1969 Rambler Longroof Budget Build

[Wagonator]

Started with an all original '69 Rambler American Wagon. Growing up in a bodyshop influenced me to pick the straightest rust-free car possible. That's the partial story, the other being that I love roof racks and green interior. I looked past the missing carb, rusted tank, and smoked trans. Told my wife the seats folded down, front to back, she invited me to sleep in it. However, now she's becoming my biggest supporter. It helps when I do all of my shopping at the picknpull and craigs. Currently running a Jeep 4.0 and AW4 auto. More updates coming. Be forewarned, no brand name dropping will be going on, not for now anyways. Current progress attached.



Before

[Thephranc]

Just what this place needs, more AMC!

[Wagonator]

Engine donor on half-off day. The Jeep 4.0 still has the mounting bosses on the block in the same place as the 1969 232 six that came out. I picked the only Jeep that had the hood closed, as someone had taken every oil fill cap out of all the engines I'd seen.

[Zanie]

Engine donor on half-off day. The Jeep 4.0 still has the mounting bosses on the block in the same place as the 1969 232 six that came out. I picked the only Jeep that had the hood closed, as someone had taken every oil fill cap out of all the engines I'd seen.

You are ready for TV with your product placement; the way you got the "Pick-n-Pull" sign in the background of your photo.
At first I though your "after" pick with the new wheels was photoshop.....nice sizing and rake.

[5spd540]

Cool I have a 69 american wagon I put a 83 258 and a 5spd in mine

[Wagonator]

Put some ebay special NASCAR LM Eibach rear coils on the front this last weekend. $30/ea plus shipping. Original rate was ~80lb/in, new springs are 150lb/in. The springs mount directly on top of the spindle using a trunnion on these cars. Guessing they're very close to a 1:1 wheel rate judging by the lack of motion ratio and 5deg angle of the spring as installed. I'm currently trying to find the most affordable way to put a 180lb/in leaf under the rear. This should keep the frequency ratio front to rear at around 1.2. The car originally came with 100lb/in springs that are 2" wide. I've been spending a lot of time going over the '69 Trans Am Javelin's for ideas, as they share a lot of commonalities with the Rambler. Ford Crown Vic rotors are in the works for the front and I picked up a complete Explorer 3.73 limited slip 8.8 for $150. Interesting to note that the Jeep Grand Cherokee quick ratio power box is almost a bolt-in and the Crown Vic master cylinder has the same bore and stroke as my current manual cylinder. I'll keep you all posted. Any feedback on leaf springs is more than welcome. Currently looking at Total Control Mustang springs, they're very similar to the Rambler dimensions.

[Wagonator]

Wrecking yard brake special installed. These are off a gently used '01 Crown Vic. Gotta love AMC's bolt on spindles.

[oldsmobeast72]

Very cool build. Ill be following

[Wagonator]

Thrashed and got it ready for Bonneville Speed Weeks road trip. 1600 miles without any serious issues that I didn't see coming...had to rebuild my fuel delivery system in Nevada. It's amazing what poly bushings, doubled spring rates, Rockauto special KYB's, 4 wheel discs, and used Potenza's will do for a 60's car. Not bad for a total investment of about $2k. Still needs power steering and front sway bar install. Here's some links to my trip photos/videos.

Videos:
Samuel Regier - YouTube

Photos:
Bonneville 2013 - a set on Flickr

[Wagonator]

Cleaned it up:

[MichaelUser]

That long roof is sweet. The 4.0L is stupid tough with 300k not a problem on a GC or XJ. What was your mileage on that recent trip.

Thanks

[MichaelUser]

I'll keep you all posted. Any feedback on leaf springs is more than welcome. Currently looking at Total Control Mustang springs, they're very similar to the Rambler dimensions.

Call National Spring in San Diego http://www.nationalsprings.com/
or the guys at Deaver http://www.deaverspring.com/

At least they could help you in the right direction.


Thanks