AMC Javelins
 

Any experts on Javelins around here? I'm considering a '69 4 speed project.

This one looks reasonably solid although one of the 1/4s had some work and a few panels have some dents and dings. It hasn't run in a while, but looks complete with some vintage speed parts. The interior is rough. Looks like the original 343 4bbl.

I've always liked these cars, but have no idea what I'd be signing up for when it comes to parts availability or challenges with AMCs in general.

I've always like the 1st generation. Had a girlfriend whose daddy bought her a 69 AMX for graduation. It was relatively quick with an automatic.

I worked for AMC when they were new. There were no major problems. The rearend is fairly reliable but if you have to remove an axle it is a pain in the butt. If it needs work just put in a Mopar 8.75 or Ford 9". The 343 was a good engine. The ignition is Delco. I don't know how much is reproduced but interior and trim may be hard to find. Best to join an AMC club.

By no means an expert butidid buy a 70 javelin project last year. I've have loved AMCs and I'm very happy to have one. Interior is the hardest to find but ACC makes carpets for them. Some pics of when I got it to how it is now. Sat in a barn since 86.

You might try the AMC Forum.

I’ve been poking around various AMC forums, FB groups, and resto parts sites, but it’s been hard to get an overall read on what’s hard to fix vs. what’s easy. I’ve been learning about decoding door tags and fender tags. Also that AMC didn’t vin stamp their engine.

I’ve had a soft spot for these cars since I was a kid, second to only Pontiac. This one’s apparently an original Big Bad Orange car which is pretty cool. Kind of like an AMX for a guy with a family.

I love these cars.

My buddy has a 74 with the Pierre Cardin interior option.

Go for it!

Imagine parts are scarce however. My bEagle was impossible.

Always liked the AMX. I favor oddball cars, AMX, Avanti, Bricklin, Allante, etc.

Go for it.

George

Javelins are good looking cars. The AMC V8 engines are solid. 390's are special and make great power. Have a slightly goofy oiling system similar to a Buick. Transmissions are solid. Rear ends are mostly small Danas, 35's and 44's. Suspension is similar to Fords of the era. I have a soft spot for 1970 AMX's myself. They had nicer interiors than 68-69 and I like the hood scoop. My mother had a 69 Javelin 390 4-speed she bought new. Red/parchment interior. My dad was none too happy when she came home with it! He hated cars in general and had no idea AMC made a sporty car. He assumed a Rebel or Ambassador would be joining the family, not a hot rod!.

There’s a big AMC swap and show here in the D. A lot of Chrysler clubs let them in too. I see ac parts at the one Chrysler swap go to.

That's a cool mom!

I'm guessing this one has a T-10 4 speed. The seller couldn't tell me what the rear gear in it was. Hoping to get a look at it this weekend.

If I pick this up, the Comp T/A will go off to greener pastures. It's been a fun car, but I prefer projects to work on.

OK, I have some useless info: I took my road test in a copper color 1970 Javelin in 1974.
it was my girlfriends car, 390 auto Mark Donohue, Ram Air
I was 16, car was fast, I passed the test.
Car was also great at the drive in, plenty of room in the back seat, 50 years later.......not so much.

I had a good friend who had a 1969 AMX when I was a teenager. It held up fairly well under some pretty hard usage. It held up better than his previous car, which was a Dodge Dart with a 340 4-spd.

I always liked the 1969 and 1970 AMXs. They were one of the few cars I liked but never got around to buying. I came close to owning one in the early 1980s, but it was yellow. I'm not a fan of a yellow car.

Mike

LOL Ramblers...........

I'd love to own a '69 SC/Rambler.

69 SC

AMC Javelins are cool cars! Dan has a '71 base Javelin with the factory 401, 4-speed, 3.54 open rear, factory gauges, AM/FM stereo, all numbers matching. Came with dog dishes and is black on black. No PS or PB...has manual discs. It's a little rough around the edges but drives darn nice. He has many friends that are deep in the AMC world for parts. Good luck with the possible purchase!

He also has a '67 American with the 343 4-bbl, 4-speed, and 3.15 posi...also a stripper with no other options, white over black.

Dennis

Step brother had a 68-69 amx back in the day.. always thought it was a nice looking car. Had a 290 in it I think. He rolled it over one night and totaled it after a few too many. I prefer it over the 71 style.

I have a 70 Javelin. I pulled the 304 2 barrel and replaced it with a 401, pocket ported the heads, bolted a Qjet on it with some headers. Put a 727 between the Dana 20 with 3.54 gears and its run 13.00 at 106 mph. Traction is a bit of a problem. 😉

Because AMC used lots of GM, Jeep, and Mopar bits and pieces many parts are available. Interior parts are difficult as the demand numbers are too low for the repop manufacturers to get interested. There are parts restoration folks who can resurrect some pieces.

The electrical wiring is pretty basic but best replaced with modern style fuse panel as the AMC one is cheap and prone to corrosion issues.

The 69 and early cars used a different style of front suspension which used a trunion slider instead of an upper control arm. There used to be problems getting replacement parts for that style suspension. I would look into parts availability before diving in. There is also an aftermarket coilover conversion but it's not cheap. I have no first hand knowledge of the 69 and earlier as I have a 70 which has a more conventional upper and lower control arm suspension.