on the paint and some imperfections I need to address with some more buffing, but overall my goal of repairing all the rust damage and getting a shiny coat on was a success. Now for some this may not be ideal, you strive for perfection then perhaps it be best to take for a professional job. For those of us with limited cash and a interest in seeing what we can accomplish in our garages this is a good challenge. The Rambler is not a trailer queen by any means, not a show car either. I want to get to a point where I can drive it and not mind if people "get too close" and watch the car like a hawk fearing the worst. Its a Rambler, I want to ramble.

During the process I did notice some things to do a but differently when I start the body.

• Get a good wet sand down in between coats, the orange peel creeps up fast

• Make sure everything is clean at all times, stinks getting a dead bug rolled into the paint

• Get it EVEN. Every stroke needs to be correct, and that is difficult when doing a tall, wide area like a roof

• Dont skimp on the work at the end, get a few coats of compound on and it makes a big difference

Lastly I feel this is a great inexpensive way to experiment. Not sure of the color when you buy it? Bring home a sample and paint it on a discreet area and see if it works. Another good thing to remember is that if you do need a bit of touch up it will be no problem covering it up, you already know how!

End Result:

Rustoleum Spray Can Challenge Update: Fail

2011-06-29T12:13:00.001-04:00

The spray method did not pan out in the end. The end result was a striped mess, take a look...

The trouble with using the rattle can method was coverage, it is near impossible to cover everything adequately and get a good covering without drips. The other issue that occurred was high and low spots, again the coverage of the can spray just was not adequate for the task. It did turn out nice on the side posts and went on smooth, this was due to the smaller area that needed to be covered.

I did take some time to layer the paint and to wet sand in between coats and at the end to reduce the striping and orange peel. While this did help to some extent it was just not enough for entire roof. So in the end I recommend keeping your spray can use to small areas, I have had great success with interior trim pieces and small areas getting a smooth cover.

So now that the spray can method has been attempted I have moved on to using a foam roller and so far I have had some GREAT results with it, but thats a whole other post (coming soon).

Ready, Set, Tape!

2011-06-03T13:41:00.003-04:00

The Rambler sits in the garage like a plastic mummy. All windows and doors have been taped off and covered in plastic, let the priming begin! The original process in the Rustoloeum method does not include priming but I feel if im going to do a bit of body work and filling I might as well go over it with some sandable primer.

Here is one area in particular on the roof area that needed help. In the picture I have sanded down the rusted, bubbled areas flat then used some rust stabilizer to prevent any additional rusting. There are some other areas as well but this was the worst area on and around the roof. Now to get some filler and prime this sucker.

The Rustoleum Challenge

2011-06-02T14:53:00.000-04:00

Paint, something many classic cars end up needing but the cost is not in reach for all. The Rambler has its original paint, dull, faded, and speckled with emerging rust spots. I realized the rust was not going anywhere and yes while I could just do some spot repairs and covers like I have been there were some areas with heavy coverage (trunk lid). The rambler was starting to look like a speckled beast and well, I wasn't too proud of the previous coverups. Something needed to be done!

Off to the internet I went, in search of a low cost solution. After reading what seemed like a thousand forum posts I came across one that seemed legitimate. The Rustoleum paint job! Youtube provided a a handful of before and afters with some hazy explanations of what went on in the process but their end results looked good! I read some corresponding forums on the subject and it seems as if it were a possibility worth researching.

One video did stand out, user Jtech87 had two videos with a play by play of repainting a car with Rustoleum products, one using a roller and enamel paint and the other using enamel spray paint. The two processes both have their individual pros and cons but it in the end it is affordable and better yet, a challenge ( The video I am referring to is at the bottom of this post by the way). I have decided to undertake this monumental task on my two-tone Rambler, first using the spray method for the white top then the most difficult task of using the roller method for the body. I may fail but I am willing to give it a try and if it does come out good, well I will be a happy rambler.

Ebay Finds of the Week

2011-04-11T14:42:00.000-04:00

Rambler Restore on Facebook

2011-03-21T12:16:00.002-04:00

Join Rambler Restore on Facebook for new posts, info, and Vermont car show dates. The 2011 car show lineup is looking good so far, our calendar of events has all the info you will need so take a look today!

Rambler Restore on Facebook

2011-03-21T12:14:00.002-04:00

Join us on Rambler Restore on Facebook for new posts, info, and Vermont car show dates. The 2011 car show lineup is looking good so far, our calendar of events has all the info you will need so take a look today!

