American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018

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American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
http://www.amonational.com   Volume 42, Issue 2
                               Mar./Apr., 2018

American Motoring
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
Contents

 Features                                                     Columns
                                                              AMO President’s Colum _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 3

                                                              Editor’s Notes _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ____ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 4

                                                              Tech Questions with Jeff Reeves _ _ _ _ _Page 8

                                                              AMO MemBErSHIP _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 32

                                                              History Pick _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 14

                                                              Events Calendar_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 22

 2017 Autorama_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 6      Classified American _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 45

 Halverson Racing Season_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ pAGE 10

 HAulin History _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _Page 23

 For the Long Haul _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ Page 28

            Moving?                         Derek Dorroh       Name:_______________________________
    Send Your information to:            12229 Freemont Ln.
                                         Raleigh, NC 27613     AMO#_________
                                      amomembership@gmail.com
 Old Address:                                            New Address

 _______________________________________                      _______________________________________
 Street or P.O. Box                                           Street or P.O. Box

 City:___________________________________                     City:___________________________________

 State:_____________ZIP__________________                     State:_______________ZIP_________________

Page 2         American Motoring Mar/Apr., 2018
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
AMO President’s Column

                                                                      Convention information – meaning chapters won’t have to build
                                                                      a new website from scratch when they host a Convention.

                                                                      The reason judging sheets will be available is because the
                                                                      new system will allow us to begin digitally scoring cars at the
                                                                      convention. This will allow the judging teams to look at past
                               Ian Webb                               scores for a car, and allow the Club to know that all cars
                               AMO President                          registered have been scored before the end of the banquet.
                               ijwebb@me.com                          These scores will then be saved in the database, and shortly
                                                                      after the show will be available to members to view online. I’ll
                                                                      go into more detail about how the judging works in the next
The Board of Directors green lit a project recently that has been     newsletter because it is pretty robust, and going to be a very
under discussion for some time, and it is something we are all        powerful tool for us.
pretty excited about it! It is something that I firmly believe will
change AMO for the better, and allow us to better adapt to the        So, to pull all this together, imagine this: you log into the AMO
way our members communicate and live the hobby.                       website in January and enter your cars into your profile. Then,
                                                                      in February, you log back in and register your 1966 American
The project is, at its core, a database. It is a software solution    for the national event. When you show up at the event, you give
that allows us to better store all of our data in the cloud in one,   your membership number, the person asks if you are showing
accessible form. This is the most crucial thing we needed to do,      the 1966 American, you say “yes”, and you are all set! Then
as doing so will allow us to operate the Club – and our shows         a week or so after the event, you receive an email notifying
– in more efficient manner. Over the past few months step 1           you that your judging sheet is available for viewing. You can
has been underway and, as of this writing, nearly complete.           also view the convention at AMONational.com and see all the
This means that AMO membership is now operating under this            awards from the show, complete with photos of each car!
system.
                                                                      If your car advanced to Senior Class, the system will know that
So I’m sure this sounds like a lead in to a lot of technical talk,    when you register, and the judges will too. When judging the
and I won’t really bore everyone with that. I’d rather explain        car, they will be able to see what you scored the previous year,
what this means for the Club as we move forward.                      so if you were marked off for pitted chrome bumpers, the judge
                                                                      will be able to see and verify if that has been fixed. This will lead
First – a new mobile responsive website will be built along           to further consistency in judging.
with this database, which will still allow you to login in and
view American Motoring, but will also allow you to manage             In the future, we will be opening up the database to allow
your membership, view exclusive club documents, register              chapters to manage their membership using the system.
for events online, and even look at your past judging sheets.         Website hosting, membership management and even judging
This site will also act as the portal for registering at the show,    at regional shows could be used through this system. This
which should help speed up the lines, and will be the hub for all     investment by National will allow AMO to offer more value to the
                                                                      Chapters in the future.
                                                                         There are a lot of dimensions to the new system, and we
                                                                         won’t be rolling all of them out at the same time. The new
                                                                         website should be up by summer, and we plan to test the
                                                                         digital judging with a few classes at Auburn. If all goes well,
                                                                         St Louis will be the first Convention that is run entirely on
                                                                         the new system. It will be a long road to get all the wishes
                                                                         implemented, but it will happen in time. We need to fix the
                                                                         important things first so we can cover the basics, then add
                                                                         more features. And for those of you who aren’t online or
                                                                         overly comfortable with things like this, we can still handle
                                                                         everything the way we have in the past and mail judging
                                                                         sheets and renewal cards.

                                                                         I also want to express a sincere thank you to everyone on
                                                                         the Board who have supported this project. Also to Joe
                                                                         Fougerousse and Derek Dorroh who have been involved for
                                                                         the past year in looking at different vendors for this project.
                                                                         Derek has also been instrumental in getting the new system
                                                                         up and running for phase 1 and has gone above and beyond
                                                                         the call of duty!

                                                                         As we move forward, there will be more updates and more
                                                                         information on this project – so stay tuned!

