June - AMC of Houston

Newsletter of the American Motors Club of Houston
JUNE 2015 Issue 20
June 2015 East Texas Cruise-In from Lufkin Texas - page 4
From the Officers - Latest Club News You Can Use
pg 2
Upcoming Events
pg 2
Club Information
pg 3
2015 American Motors East Texas Cruise-In
pg 4-6
Member Profile – Teresa Stokes – My Old Car Love Story
pg 7-8
AMC Technical Tip
pg 9
AMCs on Television
pg 10
Niftee Fifties – June Club Event
pg 11
1969 AMC SC/Rambler
pg 12
Tidbits
pg 13
Classifieds
pg 14
Club Store
pg 15
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From the Officers:
Cover Photo: 2015 East Texas Cruise-In from Lufkin, Texas
Free National Club Membership!!
In an effort to get more folks to attend our monthly meetings, a giveaway will be held a couple of times a year
to award some lucky members with a free membership to the American Motors Owners Association (our Club is an
AMO chapter). If the lucky winner is already an AMO member, he or she will have the option of a free membership
in one of the other national AMC clubs, such as AMCRC or NAMDRA. Keep an eye out for email regarding the
giveaway.
Upcoming Events
(items in green are information only, not club events)
July

14th – Club Meeting at Hickory Hollow Bar B Q

18th - Kemah Cruise Night. Home Depot parking lot next to Chick Fil-A
o 6 pm – 10 pm
321 Marina Bay Dr
Clear Lake Shores, TX 77565
August
 11th – Club Meeting at Hickory Hollow Bar B Q

14th – Pearland Cruise Night
o LOWES Parking Lot at FM 518 & Pearland Parkway starting at 6pm
September
 8th – Club Meeting at Hickory Hollow Bar B Q
 12th - Kemah Cruise Night. Home Depot parking lot next to Chick Fil-A
o 6 pm – 10 pm
321 Marina Bay Dr
Clear Lake Shores, TX 77565
October
 3 – Lone Star Regional
o All AMC, Jeep, Hudson, Nash thru 1988
o Carriage Clubhouse 3210 Bingle Houston, TX 77055
o 10am to 3pm

13th – Club Meeting at Hickory Hollow Bar B Q
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AMCoH Officers
President
Tom Taylor
4406 Mize Rd
Pasadena, TX 775045
713-249-2466
[email protected]
[email protected]
*******************************
Vice President
Ted Davis
713-721-8960
[email protected]
******************************
Secretary
Jeff Jung
281-394-7985
[email protected]
******************************
Treasurer
Kevin Dalley
281-481-6363
[email protected]
******************************
Activities Director
By Committee
******************************
Membership Chairman
Kevin Dalley
281-481-6363
[email protected]
******************************
WebMaster
Gary Parente
713-859-7249
[email protected]
******************************
Newsletter Editor
Gary Parente
713-859-7249
[email protected]
Motors Club of Houston p. 3
The American Motors Club of Houston was founded in the
early 1980’s with the goal of advancing the image and preservation
of AMC vehicles in Southeast Texas and the surrounding area.
Our club is one of three AMC organizations in Texas – the
American Motors Club of Houston, Alamo AMC based in San
Antonio, and North Texas AMC headquartered in Dallas form a
strong contingent of Texas AMC fellowship, experience and
support.
We are a chapter of the American Motors Owners Association
(AMO) and we strongly suggest joining this fine organization.
Planned activities include a large display in the annual indoor
Thanksgiving Houston AutoRama Show, the annual AMO
Lone Star Regional Show, and the annual AMC East Texas Cruisein, family picnics, cruises, parties, races, etc. The 2001 AMO
National Meet was also held in Houston!!
We have regular monthly meetings on the second Tuesday
of every month (7:30 p.m.) at the Hickory Hollow restaurant,
located at 101 Heights Blvd. (just a few blocks south of I-10). If
you are not already a member, feel free to join us for a “get
acquainted” session before you sign up.
Ownership of an AMC vehicle or residence in our local area is
NOT required to join our group. Interest and enthusiasm are more
than enough. We’ll gladly help you find your own treasured AMC
if you don’t already have one!!
Dues are *$20 per year – we are a non-profit organization,
100% of your dues go to supporting club activities. The club
officers do not receive a salary for their efforts. Dues and an
enrollment form may be submitted at our monthly meetings, or
mailed to our Treasurer, Kevin Dalley, 12207 Courtney Greens Rd,
Houston, TX 77089.