Rambler eBay Finds of the Week

2011-03-16T13:42:00.001-04:00

2011 Classic Car Appreciation Day

2011-03-15T11:53:00.001-04:00

Thats right its official, Classic Car Appreciation Day was passed by the senate last year to celebrate our automotive heritage and those who keep it alive. With help from SEMA, ARMO, and HRIA July 8th is now officially Collector Car Appreciation Day.

There will be events all over the US, from parades to sock hops to drive-in movie nights. I could not find any official event listing but I am sure some searching for events in your area as the day draws closer you will be able to find local events.

As far as the New England area goes the good folks at Hemmings Motor News will be hosting an event at the Hathaway's Drive-In in North Hoosick, NY. The kicker? Only collector cars allowed in for the double feature! Sorry tuners, got to sit this one out. The movies playing will be Cars 2 and Two Lane Blacktop.

For some more info on Classic Car Appreciation Day you can check out SEMA or keep watching Hemmings Motor News as they are always on top of the latest.

Book Review: "Cars of the 60's"

2011-03-08T14:55:00.001-05:00

"Cars of the 60's" by the guys over at Consumer Guide is one big book, lets just start there. The puffy, embossed cover really adds some style to the book and quite honestly makes it a bit easier to hold. At 416 pages this book really has some content, including a year by year, manufacturer by manufacturer breakdown of each years releases. Keep in mind though, the cars covered in the book are US only.

The book does a great job of keeping the reader entertained. From the various photos included in the book that include factory shots, advertisements, promo illustrations and more to the interesting little facts and info on each car you will not find yourself bored. Each car is given a relative equal amount of space, which I find very appealing. In many similar books you find the author(s) will give ample space to their favorite while nearly ignoring others, the equal coverage is refreshing.

In the photo above you can see the 63' Rambler in all its glory. The various photo depictions and facts add some real appeal to the pages. You can even see some newspaper clippings and pages from the owners manual on the left page. This kind of in depth research to each car is what makes this a stand out book for any car fan, casual or hardcore. And hey, who knew you could stick a tent atop a Rambler (bottom left of left page)?

So on a scale of 1 to 5 Rambler logos I would give this book a 5. Through its various photos and images used throughout to the interesting summaries given for each car I find this book to be in a word, a keeper.

For more info on Cars of the 1960's and to purchase please click here.

SMS Auto Fabrics for Replacement Upholstery

2011-03-03T15:51:00.001-05:00

Looking for some replacement interior fabric, vinyl, or leather? Want the real deal? SMS Auto Fabrics really has the good stuff for the Rambler driver out there who digs the all original look. In the image above is a sample of 63' Classic 550 cloth found on seats. This is the ONLY place I have come across to sell reproduction matching interior items for Ramblers of so many models. The only thing I did not find was replacement vinyl door panels unfortunately, but hey these guys are always introducing new products. Thanks for the Rambler love SMS.

Rambler eBay Finds of the Week

2011-03-03T14:43:00.001-05:00

AMC Rambler Shop Posters

2011-02-27T19:08:00.000-05:00

Kicking myself for this one. A seller on eBay just had a set of three mint Rambler shop posters for auction, and I missed them. Well I shouldn't say missed but let myself get outbid. The three went for about $66 which is cheap, in a moment of frugality on my part I stopped bidding at $65. Certainly a case of buyers regret, I regret not bidding until I won them!

AMCycopedia

2011-02-16T15:33:00.000-05:00

Interesting little find. The AMCyclopedia, an immense amount of AMC facts and pictures for all AMC fans. Browsing through the site I stumbled upon a lot of interesting little things like the in depth car model information. Take a look around and see what you can find.

Rambler eBay Finds of the Week

2011-02-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

1963 Rambler Paint Color Finishes

2011-02-13T21:22:00.001-05:00

1963 Rambler paint chip id sheet.

Getting MP3 Love From an Old Stock AM Radio

2011-01-20T17:11:00.000-05:00

Yep, AM radio is not what it used to be. Back in 63' i'm sure it had more to offer than it does almost 50 years later. Dont get me wrong, when I am tinkering in my garage in the summer I often tune into the oldies AM station. If you are on the road though and need something more these sources may be able to help:

For a quick and seemingly painless addition to your stock AM, there is RediRad. The guys over at rediscoveradio.com have devised a simple plug and play adapter that routes the signal from the MP3 (or satellite radio, or cd, or whatever) and broadcasts to AM band that you can tune into. It is a pretty straightforward operation and comes in all varieties for differing voltages. I plan to purchase one this summer and give it a try, they do have a 100% guarantee and you can return it if you dont like it.