                                                                       American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                        Page 3
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
Club Information
                              Editors Notes                                                           American Motors Owners Associa-
                                                                                                  tion (AMO) is a Wisconsin chartered,
                                                                                                  nonprofit organization, which exists ex-
                                                                                                  pressly for the purpose of aiding and
                                                                                                  encouraging the use, enjoyment, pres-
                                                                                                  ervation and restoration of vehicles
                    Cheryl Samuel              Mike Spangler                                      built by AMC between 1958 and 1988.
                    sambo@ jefnet.com          mspangler@ jefnet.com                                American Motoring is the official news
                                                                                                  publication of AMO, with its principal
                                                                                                  offices at 2136 Wawonaissa Tr., Fort
                                                                                                  Wayne, IN 46809. American Motoring
       Welcome to the world of the editors. Here we sit and look upon an empty page. What         is published on a bi-monthly basis with
  should I write about today? I have been listening to people talk about the cars from the past   a total of six issues per year. Issues
  and how much fun they had growing up. Let us take this a step farther. You liked the cars       are due to the members within the first
  you rode in the back seat of. Does that also mean you enjoyed the families you were raised      two (2) weeks of each odd numbered
  by? Did you appreciate the hard work your father put in every day so you could sit in the       month. Subscription is free to all paid
                                                                                                  members of AMO. Permission must
  backseat of those cars? Do you now understand why your parent or parents were never
                                                                                                  be obtained in writing from the editor to
  home and asked you to do chores? When we look backwards we also have to understand              copy, reproduce, or copy through any
  what made our lives what they are. Some may have grown up in some really hard times.            media the materials contained herein.
  The Rambler you adore now may have been at the highest point of payment for some.               Membership in AMO is open to all AMC
  Not everyone back then was able to pull 800 to a 1000 dollars out and buy new. You were         enthusiasts worldwide at $35.00 U.S.,
                                                                                                  Canada & Mexico $ 40.00 U.S., Foreign
  taught if you wanted a bike you needed to work to pay for it yourself. The best I was told
                                                                                                  $ 45.00 U.S per annum. Ownership of
  if you work hard enough we will pay half. By the time you saved your share the interest in      an AMC vehicle is not required. Send
  that bike was gone.                                                                             membership requests to the Member-
                                                                                                  ship Director. Contributions to American
       I was never afraid to work. As Mike tells me, I am my own worst enemy. I keep creating     Motoring are highly encouraged. Mate-
  work for myself. I create charts on what needs to be done. By the time I start something        rial accepted is subject to editing and / or
                                                                                                  revision. The act of submitting articles,
  I already know what the cost is going to be. This is a habit I learned from being a kid. So     information, or any other materials shall
  when you look backwards at the cars you also need to look backwards at how life was for         constitute an expressed warranty by
  you and your family. As the story always begins, farms kids see things different than city      the contributor, to this publication, that
  kids. Not all had the best items made. Some had what they could afford. When you take           such material is original and in no way
  your car to a car show you still hear how this car was number one, your car was made for        an infringement on the rights of others.
                                                                                                  Contributions        should     be      sent
  the poor man to have. Okay, so now stop and think. Both of these vehicles are sitting here
                                                                                                  to     the     Newsletter    Editor     only.
  today. So what difference did it make on which one was number one and which one wasn’t?           While it is a service of AMO to provide
                                                                                                  technical information to its membership,
       Down the road from us we have a guy that collects Mustangs. He gets jealous every          any maintenance techniques, technical
  time someone comes to take pictures of our cars. One day he came over when the                  information or possible modifications
                                                                                                  published in American Motoring should
  magazine guys were here. He had his mustang and wanted to know why they didn’t want
                                                                                                  be weighed against conventional, tra-
  to take pictures and do a write up about his car? They looked at him and smiled, you can        ditional and generally accepted tech-
  find mustangs in every car magazine out there. What we are taking pictures of you will not      niques and modifications. The views
  see in every magazine. Mr. Mustang lost his anger real fast. Our goal is to show the public     expressed in American Motoring are
  the poor man’s car from the past is coming back to be seen and to be owned. Look at all         those of the author of the article or the
  the car magazines out there, the cars we collect are showing up between the pages. It may       person quoted. Owners should consider
                                                                                                  possible techniques or modifications in
  have taken awhile, but we are now achieving a wonderful goal.                                   light of common sense compromises
                                                                                                  among safety, economy, longevity, per-
       The newsletters have caught up. We made a lot of people work real hard. The weather        formance, reliability, driveability, legal-
  is changing. Everyone is sending us their car show flyers and Cruise In dates. People are       ity and resale value. AMO, American
  calling us looking for parts for their cars. In no time the National Event will be here. This   Motoring and this organization will not
                                                                                                  assume or accept any liability result-
  is 2018 the next Kenosha will be 2020. Time will start flowing. There is only 13 weekends
                                                                                                  ing from the information contained
  to celebrate Car Show Summer. What is important saving money to buy parts or buying             herein. Any modifications possibly af-
  summer clothes?                                                                                 fecting safety, economy, longevity, per-
                                                                                                  formance, reliability, driveability, legality,
       Have fun going through the newsletter. We try to put a little of everything in it. Send    emissions and resale value are the sole
                                                                                                  responsibility of the person performing
  us stories of your shows, Cruise Ins, and events. Otherwise, you will be reading about the
                                                                                                  the modifications. When such modifi-
  lives of Mike and Cheryl. We have a lot to write about, but is it interesting? Let me think     cations are presented in American Mo-
  about that one for a few weeks.                                                                 toring they are done so with the under-
                                                                                                  standing that the individual will use those
                                                                                                  modifications within the framework of all
                                                                                                  applicable federal, state and local laws.
                                                                                                       All rights reserved, no part of this
                                                                                                  publication may be reproduced without
                                                                                                  prior written permission of the editor.
                                                                                                    © Copyright American Motors Owners
                                                                                                  Association
Page 4         American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
Letters to the Editor
Subject: Hot Rod Super Nationals June 22-24, 2018 .                 How cool is this? Dealer principal: Jule Nusbaum; Grand
    Hope all is well, we are busy planning this year’s event and    Rambler Limited, Toronto, 1380 Eglinton Ave.
looking forward to spring! Last year we allowed reserved spaces     W., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. From Steve Nusbaum: “Just
for individual cars (cars not in a club) but have eliminated that   came across this vinyl LP. My Dad promoted his dealership
this year.						                                                    in 1962 by establishing his own record label and giving his
   Only cars in groups of 15 or more will have reserved spaces.     customers copies. His logo appears in the top right corner as
We believe this will eliminate some problems we had last year       it did on his dealer sticker and the car on the cover was my
with the reserved parking.
                                                                    mother’s new Classic demo.” Needless to say it is now in my big
   Can you let me know approximately how many cars you think
would be coming from your club? It will help in my real estate      AMC DEALERSHIPS file at Planet Houston AMX!
planning. 							                                                   http://www.planethoustonamx.com/amc-dealerships/grand-
   If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. Have     rambler-toronto.JPG
a great weekend!						                                                 Eddie Stakes 713-464-8825 days www.planethoustonamx.
   Rachel Kreager Event Manager mailto:Rachel@supernats.            com
com      Cell 330.883.2644 Hot Rod Super NationalsCanfield
Fairgrounds, Canfield Ohio June 22, 23 and 24th            www.     Hello. My name is Joy Rhodes. I live in Omaha NE. I recently
hotrodsupernats.com                                                 inherited my dad’s 1964 Rambler. I believe he was a member
                                                                    of the AMO; Earl Rhodes from Gainesville Georgia.
Subject: Car in the Lone Star Throwdown Show in Texas                 Are there any AMO chapters in the Midwest area?
                                                                       We just transported the Rambler to Omaha in fall of 2017.
                                                                    Hoping to share our Rambler in car shows this year. I’m
                                                                    interested in shows as well as information for buying parts.
                                                                    Thank you, Joy Rhodes

                                                                    Subject: A retired 1972 Alabama state trooper Javelin
                                                                    Mr Spangler, Just wondering if you might know anyone that
                                                                    has one. I’m located in Alabama.
                                                                    Thank you, Larry Tucker jltucker@charter.net

                                                                    Subject: Sno-way plows
                                                                    Hi Mike, In the Jan./Feb., 2018 Issue on the back cover you
“Gunner”                                                            asked about Snow Way Snow plows for Eagles. I was involved
John Gunnell, PO Box 87, Iola, WI 54945, Ph: 715-445-4262,          with making the wiring harnesses for Snow-way, but I didn’t
Cell: 715-281-5925, EM: Gunnellj@TDS.net                            know what vehicles they were for and I have no brochures. I
LIVIN’ THE DREAM                                                    believe they are still in business. The blade was made of Lexan,
Please visit Gunner’s Great Garage, Restoration Shop -              thus they were really light and a vehicle like the Eagle could
Automotive Book Shop - Art Gallery                                  handle the weight.
E6110 Fuhs Rd, Manawa, WI 54949, WEBSITE: www.                         Sorry, I couldn’t be of more help. Jack Gasser
gunnersgreatgarage.com

Subject: Grand Rambler ‘band’ Toronto Canada

                                                                    American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                      Page 5
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
The AMCoH had, in my opinion, a great AutoRama display this year. Joe Conte displayed
             his awesome restored 1968 Javelin TransAm race car which was the number 4 car driven in
             1968 by George Follmer. Joe had a continuously running video that played an AMC
             promotional video from 1968 that promoted the AMC Trans Am effort. Joe also had a video
             of him racing the car at Watkins Glen, NY in 2017 where he was hitting 150 mph in the
             straights. Joe won best in class. Also, Dan Startin had his beautiful big bad blue 1969 AMX
             that we have not seen for a few years. The three generations of Osborne family had their
             very nice 1968 AMX on display. Allan Baker had his beautiful (original owner) 1970 Mark
             Donohue Javelin SST which was a good fit to go along with the TransAm race car. Our new
             member Anna Skinner displayer her awesome 1978 Gremlin. Anna won second in class and
             was invited to show her car in the 2018 ‘Houston Auto Show”, which she did.

