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1964 Rambler 990-H

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Topic: 1964 Rambler 990-H
Posted By: Exzion
Subject: 1964 Rambler 990-H
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:13pm
My Grandfather and I have recently started a Resto/Mod on a Rambler Ambassador 990-H that we pulled out of a field.  Now for the Pictures.

Floor Pan Replacement






Trunk Pans.


Air Ride Plates



Front Spacers





Rear Spacers





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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB



Replies:
Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:18pm
Disregard any lack of welding/Grade 8 bolts on the air ride equipment.  My welder will not, safely and structurally, weld 1/4" plate steel, that said I'm having them professionally welded for safety.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: JavelinRob
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:26pm
hi where are the shocks going ???

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1970 sst 421 shivvy
1970 amx 390 4spd go pack


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:30pm
The car has external shocks.  They will be mounted in their factory location behind the Air-spring.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:31pm
In this picture you can sort of make out the old crusty shock and see it's top mounting location.



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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: gtoman_us
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:37pm
Excellent
Looks like mine had the same rust issues your did. 
I like the bag set up


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Moderator - Emeritus

Used to collect trophies, now I collect gas receipts and put on miles

1964 Rambler Ambassador Cross Country Wagon
1965 GTO
1931 Model A original survivor
"Flat Roofs are Cool"


Posted By: JavelinRob
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:52pm
ohh ok so use to 70 and up stuff ,no trunions had my share of those on my 69 javelin

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1970 sst 421 shivvy
1970 amx 390 4spd go pack


Posted By: dreadlock11
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:55pm

Mounts for the bags look great sir, alot nicer then mine forsure.....i dont know if you thought about this but you are most likely going to have some rubbing issues with the bags expanding after time



Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 9:58pm
There is a good 1" plus all the way around the bag at it's largest diameter (Deflated).

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: dreadlock11
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 10:06pm
oh good forsure then, picture didnt look it......what size bags do you have? and are you going to run engine driven compressor...or a couple in the back?....i just picked up a york, exicited to put it in when this snow melts and i can drive it...i finished the setup right before winter and never put it on the road so im getting the itch


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/05/2011 at 10:17pm
I'm going to run a 5 gallon tank with twin Viair 400C's.  In the front I have Ride tech 6781's which are basically just a Firestone 2100lb bag.  I'm running a custom Air management unit based on a Motorola HCS12 Microcontroller utilizing Ride tech's Air manifold and Range Rover Height sensors.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Feb/06/2011 at 11:19am
Looks like a nice well thought-out installation. Keep the photos coming!

The rust in the front firewall corners is typical of early Ramblers (pre 67). I haven't had any 67+ big cars, but never heard of any of those rust issues on those models.


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Frank Swygert


Posted By: Rocknthehawk
Date Posted: Feb/06/2011 at 6:14pm
Looks great. I have the bag parts for my '66, waiting til spring to install.
 
Do you have any measurments for your plates? I'd like to get a set cut/ordered before I tear my car apart to save time.


Posted By: Wrambler
Date Posted: Feb/06/2011 at 7:27pm
Yeah, if someone has those bag plates in a file I sure would like to have it, or be interested in buying the plates themselves.

Rust? That's not rust...

That was rust!


Seriously mine looks a lot like yours, and it appears you are getting yours done a lot faster than me!
For inspiration, The 65 ran that brace clear to the core and this was my replacement.




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Wrambler
69 AMC Rambler
4.0L, 5 speed
2015 Grand Cherokee Limited
2019 Chrysler 300


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/06/2011 at 7:38pm
My Father and I designed and engineered the bag mounts, I have the files in .cdr and .dxf formats but I really don't want to release them just yet. I would like to get a couple of miles on the setup to make sure there aren't any design flaws / unforeseen issues with them.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/06/2011 at 7:42pm
Originally posted by Wrambler Wrambler wrote:


Seriously mine looks a lot like yours, and it appears you are getting yours done a lot faster than me!


From pulling the car out of the field to where we're at now is only just over a month.