Another less simple option is the hackers option. Someone over on the AMC Forums devised a somewhat simple way to add a headphone jack to a stock radio. It requires some electrical work, but the cost is less than $5, so electronics savvy folks can give it a go. Me, I think ill pass on that one.

Know of other options I have not covered? Let me know!

The Lazy Rambler Owner

2011-01-15T17:15:00.000-05:00

I admit it, I have really neglected this blog the last...well half of a year. I did so much to the old AMC over the summer and I have not updated any of it! tsk tsk for shame.

Perhaps 2011 will be a different year, not just for me and my Rambler but everyone. Who knows perhaps things will actually begin to get better for everyone! I believe a new direction is needed for this blog as I can only do so much with repairs and fixes to my Rambler and post on them. A more broad appeal is needed so I think opening this blog up to more than just my personal Rambler stories would be beneficial. Adding things I find Rambler related, some links to help other restorers, and just topics of interest.

I have already started posting various things Rambler related on here, like the cameo of the Rambler on the show Pushing Daisies. Interesting and unusual things like this add a lot more to a blog and open it up to more people, plus it keeps me interested.

Another thing I would like to do is update the look and theme of this blog. Blogger has come quite a ways since I originally began this blog and has much more to offer in terms of features. I think an update is only natural. Hope nothing breaks in the process.

In the meantime if anyone out there (*crickets*) has any idea of some interesting topics I could post on, please let me know.

Rambler 1963 Car of the Year

2010-09-07T11:39:00.001-04:00

Motor Trends 1963 car of the year winner. Enjoy this little informational video on some of what Motor Trends had to say about the Rambler.

AMC Rambler Guest Stars on "Pushing Daisies"

2010-08-30T12:02:00.000-04:00

Rambler Sighting!

Recently while watching a great but unfortunately cancelled TV Series "Pushing Daisies" I noticed a very familiar car. In episode 11 of season 2 the Rambler makes an appearance as the stolen car of two thieves and a runaway girl (Olive for those who watched the show). In the picture above you can see the rear and front of the car, in other scenes you get a look inside as well. How can they cancel a show with such good taste in 1960's automobiles?

Response to "Open Letter to Classic Car Owners"

2010-08-23T12:23:00.000-04:00

Over at Jalopnik (great car news source and generally cool place) a recent article entitled "An Open Letter to the Typical Classic Car Seller/Owner" brought up some interesting opinions. The author writes "I'm getting increasingly bothered by the fact that I don't have a car, whether drivable or not. This frustration rises exponentially when I'm "window shopping" for a car on Craigslist. I come across one in which I'm halfway interested (usually within the late 1930′s, late 40′s, early 50′s or late 60′s model years) & then see the price." So it seems he is shopping via craigslist and is not thrilled that the cars are in his price point. I understand this issue but also wonder what he was initially setting out to buy? The car choice can be a big factor in price obviously. He continues "The only people who can afford these immaculately restored cars are people of your age group. No wonder the classic car culture is dying. The only people who can afford them literally ARE…dying." Ok, I get it, the boomers are putting stock into their own personal nostalgia (cars) and selling them for top dollar. Perhaps the real issue is that they really dont want to sell their cars? They have a immense sense of nostalgia for these vehicles because it is a reminder of their childhoods. They remember the good old days when they see these cars and well, nostalgia can be a great feeling.

I thing the primary issue here is not that cars are overpriced (some certainly are of course) or that classic car culture is drying up but the fact that everyone views the "classics" as only a few certain types of vehicles. Classic car culture is not dead, it is not huge but it is alive. I am 26 and love classic cars. The styling, feel, and history of classic cars are what draw me. The thing is I dont have to have a pristine 57' Chevy to feel like a real classic car enthusiast. I chose my Rambler because it was unique, there were parts available, and it resonated with me. You have to connect to the car, thats what makes owning a classic special. If you do it purely for the dollar, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons.

