barn find 1968 rambler american eco project!!

[euromodder]

I always applaud people with the courage to take their cars apart
It seems to be more popular in the States than over here though, where most - myself included - would shy away from such a task.

[slownugly]

The hard part is putting it back together. But it's a great feeling when you fire the engine up and take it for its first test drive

[zjrog]

As luck has it, I spotted a 63 Rambler 2 door in the local classifieds, for less than $1000, recent tune up even. And of course, now I remember my folks had a 60 or 61 Rambler that I might have been conceived in... The 63 was sold by the time I called. As I have a rebuilt Renix era engine, I would need all electrics and a 5 speed. Oh well. There is an Eagle waggy for under a grand...

[slownugly]

Ohhh that woulda been nice. Was it an American? Classic? Either way I believe both had a closed driveline so the swap wouldve been more involved but lots of fun!!

[zjrog]

It was a 1963 Rambler American. 6 cylinder flathead. I have a 4.0 engine, need a transmission and driveshaft, and I have a few Jeep rear axles ranging from 3.07 to 4.10 gearing. I probably think through too many projects as it is...

[slownugly]

for future reference a ranger rear will work well with the ramblers. plethora of ratios available. same bolt pattern wheels. easy to find parts for. one generation of them is only an inch longer than my american rear. hardest part is cutting off the old spring perches and mounting them underneath but even that isnt bad. also allows you to set your pinion angle at the same time. if anything happens to my rear im looking for one to replace it.

[slownugly]

I have a couple more wrinkles to get out but thats the gist of it

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by slownugly

The hard part is putting it back together.

I think about it as an excuse for the deletes

[night9]

Originally Posted by slownugly

The stock headers are prone to cracking enough, it sucks the aftermarket was worse!! I'm getting a factory style header with the head I'm getting.

The factory headers have much thicker material with better welds from what I remember but the Borla header was far superior in how smooth the inside of the piping. It just couldn't hold up to all the torque.

The seats look good. Its nice how simple their design is. I love classic cars they are so much easier (typically) to work on.

[zjrog]

Nice work on the seats. Love the color!

Naturally, I recently scrapped a Ranger 7.5" axle with 4.10s. As mentioned, my axles are Cherokee and Grand Cherokee axles.