As for rust, I wish I would have taken more pictures of what I started with.  Lets just say that from what your pictures seem to indicate yours is a gem compared to mine, Unhappy.  Every horizontal surface except the roof will be replaced before I am done cutting rust out.  I removed the muffler with nothing buy my hands, through the trunk.


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Rocknthehawk
Date Posted: Feb/06/2011 at 7:51pm
Originally posted by Exzion Exzion wrote:

My Father and I designed and engineered the bag mounts, I have the files in .cdr and .dxf formats but I really don't want to release them just yet. I would like to get a couple of miles on the setup to make sure there aren't any design flaws / unforeseen issues with them.
 
 
Theres a 63 (i think) on s10forum.com that has really similar mounts. I haven't been able to get info from the builder yet.
 
When you do feel comfortable giving them out, I would appriciate a copy. Sure would save me a ton of time.


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/06/2011 at 8:05pm
It's possible that someone has similar mounts.  It's really the only legit way of mounting bags to this particular type of front suspension.  Do you have a link to the other build?

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Rocknthehawk
Date Posted: Feb/07/2011 at 6:29am
Here's the build:
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f30/project-bag-the-rambler-383783/ - http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f30/project-bag-the-rambler-383783/
 
My only concern with your build is seeing the sleeve bags. They do provide a nice ride, but remember their max and minimum dimensions when mounting. I think they're 4" collapsed (anything lower will tear them), and you may need limit straps to avoid over extending them.
 
I wont clog your thread with my ride, this is my previous bagged ride:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/rocknthehawk/Bodydrop/010-4.jpg - http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/rocknthehawk/Bodydrop/010-4.jpg


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/07/2011 at 8:03am
Your absolutely correct on the downsides of the sleeve type bag.  The limitations were taken into account when the shocks(used as limit straps) were measured and ordered and the pedestal mounts were designed.  The factory bump stop on the rear end will limit the bag to a 4.5" compressed height and the shocks are 1" shorter than factory which will limit the bag to no more than 12" when extended.


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/16/2011 at 5:53pm
Update:

I've put a little more thought into the characteristics of the torque-tube type suspension setup under my rambler.  If my math and my constants for the radius, and total suspension travel are correct, I get that during the full swing of my suspension the rear end assembly is going to try to move to the right by .9".  I would like to account for this by setting the car at ride height and with an adjustable bar (more on this later) set the rear-end on center.  Does anyone see any unforeseen issues with this approach?

My idea for the bar is pretty simple.  Two Heim joints and a piece of DOM tubing with two threaded inserts on either end.

Any foreseeable issues?


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Wrambler
Date Posted: Feb/16/2011 at 8:00pm
My first thought is hiems are noisy and wear fast on the street.
Otherwise the bar should lay flat at level and it seems you have firm handle on what is needed!

Go for it!


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Wrambler
69 AMC Rambler
4.0L, 5 speed
2015 Grand Cherokee Limited
2019 Chrysler 300


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Feb/17/2011 at 8:38am
At factory ride height the rear axle should be about centered, and only moves about 1/4" to the left or right during normal suspension movement. Assuming that, with bags it would move about 3/4" to the right (passenger side) sitting on the bump stops with air bags.

You might want to just make up a Watts Link for the rear. That would keep it centered at all times (except for extreme up/down movement, but that would require going well over the normal suspension travel). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt%27s_linkage.

This one would be easy to modify to fit the Rambler -- just alter the ends of the crossmember (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LAK-20505/). Wouldn't be too hard to make one up, or build a crossmember and use the universal kit from Speedway (http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Watts-Link,3398.html?sc=WGB&utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=GoogleBase -- would still need to make the axle mounts though).  Other kits mount to the diff cover, but that's harder to do than the crossmember center mount.