I do agree with some of the article to some extent. He argues cars are meant to be driven, new and old and I can agree with that. Their original purpose was to be a drivable automobile, no question. I also understand some folks wanting to keep their rides off the road and preserve them as a show piece. You spend thousands of dollars in restoration you may want to keep it shiny. The problem arises when the vehicle becomes a thing of monetary value, its purpose only to sell at a later date. The connection to the car is not there, its just a form of currency at this point.

So do not fret younger generation, all hope is not lost. The only thing lost is the classic car you have yet to find and make your own. If you want a mint classic for bargain basement price you will be disappointed. If you want something will some wear and "patina" then you only need look and something will show up. Owning and maintaining a classic car takes some elbow grease and brow sweat, but hey thats what makes it yours. Get out there and find yours.

image: Airflyte

Unofficial American Motors Rambler Couch

2010-08-19T11:38:00.000-04:00

Sitting in the garage and I look around at what strewn about. Lets see we have some rear seats from the Rambler parts wagon, some reclaimed chrome kitchen seat frames, some wood, and a bunch of bolts and screws. Dump all these elements into the mixing pot and what do you get, the Rambler shop couch. The seat backed by plywood and bolted to 2 chrome kitchen chair frames side by side. Made for a nice little addition to the garage and now I have somewhere to sit!

NOS Seat Belt Reminder Find

2010-08-18T10:49:00.000-04:00

The annual Stowe, VT Classic Car Show was this past weekend and what a fantastic time. One of the best parts of the show besides the cars of course were the vendors. Lots of parts collectors, lots to look through! By far my most interesting find was this NOS airline seat belt reminder light that mounts under the dash.

I ended buying 2 at a buck a piece (!), the seller had a crate full. One now resides as a display piece on the garage wall and the other has been installed into the Rambler, which ironically does not have seat belts installed at the moment. A quick screw into the bottom of the dash and a connection to the fuse and we have a new friendly reminder to buckle up for safety....if we could.

Get out of here RUST

2010-04-27T13:26:00.000-04:00

Rust, enemy of every car and car enthusiast. Here in VT it is especially dreaded with the wicked winters and mush of ice, salt, water, and sand on the roads eating at our cars each and every season. Luckily the old Rambler has not been eaten by rust too much, although there are areas of infection. One notable spot though;

The white roof had a half dollar size amount of rust that stood out like a nasty wound. It had been bothering me for too long so I broke out my new friend Mr.Dremel and took care of business. After some sanding, priming and spot painting the wound was covered.

Now I know this is not the best practice for patching a bit of rust. The point was to stop the spread of the rust and get some dignity back to the white roof. Eventually the whole thing could use a solid paint job but alas for now, this will have to suffice.

Rambler Restore Project Featured on Retro Roadmap

2010-03-29T10:08:00.000-04:00

So as some of you might not know my day job is a graphic designer, and I enjoy creating logos. I also enjoy things of a vintage nature so the combination of logos and vintage is spot on awesome. Via Twitter I was given the suggestion to create a logo for Retro Roadmap, A great site spotlighting retro locations to visit in the US. I was in a design funk and needed a cool project and thanks to Beth of Retro Roadmap I got to create something fun, here is the result!

The inspiration came from roadmaps obviously and vintage motel signs, seemed fitting. The story can be found here. There is also a nice mention of this blog as well which I appreciate. Retro Roadmap can be found on twitter @modbetty and @RetroRoadmap.

1 Year of The Rambler Restore Project

2010-03-07T17:29:00.000-05:00

One full year has come and gone now and the Rambler Project blog is still kickin. This is one of my few blog ventures that has actually withstood the test of my interest unlike a few that came and now have gone. The Rambler is slowly coming along but with a new summer comes new projets for it, mainly getting it ready for the road! Unfortunately when I went to the garage this afternoon the rear tire had lost its air, slow leak im guessing. Have to get that fixed before the tire is ruined.

On another note you can see in the picture above the replacement bumper that was put on before winter set in. This one, although slightly rusty, is a nice improvement over the original. The former had a few solid dents that really took away from the chrome as well as being bent slightly. Another great part from the Rambler Wagon parts car.

If you read this blog, a big thanks to you and I hope to keep you interested. I plan on many more updates this summer and trying to be as informative as I can. Questions and comments are always welcome and thanks for reading the Rambler Restore Project!

