Hot Rods '63 Rambler Classic 550

Just found this thread. Welcome to the HAMB @Greenblade, you've got a great project going. That Rambler has some nice lines to it, that's gonna be cool when it's done.

My #1 advice is to treasure these days working on it with your dad. The memories of working on cars with my dad are some of my fondest memories, and he taught me so much. Your dad is a wiz at this stuff, trust his judgment. I've been amazed watching his build threads as he works through issues, and how he comes up with solutions. Remember, these things take time, don't get discouraged when problems come up. Just keep working away at it, a little at a time, and it won't be long and you'll have a great car to cruise in.

 

Just saw this and love it great work bringing a Rambler back!

 

Got Rambolt into the shop and took the rear end out. Tried to see how the 8"ford would fit. There are quite a lot of things that need to be tweaked or straight up changed to make it fit well. But that was expected. Also screw the snow. Dang snow.

 

What a clean car! I really like the tall gasser look and I think that a light top and contrast bottom or vice versa is a natural for that roof line. Anyways, nice car and I will be following!

 

Thanks man, yeah it is really clean. That's one of the reasons why I chose it as my first classic. Its not going to have that gasser look for long though. I'm going for a Ford Thunderbolt inspired sleeper/drag car look.⚡

 

we built a subframe connector. It was a long process of cutting and fitting, which Dad did mostly. But it was fun. Seeing progress on Rambolt is exciting.

 

I did most of the work but you had to watch so you can learn.

 

Just for the record Brooks cut almost everything I pretty much marked and fit.

 

Nice frame connectors

 

I love the looks of that car! Nice job on the connectors.

 

Rambler did some cool stuff back when. The first electronic fuel injection that was put into a "low cost" production car happened in 1957 for Rambler, not many were made because it didn't work out very well. The electronics were not very high quality in 57. Also the first year the 327 Rambler was made (1959?) it was really quick, several magazines tested it when new and it beat most of the Fords and Chevys that year. It is good to be lightweight and powerful.

 

They sure are light weight cars. Finding that out working on this thing. Super thin metal, when you shut the doors it sounds like a tin can.

 

Brooks gave the old man the go ahead to build the drivers side subframe connector so we can focus on the trailing arm crossmember next building session.

 

...cool project,...here's a couple Ramblers I threw in the Friday Art Show...I mite sketch yours

 

Man you amaze me with your artwork!

 

Man, I'm looking at the underside of that car, and it's clean! I'm trying to do some rust repairs on a daily driver (06 Jeep), and I'm dealing with rot.

 

...here's quikie...

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Oh man Brooks is going to love that.

 

Wow! You draw really good

 

Yeah in amazed how clean it is. Other than the one big rust hole. Best of luck on your jeep!

 

Woah, that's AMAZING! Thanks for drawing it, thats really cool!

 

Thanks,...I know that's not a real "sleeper" look, but thot it'd be neat to show,...what driveline are you thinking?
...good luck with your project....it looks super solid.

 

came up with a low tech solution to get the rear end where it goes. I’m trying to do a little bit when brooks isn’t here to help work on the car. It’s tough to center everything up with one guy so I made a wood wheelbase jig to help locate everything. Now just get the rear centered side to side and then we can get the truck arms attached to the new center cross member.

 

Chevy 327 engine, turbo 350 trans, 8inch ford rear end

 

Brooks and my schedule hasn’t linked up for the last week plus. I have worked on his car after work so I can get it back on four wheels. I’d rather not tie up my shop all winter with a car on jack stands.
I have the 8” hung in the car although it’s just tacked at the moment. Next project on the list will be setting the motor and transmission in place then we can set pinion angle on the rear end and get is welded in.

 

Hey buddy, things are looking great looks like you enjoying the time spent with your son, that is great to see. I got the 61 Chevy Biscayne up and running working on some bugs but she's a driver so that make me real good, Merry Christmas and better New Year to you and your family.

 

This Rambler is a few years newer than yours, and not exactly a sleeper, but enjoy.

2016 Meltdown Drags Byron, IL...Mark's 1966 Gasser AMC Rambler - YouTube

 

Nice car! I love AMC'S.

 

I like it. Didn't those have that funky trunnion front end? I recall seeing them disabled by the side of the road.