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Frank Swygert


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/17/2011 at 9:23am
I had looked into making a custom Watt's linkage for the rambler, but I really don't plan on driving it at any other height than ride-height.  The math seems to indicate that over 9.25" of travel the rear will move .9" towards the passenger side, Given that the bar does in-fact measure 43.25" long.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Feb/17/2011 at 9:45am
I never did the math. When I used a Jeep Commanche axle in my 63 Classic there was 3/4" between the wheel well edge and tire. With a light load (couple front seat passengers, 70-80 pound kid in back) there were no problems. We packed up for a long trip with luggage for all three of use for a three day weekend plus some stuff for a car show (about like luggage for a week) and the left tire scrubbed every time we hit a bump on I-10 between MS and TX (which is an undulating stretch of interstate!). It wasn't cutting the tire, just scrubbing a little. It could have been moving over 0.9", but I didn't think so. Having never done the math, but thought enough to turn the inner lip up, it may very well have moved that far. I'll trust your math!

With the stock axle it's not a problem. The Commanche axle is around 3" wider than the stock axle.  So it depends on your tire width/wheel backspace as to whether it will scrub or not. I was running 7" wheels with 3-3/4" backspacing, 1/4" more than a standard 7" wheel (which would be centered at 3-1/2"), 205/70R15 tires. I was using the stock rear springs, standard six cylinder wagon.


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Frank Swygert


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/17/2011 at 10:02am
I want to run a pretty aggressive width/offset.  That said, I am going to have to do something about the side to side movement.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Feb/17/2011 at 9:32pm
Well, a Watts Linkage will be about the only answer. A 7.5" wheel is about the largest practical size for the stock wheel well without modification. With a Watts Linkage an 8" wheel will fit, but you can't get too big with the tire - it will be tight!

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Frank Swygert


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Feb/25/2011 at 9:48pm
Update:

Air-ride management electronics are around 90% complete.









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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Feb/26/2011 at 7:26am
Nice wiring job!

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Frank Swygert


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/05/2011 at 9:33pm
Today's Progress.  Upon review it seems that my father didn't take any pictures when I was sandblasting,  That said everything that is black was sand blasted.












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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Felginator
Date Posted: Mar/06/2011 at 10:38am
Great progress, what type of sandblasting setup were you using?

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1965 Ambassador 990
1965 Marlin


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/06/2011 at 2:10pm
It's just a cheap Harbor freight 110lb unit tied to a 5 horse gas air compressor.  It's really a two man operation, One to blast and the other to shake the tank and keep the sand moving.  I wouldn't want to use it everyday but it serves it's purpose.

I wish I would have been a little more diligent with the camera so I would have some pictures of the car after it was blasted.


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/07/2011 at 7:39pm
More Painting.  Hoping that my new bushings come in so I can reassemble/install the front end and rip the rear out.






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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: amxdreamer
Date Posted: Mar/07/2011 at 9:50pm
That's a great idea for a drying rack. It's way more fun puting together nicely restored parts than taking apart ugly cruddy old parts!

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Tony
Vancouver, BC
1970 AMX
1972 Badassador
AMO#10333


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/09/2011 at 4:16pm
Reinstalled







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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: ramblinfsj
Date Posted: Mar/09/2011 at 4:35pm
I just started reading this thread and I'm blown away. You are doing a fantastic job! I'm lovin' the air bag setup. You diffinitely have some talent. The parts hanging from the latter remind me of my suspension rebuild on my American. I spent more time cleaning and painting than the actual rebuild but it's sure worth it. Keep doin what your doin and you'll be done in not time.

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1982 Jeep J-20
1965 Rambler American 220
1978 Jeep Cherokee w/401
1983 Jeep J-10
1979 Concord DL 2dr


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/10/2011 at 2:07pm
Rolling again.

Aired out.




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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: fast401
Date Posted: Mar/10/2011 at 4:14pm
Thanks for all the pics.  This is going to be one neat ride!

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Disturbing the peace since 1970!!!   AMX 19245
Facebook page - AMC Nation
www.fast-401.4t.com


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/13/2011 at 9:57am
Quarter panel Repair.

This is almost identical to the other side which we fixed. I'm terrible at slowing down for a minute to snap a picture so bear with me.



After I welded the panel in.


Obviously there is still some fine grinding to do and the obligatory body work.