Spring Fever

2010-02-04T11:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lull in new posts recently. With the winter months its hard to get anything done besides shovel and stare at the calendar waiting for spring. I am hoping this year the Rambler will hit the road in all its glory. Still need to take care of a few lingering issues though. One in particular is the windshield wipers, you need those to work in the summer. I have a wiper vacuum motor from the parts car that I need to clean and test, hopefully that will solve the issue.

Hopefully when the weather creeps above 50 degrees (sooner rather than later) I can wander back out to the garage and get back to work. Eagerly anticipating the spring, it can't come fast enough!

Replacement Rubber Door Trim

2009-10-16T17:28:00.000-04:00

Out of the Parts Rambler I nearly forgot a great piece of trim, the rubber door trim. Turns out the parts car had immaculate rubber trim still, no drying, discoloration, or cracking. The trim on my 550 is completely in ruins and beyond help. It was dried and disintegrating at each touch. A simple peel of the old stuff and application of the new and the interior around the doors look so much better. This was a lucky last minute find and im glad it dawned on me to check. Im sure these parts are pricey and hard to find original.

All that remains

2009-10-14T15:59:00.000-04:00

The poor Rambler Wagon, a shell of its former non-running self. This is all that remains now that I have stripped it of most of its components, Even got the roof rack off, maybe it would look cool on the Classic (maybe not). Tried to get someone to take the remaining parts off my hands like the windows and rear hatch since I do know they can get pricey and I dont want them to go to waste. needless to say no takers thus far.

Here is the interior, all seats, panels, latches, and components are out. It really is too bad the frame and floor was far gone, it could have made on great summer cruiser.

Lack of Updates

2009-10-02T09:55:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of updates lately, ive been very involved with other projects more specifically buying a home and getting engaged. Lots and lots home repairs/updates/etc had to get done which put the Rambler on the back burner. It is all worth it since the home has a nice detached garage where I can finish all my projects on the Rambler!

In other news I have finished stripping the parts car. I didnt waste a thing on it and took every part I could including the roof rack, hate to see something go to waste. I have to put a listing on craigslist soon so that if there is anyone out there who needs a window they can come get it since it has flawless windows except for the windshield which I needed. I will update soon on all that has happened.

leaky Leaks

2009-07-31T11:43:00.000-04:00

UPDATE

I believe I found the area thanks to a rainy Sunday. It seems the corner on the drivers side did not set completely and as a result has a small 1 inch gap. Hopefully a little window sealant will rectify the situation.

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Of course it couldnt go smoothly. After a few nice showers it seems as the window seal on the new windshield is not doing its job correctly. Not sure if the seal is just not secured properly or shotty installation but none the less the carpet on the driver and passenger sides are soaked and completely ruined my original visors after they got wet. Im not happy about the fact that it leaks but even more angry about the damage to my visors that were in pretty good shape originally. Very disappointing to sat the least. It looks like there may be some slight gaps in the corners under the rubber seal, so I will need to seal those up and and test the the windshield with a hose. Wish me luck.

Windshield Ta Da!

2009-07-11T22:18:00.000-04:00

After a long wait my windshields have been swapped and the Rambler now has a non-shattered windshield! What a relief to finally look at the front and not see a destroyed windshield. The guys at Triumph Auto Glass did a great job and swapped everything out for $125 and put the trim back on the windshield edges. Very exciting to finally see the car with a windshield in one piece.

Trunk O Junk

2009-07-08T08:09:00.000-04:00

Above is what I call my trunk of junk, random parts and tools I use on the Rambler. It has since been cleaned up and organized but I thought this picture was more visually interesting. I store so much stuff in the trunk, extra parts, portable radio, extra car radio, paint, wd-40, primer, new wiper blades, hub caps, original maintenance guide and so very much more. I thought it may be cool to mount an old backseat into the trunk and use it as a seat when parked, who knows.

So Whats Left?

2009-07-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

Here are few things I still want to accomplish on the Rambler now that im a little farther along than my last list;

Paint

Eventually a nice new coat of paint on the body and white top would be nice. Perhaps next summer.

Seat Covers

I have been looking at some websites recently and found some affordable and great looking covers that fit over the top of what is already there. Right now the front seat has an ugly denim cover to it that is showing some age. Hopefully I can get some fresh covers soon.

Manual Choke/Carburetor

I have purchased the manual choke kit but am waiting for now. The former owner installed a new carburetor that is much taller than the original and does not allow room for the air filter housing (or any other aftermarket for that matter). I may try to reinstall one of the older carbs so that I can get the air filter back in place, then install the choke kit.

