Hot Rods '63 Rambler Classic 550

That is a real "Sleeper" you don't notice the LARGE tires from most angles. I could win some money on the street with that thing. Are you related to Farm Truck and Asian?

 

My Dad knows a guy who does art and stickers. We asked him to do this to the air cleaner. I love the look. He did a great job. also cleaned up and put the rear floor mat back in place. Not screwed in or anything just yet. Just in there temporarily for the incoming carshow.

 

This is a great build. An honest daily driver

 

Way to go! I wouldn't change a thing.

 

Not too much done today but progress all the same.
Gary, the guy working on the new wiring, came up and worked some more on the wires. So glad that's moving along.
I re-cleaned out the trunk. Decided to put the rest of my sound deadening in the trunk. Probably won't do much but did it anyway.

 

Lookin' good, how cool would it be to route your tailpipes out of the backup light holes in the rear bumper!

 

Yep, that could be kool if the tips matched the holes.

 

Brooks wants to do a play on the old Rambler twin stick console. Sometime back we started ruffing in a console and the last few days I’ve worked on it a bit more. The plan is to wrap the sides in a vinyl that somewhat matches the door panels and the top we will use some stainless steel that we will engine turn.

 

Yeah that ain’t happening. Exhaust is done and Brooks is running backup lights.

 

I put the yellow marker lights from a spare front bumper in the backup light holes on mine and use them for turn signals. Don't have a backup light right now, but planned on using a low profile LED type if I decide I need one. Right now I just look around behind the car before getting in and backing up if I'm in a dark place and need to back up -- which is seldom. Been doing that since 2003... so no hurry! Have a slim LED third brake light right above the tailgate rear glass. My exhaust exits right behind the right rear wheel, just like factory. Single 18" turbo muffler is in factory location (AMC/Jeep 4.0L straight six, EFI, 2.25" exhaust all the way back).

 

I've been looking for better condition front bumper for awhile, if you have one that you're willing to sell, I'd be interested.

 

This Rambler rocks - nice build!

 

Sorry, I don't. The lights were from a badly rusted bumper. Try joining www.theamcforum.com and asking about one. There are a couple people on the Facebook "AMC Rambler Classic" and "Rambler Ambassador Classic 1963/64" groups that may have one to sell. Won't hurt to check the FB "AMC Rambler Parts Seek-Sell-Buy-Trade" group either.

 

Center console got upholstered with foam and blue vinyl.
Today I worked on engine turning the center console steel. It took a LONG time to do the 2 metal pieces. But it was actually pretty fun. It went smoothly for the most part. Towards the end of the second metal piece, the bit was gunked up or something. Wasn't making clean circles. Still ended up nice. Tomorrow I work on the big metal piece. I CAN'T mess that one up.
Here's pictures;

 

Console turned out nice!

 

Looks great! Wanna come build me one?

 

VERY good job on the console! Will the upper part be hinged to open?

 

Damn after seeing Brooks pictures I have to do a shop clean. I don’t know what happened a tornado must have blown thru.

 

Looks awesome!

 

not another rambler build .! my grama had one when i was 5 . dont remember it being that kool ! you might have the only one in the state , country ? well at least in your town ! im running rambler caps to . exclussive company

 

Yes I will. I'm trying to find a low profile button or knob to open and close it. I know the originals had a key switch on it but I don't want another key to think about.
I plan on putting a small am/for radio in there too. Something I can connect my phone to. But that's a project for later after it's running

 

Thanks!

 

Thank you! It still has a bit to go

 

Good job there Brooks!
You might take a look at using a cabinet-type magnetic latch with a simple strap hanging out to open the lid. Just a thought...

 

I spotted the tornado in front of the drill press.

 

I wonder if a GM glove box latch would work..they’re not very big and pretty inexpensive. They used the same basic latch for decades. Just type “GM glove box latch” in google. Here’s a pic for reference

 

Lights work. Horn works. Reverse lights installed but currently not working, just for looks for now.

 

Oh and the exhaust cutouts work too. Can't wait to hear it when it's running. (Probably another week or 2 till it does)

 

Great job on the whole car and al of your repairs or improvements. This whole thread makes me feel good about a young guy taking an old car that most would say is not a cool car, and has made it into a cool car with mostly sweat equity. Keep up the good work! Showing the possibilities of an orphan car that many would pass over, but now will stop most people at the car show or cruise.

 

That’s what’s it’s about.

I have one of my three daughters into cars, but not HAMB friendly. And I’m fine with that, but she has my mentality, last week I came in and she was installing her short throw shifter. Asked her if she needed a hand “naw, I got this”

One out of three ain’t bad