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Mar/13/2011 at 1:29pm
You cut out that little bit of rust? You probably have more filler in the panel from smoothing the welds out than you would have from treating and filling that little bit! Doesn't even look like there was any rust through. But hey, nothing wrong with doing it the way you did, cleaning/treating/filling would have just taken a lot less time and effort. Either way the rust is gone. 

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Frank Swygert


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/13/2011 at 2:13pm
The picture might be alittle decieving. I would have cleaned and treated the metal if it was there... what your seeing in that picture is the inner wheel house and trunk floor return metal. The outer body sheet metal is completely gone. I will try to get some better pictures later.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/13/2011 at 2:51pm





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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Mar/13/2011 at 3:37pm
Yep, the original photos were indeed deceiving! 

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Frank Swygert


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/16/2011 at 4:11pm
Air Ride Update:

Just finished up linking my phone via Bluetooth to control the air ride system remotely.


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/18/2011 at 7:47pm
Update: More rust repair.





The Front Aired out.



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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: ramblinfsj
Date Posted: Mar/19/2011 at 8:13am
Nice work! I know how much work is involved in panel repair and you're doing a good job. How did you go about shaping the fender lip?

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1982 Jeep J-20
1965 Rambler American 220
1978 Jeep Cherokee w/401
1983 Jeep J-10
1979 Concord DL 2dr


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/19/2011 at 9:58am
Honestly, I don't know how he formed the lip.  My Grandfather has been fabricating the panels and I weld them in.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: ramblinfsj
Date Posted: Mar/19/2011 at 10:34am
Originally posted by Exzion Exzion wrote:

  My Grandfather has been fabricating the panels 
That's the best way to do it. Your Grandfather did good. I was also going to mention that I love your front yard. I love all those trees. I live in the baron wasteland of south plains of Texas and there aren't to many trees around here. I can stand on a bucket and watch my dog runaway for three days.

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1982 Jeep J-20
1965 Rambler American 220
1978 Jeep Cherokee w/401
1983 Jeep J-10
1979 Concord DL 2dr


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Mar/19/2011 at 2:04pm
Yeah, he generally stays one panel ahead of me and we just work our way around the car.  That is actually his backyard, the Rambler is at his house because my garage is full of MR2's and my Dad's cars.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/03/2011 at 4:20pm
Update:







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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: oldwood
Date Posted: Apr/03/2011 at 4:34pm
What kind of paint are you using after installing the new inside panels and the front inner panels?


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/03/2011 at 4:59pm
I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what your asking?  I haven't installed any "new" panels.  the front inner-aprons were sandblasted and then painted with this paint called Chassis black.  It's some pretty durable stuff, but it is almost impossible to clean off your skin.


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Zioamc
Date Posted: Apr/03/2011 at 5:14pm
gonna keep watching this build slick Ambassador coming !!!!

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      .....1969 Sc/Rambler....


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/03/2011 at 5:29pm
Thanks!

I hate to say it but updates are going to slow down here soon.  I'm using this car for my college senior project.  I have to show the air ride control system around the first week of May.  This means that I really need to reinstall some things such as the rear-end, height sensors, related wiring, ect.  So major progress is going to slow for a while as I prep the car for it's trip to where I go to school so that I can graduate.


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Apr/04/2011 at 10:42am
Keep us updated on the air system though. That's a major point of interest in this project. 

-------------
Frank Swygert


Posted By: jmhackney
Date Posted: Apr/04/2011 at 11:15am
Looking good.


Posted By: oldwood
Date Posted: Apr/04/2011 at 12:11pm
You answered my question about the paint. Thx.


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/04/2011 at 1:07pm
No Problem.  I'll make sure to document the rest of the air ride setup.  I'd like to run it through on more test before I have to present it.  Maybe I'll video tape the calibration routine and self-leveling system.

Small Update:

The Android Interface that can control my Air Ride System Via Bluetooth.


Button being pressed.



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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/10/2011 at 4:48pm
Small Update:

More Chassis Black:






Epoxy Primer:



Possible Wheel Selection?