Electrical

I need to figure out the issues with some of the electrical equipment. A few things are not getting power including the dome light, one light under the dash, as well as a few others.

Radio Install

Truthfully the radio is installed into the dash but I need to get a speaker and install it as well as wire everything into the car.

Trunk

I would like to refinish the trunk either with a rubber mat or to throw some carpeting in.

Of course there is more, but this is a short list of whats on my mind right now. Hopefully I can get a good portion of this done before the end of fall. Im very excited to get the Rambler on the road. I dont think I would ever buy a complete and finished classic car, when you put your own work into something and make the inevitable mistakes you learn from them and come out wiser. Its all learning and its a lot of fun.

Carpet

2009-07-07T08:43:00.000-04:00

Ordered fresh carpeting for the front and back. The price was reasonable and the green/turquoise color matches well. Put down a clear coat on the floor before installing to ward off any additional rust then installed the carpet. To get the full stretch of the carpet obviously you need a lot of heat, closing the doors and putting a portable heating unit in the car worked well. In the end it could have come out better but im glad to just have some new carpet under my feet. Have yet to bolt the front bench seat back down.

Fresh Brake Lenses

2009-07-06T21:42:00.000-04:00

After buying a pair of NOS (new old stock) brake lenses I shined them up and put them on, what a difference. The old, spiderwebbed lenses looked very aged and these new lenses was a injection of car botox. Found the pair of NOS lenses on ebay, an invaluable resource to any classic car restorer.

Random Rambler Hub

2009-07-06T21:37:00.000-04:00

In my Rambler wagon parts car there were 2 oddball rims sitting in the back as well as a spare tire. I dug them out and cleaned up the rims as long as repainting the "R" emblem and besides a dent they look great. Not sure what the rims came off from though but they are nice. It looks like the spare tire has never been used, looking at the tire shape and the Goodyear branding it seems to be directly from 1963.

Refinished Hubcaps

2009-07-06T21:26:00.001-04:00

Had some time today to refresh a few things on the Rambler. I had already cleaned and buffed the hubcaps previously but the lack of finish on the Rambler emblem and its missing spots of paint bothered me. I took it upon myself to break out some touch up paint and recolor the red around the "R". The finish product looks nice and removed the spots and fading red color and replaced it with a nice glossy coat. Duplicolor scratch-fix paint worked wonders in this case.

Repainting Trim

2009-06-29T13:08:00.000-04:00

After a long process of sanding, priming and spray painting the upper and lower door panels in the interior are back to decent shape. Before this they had a good amount of rust and wear to them and were a very visible eyesore. Now I just need to figure out a way to remove the excess paint that found its way onto the door vinyl. oops.

Parts Car FOUND

2009-04-22T19:14:00.001-04:00

Last week I was talking to another AMC fan via email and he offered me a Rambler Wagon 1963, which is the same ear and model as my Rambler just a wagon style. Making the trek to NH last Sunday we picked the car from the mud and leaves with the flatbed truck and brought it back to VT. I am completely in luck. This car has many parts ive been looking for, most importantly a perfectly in tact windshield, no dings, no damage whatsoever. I got this whole car for a fraction of the price the windshield would have cost to be shipped.

looking over the car I wish the the body was in better shape, The wagon model is pretty nice! Unfortunately the floorboards are completely rotted through and im sure the frame is less than solid. So not only did I get a great windshield but the arm rests/pads, sun visors, rear seat, radio, console, and multiple other parts are still in great shape and will look great on my 550. Almost time for the road!

Water Pump Problems

2009-04-01T12:55:00.000-04:00

So I purchased a replacement water pump to give the cooling system a little boost but of course its never that easy. Now the pump did in fact mount perfectly to the engine but the issue was when we went to attach the pulley and fan. It seems the diameter on the pump end is significantly smaller than that of the previous one. So needless to say the pulley and fan could not be attached. The other thing is that the pumps arm is shorter than the previous. Im wondering if the old pump was for the another engine type, cant tell for sure since the engine has been rebuilt. Now the hunt is on for a fitting pulley and fan!

Radio On

2009-03-30T20:14:00.000-04:00

Found an original factory radio on ebay in great condition, installed and here we have it. It does beat the old delete plate and cruising would not have been as much fun in silence. I can now check it off the list.