         Allan Baker                                          Anna Skinner

                                            Dan Startin                                      The Osborne Family

                                    S W E E T!

Page 6         American Motoring Mar./Apr, 2087
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
The AMCoH
            AutoRama   p.2 had, in my opinion, a great AutoRama display this year. Joe Conte displayed
              his awesome restored 1968 Javelin TransAm race car which was the number 4 car driven in
              1968 by George Follmer. Joe had a continuously running video that played an AMC
              promotional video from 1968 that promoted the AMC Trans Am effort. Joe also had a video
              of him racing the car at Watkins Glen, NY in 2017 where he was hitting 150 mph in the
              straights. Joe won best in class. Also, Dan Startin had his beautiful big bad blue 1969 AMX
              that we have not seen for a few years. The three generations of Osborne family had their
              very nice 1968 AMX on display. Allan Baker had his beautiful (original owner) 1970 Mark
              Donohue Javelin SST which was a good fit to go along with the TransAm race car. Our new
              member Anna Skinner displayer her awesome 1978 Gremlin. Anna won second in class and
              was invited to show her car in the 2018 ‘Houston Auto Show”, which she did.

                                                                                 Joe Conte

        Allan Baker                                                     Anna Skinner

                      AMO Department of Corrections

In the Jan./Feb. issue with the Three Jeff’s tribute to George Doughty.

One problem—the bylines do not match up.          Dan Startin                                              The Osborne Family

We’ve have Jeff Puras article on the jump page with no byline, We have Jeff Barfield’s under Puras byline, and

Jeff Reeve’s in the middle (with the article) , but it’s not totally clear where some of the breaks are.

Anyway, it’s a bit of a mess.           S W E E T!
Sorry !!!

                                                                          American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018             Page 7
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
Tech Questions with Jeff Reeves

                             Jeff Reeves, AMO Tech Editor
                              amotecheditor@hotmail.com

 Question: Hi Jeff,
    I am trying to help someone find parts for the restoration of a   Question: I recently smudged this sticker that is on the plastic
 1968 Rebel. Two of the items seem to be made of Unobtanium           air plenium of my 1980 Pacer dl. Wagon when I was detailing
 (and I’ve been told there are no re-pops)... those would be the      engine compartment. Do you know if it is being reproduced
 trim clips and the knobs that permit the backs of the front seats    and also what would be written in the spots by Date and
                                                                      SGRV. I don’t know if it is a factory inspection sticker or dealer
 to move forward. Do you have any idea where these may be
                                                                      sticker.		               Thanks Bruce Ritchie
 found? (In the case of the trim clips, if they are impossible to
 find and NOS parts are scarce if not nonexistent... has anyone       Answer: Bruce—this decal is reproduced and is sold by pretty
 found a suitable substitute?)                                        much any of the AMC vendors like Galvin, Kennedy, etc. The
   Thanks for your help! Jeanette                                     info written on the decal is the date and specific gravity of the
                                                                      battery when it was checked. It was done as part of the quality
 Answer: Hello, Jeanette                                              check when the car was being built and prepped to ship out.
   As far as the seatback adjuster knobs go, those should be          You can pretty much make up your own numbers to put on it—
 the same on any two-door front seat. Those aren’t convertible        there wasn’t really a standard for it. Be sure, though, to date it
 specific. And they wouldn’t be Rebel specific, either. Any similar   sometime after the vehicle build date, but within a reasonable
 year AMC two door should have those.                                 time. 						                                          Jeff
    Regarding trim clips, I’m sorry to say that’s going to be a
 treasure hunt. I don’t think anyone reproduces those, but I
 would recommend checking with the various AMC specific parts
 vendors to see what they may be able to offer. Worst case,
 you may have to search for a similar clip that would do the job.
 AU-VE-CO is a known name for that sort of stuff and you might
 have to find a local source for their product and go look through
 their catalog for something that will work.
   Good luck, Jeff

Page 8         American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
American Racing Headers
My name is Sal Sinsun and I am the National Sales Manager
here at American Racing Headers. I just wanted to share
something with you and your club. We just finished up our
AMC Headers;

Here are some specifics on what we did:

Will Fit the 1970 – 1991 Dogged Legged Flange: 304, 360 390
and 401 Javelin, AMX, Matador, Ambassador and the Rebel
Machine; 3/8 Inch Stain Steel Flange Machined at the plugs
for those thicker spark plugs 1-3/4 and a 1-7/8 in primaries
Stainless Steel with a 3 inch collector 1-7/8 in Primaries with a
3.5 collector for those higher horsepower cars.

All collectors will come with a ball and socket style connection
pipes that clamps with a euro style clamp for great
adjustability.

We are a Made in
America company
and we only American
Made T304 Stainless
Steel throughout the
system.

I also am attaching
a Picture of the
Headers.

Sincerely,

Sal Sinsun
National Sales
Manager
American Racing
Headers
631-608-1986 Office
805-844-1622 Mobile

                                                                                             Continued on Page 23
                                                                    American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018      Page 9
American Motoring Volume 42, Issue 2 Mar./Apr., 2018
Halverson AMC Racing Season
 By Shannon Halverson
                                                                   the line taking off. Stephan driving “Trouble Maker” was able to
 It started in the spring on 2017, we headed down to Brainerd      make it several rounds in the Strip Eliminator race class that we
 International Raceway for our first trip to the drag strip for    run in as well. He stayed in 6 rounds to the final four when rain
 the season. The weather was great, I had been planning to         cancelled the racing- a good feat since there is around 150 cars in
 do a little tuning on the 304 in my 79’ AMX. This AMX is the      the class, and the competition is tight.
 one I borrow known good parts from while tuning other cars,
 so it’s always being readjusted. I changed adjustments-
 cleaned, gapped, & indexed plugs, the distributor to one I
 had rebuilt with an Accel points eliminator kit, on Friday with
 good results.

                                                                             On July 4th weekend at BIR, we loaded up & traveled
                                                                   down again with three race cars & Stephan’s 78’ Jeep Golden
                                                                   Eagle truck again. Stephan put this truck in the car show, & won
           I went into Saturday with a few more ideas. I made 2    a first place in the truck class. He also ran his Gremlin, Bobbi ran
 runs for a base line & then began the changes- a little more      her Spirit, & I ran Bobbi’s 78’ AMX. The racing was good in the S/E
 timing was encouraging, so I brought it in a little faster-that   (Strip Eliminator) class, Stephan went 3 rounds, I went 4 rounds till
 was the ticket. I had a good solid 13:45 before I pulled the      Bobbi put me on the trailer with a better reaction time. Bobbi made
 fresh 600 double pumper & put on the 750 double pumper.           it 6 rounds to get it into the final four before she was done. The
 Stephan had reworked it for me. The 304 responded well to         ICE heads up class was good for Stephan, he made it 3 rounds it
 more gas! Shifting at 5800, I pulled down a 13:32, bringing it    that at well.
 up to 6000 in each gear, brought out a 13:30 @ 102.5. The
 tuning was a great success! I went from a fastest of 13:50
 @ 101 mph to a 13:30. I run in a heads up class with this
 car for 13:50. So now, all I had to do was to cut a good light,
 shift at 5500, and bang off all the gears to run 13:50 on the
 number. I did this several times to take runner up of my 13:50
 ICE class! Bobbi was driving “Wild Thing” & was having great
 success as well with her 12:50 ICE class & came in runner
 up! The trick to the class is to run as close to the index time
 as possible, not any faster, & still beat your opponent from

                                                                           The end of July brought us to Union Grove for the Wed
                                                                   night AMC Homecoming drag races before the big huge Kenosha
                                                                   2017 event. We brought down Stephan’s 79’ AMX & Bobbi’s 78’
                                                                   AMX for that, so they could race them & still have cars for cruising

Page 10           American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                                                          Continued on page 11
Halverson AMC Racing Season
Continued from page 10
in Kenosha. They both ran their cars to have a fun evening with       through the 13:50 ICE class to win. Bobbi worked her way
the other bunch of AMC’s.                                             through the 12:50 ICE class to make runner up, & Stephan
                                                                      worked his way through the 12.0 ICE class to make runner up.
                                                                      In the S/E class, Stephan stayed in it for 7 rounds & made it
                                                                      to the semifinals! I stayed in for 4 rounds before going out. A
                                                                      good trip to the track!

