Thoughts on a '63 Rambler PT project

[Crafty One]

I've been looking for another project since I sold off my Camaro. I came across a '63 Rambler Classic 770. It is a factory V8 car. I'm just having mixed thoughts since it's a 4dr. If it had been a 2dr or a wagon.... then there would be no question.

[asifnyc]

I would hold out for a 2 door...

[Bryce]

Its different, So I would say DO IT.

[The Stickman]

I am of two minds here. Before I bought my wagon I would say only 2 door. But having my wagon makes it so easy to take more than just two people. Just easier to get in. So 4 doors can be nice that way. Now a wagon would be better IMO. But I will say these Ramblers and Studebacker Larks are really great for PT cars. I saw a Lark over the weekend and forgot how small they are. They should be a great car all around because of their size and weight.

[showa]

Maybe think of the 4 door as more Grand Touring than Pro- Touring....

[Crafty One]

I'm still debating... I do have two small kids, so the extra 2drs would help... One plus is the car is very solid. It has some rust, but it would not need a new roof like the Camaro did. That would allow more time spent on the suspension and drive line.....

[Bill Howell]

We need a sticky thread like this so people can fill in the blank.

How about a ______________ for a PT car?

No matter what the blank is, the answer boils down to this. Are you building a car you plan to keep or building one to sell? Ask yourself that simple question and then the answer to your original question is automatically answered. If you like that body style and really want a cool, different protouring car, by all means, jump into the water, it is fine. If you are on the other hand one of those that can not wait to sell it once you build it, HELL NO, because not many people are going to want a 4dr Rambler for $75K or even $25K and you will have that much in one if you do it right.
Like any other car out there that is not main stream there will be a lot of extra time and work planning and building this particular car.

Personally, I have built two PT cars that are not Camaros. However, neither where built to resale so I don't care if people like them enough to pony up the cash to buy one. BUT I did build a 80 malibu that I did sell. It sold for $25K, probably the most money a 80 malibu has ever brought, and I still lost $10K on it. So if it is an investment, build only 69 camaros if you want to get your money back.

I have gone back and read this post again and wanted to add this. I am in no way being a smart ass here or being negative at all about your car. Just trying to post something I feel is useful to you in your decision. The question has come up many times in the past, and when you put it out there for the whole internet to respond you will get that many different answers but how does that really help you make the final decision. My post, I hope, comes from not only personal experience on the matter, but real facts about it instead of just another opinion.

[1360]

I'd build it, but be reasonable w/ the costs....good looking car.

Nothing wrong w/ being different.....only so many ways to build a Camaro (I've owned 3, so no hatin' here).

[Crafty One]

No offense taken there Bill... I'm not looking to build and sell this car... just looking for something different. I'm wanting to build a nice driver with a few upgraded parts for the car.... now that can be as simple as a mustangII front end and some C6 brakes... and that would be a hell of an upgrade over the cars stock setup.

From what I've seen, most people don't give a rip about the 4dr cars. I don't know how many times I've heard that only 2dr cars make good hotrods. That is one reason I'm kind of drawn to this car... it's small, light, and has room for the family on that saturday night cruise...

Maybe I should have titled the topic differently.... I'm guessing it might have read.... How do you feel about a 4dr PT project?

[cmraman]

I've been looking for another project since I sold off my Camaro. I came across a '63 Rambler Classic 770. It is a factory V8 car. I'm just having mixed thoughts since it's a 4dr. If it had been a 2dr or a wagon.... then there would be no question.

Go for it. We need a little something different. Besides, I have seen a '57 Wagon on an autocross this year with 5 people in it laughing their a@# off. Looked like fun.

[Bill Howell]

Google it because I am lazy tonight, but there is a guy from my hometown in Macon that built one a couple years back that was turboed and won one of the Horsepower/Street Car competitions. Cool car and people loved it because it was different. If you go over to Lateral-g, there is a guy (Tom) that was doing one similar, his was a two door before life got in the way. He was doing a LS in it, and has alot of the issues of fitment worked out. I can promise you this, if you build something different, but cool, people will trip over the sea of camaros to get to your car. That is a cool feeling, I can tell you, from first hand experience.

[Bill Howell]

http://hotrod.automotive.com/78177/h...nspection.html

Here is the article on Brian's car. Of course, his is more drag race oriented, but you get the point. I can remember seeing it at Turkey Run in Daytona that year and people were walking around several 69 camaros in the Middle Ga. Cruisers Club parking to get to see this car.

[1360]

Go for it!!

[Crafty One]

I read about his car in a few different places. It is one of the only modded ones I have been able to find. Most of the ones I have found are, of course, 2drs and wagons. The majority are also the American's and not the Classic versions of the car. It seems that this car usually tends to be a "purist" type of restored car.

[68Formula]

Why would you want to do anything outside the box? Build a Camaro like everyone else? LOL!

I think it's an awesome project. Can't wait to see the results.

[PhillipM]

I know where there is a 64 Rambler 2 door here in AZ. Could be for sale. PM BTefer as it belongs to him. Or you can let me know if you would be interested. It is a pretty clean little car.

[Radlark]

Man I am all about being different I think you should build! It would garner attention because it is something you dont see every day as opposed to a Chevelle or Camaro or a GTO! I would build with a moderate budget as well , I think it would be cool, its not your run of the mill 1st gen Camaro

[David Sloan]

I have a 62 rambler two door post car that could be picked up for a good price, it is just a shell but it is pretty solid.
I think it would be a sick little car to put a full frame under it nice an low.

[dsittler]

Go ahead and do something different, I like different!!!

Derek

[2ndgenhunter]

I would build it and charge for rides at the track or autocross. LOL
Those lil cars remind me of a holden for the 70s. Good luck with whatever you build.