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1973 Gremlin X 258 auto "Gretchen" Project |
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gretchenthegremlin
AMC Fan Joined: Nov/29/2017 Location: Alabama Status: Offline Points: 26 |
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Posted: Nov/30/2017 at 9:15am |
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New to the AMC world. Just got this lovely little car a few months ago. Have not had time to actually work on it yet, as I have alot of other projects ATM...
I do however have a few things I know the car needs and I am looking for suggestions on how to repair or what parts to replace them with....... Suspension Bushings- Where did you get yours? What Brand are they? Front Disc Brakes- Did you replace the calipers? I was considering it, since my car has been sitting so long, I do not expect them to be in great shape. Rear Drum Brakes- I cannot decide if I want to leave them be, or replace with discs. Suggestions and opinions welcome here. Ball Joints and Idler arms- What is the best brand? On one of my Toyotas, I always had issues with Ball Joints, if I did not get a certain brand, the car did not like them at all, and they would go bad in just a few weeks after installation. Vac and Fuel lines- I may have to do this by trial and error but does anyone know offhand what all sizes of lines and about how much I will need? I dont want to take them all off and then take the old crap to the auto store, because I am paranoid that I will not remember where something goes. I mean, it is pretty simple but still. In cases like that I mark them all with paint pens but I dont wanna do that to this car. My luck the paint pen would not come off haha!! My car is missing the distributor completely. I have already bought a new one, which was highly recommended brand by fellow gremlin owners. So that is one thing lol!!! My radiator was not capped but I believe it can be repaired, I plan to take it to a shop next week or so to have them check it. I got my gas tank off, plan to send it off to get cleaned and whatnot. I am worried because I found some teeny tiny rusted thru spots on it. I hope they can fix it. I noticed a part or two missing off the carburetor. I wanted to keep the original one, but I may just have to go with a Weber. I will also be oiling everything that moves asap, when I get around to cleaning her out. She does not have a back window, so naturally, there is alot of pinestraw and crap in there. Any cool Air Cleaners? I saw an Edelbrock one once on eBay that was chrome. I kinda wanna chrome alot of the stuff under the hood, because I will be getting the Cragar Chrome 5 spoke wheels for Gretchen. I will be leaving all the body damage and rust for now. I will sand it, clean it up real good, and clear coat everything. I think she will look really cool that way. Anyways, I cannot wait to drive this car and I am so excited to start working on it. Look forward to becoming part of the online community :-)
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SirDigger
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: May/23/2012 Location: Germany Status: Offline Points: 2455 |
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Woohoo lots of Questions
You´re welcome, you will lower the average age of the forum about half a year. |
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SirDigger&his german Friends are looking for Parts http://theamcforum.com/forum/the-german-amc-forum-ambassadorsirdigger-needs_topic83570.html
1970 Javelin SST 304 1970 Javelin SST 360 |
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gretchenthegremlin
AMC Fan Joined: Nov/29/2017 Location: Alabama Status: Offline Points: 26 |
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kalve
AMC Nut Joined: Nov/04/2012 Location: Charleston WV Status: Offline Points: 279 |
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there is also a vendor directory on this site of companies that sell AMC parts & go to http://www.searchcraigslist.org/ an see what you can find there as well as ebay & check youtube & aaca forum for help an tips to.
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1964 T bird Landau
2000 Mercedes Benz CLK 430 convertible 1970 AMC Rebel SST Wagon |
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Kensey
AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/05/2015 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Status: Offline Points: 515 |
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I've got a rear window for sale. Pretty nice, complete. It is the style with two latches that hold it shut. My 72 Gremlin has the single latch so I can't use it. I don't know the year. I can send you picts.
I'd take $70 for it, plus shipping.
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Gremmy Power!!!
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Pdok
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Apr/03/2011 Location: Alabama Status: Offline Points: 1025 |
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From the pictures I've seen of '73, you should have the one latch version? Check that out, and if so, I've got one in Birmingham, AL with a defroster grid. I bought it a while ago for $50, never even opened the box to look at it in 5 years. I could get rid of it for $50. I was in Oklahoma at the time, thought the defrost was a possible upgrade, then gave up because the wiring was too much hassle.
Anyway, it's yours if you want it at $50.
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76 Grem X 258/904,4.0 head/MPFI, Comp X250H cam, Hughes springs, Clifford header, serpentine swap.
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Pdok
Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Apr/03/2011 Location: Alabama Status: Offline Points: 1025 |
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Oh, definitely you don't need to upgrade from rear brake drums. You do need to completely rebuild them and check operation. Mine were rusted solid at the cylinder, and I drove it for 2 years without knowing that and didn't notice anything. Even after a complete rebuild of the rear brakes, I didn't really notice a difference in braking (except the rears can lock up now and skid). The front discs do all the heavy braking work anyway.
Budget might not allow, but I'd recommend new cylinders, hoses, and pads, and check drums for roundness and diameter. While you're there, flush the brake system entirely with DOT 3 or higher synthetic. If you find excessively rusty lines, that's a concern. On suspension, I'd only plan to replace what you know for sure is bad. If someone lubed regularly, you might not be that bad off for a while. (Moog is not the respected brand it once was, but it may be what's available.) I wish I knew a good alignment/suspension place in town, but I had an old-school guy check mine over in Oklahoma, and he knew enough to do it right without the lasers. I'd suggest an inspection by someone honest and not trying to sell you a new front end, if you can find one. Check out this link for a 1973 AMC Tech Service Manual, and start reading up on everything, including vacuum line routing. |
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76 Grem X 258/904,4.0 head/MPFI, Comp X250H cam, Hughes springs, Clifford header, serpentine swap.
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