Will It Run? - FORGOTTEN 1963 AMC Rambler Ambassador

[@ramblerdave1339]

Had a '64, same color combo! 327 2bbl. Turned 16.8 at Detroit Dragway, won my class and 4 more rounds of Pure Stock eliminator, with it in 1969. Helpful hint: these engines have nylon coated cam gears, like Pontiac V8s. The nylon gets brittle with age, and if it fails at idle, the engine will maybe survive. At speed, you'll need new valves and pistons. If you buy one used, immediately replace the timing set with one with all steel gears. Otherwise, it's a stout, reliable engine. Make sure when you put the rocker shafts back in, that the hollow bolts go in the rear holes on each side. Thats where the rocker arms get oil from. I've seen those bolts so full of sludge, that you cant tell them from the solid ones. Join the AMC Rambler Club, or The American Motors Owners Association (AMO), to find parts suppliers. There is a Rambler 327 specialist, Kevin Nichols, in Metamora, Ohio, that is a good source for 327 parts, and engine rebuilding. .

[@Electra225]

You have there a beauty of a Rambler. I am so impressed as to the condition it is in, overall. The interior is in really fine shape and just watching the car come off the flatbed truck gave me a thrill! I hope that you continue to work on getting this back on the road. Thanks for the video!

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

Thanks! You'll be happy to know the car is most of the way through its restoration by now.

[@brettjones5041]

i just love these old ramblers . a great car .

[@alanblanes2876]

This car deserves a complete restoration.

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

It is currently apart and receiving a mild restoration. Mainly fixing the vent cowl and fender braces.

[@raybrindos4514]

Another guy has one of these. 327 with a 4 barrel carb. He found most of the parts on Rock Auto.

[@BigBlock402]

Thats cool , I just picked up a 1965 AMC Rambler Ambassador 990 a month ago. Its in decent shape with great patina as well. Ill be watching what you do to this one. Thanks for sharing

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

Thanks. They are neat cars for sure.

[@robertsimmons1716]

Gorgeous car!

[@diamondranch44]

I have a 63 amc ambassador 880 with the 327, with a posi rear she sure is a tire burner! I need to rebuilt the engine but parts are a crap shoot I might just swap in a 440 and a 727.

[@erictate8986]

WheelsForgotten Hello Friend I just subscribe to your channel and Happy New year's to you and your family 2023 😃😃🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪💪💪🥳🥳🥳👍👍👍

[@erictate8986]

WheelsForgotten Hello Friend would like to see the further project of the AMC Rambler Ambassador that your work on so keep us Posted OK 👍 👍👍

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

Currently working on an update now.

[@beaterville]

Amc of this era up to the 67 and becoming Rebals and Ambassador, was the use of enclosed drivelines. Also the front suspensions used trunions and can wear out. Vacuum wipers were in use into the late 70's. Converting to electric? You will need the complete system to make this happen! Have owned many Ramblers. Fun to drive and worth owning.

[@mpetersen6]

I had three AMCs from the 70s. They all had electric wipers. Intermittent even.

[@cipherthedemonlord8057]

My 64 has the same problem with the rusted cowl but everything else is fine. You can rebuild the fuel pump a kit is on Ebay or was for me last few months ago but not the wiper half so be careful taking it apart. The tank can be saved because no one makes reproductions. Get some gravel and white vinegar and start shaking then pressure wash out as best as possible. Then buy some tank sealer after you patched the holes. There is a place online that sells the correct style sending unit too.

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

All the sheetmetal has been replaced. New video coming soon. I have a rebuilt pump for it. The tank was completely junk. I sourced a used tank that was hot tanked and pressure tested at a radiator shop. On motorcycle tanks I use Oxalic Acid. Stronger than vinegar and leaves a surface that doesn't flash rust.

[@rwrws8318]

A lot of the Jobbers and suppliers for Rambler and AMC are still in business in Wisconsin, I used to restore International Scouts and they used a lot of the same suppliers. I am told that Rambler shared a plant with Scouts at one time, (It was either Shadyside (In Pittsburgh PA or the one in Terra Haute IN) It has been so long I don't remember which. Several of the engines Rambler and Jeep shared, although some of the parts on there were different.

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

Thanks, I actually did a 78 Scout II a few years back.

[@darrellstumpf]

An amazing original 65 yr old car. Restore? They are only original once and this one is exceptional. Engine parts are available but not like big 3 where still make stuff or lots out there these were very comfortable and reliable.

[@ereeves9855]

I have a1963 Rambler 770 Classic. You have a 1963 Rambler Classic 990 Ambassador.. Your car looks like an amazing survivor. Best of luck in getting it to full driving condition. Check under fenders near cowl for rust. Water sits in cowl area and rust out that area. Lots of parts available but sources can be limited. You need this book which available from several sources online. 1963 Rambler Classic 6 & Ambassador V8 Service Manual.

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

The cowl, fender braces, and firewall were completely rotten. All the sheetmetal has been fixed at this point.

[@rwrws8318]

I had one of these in 1965. There is a carburetor rebuilder in Florida that will rebuild these. Some of the parts from a jeep 327 Vigilante will cross.

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

Thanks, I found a 4bbl manifold for it already and will probably run something aftermarket

[@geralderdek282]

The rear main seal of my 59 Ambassadors been leaking for the last 25+ years. I keep telling myself I'm going to replace it. Hasent happend yet! Easier to just add oil I guess. 🤔

[@Dougc3157]

That it a great AMC Ambassador, you should restore it to its former glory. They were very good cars with great quality. Leave it stock

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

Car is having a mild restoration currently. We are battling rust damage from the heater core and vent cowl and a lack of good sheet metal available.

[@Barcheta603]

Model extremly famous poppular, and beloved in my country Argentina , since decades!!!!! here this same model was called, '' fish mouth''!!!

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

Thanks for watching and the information!

[@johnhauschulz6388]

My father and I ran across this car while shopping for a car for my older sister it had a three on the tree with a very loud Muffler my sister was not interested at all but I thought it was cool Circa 1973

[@widowmaker0426]

ware are you getting your amc parts i have a 64 770 two door classic

[@marcmenton8063]

I would contact planet Houston they should be able to help with suppliers. At this point you are far along in tear down and if you truly like the car you might as well rebuild the engine. Egge pistons have a lot of internal stuff sms should help with interior parts. It’s a nice start

[@chrisweimer937]

Mikes carburetor has kit

[@rwrws8318]

Hopefully your power brakes aren't vacuum brakes.

[@dansmusic5749]

You DO know not to start an engine that has not been run in a long time without making sure there is oil circulated throughout the internal parts, right? A drill on the distributer drive to pump up the the lifters is a good idea. Serious damage can occur in seconds on a dry engine. Fortunately the AM 327 is bullet proof.

[@wheelsforgotten9049]

You do know that if you arnt planning a full rebuild on an engine that's been sitting for decades, you're just kidding yourself anyway? This engine recieved a full tear down/inspection/rebuild after years of hack mechanic work revealed itself.

[@dansmusic5749]

I just care about these rare old AM cars. Just wanted to put it out there. I know it is always a lot more complicated to do what your doing. Thank you BTW for taking good care of her.@@wheelsforgotten9049