1963 AMC Rambler Classic

[63RamblerClassic]

Hi all.

New here. Figured this would be a good place to document a build that Myself and my friend Matt are undertaking along with UTP Racecars (www.utpracecars.com).

A 1963 AMC Rambler Classic Coupe.

The body: Will remain mostly stock with a few subtle alterations like a front valance, and removed inner lights for intake ducting and possibly a rear spoiler.

The drivetrain: LM7 and 4l60e with goodies coming for both.

The chassis/suspension: Mustang II front end, ridetech Coilovers, 4-link rear on a custom narrowed Ford 9"

The wheels: Boze Forged Clutch 18x8 up front and Boze Forged Clutch Concave 18x10 in the back.

The current weight is right at 2800lbs with stock driveline in the vehicle. It has about a 56/44 weight distribution also. The goal is to keep it right around 2800-3000 lbs after all is said and done.


Some pics and videos and a rendering below:

Rambler-1 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

Ken Cox - 1963 AMC Rambler 660 coupe logos by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

Entire front suspension has been removed by Matt, Brian and myself and the tires have been mounted to wheels at this point.

Here are some pics of the front wheel being mocked up. It will likely sit 1.5-2 inches higher than this pic. (Ran out of wood to lift the tire/wheel higher into the fender well. Should have decent room for turning clearance.

IMG_0618 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr



IMG_0602 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_0597 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr


20151231_151723 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr


20151231_151653 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

[63RamblerClassic]

And I found an NOS grille for the car for a decent price.

A small video of the work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvNCVsnhxgA .

IMG_09641 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_09651 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_09661 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_11271 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_11301 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_11371 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_11391 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_11441 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

VZM.IMG_20160114_1707461 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

- - - Updated - - -

Brian at http://www.utpracecars.com welded in the Heidts Mustang II front Cross-Member and mounted the control arms so we could determine how the wheel would turn within the front fender wells.

Here are some progress pics and some welding pics of Brian.

Wilwood Brakes should be here next week.

IMG_1475 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1492 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1511 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1520 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1526 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1530 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1534 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1537 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

- - - Updated - - -

IMG_1627
IMG_1634
IMG_1663
IMG_1678
IMG_1694

- - - Updated - - -

we mounted up the ididit column and NRG innovations quick release hub, and steering wheel. Also placed the seats in where we plan to mount them.

IMG_1753 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1741 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_1759 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

[63RamblerClassic]

IMG_2556 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2516 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr


IMG_2597 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2635 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2656 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2661 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

[chevymike]

That is bad ass! Very nice build on a not common platform. Well done!

[RaceFace]

Great stance and nice work!!!

[Zoomin]

You gotta love any build where the wheels and tires cost more than the car.

[63RamblerClassic]

Thanks guys.

Here are some more updates.

IMG_2585 by kcoxphoto, on FlickrIMG_2563 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2609 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2607 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2666 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2668 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2644 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr
IMG_2630 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_16031 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_15991 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_15981 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_15951 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_15861 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_15841 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_3145 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_3134 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_3128 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr


IMG_2934 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_2929 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_2923 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

20160413_1658361 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

20160413_1658011 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

20160413_1655131 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

20160413_1654431 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

[63RamblerClassic]

This week the floor is getting finished, engine bay is getting some paint and the underside of the car is getting coated in lizard skin. Once dried final assembly begins on the suspension.

20160416_135024 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

[Peanut1959]

Love these offbeat projects! Subscribed!

[injcted]

This is a such cool car! I know these guys personally and glad they did something off the map!

[Godbolt]

Looks great. Very cool project.

[Jetfixr320]

Wow, very nice!

[Rolling_Thunder]

Holy Crap! Not usually a fan of these bodies but OMG you f***ing nailed it!

[Zspoiler]

It may date me .but I remember those growing up. And with all the nice work you have done with the car .You are going have have something very unique ,and a lot more style than the newer cars .Of which are become more and more "cookie cutter" cars.Its sometimes hard to tell the difference .Live on "Rambling Rambler"

[Dave B]

Very Nice! Love the choice of car, something different.

[keepat]

very cool car and awesome job!!!
Pat

[Protour_Pinto]

Looks like a pretty solid starting point, especially for Michigan.

Any plans on boxing in the ends of the front cross member, I know on heavier cars I have seen problems with the thru bolts for the LCA bending and tearing away.

I love that its not a Camaro/Mustang/C10.

[63RamblerClassic]

Thanks everyone! The end is in sight. Should be final assembling the suspension this coming week/weekend.

[63RamblerClassic]

Engine Stuff. Just a 5.3 LM7 by www.sdparts.com.

IMG_20160422_200110 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_20160423_181021 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

IMG_20160424_173246 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

received_10154148409031908 by kcoxphoto, on Flickr

[Josh@Ridetech]

Love it. Great job! I can't wait to see more.