New guy with 69 Javelin from Canton GA - Hello!

[69javy]

Hey guys. Just got the 69 AMC Javelin (290 auto) from California and pondering a 2 stage project. (Sorry for the spelling out it's an AMC but oh my gosh it's amazing how many people have never even heard of a Javelin or American Motors. When I tell someone about the car I get 1 of 2 responses. What's a Javelin or why? So I guess my battle is uphill from here.

First stage is get it on the road and drive a bit before winter when I'll work some more. It's for my son and if he doesn't get to drive it soon he'll kill me. It had been sitting in a garage for 32 years so body is nice and rust free. And it does run but 32 years of non moving fluids wasn't helpful.

Stage 2 will be the build. I'm finding there are several obstacles. Javelin bolt on upgrades are few and far between. And most of the AMX/Javelin guys I've run across are purists. Nut and bolt original. So if you got some AMC blood in you somewhere out there give me a shout. Plus, I've got to ponder exactly what I do want to do with it. So here are my starting pics. Wish me luck!

36291

36292

36293

[TorqDork]

Welcome.

There are more goodies available for AMC's than you think, just not as much as the typical Camaros/Mustangs etc.

Suspensions systems, aluminum heads, road races pans, disc brakes and more. Just have to dig a little deeper.

I have a friend that has several very nicely modified AMC's that are pretty well tweaked.

Let me know where you want to go with the project eventually and I can point you in the right direction.

'73 AMX with all the goodies
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Wayne/amx3b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Wayne/1b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Wayne/eng1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Wayne/susp2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Wayne/pan3.jpg

AND a '70 Donohue Javelin
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/CRUSH3.jpg

[69javy]

I actually spoke to the guy at colorado amx about brakes. Appears he's implemented both Wilwood and Aerospace. That silver bullet is probably the best 2nd gen I've seen.

I've got a rough idea of where I want to go however my suspension options seem to be limited to freakrides or alfano performance from what I've researched so far. As for drivetrain, while most go straight for the 401, I'll probably go 360 as they're more plentiful and could help keep costs down. Transmission is another area I'm not clear on. My use is largely street but road course could be fun. Moderate hp and timely shifts from off the shelf components and great cornering characteristics is most likely my ideal.

Any and all suggestions are welcomed. I'm in North GA so certainly any suggestions regarding techs with AMC familiarity would be much appreciated.

[Jtomas801]

Welcome to the forum,

Looks like you have a great car to start out with. It will be real nice when you get it done.

I also have a 69 Javelin, here is the build thread, http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=26454&highlight=javelin
When I started on it, the Alfano and control freak suspension kits were not available, so with the help of Scott Mock, I used one of his C6 front subframes and welded it to the car. Still working out the rest of the details out


Jon

[1badsc]

I also have a Javelin and no purest by any means you got your self a great car to start with factory air very cool there are lots of vendors reproducing some of the harder to fine parts also this site has tons of helpful guys and information http://theamcforum.com/forum/forums.html threw a set of wheels and tires on the Jav for yahttp://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/Koolmagumn/crusin%20Kenosha/photochopped%20pictures/PICT1955.png..... o ya here is my jav http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/Koolmagumn/1968%20Javelin/jav267.jpg time to get to work LOL

[69javy]

Thanks. My car body is solid but paint is original so while the pic looks pretty it's seen better days. But that can wait while I play with the mechanics. You guys with your projects definitely inspire me and help me visualize what it can be. A little lowering...a little hp...a few curves....what's not to like. Here's some other body pics. Oh....and thanks for the wheels ;-)

[1badsc]

dang that car is very nice makes your work a lot easier as you go threw the restoration process keep us posted on your progress

[FETorino]

That Javelin is sweet. :thumbsup: They are only a survivor with original paint once. If you can save it in clean presentable shape that would be pretty cool.