AMCoH exists specifically to support you in your AMC
endeavors, and we look forward to adding your own AMC
experience to our knowledge base. If you need any additional
information, feel free to contact any of our club officers.
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American Motors enthusiasts braved the East Texas rain
on Saturday, June 13, 2015 by heading to Lufkin, TX for the
2015 AMC East Texas Cruise-In. Once again the event was
hosted by club members Reagan and Misty Ratliff who
presented a great affair for those who attended. Much thanks
to them for offering their home and time in putting together
this event for our AMC community who came from as far
away as north Texas and Louisiana. The number of vehicles
was limited by the weather conditions but the pulse of AMC
enthusiasm was not dampened by the elements. Additionally,
a great taco lunch was provided by Misty which was enjoyed
by all.
Jeff Jung’s 1965 American 440
Onnie Weaver’s 1978 Matador
Onnie Weaver’s 1973 Gremlin
John Slaughter’s 1953 Jeep CJ-3A
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continued
Reagan and Misty Ratliff’s 1972 javelin
Marty Bricker’s 1974 Javelin
Steve Colello’s 1968 Javelin
Jack Lee’s 1976 Sportabout
Art Nesmith’s 1977 Gremlin 401
Art Nesmith’s 1977 Gremlin 401
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continued
Dalton Ezernack’s 1980 Spirit
John Williams’ 1974 Matador X
Bill McDaniel’s 1971 Javelin
Glenn Harvey’s 1971 Javelin
There were AMC parts for sale too!
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By Club Member Teresa Stokes
As a little girl in elementary school, I used to go
riding with my grandfather, who was a great
driver! We’d go riding in the beautiful hilly, curvy,
narrow roads of historic rural northern Maryland.
I’d ride in the back with no seatbelt, and- to my
delight- he’d go very fast; flying over these hills in
old “round” cars I was too young to identify
(although I think one was about a ’47-‘48 Kaiser).
I’ve always loved old cars, airplanes, boats and
steam trains. I grew up the middle child of 5 girls,
raised by my mom. I sort of became “the fix-it guy”
in the all-girl household as a kid because I was
good at figuring things out!
When I grew up I learned to fly, bought (& later
sold) a 1951 Beech Bonanza and then bought a
partnership in a 1945 Piper J-3 Cub airplane, and
added several more pilot ratings in the next couple
of years. I also bought a houseboat and lived on it
for 18 years (kept it for 25 yrs.).
Teresa’s 1953 Nash Statesman
In 1990 when I couldn’t afford a
decent new car, I decided I
could buy something a whole lot
cooler and more fun if I looked
for an affordable classic. I was
working up in Topeka KS for
one week and found a 1955 Ford
Customline at a small used car
lot in the city and took it home to
Houston. That began my
“addiction” to old cars! ! !
Shortly afterwards I acquired a 1963 Thunderbird Convertible from
a friend. I kept fixing it up and he kept letting it get run down from
neglect again. So I made him a deal- sell it to me for next to nothing
and drive it anytime you want, or keep it for yourself and let it rot
and you’ll never be able to drive it at all. He was glad to have it
taken care of so it became mine. (He still chooses not to drive it!)
Although it’s always a work-in-progress (as they all are), it’s in
much better shape now; accepted at Keels & Wheels Concours d’
Elegance 2012 and 2014!
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By Club Member Teresa Stokes
continued
I was visiting Wisconsin in 1997
and saw a 1949 Plymouth Special
Deluxe in a parking lot. It wasn’t
for sale but I bought it the next day
and drove it to Houston 3 days
later. In 2003 I drove it to Los
Angeles when I lived there for 6
months. Now we’re both back
home in Houston. ! !
In 2003 I was in Baltimore for 4 months and wanted to trade in an old beater “airport” car for another, but saw a 1953 Nash
Statesman Custom in the newspaper classified instead. I just couldn’t resist. About 10 years earlier I had seen a Nash Ambassador
at the Autorama with the bed made up and thought it was so cool. I love the old cars that have some kind of novelty to them!!
Mostly, I love that the old cars
are rolling works of artutilitarian sculptures! They’re
fun to work on and fun to drive!
(I’m self-taught so I have gaps
in my mechanical knowledge
that I’m always filling in with
time and experience.) Who cares
about chipped fingernail polishreally! I think they are also the
best REAL and in person “social
network”, as I meet many more
nice people who ask about or
comment on the cars- and
all the wonderful folks and
associated social events
that Car Clubs bring. And
my cars are a constant
fond source of nostalgia of
when I was a kid, joyriding with my grandpa!
