What do you think guys.... 71 AMC Javelin....

[Brads70]

So is a new intake on the way?

Sure is tempting.... but I just bought a brand new 650 double pumper and fuel log. Horrible timing on my part, I should have waited.....

https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/qft-br-67301
I could sell it I guess...


I'll keep saving up and see what I can come up with in the spring.... New Dana from Cass is first/next on the list.

[Morty426]

So is a new intake on the way?

Sure is tempting.... but I just bought a brand new 650 double pumper and fuel log. Horrible timing on my part, I should have waited.....

https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/qft-br-67301
I could sell it I guess...


I'll keep saving up and see what I can come up with in the spring.... New Dana from Cass is first/next on the list.

Well don't get down on yourself for not predicting the future.   

[Brads70]

Well with it being 50 degrees here today I played around in the garage today whittling out some parts for the Javelin. I bought upper and lower arms from Arizona and glass beaded them. They looked like new, nice starting out with rust free parts to play with!  I bought mono balls from QA1 and made the lower control arms able to move  for more caster ( I'm also making an adjustable strut rod) without binding the stock bushing. Mono balls were about the same price as new bushings. Then after looking around and various "parts stashes"  from other past projects I figured out that the Dodge ball joint tapers were the same as the Javelin, I already had all 4 I needed in stock so I bought the threaded sleeves . They were like 10 bucks each. Cheaper than buying AMC ball joints and it also gives me the option to play around with different pin lengths ( Howe circle track ball joints) Also thinking " down the road" the Dodge ball joints will always be available, the AMC stuff , maybe not so much? I also plan on making plates to box in the lower control arms. Get to use my dimple dies again!
On my Javelin the upper control arm is fixed , mounted in holes in the strut tower. After thinking about it if needed I can slot the holes and weld in serrated mounting plates so they can be adjustable if needed. I found plates from a BMW kit needed when lowering the car. I noticed after looking at pictures of the bare sandblasted chassis on the Penske Javelin race car being restored, that they moved those upper mounts .( I wonder if that was "legal " back then rule wise? I think I can accomplish the same thing using longer pins in the ball joints. Something they didn't have the option of doing way back then as those parts were not available yet.
Goal is to be able to adjust everything to be able to optimize the geometry . All the cars back then didn't have enough caster with the factory set ups. And bump steer is usually horrible?
 

[Brads70]

Then in keeping with the "use up parts" I have laying around from other projects I have a Flaming river rack ( Mustand based) . I discovered when doing some measuring  that the length of the rack is just about percent for a Javelin geometry wise! The steering box in the car leaks so it needs replacing.... and I already have the rack so.... It's also much lighter than the stock steering box, center link and tierod assy. Weight off the nose is always a good thing!   Looking around further I discovered I had some circle track double spline sway bars and arms , so I'll use them up too!  Make changing different rates very easy.

https://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0014/s0005/FR40022#prettyPhoto

I found when researching the possibility of using a rack instead of a steering box that the lowly AMC Pacer used a rack. The replacement racks for a Pacer are stupid money as I guess they are going obsolete?   But what attracted me was that the Pacer utilized unique steering arms that will bolt right up to any AMC spindle.  Try and find a Pacer these days..... not very plentiful( for good reason LOL) So after searching around on the internet same AMC guy in Arizona had a pair so I bought them. They are straight instead of curved like the stock arms for a steering box car. I also found a company called Argo that reproduces the Pacer steering arm , and the 2 piece spindle for the circle track crowd ( I never knew anything AMC is used/prized with circle track racers?), So I also ordered the Argo Pacer steering arms. They don't use a taper like the stock AMC part but are drilled for a bolt and rod end common on circle track stuff. So I have options when dialing out the bumpsteer.

Bottom picture is all three steering arms , curved one is stock Javelin. 

Also bought a street rod type wiring kit to rewire the entire car. I'm not messing with butchered 50 year old stock wiring. Neil has offered to do that job when he flys in for Carlisle! I'm grateful as wiring is so not my thing...  Neil just gives me a " shopping list" and I'll have it all here for him when he comes! Thanks Neil!   

[RUNCHARGER]

Cool stuff as always. Working in parts the last 2 years it's surprising the cars you can't get simple things like ball joints and idler arms for. Good on you thinking ahead. I don't know how many guys called me saying they had an old Thunderbird, first thing I would ask is "looking for a center link right" I was usually right. Even some of the GM stuff is getting scarce.

[Chryco Psycho]

Glad you are working on her !!
I am always glad to help anytime 

[73440]

Caught a quick glimpse of a Javelin today , was in a line of cars heading towards me so didnt see it until too late to get a good look , dammit should have turned around to get a look at it.

[dodj]

You need a bigger shop Brad...Do you sit on the front fender while you are milling?

[YellowThumper]

Nice update.
Have to say that having machining skills helps to vastly expand possibilities.
Down side (for me at least) is properly focusing on finishing g all that has already been started v/s starting on another idea.

Mike.

[Brads70]

You need a bigger shop Brad...Do you sit on the front fender while you are milling?

   your not far off, close but not quite. 

[Brads70]

Well with more that usual time on my hands these days I've gotten a few things done.
I made a lower control arm brace and got them welded on ground down and painted. . Made a monoball bushing and also got them welded in.  On the T56 I think I finally have the hyd slave figured out. Tried a GM one but it was too short . Mopar ended up saving the day as a Viper slave ended up being a winner. I have it all plumbed up and ready to install. Just waiting on flywheel bolts. The screw in Dodge ball joints will work nicely !  A little tip if your welding in the Chrysler screw in ball joint sleeves , use a tailpipe expander  to keep it from distorting when welding. Otherwise chances are you'll never be able to screw it in. Do you welding , then leave it to cool off completely and it won't distort. The screw in nice just as they should ! 

[Brads70]

Went to visit an old buddy today. Yes we stayed at least 6 feet apart! He made great use of the parts car body I sold him. All ready for the track now!  Next car up for building is a Corvair. He sure works quick for 72 years old! Typical Dutchman! 

[Chryco Psycho]

Wow , Post # 401 too !

[Brads70]

I had a few hours after lunch today, so I started on the fuel cell mounts.  Cut up and welded some material. Ran out of gas for the mig welder right before dinner. I hopefully get some tomorrow.
I'm using this fuel cell. It's actually for a Jeep but will fit nicely in the Javelin . 32 gallons, should make the drive to Carlisle much easier!
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/jzp-286-432-nf

[Brads70]

Got home around lunch today, finished up the welding. I think I'll look into getting this part powder coated as it sits exposed to road debris ?