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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Rocknthehawk
Date Posted: Apr/10/2011 at 7:19pm
Exzion, don't know if you noticed, i sent you a message


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/11/2011 at 11:09am
Yes, I've seen it.  I really don't want to give out the drawings until I get to test them out.  Also not all bags are universal. These plates are designed to work with my particular choice of air springs and most likely will not work with other types or manufactures of air springs.


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: DocCreer
Date Posted: Apr/11/2011 at 12:07pm
So what type of engine si going in this beast?

-------------
61 American
82 eagle limited


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/11/2011 at 12:11pm
Just the typical AMC 327.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Rocknthehawk
Date Posted: Apr/11/2011 at 6:11pm
Originally posted by Exzion Exzion wrote:

Yes, I've seen it.  I really don't want to give out the drawings until I get to test them out.  Also not all bags are universal. These plates are designed to work with my particular choice of air springs and most likely will not work with other types or manufactures of air springs.
 
Understandable....I don't need an education on air suspension though. I was mainly looking for the dimensions for the front plate welded to the trunion. I'll get it elsewhere.


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/11/2011 at 6:16pm
I personally wouldn't weld the plates to the lower spring perch. But I'm sure you know all about how air springs mount on the bottoms...


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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Rocknthehawk
Date Posted: Apr/12/2011 at 4:04pm
Originally posted by Exzion Exzion wrote:

I personally wouldn't weld the plates to the lower spring perch. But I'm sure you know all about how air springs mount on the bottoms...
 
I do, no need to debate here in your thread. As I said earlier, and posted a picture, I'm not new to air suspension. I had a bodied truck for years.
 
I see now looking closer, it looks like you're bolting your lower bag plate through the trunion, as opposed to welding a ring around the outside. Either way, I was asking for a simple dimension, which I'll find elsewhere, or measure myself when I have time.
 
 
 
I was under the assumption it was done similar to this:
 
 


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/12/2011 at 4:36pm
Correct, My lower plates are bolt on.  The air springs that I am using are of higher quality than what was used in that build and subsequently mount differently.

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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Rocknthehawk
Date Posted: Apr/12/2011 at 7:21pm

"of higher quality"? come on man. I dont want to trash your thread, but saying slams are low quality is a joke, or even lower quality than firestones is just wrong.



Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/12/2011 at 8:21pm
I'm sorry, I'm going to have to politely ask you to leave my thread.  You have not contributed anything productive to my build or offered any insightful information on your supposed "knowledge" of air suspension.  In fact you have done nothing but question my choices of air springs, mounting methods, and reasons for not just handing out my work.  Normally these questions are acceptable but you have not presented any basis or background information on your viewpoints.


Now, as for my preference of air springs.  I chose to go with Firestone bags for a couple of reasons.  First, Firestone has been around since 1900 and making air springs since 1938.  They are one of the largest companies producing not only air springs but other air suspension components for the industrial commercial market. Second, Firestone stands behind their product with a full lifetime guarantee against bag defects and failures related to normal use.  Third, RideTech which in my opinion is an extremely reputable and reliable company uses almost exclusively Firestone air springs.

Am I saying Slam Specialties produces a bad product? No.  Am I saying that I want more than a 90 day warranty? Yes.  Do I want to buy from a 'scene' type vendor that has an unprofessional looking website? No.  Do I trust the company that places air ride systems on cars worth well over what even the most show worthy s-10 is worth? yes.  That is why I went with what RideTech recommends and that is Firestone.




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1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/15/2011 at 8:15pm
Some wheel discussion:

So, I'm pretty set on running 03 cobra wheels on my 990.  In the rear I'm pretty confident that I can run a 9" wide wheel with a +26mm Offset and a 245 tire.  The front on the other hand is going to require a spacer/adapter.  Generally I'm not the biggest fan of spacers and adapters but since this is more of a cruiser type car rather than an Auto-X toy I don't think it will create any issues.  In the front I'd like to run an 8" wide wheel.  The issue is that 8" cobra wheels are only offered in a +12mm offset.  This spaces the wheel way to far in and it rubs on the tie-rod end and lower trunnion.  To resolve this I'm going to run a 20mm adapter which will set the effective et of the wheels at -8mm.