                                                                               Stephan placed 4th overall in points for SE, I placed
                                                                      7 overall, & Bobbi placed 10th overall in the SE class for the 3
                                                                       th

                                                                      race series we compete in at BIR, the Muscle Car series.

                                                                                We made one last trip to the track for the year to
                                                                      Cordova International Raceway, bringing only Stephan’s
                                                                      Gremlin for some test & tuning. He got a chance to run a
                                                                      couple passes, make changes, & run some more. Just good
                                                                      old fine tuning. This was a good success for him, putting down
                                                                      several 11:53 passes @ 116 mph back to back.

                                                                               You can say our year of racing went pretty well. We
                                                                      had lots of family fun time, made a lot of passes, tuned up
         The Labor Day weekend event at BIR went very well.           for some faster time slips, & put AMC’s in the winner’s circle
We brought down Stephan’s Gremlin (Troublemaker), Bobbi’s             several times over the season. We look forward to summer
Spirit (Wild Thing), & I raced Bobbi’s old race car- 78’ AMX.         again & seeing many of you out at the great bunch of AMC
Stephan again hauled the 78’ AMX- It was like a flash back with       events planned for this year!
his Golden Eagle & the AMX being both 78’s. I worked my way

               Kenosha Homecoming - To the Rescue
                                                                                                         By Dan Vogel

We left Indianapolis in the Hornet on Monday afternoon to go to       started immediately working on it Amazing. I went in and
Kenosha. We spent the night in the Chicago area. Got up on            watched the man working on it and could tell he knew what he
Tuesday and went to Volo Museum. If you have not ever been            was doing. It was determined that the brain box had gone bad.
there it is worth the trip to go see the place.                       He made some calls and could not find one and I made a call
                                                                      to Summit to order a new one to be delivered the next day to
Tuesday night at the Wendy’s drive in great time. Next morning        that shop. Linda was on the phone to try and find us a rental
got up and spent time in downtown Kenosha going to museums            car with no luck at that point. The Guy that had been working
and got some food at an old bar great food. Went to the park          on my car left to drop another vehicle of to get an alignment.
where the show is to be held then on our way to the Chrysler          Someone drops him back off and he gets out of the car with a
plant where a cruise in to be held.                                   Mallory brain box in his hand I said I thought you couldn’t find
                                                                      one. He said they tinker on cars there and had one setting on
Driving down the street and the Hornet quits running. We came         the bench and said it is a used one and would take a hundred
to a stop on the street. A little investigating and figured out we    dollars for it. I said if it works I will buy it and keep the new
had no spark. Next thing a van passes us then turns around            one as a spare. He did a quick hook up and we had spark so
and came back and pulled behind us with his flashers on and a         I had him to make a permanent hook up and then we fired up
nice young man gets out trying to help us out. His name is Ray        the Hornet. The time that the car died was about 2:00 in the
Marescalco. Years ago I installed a Mallory electronic ignition       afternoon the time we were pulling out of the shop was 5:30,
system consisting of a brain box, distributor, and coil not typical   Amazing.
items you can get at your local auto parts store. At this time
another person had pulled over to try and help out. We came to        The name of the shop is Firehouse Performance they treated
the conclusion that the brain box had gone bad. Ray had gotten        us like we were Celebrity VIP. The total cost for tow, part, and
on his phone and said he could have a tow truck pick us up and        repair was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this
I told him to send him. When he arrive with the proper type of        shop to anyone that would ever need their services. We then
tow truck he loaded us up and ask if we would like to go by a         drove over to Andy’s for a great time. With no other problems
shop that might be able to help us out, well Yes please.              and great weather we had a great time in Kenosha. What
                                                                      great people that live there.
The first place he took us was too busy and it would be a couple
of days before they could look at it. The next place he stopped       Dan Vogel
at he went up and talked to them and the next thing he was
taking my car off the truck and they pushed it into a bay and

                                                                      American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                     Page 11
Memmories of Gary Timmerman
                                                       By Shannon Halverson

 With great sadness I pass along this information:

 Our friend, Gary Timmerman, died on December 13th, 2017.

 Gary has been a long standing AMC guy that attended many AMO National meets, many trips to Kenosha & other AMC events
 over the years.

 You may not know his name, so I’ll jog your memory: Mr. C from Happy Days is who many said he reminded them of. Gary has
 been a friend of our family so long, I’m not sure when I met him. I met Gary because of AMC’s, however, we spent so much time
 visiting. It is like I grew up next door to him. We shared a lot of laughs as well as sad times. Being Gary’s friend was like having
 a magazine subscription, he called to visit about once a month. We would go over car show, ideas, racing plans, info on how he
 could make his car go faster. Many times he would call & say “I see it is cold out & I called because you need a warm conversation
 from St. Louis”. Each phone call was at least 2 hours, due to both of us being long winded. Many times we talked about life & how
 things were going in general. The day he called to tell me he was sick, we both cried a bit, but as we talked, he spoke about how
 great it was to have done all the things he had & how he looked forward to the next season of good times & getting a chance to
 take his race car out to test the new engine on the track.

 Gary was like an uncle to our family. Always encouraging, always happy to see you & always supportive. He had several very nice
 Spirits, Javelins, & AMX’s throughout his hobby.

 He was always active in the Gateway chapter of AMO. Serving as president of it & wearing many other hats along the way. Over
 the years at the events, he brought people together to eat, helped put the shows on, helped clean up, helped to organize things.
 Always had time to socialize with many AMC folks.

  He was a great participant in the AMC family. Gary planned a Celebration of life for his family & friends on Saturday, March 31st,
 2018. For information on attending, contact myself or other Gateway members

 The AMC shows will not be the same without his big smile, a warm handshake, & “The voice of Gary”.

Page 12          American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018
In Memory - Jock Jocewicz
     James Joseph “Jock” Jocewicz
passed away on February 10, 2018 after
a long illness. He was born August 29,
1940 the son of Joseph and Eleonore
Jocewicz. He attended Saint Agnes
Grade School in Ashland, Wisconsin
from 1946 to 1954 and DePadua High
School from 1954 to 1958. On March 7,
1964 he married Peggy Jean Jocewicz
(Siebert) in Waterloo, Illinois.

