Event Coverage The Rambler Adventure-Up The River

My 1960 Rambler American is still solid all these years later, floors, fender wells, spare tire well... all are solid!

 

Starting in 1961 they used more galvanized metal than others, especially in things like the rockers. Early 61 Americans will rust out before later 61 models, I know that for sure! May have been 62 when they started using more galvanized steel... The 60s primer might not provide the best rust protection, but it did provide some -- more than some of the other makes! Combined with the galvanized steel (even zinc wears off though) they are pretty resilient. Time takes its toll on both galvanizing and primer/paint as we all know though. We're talking about 60+ year old cars...

By the mid 70s they were doing things like everyone else in an effort to save money. As long as the cars lasted about 10 years they really didn't care...

 

The old 195.6 uses a little oil. The harder you drive it the more it uses! Oil change intervals were 3000 miles, and it was normal to be a quart low at 3000. A pint every 1500 miles. Drive it hard all day and you might use a quart in 1500 miles. That's 60-70 on the interstate for 10-12 hours. I drove mine like that from Warner-Robins GA to Elgin IL (about an hour west of Chicago) once a year for about 6-7 years straight to a home computer convention. 16 hour drive one way. I used close to a quart each way on that trip. The engines weren't really designed to run at high speed for any length of time, it was first designed (as a flat-head) in the late 30s, introduced in the 1941 Nash Ambassador 600 wit 172.6 inches.

 

I was going to mention that Barney Navarro might have begged to differ with you. But then I realized he was only planning to run a little over 500 miles over the course of a few, relatively short hours.

 

Navarro was working with the "late" engines, not the 196

 

Yep. You're right. I forgot about the earlier engines only having 4 main bearings instead of seven.

 

I know Barney was working with the late engines, but the OP mentioned driving with the 196 that's in his car. We've jumped around a bit here!

 

this thread is all over the place. But what the hey, it's an adventure....

I might start working on the floor soon, in anticipation of actually driving the car up to Minnesota next month.

 

Yea, it’s jumped around a bit. But it is all Rambler related.

 

Yeah. I kinda lumped the two engine types together and threw a monkey wrench into the works. Sorry for the confusion.

 

Wow brings back memories.My first car in high school was a '60 Rambler Custom with push button automatic.Great car for a 17 year old....had reclining front seats and I worked at a drive-in that Summer!Paid $167.00 for it.Good luck Jim and have fun bud!

 

I took the front seat out, and then the carpet. I kinda want to get some floor in here before the next trip, which is in a few weeks. I took the picture with a wide angle lens, so it's kind of distorted.

 

why fix it? That's pretty standard in Minn.

 

Yikes! What a mess...

 

Looks like a dozen license plates might fill that area. Or three no parking signs.

 

Free air vents. I call it a win

 

it's gonna be cold, and fixing it will help cut down on the drafts. I bought a couple 2x4 sheets of 20 gauge steel. I'll get to work on it one of these days, although we have a camping trip this weekend, so it might be next week.

 

Standard fix was 1/2 inch plywood, sheet metal screws and roofing tar. while the tar was still soft, knapped back carpet of your choice was laid on top and rolled in with a lino roller. Guaranteed for at least two more winters....

 

I bought a '61 Impala for the 283 around 1975 and the floors were SHOT. The front seat was held up with sections of 2" x 4". The holes were covered with roofing shingles and tarred in place.

 

I worked on a car like that! Couldn't figure out why the plasma cutter wouldn't cut out the floor...too much plywood, tar etc. Lol.

 

I finally started back to work on the floor...only a week till I leave for my next misadventure.

 

Ahhh, more adventures of the Ramblin' Man!!!

 

Thought about you the other weekend at the local Rod Run, @squirrel

 

Reminds me of when I had to patch my Rambler floor

I'm glad you're saving a Rambler

 

I'm not taking it as seriously as you did....that's a nice repair!

 

pretty sloppy work, but it's getting there. Pass side is just about done. Driver side is just starting.

 

Lovin it. Getting it done.

 

That's okay; I don't figure that you'll be entering the car at Pebble Beach next year.

 

There needs to a "Rubble" Beach Car Show just for vehicles like this. Maybe hold it in a Dollar Store parking lot or at your local Pik-A-Part lot?

 

Just a little seam sealer now and your feet won't get wet!