Has anyone else on here run an aggressive wheel/tire combo on anything remotely close to my car?


-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/17/2011 at 1:57pm
Air Ride Update:

This weekend my grandfather and I worked on getting the Air system back on the car and functional in preparation for my trip to Williamsport with the car for my presentation.

Temporary install of electronics.  The trunk will eventually be fully encased in wood, More on that later.



Front End.  The weights are there in an attempt to dampening the oscillation from the air springs.  When the car is at full weight there won't be any problems at all.



Videos:

Sensor Calibration Routine:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h296/Exzion911/?action=view&current=Calibration_Routine.mp4">

From Bump stops to "ride height"
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h296/Exzion911/?action=view&current=Going_to_rideheight.mp4">

Adjusting to Load:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h296/Exzion911/?action=view&current=Adjusting_to_load.mp4">

Articulation:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h296/Exzion911/?action=view&current=Articulation.mp4">

General/Front Wheel:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h296/Exzion911/?action=view&current=FrontWheel.mp4">

Manual Switches that will be mounted in an Ashtray.
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h296/Exzion911/?action=view&current=Switches.mp4">


-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: steelheart3c
Date Posted: Apr/18/2011 at 6:02pm
ssooooooo awesome.
That setup is legit! love the bluetooth connectivity!

Keep up the great work!


Posted By: Uncle Bud
Date Posted: Apr/18/2011 at 6:12pm
[QUOTE=steelheart3c]ssooooooo awesome.
That setup is legit! love the bluetooth connectivity!

Keep up the great work!
 I agree. 

-------------
Buddy

1964 American 440H "Tortue Grande Vitesse"


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/18/2011 at 6:20pm
Thanks Guys!  The next major step is making some aggressive wheels fit under the body.  After the slight modifications required to the body to make them fit the body work will begin.  I'm shooting for having it in drivable status by the end of the summer.


-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/20/2011 at 4:17pm
Geeky Update:

A quick wiring diagram.




-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/20/2011 at 4:36pm
Photobucket's compression ruins the detail of the drawing.

-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Apr/30/2011 at 1:01pm
I want to thank the select few AMC guys that I ran into at the spring Carlisle Swap Meet.  While I didn't find anything today I feel like I have some great guys out looking for me.

-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: May/20/2011 at 5:58pm
Update:










-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: DocCreer
Date Posted: May/20/2011 at 11:26pm
so is that motor rebuilt?

-------------
61 American
82 eagle limited


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: May/21/2011 at 4:34pm
No, I just re-sealed the entire thing.  It only has roughly 60k miles on it and it sounded good when we had it running.  The cylinder walls still look good and everything spins nicely.

Today's Progress:







-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: May/23/2011 at 7:42pm
Update:





-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/11/2011 at 2:09pm
Update:








-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: nali
Date Posted: Jun/19/2011 at 6:11pm
Really nice !!!
I didn t know Bluetooth controllers are available .
What do you use for this ?
It seems the whole electronics are a kit you had to solder , but maybe I m wrong .
It would be a cheapest way than a "ready to plug" controller ..
I tried googling Air Ride Bluetooth, but could not find anything yet .


-------------
No more car :)
Maybe a 1965 Ambassador Coupé someday .. If I can find a cheap one.


Posted By: Zioamc
Date Posted: Jun/19/2011 at 8:17pm
I'm digging this build ...great job !!

-------------
      .....1969 Sc/Rambler....


Posted By: DocCreer
Date Posted: Jun/19/2011 at 9:38pm
coming along great....love the engine choice

-------------
61 American
82 eagle limited


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 4:58am
The entire setup is custom.  As far as I know there are currently no complete systems or kits on the market that utilize Bluetooth communications for control of the system.


-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 11:38am
Sorry for the short reply this morning, I was running late.


My current setup consists of a HCS12 microcontroller mounted on a dev board from Axiom, a modified relay board, an 5VDC regulator, and a rs232 to bluetooth adapter. I spec'ed and programmed all the hardware and software. The height sensors are modified land rover units.