     James Jocewicz was enlisted in
the U.S. Army from October 1958 to
October 1964 as communications
chief in a combat engineering unit
and served in Viet Nam. He was later
employed as a chemical operator at
the Institute of Gas Technology in
Chicago, Illinois .He was president of
NAMDRA (National American Drivers
and Racers Association) Car Club from
1982 to 2018. He came by his love of
the Independent automobile marques
naturally as his Father had been a
Studebaker dealer. He drove almost
nothing but American Motors vehicles
or Jeeps until the end. He was member
#19 in American Motors Owners Association (AMO) from the original club founded in 1974.

   He is survived by his wife, Peggy, two step sons, two daughters and one son, 21 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and
one great great grandchild .Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Eleonore Jocewicz. Memorials can be sent to Peggy
Jocewicz, 493 Orchard Street, Antioch, Illinois 60002

By Larry Daum AMO #279

                                                              American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                  Page 13
Mike’s History Picks

                                   Tie Rod to Tire Clearance on 1960 through 1968 AMCs - - All Models
                                   By Gary Evans Vol 4.No. 3, May June 1980

                                   An AMC Automotive Technical Service Bulletin (no. TB8), dated July 27, 1966 deals with “Clearance
                                   between tie rod end ball joint and tires 1960-1966 all series.” According to the bulletin, “the
                                   installation of oversize tires with various types of construction as supplied by tire manufacturers
                                   may result in contact of the tie rod end and ball joint with the tire at time of a fast, full turn.

                                   A 1/8” spacer, part number 316 6546 is to be installed (on each side) between the steering
                                   knuckle pin and the wheel spindle to provide additional clearance where required.

       Mike Spangler                 This same spacer is listed in the parts books for all ’67 and ’68 models. Beginning on 1969 this
    mspangler@ jefnet.com            spacer has been “built into” either the caliper mounting bracket or the spindle (on cars without
                                     disc brakes). The bulletin makes no mention of needing longer spindle attaching bolts, but at
                                     least on some models, much longer (by about 1/8’) attaching bolts are necessary. Because
  of numerous combinations of spindle attaching bolts used over the years on various models, I’ve made no attempt to list part
  numbers for slightly longer mounting bolts. A dealer’s parts catalog lists the bolts and their lengths under the heading: 10.004-2
  attaching parts, spindle to steering knuckle pin.

  Incidentally, the ’67-’71 parts catalog indicates that four spacers are required per car, which is a miss-print. All cars ’60 through
  ’68 require two.

  After installing the spacers, it is a good idea to have the front end alignment checked.

                                                                                                             Continued on page 15

Page 14          American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018
Mike’s History Picks
Continued from page 14

The Empire Strikes Back
Found in Vol. 5 No. 3 May June 1981

The drawing by AMC club member Theodore Alexander
is a composite drawing of the 1983 AMC /Renault car
compiled from spy photos and advanced information and
rumors about the car, code named Empire. The car will be
a front wheel drive model powered by a new four cylinder
version of the AMC Six. Rumor has it that a full series of
this design of cars will be built in Kenosha in both four door
sedan and wagon versions even including a 2 door sport
coupe perhaps along the lines of Fords new EXP and LN7,
possibly as a new version of the AMX. A turbo charged four
cylinder diesel engine is also to be available as an option, in
the series. You can look for more of Theodore Alexander’s
work in an upcoming article on the AMX in Cars & Parts.
                                                                    Cadillac and again in 1934-40. The name would be a good choice
The rumored name for the new Renault car to be built                considering the cars heritage. The car is to be a Renault/AMC
in Kenosha is Lafayette. A model name used by Nash                  version of Chrysler’s K –car according to reports from people who
Motors twice before in 1920 – 24 for a luxury competitor to         have driven prototypes.

Restoration Shop             By Marv Fisher

Found in Vol. 5, No. 1 Jan./Feb. 1981

For anyone with a ’68-’70 AMX with small kids who would like to take it for a ride, but just don’t have room for the kids. A ’68-’70
AMX can be converted to a 4-passenger car very easily without altering or ruining the original interior. Its very easy by using ’70
to date Gremlin folding rear seats which can be obtained readily and at a reasonable price . If you look hard enough you can find
the original fabric patterns and texture which will come very close to the original interior. Color doesn’t really matter, though Ditzler
Automotive Paints make an excellent vinyl dye that will match your interior for you at a minimal charge. The dye if properly applied
will endure as well as the original interior.

Parts List:

Rear seats, attaching hinges and brackets, side carpet wheel covers.

Here’s how to do it:

1.       Very carefully remove the original carpet side panels. They are glued on and will come off easily with a little care.
         (These can be reinstalled if and when you are ready to put the car back to original.)

2.       Place the carpet panels from the Gremlin on the wheelhouses. Careful as to right and left sides Through the hinge and
         bracket slits mark the position with crayon or chalk.

3.       Remove carpet panels and attach hinges and brackets with 1/8 pop rivets as they can be easily drilled out and moved if
         you make a mistake. When you have them attached, try the carpets again for fit.

4.       Assuming everything fits, reglue the carpet panels with 3-M brand general spray adhesive part no. 08090. This spray
         works nicely if instructions are followed.

5.       Install the seats and you now have a 4 or 5 passenger AMX in which you can haul those kids !

6.       If and when you are ready for that 2-seater again, just simply reverse the operation. When you drill out the rivets, just
         snap new ones into the holes and undercoat. Good as new.

Marv Fisher

Heart of Illinois AMO Chapter

                                                                       American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                      Page 15
Memorabilia Corner

                        Mike Spangler
                        mspangler@ jefnet.com

 Last month in this column we showed you the
 AMC/ Labelle Video System for product training
 and service training films . This month we moved
 ahead in time to the early 1980s. Though we do
 have some American Motors training film on VHS
 Tapes, American Motors training evolved into the
 Laser Videodisc. I believe the first one that I have
 in our collection is dated in 1982.

 This system called the American Motors Video
 Information Network consists of Laser Video Discs.

                                                        According to Wikipedia, the standard home video LaserDisc was 30 cm
                                                        (12 in) in diameter and made up of two single-sided aluminum discs
                                                        layered in plastic. Although appearing similar to compact discs or DVDs,
                                                        LaserDiscs used analog video stored in the composite domain (having a
                                                        video bandwidth approximately equivalent to the 1-inch (25 mm) C-Type
                                                        VTR format) with analog FM stereo sound and PCM digital audio. The
                                                        LaserDisc at its most fundamental level was still recorded as a series
                                                        of pits and lands much like CDs, DVDs, and even Blu-ray Discs are
                                                        today. However, while the encoding is of a binary nature, the information

                                                                          Some of our Laser Videodiscs

Page 16          American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018
                                                                                                       Continued on page 17
Memorabilia Corner
Continued from Page 16

is encoded as analog pulse-width modulation with a 50% duty
cycle, where the information is contained in the lengths and
spacing of the pits. In true digital media the pits, or their edges,
directly represent 1s and 0s of a binary digital information
stream.

This format could support in-dealership product sales training
program. It was not only capable of showing video it also
featured interactive feature allowing for quizzes and games. The
videodiscs also featured product commercials. The machine
could be set up to repeat the product info, or commercials
for use in the showroom for the customers to view but could
also be set up for the service department personnel to train on
product service procedures. Overall is was a very up to date
technology.                                                                         A box full of unopened discs
While the discs could play on a number of different brand
players, the Pioneer machine was the one with the interactive
features. Other auto makers used this format also, so the
system could be used by “Dual Dealerships” for their other
brands too.