Remove Rust take 2

2009-03-30T16:01:00.001-04:00

In my last attempt to remove bumper rust I used the coke and foil method with limited results, this time I went a bit further. I first sprayed the area down with WD-40 and let it sit for a minute then used a wire brush to remove any loose rust. I then applied rust removing gel to the area and let it do its magic for 5 minutes. I went back to the area and used the wire brush again with some additional WD-40 and it did seem to work well.

After a few treatments to the bad spots on the bumper it removed all the rust and left only the spots where the rust had eaten through the chrome. Overall it was a success and cleaned the the bulk of the bumpers rust. The odd thing is that while the rear bumper shows a lot of rust the front bumper is perfectly rust-free.

Tires and Rims Finished

2009-03-22T21:42:00.000-04:00

The wheels are now complete. Finally getting some time to work I swapped out the old, flat tires for something new with a nice white stripe. I sanded down all the bad spots on the rims, primed them and sprayed them with auto paint that matches the body. After shining up the hubcaps and mounting the tires the set is complete and looks great.

AMCRC Guide Book

2009-03-10T10:24:00.001-04:00

I received my AMCRC Rambler Guide yesterday in the mail. This is a handy tool for anyone learning about their Rambler and an excellent reference when restoring or ordering parts. The handbook is easy to reference and is loaded with useful information such as color codes for the interior and exterior, replacement part numbers and what brands are available, and many other valuable tidbits. If you own a rambler, you should own one of these.

The Big List

2009-03-09T13:43:00.000-04:00

It may be helpful to list what needs to be done for the car, in no particular order;

1: Windshield replacement

This is becoming rather difficult, and pricey. Most places are charging around $600-$700.

2: Register and Insure

A day at the DMV, I am so thrilled.

3: Wiper repair

Is it the vacuum motor or something else? Time will tell. Refer to earlier post.

4: Carpet replacement

Cant put your feet on something deteriorating and shredded. This will also make the interior much more cheery.

5: Arm Rest Pad replacement

Elbows on sharp steel is not a comfortable drive.

6: Gas tank patch

Not looking forward to this

7. New Tires

Not a big deal, something with a nice white wall.

8. Gauge testing

make sure all the gauges are in working order

9: Clean inside and out

Im sure there is much more to be done, but these are the most pertinent of things to accomplish. Of course a fresh coat of paint is always something to think about, but the car will be road ready without it. Now if only the weather would cooperate (snow!).

Vacuum Wiper Motor Blues

2009-03-08T10:54:00.001-04:00

Ive got the vacuum wiper motor blues. The vacuum wiper motor seems to be incapable of wiping, the hoses are secure and the switch is working but the motor is not responding. I have found a few places online that will repair the vacuum motor for around $100 + shipping, not too bad. Another option is replacing the vacuum motor with an electric motor, but that wouldn't be as authentic and vintage as using the original.

The Coke Aluminum Foil Method

2009-03-08T10:45:00.001-04:00

After reading some articles online on removing rust from a chrome bumper I decided to give the aluminum foil and coke method a try. After 10 minutes of scrubbing the rear bumper with coke and aluminum foil I did notice some results. The scrubbing did lighten up the rust and removed some of the thinner parts but all in all it seems I will have to attempt some other methods to really get that shine back.

I would recommend the coke/aluminum foil method for small spots, but for bigger areas your going to need some heavy artillery.

Delete Plate

2009-03-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

The car came with original delete plates for the radio and clock, an interesting item. Im debating whether or not to purchase an original radio and speaker to put into the car or just leave it with the delete plates. Another factor is that the original radio came in AM flavor only, Vermont has limited stations in AM. Decisions, decisions.

Day 01: Purchase, Payment, Pickup

2009-03-06T13:24:00.001-05:00

On Sunday February 28th I went to go see the car, an 1963 AMC Rambler Classic 550 in Grand Isle, VT. My father went with me and brought the tow truck... just in case. Good thing we brought the tow truck because I ended up buying on the spot for a great deal. It needs a bit of work, but it runs and the frame is in great shape. Seems someone in the previous owners past took a shot at the window with a baseball bat... tragic. The window will set me back a few bucks, thats certain.

The color is a nice turquoise reminiscent of the 60's, which I like. The interior needs some love but thats half the fun after-all! For the most part the car is original, the engine has been rebuilt but runs great, only 76k miles. Im eagerly anticipating the weather to warm up so I can get to work on this. In the end it will make a great ride for the summer (and especially going to the drive in).