What fun! Keeps me
young!! !
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Reprinted with permission from the Froadin.com website
AMC Engine Pros
Any crank will fit into any block. (Clearance is required to put 401 or 390 cranks in the 290 or 304 blocks)
Easily converted to use a Milodon single line oil pickup. Also available is the Milodon dual line pickup.
(This will double the oil volume from 5-6 gph to 10-12 gph!) It is recommended that the Milodon deep sump oil pan
be used. It holds 7 qts and is a direct bolt in for the swivel pickup that comes with the pickup kits.
The various overbore capabilities allow the use of many different pistons, i.e., Chevy 305 pistons fit in a 304 block to
give you 311 ci. Chevy 400 pistons fit in a 360 block, and while this only gives you 367.7 ci., this combination with a
401 crank gives you a 393.4 ci. Many more combinations are available. Please note that these combos are with
machine work, and are not just drop in.
Large lifter bore sizes allow for more choices in cam profiles and give better lifter cooling capabilities at lower rpm,
and a larger contact patch for the cam lobe. Which means that the lifters can support a more radical grind without
special machine work or be able to sustain higher rpm usage. While this seems unimportant to most 4 wheelin, it
does make a BIG difference when trying to use a roller cam because of the much more aggressive profile.
Large valves. The 360 and larger heads came with 2.02 intake and 1.685 exhaust valves. Also if one wants to have a
motor that will turn some higher RPM's, then it is easy to use an 11/32" valve stem instead of the stock 3/8". This
allows for higher RPM, and the reduced weight will benefit the horsepower numbers. Chevy valves are almost direct
drop-ins in this case. Another note is that with minor port work, it will bring a much better flow rate.
All the blocks use the same mounts, manifolds, covers, and accessories. About the only thing that that is difficult to
use is 360 or larger heads on 304 or 290 blocks. The bore difference with the larger valves (304's had 1.74 int. and
1.405 exh.), mean that the block will need some machine work for clearance. Note that the use of 390 and 401
heads are preferred because of the larger exhaust manifold bolts, and the rocker studs are already tapped for 7/16"
studs. This means that you can simply get 7/16" studs and roller rockers, different pushrods, and some Isky
adjustable guide plates. Instead of either using the 'KIT' that still uses the 5/16" stud which is weak. Or having the
heads machined to accept 7/16" studs, and machined down to fit the guide plates. Finding a good set isn't easy, but
saves on the money you'll spend on machine work.
AMC Engine Cons
The oil pump housing is made of aluminum. This leads to early wear. And when the housing has grooves worn in,
common enough, the oil pressure at start-up will appear normal. Then once the motor warms up, the larger gaps,
due to expansion, will allow oil pressure to drop into dangerous zones at lower rpms. This is dangerous if you are
putting a load on the motor at low rpm, then quickly revving to high rpm. The oil pressure cannot keep up with the
fast acceleration and will run the 7-8 bearings almost dry. This can be worked around by using either or both a
Milodon pickup, and/or a bypass line under the intake manifold (explained later in detail).
Lack of a large choice of intake manifolds. The only choices for intakes are the Edelbrock Performer and Torker, the
Offenhauser 360 and dual quad. Other manifolds used to be on the market, but have been discontinued.
For most uses the Edelbrock Performer is the best choice. It will allow a wide power band, and gives good response
time in most rpm ranges. The Offenhauser 360 is a better choice for a slightly more modified motor. I prefer this
manifold as is, and with modifications, but it will not give the same extreme low rpm performance as the Performer.
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In the 1961 movie musical, West Side Story, there
appears to be a 1959 Rambler parked on the street as
Tony dreams of Maria
A sweet ’70 AMX on the TV show, Junkyard Empire
A couple of awesome Gremlins on the TV show, Car Crazy!
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On Sat. June 27th the AMC Club of Houston
attended the Niftee Fifties Cruise held at the
Corum Shopping Center in Spring, TX. There
were several of our members there with their
cars. Tom Taylor with his ’69 Javelin, Don Jones
and his ’70 Machine, Teresa Stokes with her ’53
Nash Statesman, and Gary Parente with his ’63
Pontiac Lemans (sorry AMCers). Many folks
stopped by and admired the cars and asked lots
of questions. Tim Gould was also there to
support the club activity.
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1969 AMC SC/Rambler
It is easy to forget that muscle cars (and cars in general) in the U.S. weren’t limited to the “Big
Three” automakers. In 1969 American Motors Corp. joined forces with the well known parts
company Hurst Performance and surprised everyone with the SC/Rambler (aka “Scrambler”). The
SC stood for “stock-car” (others say “super car”), but this was a race-ready production vehicle.
