Hot Rods '63 Rambler Classic 550

No, I wasn't really one to write down measurements. Me and my Dad just lined up some metal against the unibody frame and made some marks and cut. I could get the measurements next time I have it up on the lift. Though I'm not sure how similar 63 and 64 was underneath the car. There's a guy here on the hamb, @farna he's a Rambler guy, good guy to talk to for rambler stuff.
We're u able to get a title for that thing?

 

Sure did, took some doing, alot of digging way back to the second owner, and alot of time, but got it done.

 

Fantastic! Good to hear. I hope you keep the flames! Are you going to have a build thread here on the Hamb?

 

Plan on it, have a vehicle in the shop at moment, but hoping to be done with it in the next couple of weeks so I can start again on the Rambler. Not sure if I will keep the flames, If I do, they probably will be black insteed of puke green.........

 

Hey Brooks and Rusty, so pumped to see the progress on the Rambler! Many miles with smiles in your future bro!! Wait. . . . !? You have a Model A too? Outstanding

 

63-66 Classic chassis are identical. Body panels are identical between 63 and 64, and 65 and 66. Mechanically all four years are identical, with some slight differences -- like the 63-64 six cylinder models have the old 195.6, 65-66 got the 232 (and a handful of late production 64s). 65-66 Marlin is also the same chassis and front sheet metal as same year Classic. 63-65 Ambassadors are the same as the Classic except for trim. The wheelbase was lengthened in 65, but the extension is all in front of the firewall, so everything from the firewall back is identical to the Classic.

All that might help when looking for parts at some point.

 

Thanks Wheeldog, it has been a blast working on this. I got to know a lot of great people by stepping further into the world of classic cars. Yes i got a '30 model A that I'm "working on" getting a title for(I've been too busy to get the body off frame to get the number) I'm looking forward to another project

 

Frank, I messaged you yesterday, you can disregard the message, lol.

 

Greenblade, did your speedometer work with the chevy transmission?

 

Yep, sure did. it reads approx 3mph higher than actual speed. Good enough for me

 

The cable end screwed right into the chevy trans? No issues?

 

Yes sir

 

+3 mph at cruising speed is as close as you're going to get with a mechanical speedo -- at least most of them, and especially an at least slightly worn early 60s model. You will notice that the error is different at different speeds, but within 1-4 mph I wouldn't worry about either. Heck, that's about what mine is with the AW4 trans I'm using.

Just a note: almost all US made passenger cars and light trucks (up to 3/4 ton) use either a 5/8-18" or 7/8-18" speedometer cable connection. Some (trucks?) use a 3/4-20" connector. A good source for cables with whatever connector you need is https://www.texasindustrialelectric.com/speedo.asp. I just ordered a custom adapter so I can use my cruise control sending unit. Prompt service and reasonable prices. They have all kinds of adapters as well.

 

Greenblade, what trans crossmember did you use?

 

Stock 63 rambler with a metal plate extension welded on. Here's some pics of it tacked in

 

Awesome, thanks!

 

Picked up a 63 for parts.

 

Damn looks like that front bumper is a bit screwed too. I've been looking for a good one.

 

Is 64 the same bumper wise? They look the same to me.......if they are I can check out the bumper on my 4 dr 1964 parts car, see if it's any good.

 

They are the same I believe. I wanted a nice rear one too.
What wheels are you going to run on ur '64? I see that 63 has the same hubcaps I use, if you're not going to use them, I'd gladly buy em. That 63 have original seats?

 

You are welcome to the hub caps, will trade you measurements off of your subframe connectors, .

The 63 does have the rear bumper on it, will look at it tonight. It does have the original seats in it, they are not in the best of shape. Do you have FB ? It would easier to send pictures through FB messenger or trade cell numbers.

 

Yeah I have Facebook, I believe we have messaged there before. Whereabouts are u eastriver? I maybe be able to drive the Rambler down sometime

 

I am 35 miles south of Sioux Falls, little town called Alcester. I know we have traded messages before, but I will be danged if I can find them in my messages.

 

Ah, not sure if I trust the Rambler to make a trip that long yet, but I do go to Sioux Falls every year for vacation, was just there in March I think it was. Ended up being a pretty snowy trip. I'll see if I can find our Facebook messages

 

Been taking advantage of the nice weather lately.
I just ordered a 3.40 gear and pinion. Will have to get that swapped here soon, or wait until next winter. Save up some money to have a pro do it.
I still have that REALLY REALLY F'IN ANNOYING knocking noise whenever I let of the gas. The sound mostly goes away in neutral but is still there. Thinking I'm going to have to have the trans rebuilt.
Here's some pics from the last few days

 

Gear and pinion arrived. Not sure when I'll have it installed, I was turned off from doing right away when told it'd be over $1200 in labor. But I am excited for the day I get to run 'em. No more sluggish feeling Rambler

 

kinda late now, but for that kinda $, I'd of swapped the whole rearend for one with the right gears...
and you could've done it yourself for just your time.

 

$1200 is absolutely ridiculous and you need to talk to some local mechanics to find one that moonlights and will do this on the side. Do not go to someone that is going to rape you on the labor to change ring gear and pinion!

 

Find a 4WD shop in your area that does gear changes on Jeeps, AMC axle and Jeeps pretty much set up the same way. They will have all the special tools and will be able to do it pretty quick if they have an experienced guy that has done a bunch!

 

It has a Ford 8” in it.