The AMC Dealer in my hometown of Jefferson, WI (Probst Auto
Co.) never did get a Laser Videodisc system, though through
dealership programs, the dealership was forced to purchase
the videodiscs. When the dealership closed I acquired his
inventory of Laserdiscs N.O.S. unopened in the boxes along
with the invoices for the discs that he did not want. There may
have been other dealerships out there like this one, so keep
your eyes open for N.O.S. discs, they are out there.

                                                                       American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018           Page 17
20172017
        Fall Fall
             Run Run   to Providence,
                  to Providence  RhodeRhode
                                       IslandIsland
   By Joe Howard                                                                         By Joe Howard

   This year the Fall Run took us to explore sights around and in Providence, RI. The Run started Friday morning
   September 29th when we met up at 9am at the Econo Lodge in South, Sutton, MA. We then convoyed to the
   newly opened Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth, RI to see a private collection of over 50 Shelby’s,
   Corvette’s, Mopar’s, and cars of the 50’s plus more (newportcarmuseum.org).

   After touring the car museum, we went for lunch at the Newport Creamery. After a late and filling lunch, we
   drove to the Pawtucket, RI and checked into the Hampton Inn which was our base for the rest of the weekend.

   After checking into our rooms and relaxing, we carpooled a short distance to have Dinner at Costantino’s
   Venda Bar & Ristorante, a popular restaurant on Federal Hill in Providence.

                                                                                            Continued on Page 19

Page 18       American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018
2017 Fall Run to Providence, Rhode Island
Continued from Page 18

At Constantino’s we had tables located in the Market area (which was closed) and a special menu to select
from. The meal was amazing. Everyone said they would go to eat there again.

On Saturday, we all had breakfast at the hotel and then carpooled to Providence to have lunch at the Union
Station Brewery and then see a matinee performance of Les Misérables at the Providence Performing Arts
Theater.

                                                                                          Continued on Page 20
                                                         American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018              Page 19
2017 Fall Run to Providence, Rhode Island
  Continued from Page 19
  The performance had a full house with every seat filled. Our group had great seats to the right of the orchestra.
  This was the last performance in Providence as the group that put on the show was leaving on a National tour
  the next day. After the amazing performance, we walked a short distance to Murphy’s Restaurant for a great
  Irish dinner.

  When we finished eating Dinner it was almost dark and we walked a few blocks to the Providence River to
  view the Water Fire performance. At dark, we’ll see the Providence WaterFire, an experience not to be
  missed.

  This WaterFire event was part of a weekend-long celebration of the hope, strength, determination, and courage
  all of those battling breast cancer and their friends and family show each and every day.

  Taking part on the three rivers of downtown Providence, Water Fire has been praised by Rhode Island
  residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s
 American Spirit, Vol 22, Issue 4                                                                     Continued on Page 21
Page 20            American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                                                         Page 3
2017 Fall Run to Providence, Rhode Island
Continued from Page 20

          renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the
          flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit
          vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and
          emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. As part of this event there was a 150-person torch
          procession will arrive in the basin from Station Park leading into a Ring of Fire

          On Sunday morning, we took a free tour of RISD, the RI School of Design Museum to see the museum’s
          collection of 100,000 objects from ancient times to current.

          Some information about the Museum from their web site. The Rhode
          Island School of Design (RISD Museum) is an art museum affiliated with
          the Rhode Island School of Design. The museum was founded in 1877
          and is the 20th largest art museum in the United States. The RISD
          Museum's collection of about 100,000 objects contains a broad range of
          works from around the world, including ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa,
          ancient Greece and Rome, Europe, and the Americas. Among the
          prominent international and American artists represented are Picasso,
          Monet, Manet, Paul Revere, Chanel, Andy Warhol, and Kara Walker.
          The collection also features notable works by Rhode Island artists and
          designers, including 18th-century Newport furniture makers Goddard
          and Townsend and 19th-century Rhode Island painters

          Following the museum visit we drove from Providence to Warwick for
          Sunday lunch at Iggy’s Boardwalk Restaurant, -- located on the
          waterfront.

          Our thanks to Frank and Corrine Craverio and George and Donna Berube for arranging everything and guiding
          us through an amazing Fall Run.

         American Spirit, Vol 22, Issue 4
                                                                                                                       Page 4
                                                                American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                      Page 21
Events Calendar
  May 10-13,2018 -        Auburn, IN – Rambler Meets Duryea – NCCA & AACA Regional Meet at Auctions America,
  			                     Auburn IN – for more info contact: Bob Grutza at 847-370-4352 or bob.grutza@yahoo.com

  May 12, 2018 - Independence, OH - NCAMC Spring Dust Off - For more info contact: Joe Schaller
  						                              330-723-1659   schaller1@frontier.com

  May 25, 2018 - Hebron, OH - Great AMC Day 2018 - For more info contact: Mike Luke, 740-929-1300 or
  					                        mluke@yahoo.com

  May 27, 2018 - Greenville, MI – American Motors Cruisers 2018 Regional Meet In conjunction with Spring Fling Auto
  				                            Show - For more info contact: Dan Sweetland 616-984-5963 amxdream@charter.net

  June 3, 2018 -     Jefferson, WI - 20th Annual Graduation Car Show – For more information contact: Mike Spangler,
  		                 			                  mspangler@jefnet.com 920-988-3256

  June 9, 2018 – Independence, OH - School’s Out 2018 - For more info contact: Dale Veverka 216-524-5977
  					                               squirrel70amx@sbcglobal.net

  June 9, 2018 - Lufkin, TX - 2018 American Motors East Texas Cruise-In – For more info contact: Reagan Ratliff 1-936-
  				                           225-0569 ratliffr@icloud.com

  June 9, 2018 - Reno, NV – 6th AMCRC – HDAMC Western Regional Car Show at Boomtown Casino – For more info
  				                           contact: Michael Lakin (775) 427-2695 or hdamc@cccomm.net

  June 9, 2018 – Manchester, (Port Perry) Ontario - Rambler Rama 2018, Sponsored by Northern Ramblers for more info
  						                                        contact: Steve Johnston at 905-939-8050 nutimes.steve@gmail.com

  June 27-30, 2018 -    Auburn, IN – 2018 AMO International Convention – For more info contact: Todd Harrington
  		             4114 Amesbury Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47906 http://www.amonational.com/2018-convention

  June 29, 2018 – Auburn, IN – Marlin Auto Club Convention – For more info visit www.marlinautoclub.com

  July 6 – 7, 2018 - Dublin, OH – 37th Richard Teague Midwest AMC Regional Meet – For more information contact:
  				                             Jeff Kennedy at 614-879-7283 or info@kennedyamerican.com

  Aug. 11, 2018 - Rising Sun, MD - “All-AMC Day” 2018 at Cecil Co. Dragway – For More info contact: (215) 990-4628 or
  					                                  db4ent@gmail.com

  Aug. 11, 2018 - OH – 17th Annual Bill Reddig AMC Show – For more info contact: Todd Harrington (765) 404-7657
  			                    toddamx@gmail.com

  Aug. 19, 2018 - Livonia, MI – GLCAC All Family AMC Show – For more info contact: Richard Estermyer (734) 417-9456
  				                            javelinman74@hotmail.com

  Aug. 24-25, 2018 - Farmington, CT – AMCs Scream in 2018 – CAMO’s 23rd Annual Regional Meet- For more info
  					                                contact: Joe Howard, 603-548-0069 jphwrd@gmail.com

  Aug. 26, 2018 - Genoa, OH – 32nd Annual Glass City All AMC Show at Veterans Memorial Park - For more info contact:
  				                          Mitch Biller (419) 836-9496 mitchel13@frontier.com

  Sept. 6-8, 2018 - Cordova, IL – AMC RACES at Cordova – For more info contact: Shannon Halverson
  					                            218–282-6625 amx78@hotmail.com

  July 18-20, 2019 – Collinsville, IL - 2019 AMO International Convention

  Attention all chapters: To get your show listed here you MUST contact Cheryl Samuel, AMO Sanctioned
  Events Manager, 892 N. Jackson Ave., Jefferson, WI 53549. Please remember to do it early as American Mo-
  toring has production deadlines to follow, we would hate to miss listing your show because it was sent late!