Maintaining the typical small-car-big-engine strategy, AMC stuffed their 390 cid 315 hp V8
power-plant into its light-weight Rambler Rogue hardtop coupe. This car could hold court with
many of the more popular machines of the day, as stock vehicles regularly turned low 14s at the
strip. No options were available (except an AM radio), which kept the price below $3,000. All
cars had plain grey vinyl interior with bench seats and red white and blue headrests, carpeting, and
a Borg-Warner 4-speed with a Hurst shifter. But perhaps the car’s most striking feature was its
bold paint scheme and a large, functional “Ram Air” induction hood scoop.
The first 500 units all were a base white with a wide red side panel running the length of the car,
and had a blue stripe running front to back across the top of the car. An arrow graphic pointed
towards the scoop and lettering noted the engine size. Additionally striking were the blue twotoned mag wheels. When these cars quickly sold out, AMC released a second batch of 500, this
time with “B” trim, which was mostly white with narrow red and blue side stripes. A third batch
of 512 units was later released which are thought to have gone back to the “A” trim, though this is
a source of controversy among enthusiasts, as vehicle VIN codes do not differentiate between the
two paint schemes. What is known is that of the total 1,512 SC/Ramblers built, the majority of
surviving examples today have the “A” trim. The SC/Rambler is perhaps one of the least
remembered muscle cars from the era.
Editor’s Note – I am currently restoring one of these rare vehicles so stay tuned!
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Tidbits
Concord
Rambler
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'74 Matador X with a 360 that has A/C, pwr steering, pwr disc brakes, auto on the console, super nice tan interior
(I'd love to have the front buckets out of it myself), orange paint and brown vinyl top. John had said it can be
driven anywhere and rides really nice.
Contact John Williams at 936-675-1507.
'76 Hornet Sportabout with a built 360, an Arizona car with no rust, original reddish orange paint (Firecracker
Red?) that even has the original white stripes that have a nice fade and crackle patina, nice interior and runs
strong. Just a cool little car period. Here is info that Jack sent me to pass along to you on it:
1976 Hornet Sportabout
360 V8 rebuilt (1,000-ish mi.)
77,000+ miles on car
Arizona car (no rust)
Jack Lee 936-404-2540
Lyman Eppley has a 1972 Javelin grill for sale. It is an "early"1972 grill. On the "early" grill it is rounded and on the "late" grill it is
elongated the same as the '73 and '74 grills. This "early" '72 grill is in great shape with only one crack on the face and one small one
where the top metal support bracket screws on. It has a couple of typical broken mounting tabs which won't adversely affect installation
and even has the metal top support piece and one of the lower mount/support brackets still attached. Lyman is asking $175 for the grill
and can be contacted at [email protected]. If you are in need of this grill and are going to be attending the East TX Cruise-In
here in Lufkin in June 13th, you could pick it up then rather than have it shipped.
1965 American:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/amc/rambler/1735312.html?refer=news
1957 Rambler
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/amc/rambler/1735854.html?refer=news
1948 Jeepster
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/willys/jeepster/1736360.html?refer=news
1967 Jeepster
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/05/04/hemmings-find-of-the-day-1967-jeep-jeepster-convertible/?refer=news
Borg-Warner T-35 automatic transmission
New, not rebuilt. WITHOUT bell housing, WITHOUT converter. Fits 1966 and older AMC. $1500 or best offer. Contact
Eben 214 206 6434
1975-79 AMC 232 engine short block with water pump, timing chain, and oil pan
Bored 0.60 over to make a 258. Was told by previous owner that it ran well. $175. Call Gary at 713-859-7249.
Wanted
Wade Phillips (Oklahoma) is looking for a wheel cover and dashboard for a 1973 Javelin. Please call him at 918 348-9230.
Muscle Car Shop. Full restorations, stock, restomods, pro touring, bumper to bumper including:
chassis/suspension, LS conversions, paint/body, custom fabrication, rear-ends, engine work including crank
grinding, cylinder boring, valve work, decking and interiors. Please see our web site at:
www.texomaclassics.com contact us at: [email protected] or call: 903-819-1452.
Disclaimer
AMCOH in no way will be a mediator between customers and vendors. Any and all disputes over price or quality of service
should be between customers and vendors.
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To Purchase please join us at a
meeting or club event. Or
send an email to
[email protected]
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