I don't know squat about AMC aftermarket suspension but I was in a similar spot with my Torino or worse. Nobody made suspension parts that would really bring it to the level of handling I was hoping for. No R&P steering kits, no subframe connectors, no rear 4 links, 3 links or truck bar set ups ect ect.

So I went the full chassis route with the Roadster Shop. There seem to be some nice bolt in kits for yours but add up all the cost maybe bolting a complete chassis to the body might not be that much more.

Ask a lot of questions and plan it out with a few different scenarios before you buy anything. As the old saying goes, measure twice cut once.

Welcome, sweet car:thumbsup:

[mike343sharpstk]

Thanks. My car body is solid but paint is original so while the pic looks pretty it's seen better days. But that can wait while I play with the mechanics. You guys with your projects definitely inspire me and help me visualize what it can be. A little lowering...a little hp...a few curves....what's not to like. Here's some other body pics. Oh....and thanks for the wheels ;-)

That is a seriously nice car! The only thing that's a bit strange are the front seats, and for a few bucks that's an easy fix.
I love owning and driving my first gen Javelin! I sure wish it was that clean when I bought it. Your going to love this thing.

I have stock-type suspension, with poly in all the moving bits. I've also increased the spring rates and added a panhard bar and rear sway bar to the rear suspension. The car handles amazing, so much so that it can starve the carter carb of fuel at will (going to go EFI soon to solve that ;) )

I also changed the auto to a 5-speed, the car is so freakin' fun now:willy:

Very happy with my Aerospace front brakes, I have been using them appropriately for a few years now:thumbsup:
I am one of few to have 17x8's on a first gen Javelin.

Here's my junk in it's current form:D
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh116/343sharpstick/IMGP0193.jpg
I have added a front spoiler since this picture was taken.

[69javy]

Hey sharpstk! I'm known as 68amxgold on the amc forum. Sent you a message a while back regarding the front coils. I see you get around. Read alot of your posts since you go outside of stock. Heck, I even think I saw an article about a cold air intake you did. You're kinda my visionary :hail: I certainly don't have your skills but the things you do make me realize that I can push the javelin to some cool places. Much thanks!

[mike343sharpstk]

Hey sharpstk! I'm known as 68amxgold on the amc forum. Sent you a message a while back regarding the front coils. I see you get around. Read alot of your posts since you go outside of stock. Heck, I even think I saw an article about a cold air intake you did. You're kinda my visionary :hail: I certainly don't have your skills but the things you do make me realize that I can push the javelin to some cool places. Much thanks!
Hope my previous information was helpful. I do get around some, I mostly go to the 2 AMC sites, here and BangShift. Each has a different focus and it suits my A.D.D..

Interestingly, The car that got me moving in this direction was that killer black 69 AMX up in northern Cali.
http://amccars.net/cgi/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1219638440/0
He has that car dialed in very well and still uses stock suspension! I think this car has been in a few mags too?

As far as my skills go, aim higher, LOL.:lol:

Yeah, the AMC sites are mostly purists, but not totally, while I’m good with doing whatever you want to ‘your’ car, I’m still not a huge fan about non-AMC power in an AMC, but I understand it. Technology has marched ahead.

On my car I’ve kept my modifications, for the most part, to what could have been done in the 70’s. The move to EFI will obviously not follow that path however, but should help drivability, and day-to-day use.

I would love for guys thinking about making their rambler handle well to go for a ride in my car before they spend piles of money on the high dollar suspensions. It would be very interesting to do a head-to-head with a control freak car on an auto cross. The after market setup will obviously perform better that my modified stock stuff, but I’d like to know how much better?

I think getting the spring rates correct and taking care of the basics, along with getting the chassis more rigid makes all the difference in the world on any old muscle mule.

The new movements like Pro-Touring and the Drag week stuff, which are all aimed at driving your car are what got me back to the car hobby after years of doing other things. I’ve built my car to drive, and I like to drive like a hooligan from time to time, so this is the result.:woot: