1968 AMC Rebel

[AMCrebel]

Is the pitman arm etc unique to the RHD models?

Yep - and there are two kinds (of RHD ones) as well!

[Split_Pin]

Very much enjoying this. I didn't know the RHD examples had a big chain across the bulkhead to connect to the steering column on the left. I'd like to see that.

[LynehamHerc]

Wasn't there another car that used a chain in it's RHD version?
I seem to think it was an Italian one.

[AMCrebel]

Very much enjoying this. I didn't know the RHD examples had a big chain across the bulkhead to connect to the steering column on the left. I'd like to see that.

Sorry - I didn’t make that clear - mine doesn’t have the chain, that was the Pacer.

[AMCrebel]

Wasn't there another car that used a chain in it's RHD version?
I seem to think it was an Italian one.

I have heard of (but not seen) an early Mustang with this.

[mercrocker]

It was fairly commonplace at one time, particularly down in Oz where RHD was mandatory. I used to drive a Caddy Seville loan car which had been done that way, it did cross my mind what would happen if the chain snapped....I don't think it was duplex or anything sophisticated like that.

[AMCrebel]

There’s an example of a dodgy chain conversion in this PH thread
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/top ... 36466&i=20

[AMCrebel]

Oil filter fun.

The RHD implementation required resiting of the oil filter - since the RHD uses a unique steering box not chains etc, there was an issue with where the filter lived.

For the LHD the filer was a simple spin-on to the bottom of the oil pump -

Screenshot 2020-10-13 103501.jpg (93.25 KiB) Viewed 3102 times

The RHD version involves extension pipes and an alloy bracket to place it atop the engine. The bracket also forms a mounting for the alternator.

IMG_2022.JPG (1.54 MiB) Viewed 3102 times

IMG_2023.JPG (1.43 MiB) Viewed 3102 times

[AMCrebel]

My problem was that the 40+ year old pipes on mine were brittle and started leaking.

Solution 1 - rob the pipes from the 67.

This worked for a bit but it wasn't long until it started leaking again.

Solution 2 - There was a company who advertised regularly in Classic American selling all kinds of Aeroquip stuff for drag racers. I contacted them and they required me to send the old pipes. Several reminders, phone calls, letters etc and even a please just send me the pipes back requests left me without my old pipes and without replacements.

So I had to try Solution 3 - Hydroquip.
I took the one set of pipes I had to them. They were incredibly helpful, made me two new hoses for £75.
I tried to fit them - and couldn't! Due to the location and the stiffness in the new hoses, they just couldn't be done up. I even tried hacking them apart, but really couldn't make them work.

Solution 4 - The plumber's supplier. A helpful fella there fitted me up with fittings and adpaters to which I could fit hoses. That never really worked either as I still had leaks.

Solution 5 - Remote filter. This one worked (sort of) and remains to this day. Hacking the remains of the pipes and using the remote filter and oil pipes from a specialist supplier gave me the leak-free answer. Sadly I buggered up the engine by connecting the pipes the wrong way round. The engine was badly damaged by the time I noticed. It runs but you can hear the bearings.

The pictures are of the replacement engine, due to go in when I get a round tuit.

I hope you have a laugh at my ineptitude, I have.

[AMCrebel]

By the way, I intend to replace the pipes on the "new" engine with something better before it goes in. They are an absolute bastard to try and do in situ.