Page 22        American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018
Haulin History                                     By Eric Josephson
My name is Eric Josephson, and I am the Historian of the International Station Wagon Club. Our clubs have a member in common,
Bill Strobel, who passed your contact info along to me.

I write a column that I call “Haulin’ History” for the ISWC’s newsletter, the Talegate, and my most recently printed article is on AMC’s
compact wagons of the 1970s and 1980s: the Hornet, Concord and Eagle wagons. Bill was impressed enough with the article that
he thought I might be willing to share it with your membership and have it printed in your club’s newsletter. Here it is:

Sincerely, Eric Josephson,
Historian, International Station Wagon Club

Leading Three Lives: 1971-1988 AMC Hornet, Concord and Eagle Station Wagons

American Motors built its reputation as the authority on small       Enter the AMC Hornet, a new compact whose name had
cars. For two decades, the Rambler—especially its smallest           originally been used from 1951 to 1957 by one of AMC’s
models, the American series—had been the epitome of sensible         ancestors, Hudson. First-year AMC Hornets came only as
and economical transportation, American style. Its success,          two- and four-door sedans, but for 1971 came an important
founded on the practical principles championed by CEO George         addition, a station wagon with a rather playful-sounding name:
Romney and his predecessor George Mason, convinced its               Sportabout.
larger competitors in Detroit that some folks actually would
rather have a car that was small and simple instead of big and
flashy. But with the rise of the ponycar and the muscle car in
the Sixties, plus the company’s foray into markets for larger
cars under Romney’s successor Roy Abernethy, the image of
Rambler and AMC alike had become rather confused, and the
Rambler name vanished in 1969.

Roy Chapin, Jr., who took the CEO post in 1967 after Abernethy
took retirement as a result of Kenosha’s declining sales and
financial fortunes during his tenure, knew what had to be done.
The introduction of the Javelin ponycar and derivative two-seater
AMX for 1968 helped inject some youthfulness into AMC’s image.
Then in 1970, Chapin purchased Jeep from Kaiser Industries,
a move that would take the company into uncharted territory
and eventually influence future AMC automobiles (more on that
later). That same year, he also presided over the introduction

                                                                     Canadian comedian Red Green had a philosophy he often
                                                                     expressed on his TV show: “If the women don’t find you
                                                                     handsome, they should at least find you handy.” Well, many
                                                                     women found the new Hornet Sportabout both handsome and
                                                                     handy, particularly those who considered most wagons of the
of a creditable modern replacement for the Rambler that would        day too cumbersome to handle. In fact, as AMC posed the
meet the demands of the Seventies.
                                                                                                              Continued on Page 24

                                                                    American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                        Page 23
Haulin History
 Continued from Page 23

 question, “If you had to compete with GM, Ford and Chrysler,          detail changes being smaller taillight lenses with integral
 what would you do?”, it answered in one particular ad, “You’d         backup lamps and the removal of the insect emblems from the
 design the Sportabout. A car that could do more for the American      front fenders, but there was plenty of news to report for Hornet
 housewife than all the hair coloring, lip gloss and false eyelashes   Sportabout buyers. All existing engines were downgraded in
 put together.” The ad further stated: “The Sportabout will make       horsepower to 100 for the base six, 110 for the 258-cube six
 the American housewife feel more like a woman and less like           and 150 for the 304 V-8, ratings now reported in net rather than
 a teamster. It’s styled along the lines of a sports car instead of    gross figures, but a 175-horse 360-cid V-8 was newly available.
 a station wagon. And with a turning circle identical to VW’s, it’s    Equipment updates for second-year Sportabouts included
 easy to handle. Now ladies, you can park without the danger of        a new color-keyed dashboard, a switch from Borg-Warner to
 developing your biceps. And let’s face it, girls, the 58.3 cubic      “Torque-Command” automatic (actually Chrysler’s TorqueFlite),
 feet of load space is plenty for most of the things you do. So        the addition of electric windshield wipers as standard
 you can see why we like to think of the Sportabout as our little      (previously optional on six-cylinder models), and optional AM/
 contribution to Woman’s Liberation.”                                  FM radio, Adjust-O-Tilt steering wheel and removable storage/
                                                                       litter containers in the front doors. Also, the woodgrain applique
 Another ad pointed out that the Sportabout was in a class             was of the new type that blended in with the paint color, and you
 by itself, the only wagon its size on the market. While it was        could now order it without getting the D/L package, which was
 bigger than Chevy’s Vega Kammback, it was smaller than                updated with available new “Scorpio” striped fabric. Next, there
 every other wagon from the Big Three. Designed by Richard             were two rather interesting new trim variations. For a sporty
 Teague, AMC’s highly talented head of styling, and predicted          touch, the new “X” package included sport striping that ran along
 by his AMX III concept car of 1967, the Sportabout rode a 108-        the lower window outlines and the D-pillar, plus a slotted-spoke
 inch wheelbase and was 179.3 inches long (just a fraction shy         sport steering wheel and slotted steel wheels. And for followers
 of 15 feet) and 70.6 inches wide. It sported single headlamps         of fashion, there was the limited-production Gucci edition.
 within a delicate horizontal bar grille, along with horizontally      Sounds rather ostentatious for a workaday compact hauler, but
 bisected taillights, flush-fitting flap-style door handles, and a     in fact Aldo Gucci himself gave some personal touches to his
 liftgate that revealed a space-saver spare tire and 3.8 cubic         own Sportabout, including glass-covered headlamps and signal
 feet of underfloor storage space. The Sportabout was identified       lenses, a custom grille, custom upholstery with Gucci logos,
 by Hornet nameplates above the grille, near the right taillight       fold-down trays in the front seat backs with same, and his own
 and on each front fender, plus Sportabout script on each rear         designer handbags. AMC gave buyers a chance to experience
 fender and insect emblems on the front fenders, the center of         it for themselves, albeit in a more temperate manner. Externally,
 the rear beauty panel and the inner door panels. AMC’s 232-cid        there was little distinction from other Sportabouts aside from a
 135-hp inline six was the standard engine, with a 150-horse           Gucci shield emblem behind each front wheel cutout, but inside
 258-cid two-barrel six and 210-horse 304 V-8 optional. A three-       you got Gucci logos covering the headliner and sun visors,
 speed column-shift manual was standard, as were bench                 along with ivory upholstery and door panels with signature
 seats with vinyl upholstery, a step-on parking brake, anti-theft      green-red-green striping, with another Gucci shield emblem
 ignition and steering column with warning buzzer, carpeting in        beside each armrest. This special edition came in a choice of
 the passenger and cargo compartments, “Weather-Eye” heater,           four exterior colors—Snow White, Hunter Green, Grasshopper
 and high-level ventilation. “Shift-Command” Borg-Warner three-        Green and Yucca Tan—and accounted for 2,583 of the 34,065
 speed automatic was available, and so were power steering,            Sportabouts built for 1972. And last, but most definitely not
 power brakes (drum or front disc), air conditioning, reclining        least, the most important announcement for all AMC products
 bench or individual seat, pushbutton AM radio, roof rack, tinted      was the new Buyer Protection Plan, which not only guaranteed
 glass, clock, inside hood release, remote left hand mirror,           every component of the car (except for tires) for 12 months or
 visor vanity mirrors and a wagonload of other niceties. Inside,       12,000 miles, whichever came first, but promised owners that if
 the instrument panel displayed three round gauge faces, the           anything went wrong with the car that AMC was responsible for,
 speedometer flanked by fuel and temperature gauges to the left        AMC would fix it free, and also provided them a toll-free number
 and optional tachometer or clock to the right.                        to call for assistance.