I'll post more later when im on a computer rather than my phone.

-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: nali
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 1:11pm
 Another geek :P
This give the idea of using an Arduino ...
It would be a nice winter project , but I m really slow for programming and build electronics , since I stopped doing it regularly a few years ago .


-------------
No more car :)
Maybe a 1965 Ambassador Coupé someday .. If I can find a cheap one.


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 5:13pm
I had considered an Arduino but in the end I chose the Motorola Processor.

-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: nali
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 6:07pm
My choice would be Arduino , because there s a lot of information about it , and I could dev using Linux :P
But for now , it s just an idea , I don t know if input / output are enough .
What s the logic in your system ?
You decide a height , check it on each wheel with the Rover sensors and adjust pressure in real time to keep the car flat even in curves ?


-------------
No more car :)
Maybe a 1965 Ambassador Coupé someday .. If I can find a cheap one.


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 6:52pm
Im not currently doing an active system. Its extremely dangerous to adjust pressures on the fly. The lag time with air delivery is substantial. Quick turns would get ugly with the latency in adjustments. A couple pages back there's more info and videos on my system. Im working on the car now so im on my phone again so please bare with me on the brevity of my posts.

-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: nali
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 7:26pm
I ve seen the system . Just wonder the way you used for the electronics .
I also think a real time approach would kill the solenoid quite fast ...
Keep on working :P



-------------
No more car :)
Maybe a 1965 Ambassador Coupé someday .. If I can find a cheap one.


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 7:38pm
When I get some time I'll paste an outline of my algorithm for the auto-leveling.  At it's current level of complexity there are many places where I can make not only coding optimizations but functionality ones as well.  I'm planning on developing my system into much more than just an air-ride controller.  I'm only running my board at 4MHz so there's plenty of speed and memory left to play with :).


-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: nali
Date Posted: Jun/20/2011 at 9:18pm
Thanks , this would be nice .
The most interesting part is the algorithm .
You may already know the code is not so important . It can be C , Perl , tcl/tk ..


edit :
I just learned a friend of mine is about to get a Land Rover for the engine ( he has a Triumph was a really bad rebuild 215 , mains brokens , ) .  Mains bearing on the wrong side . etc ..
I did better when I was 15 yo ........

Which Land Rover has height sensors ? Do you know where they are ?

Thanks a lot , the rest of the car will be scraped ( rolled  while probably trying to beat a Hummer on a trail :P ) , so I may have a chance to have parts for cheap .


-------------
No more car :)
Maybe a 1965 Ambassador Coupé someday .. If I can find a cheap one.


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/21/2011 at 3:36am
My height sensors came from a 2006 Land rover sport. There only like ~$20 a piece new.

-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/25/2011 at 2:51pm
Update:
















-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: nali
Date Posted: Jun/25/2011 at 3:53pm
Thanks for the info about the sensors .
Nice shop .
I love the way you work , it s really clean .
Is it rust or dust down the windshield , for the defrost ? I don t know the right word ... If it is rust , you may know those car rust a lot here and then leak just over the heater . Maybe using epoxy or anything to stop it .
High energy air filter :P
I like the vented drums !!!! I want the same :)


-------------
No more car :)
Maybe a 1965 Ambassador Coupé someday .. If I can find a cheap one.


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/25/2011 at 7:59pm
That's actually Fiberglass down in the cowl.  There were many small pin holes in the under dash metal.  It was almost to the point that I could justify cutting it out and replacing it with metal but I felt that it was an acceptable place to use fiberglass as I didn't want to take a chance with burning my paint off.

-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: Exzion
Date Posted: Jun/26/2011 at 5:07pm
Update:

My Father and I took a ride over to check on my interior.





-------------
1964 Rambler Ambassador 990
1965 Rambler Marlin - Parts
1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 CCLB


Posted By: fast401
Date Posted: Jun/26/2011 at 8:15pm
I'll have the Coors light in the background!!!!!!!

-------------
Disturbing the peace since 1970!!!   AMX 19245
Facebook page - AMC Nation
www.fast-401.4t.com



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