 Springtime brought a D/L package that included woodgrain              In 1973 most of the attention on the Hornet line was on the
 exterior trim on the sides and rear panel, plus a rooftop luggage     rakish new hatchback, but there was also a significant facelift
 rack with integral wind deflector, a woodgrained rim-blow sport       for all Hornets that rendered a more rounded appearance to
 steering wheel, individual reclining seats and door panels in         the front end and fenders. The new grille was now made up
 Serape fabric, and even a free folding cloth sunroof. In addition,    of vertical bars above and below a narrow horizontal slot that
 you could order a Sports Décor group, with which you got              also formed a border around the enlarged parking/signal lamps,
 Turbo-Cast wheel covers, white-line tires, pinstriping and those      the Hornet nameplate was moved to the edge of the hood on
 same seats and doors. All in all, sales for the Sportabout got off    the driver’s side, and a Hornet emblem now appeared within a
 to a fine start as a total of 73,471 were built—taking a majority     circle on the center edge of the hood. Also new were soft-feel
 of Hornet sales for the year—at an attractive starting price of       knobs with international symbols for the headlamp switch, wiper
 $2,594.                                                               control, etc., a sturdier new front bumper with rubber strips that
                                                                       met federal requirements to stand up to a 5-mph impact, and
 The basic styling was little altered for 1972, the most notable                                               Continued on Page 25
Page 24          American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018
Haulin History
Continued from Page 24

bumper guards at the rear, along with available intermittent            and 24,000 miles, and was even available for any 1976 AMC
wipers and “Striped Uganda” upholstery for the individual               product purchased on or after September 1, 1976. Hornet
reclining seats. The Gucci edition returned for one more year,          wagon production for ’77 amounted to 28,891.
and another 2,251 copies were produced out of a total of
44,719. (This year also brought a Pierre Cardin edition Javelin,        As the 1978 selling season got underway, Gerald Meyers
and a Cassini Matador coupe would arrive in ’74; Lincoln would          succeeded Roy Chapin as company chairman and CEO, and
have designer-inspired Marks later in the decade.) In addition,         AMC needed a new product that would sell. Its limited financial
the Buyer Protection Plan was enhanced with Special Trip                resources would not permit a completely new design, but
Interruption Protection to cover lodging expenses in the event          Kenosha figured out a way to make lemonade. AMC took the
that overnight repairs were needed during the owner’s travels.          Hornet, cast it in more of a luxury vein, and gave it a new name,
For $149, Buyers could even get an Extended Buyer Protection            transforming it into the new Concord. The front-end styling got
Plan that doubled the standard coverage to 24 months/24,000             a more contemporary look, featuring rectangular headlamps, a
miles.                                                                  classy-looking grille consisting of six sections each enclosing

The 1974 Sportabout looked little different from the front aside
from the addition of vertical rubber bumper guards, but the rear
was changed some thanks to a new 5-mph bumper that was
now required at that end, with the license plate slot relocated
above it, directly in line with the taillights. Hornet nameplates
were in a new font and moved back to the front fenders. Interior
trim for the D/L package was now “Venetian” fabric or “Tru-Knit”
vinyl. The Gucci edition was gone, prices had now risen above
$3,000, and owners had to endure the federally mandated
seat belt interlock system that prevented the car from starting
without seat belt usage, but with demand for compacts shooting
upward in the wake of the OPEC oil embargo, AMC was able to             a five-by-five grid and square parking/turn signal lamps in the
move 71,413 Sportabouts for the model year.                             outermost portions, along with a stand-up hood ornament. New
                                                                        amber-red-white oblong taillights highlighted the updated rear
A facelift for 1975 brought a new vertically divided six-section        styling. The new inside story began with a thoroughly updated
grille with rectangular parking lamps in the outermost sections.        instrument panel featuring rectangular gauges. At $4,049 basic
A catalytic converter was installed, meaning “unleaded fuel             (a $350 premium over the last base Hornet wagon), the Concord
only”, with those very words imprinted on the fuel gauge and            was offered in base and D/L models, the latter of which included
above the filler cap. With many buyers now suddenly mindful             framed woodgrain exterior paneling on the lower bodysides
of gas mileage, the 360 V-8 was dropped, while overdrive (with          (but not on the rear panel), along with individually reclining front
six-cylinder and manual), steel-belted radial tires and a fuel          seats in soft-feel vinyl upholstery, fully woodgrained dash with
economy gauge became available, as did cruise control and               quartz digital clock, body-color wheel covers, a foot-long day/
an electric rear window defogger (required in the state of New          night mirror, an extra-quiet insulation package, and lots of other
York). A new Rallye Package included a black instrument panel           good stuff. A Sport trim package was also available, featuring
with tachometer, oil pressure and ammeter gauges, a front               wide tape stripes along the lower body, bucket seats in soft-
sway bar for six-cylinder models, and a leather-wrapped sports          feel vinyl—or individually reclining seats in vinyl or velveteen
steering wheel, while a new Touring Interior option furnished the       if you preferred—sport steering wheel, steel-belted radial tires,
Sportabout with individually reclining front seats in soft tan vinyl.   brushed aluminum accents on the instrument panel, and a four-
But with the sensational new Pacer diverting a lot of attention         speed manual transmission. Electronic ignition and an inside
from existing AMC products, Sportabout production fell sharply          hood release were now standard, and a CB radio was optional
to 39,563.                                                              with the AM and AM/FM stereo radios. “The luxury America
                                                                        wants…the size America needs” was how AMC summed up the
The Hornet Sportabout didn’t change much for 1976, but                  new series, whose sales improved nicely over the last Hornet,
now it was no longer the only wagon of its type, as Chrysler            although those of the wagons didn’t, coming to 23,573 units.
brought out its first domestic compact wagons in a decade, the
Plymouth Volare and Dodge Aspen. The “X” trim underwent                 For 1979, AMC retired its intermediate Matador series, making
a slight adjustment, the stripes now running only along the             the Concord its largest wagon, and permitting the company
lower window outlines, and a vinyl roof was newly available.            to once again concentrate on its specialty as a producer
Production dropped again, to 29,763 units.                              of small cars. The year’s facelift brought a new vertical bar
                                                                        grille with Concord script in the header, along with quad
1977 brought the final Hornet wagon, which was now called               rectangular headlamps above long rectangular parking lamps,
simply that, as the Sportabout name was dropped. The D/L                new aluminum bumpers, and even two-tone paint, if desired.
package now came with individual reclining seats in new                 The Sport package was no longer available, but a new top-
perforated Rallye vinyl, while the new Buyer Protection Plan            line model called the Limited was introduced. With it you got
II doubled the coverage of the original Plan to 24 months                                                        Continued on Page 26
                                                                        American Motoring Mar./Apr., 2018                         Page 25
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